Volvo s40/v50 Audio System.
 

Hi All,

I'm looking to order a new volvo v50 or s40 this week, as I don't have a volvo dealer in my area i'm unable to find a few things out and the volvo website seems a bit limited in information :(.

Firstly, how good is the standard "performance audio system" how many speakers does it actually have, what is the sound quality like and can you get a usb interface for it? Is it worth the extra £500 for the "high performance system"

I'm stuck at picking a colour and the display on my computer does not really give a true reprensentation of what it will look like in real life, "electric inscription silver" sounds nice, does anyone have any opinions?.

Many thanks,
Dale

Hi, congrats on your decision to buy a Volvo :thumbs_up:

I have the Performance setup in my 2004, and the sound quality is superb! I'm sure it's even better in the newer models with default AUX/mp3 support. iPod support is an option.

And my car is also electric silver, but as you said, you'll have to see it in person to decide on whether you like or not.

Here's what i found on Volvo's international web page about the audio systems>

Performance audio system
Integrated into the car's centre console, there's nothing average about our standard Performance audio system. It includes an advanced RDS radio, giving you access to up-to-date traffic information, a CD player, four loudspeakers specially designed to suit the car's acoustic profile and a 4 x 20 W amplifier. Plus – as you'd expect – the ergonomically designed buttons and intuitively navigable functions make it easy for you to keep your eyes on the road. There is also an auxiliary input you can use to connect your MP3 player to the audio system.

Options: Steering wheel remote control, USB and iPod® Music Interface is available as an accessory.

High Performance audio system
A powerfully versatile system. Each loudspeaker is fitted with a more powerful magnet and a larger coil. In combination with the amplifier, this system promotes excellent transient reproduction and high power – quite simply superb sound.

High Performance equipment includes: RDS radio, MP3 and WMA compatible CD player, USB, 4x40 W High Performance amplifier, 8 High Performance loudspeakers

Options: Steering wheel integrated controls. A 6-CD changer is available (replaces the CD player) – this option deletes the USB input, but a USB and iPod® Music Interface (accessory) can be added.

Premium Sound audio system with Dynaudio
The Premium sound system is probably the best in class. For truly discerning listeners, this system delivers world-class sound with Dolby® Pro Logic® II surround sound. The twelve Dynaudio loudspeakers are specially designed to give you the very best audio reproduction in your Volvo and, combined with the powerful amplifier, they offer you natural sound at all volume levels. With the Premium sound system, centre loudspeaker and sophisticated sound processing calibrated specifically for your Volvo, you and your passengers will experience a full range of sound and a well-balanced stereo image no matter where one sits.

Components include: RDS radio, MP3 and WMA compatible CD player, separate 5x130 W D-class digital amplifier, 130 W centre speaker, Dolby Pro Logic® II surround sound, 12 Dynaudio Loudspeakers, USB and AUX input in front centre armrest

Options: Steering wheel integrated controls. A 6-CD changer is available (replaces the CD player) – this option deletes the USB input, but a USB and iPod® Music Interface (accessory) can be added.


For more info click http://www.volvocars.com/intl/All-Ca...Equipment.aspx then in Tech & Sound click audio.

My front left passenger speaker doesnt work, so I'm down to 5 speakers, and the audio quality is STILL better than my previous car.

Fenton ID, what version is your audio system?.

Guru, it states 4 speakers for the "performance audio" system, but some places on the website it states 6?. If it doesn't have front tweeters I don't want it, can anyone confirm what it actually comes with.

Many thanks,
Dale

Hi,

How do I know which version of the audio system I have in my car? When I switch mine on I got a picture of the V50 on the display before the cd / radio station info. Also when listening to the radio, for example Smooth FM the display scrolls through the name of the artist and song title currently playing. My audio system also has the "cd" button and on some models I have seen this button say "mode" on it. I presume all of this adds up to which system I have. Also I don't have steering wheel controls.

Forgot to say on other post that I have 2 speakers in each door.

- Performance Sound (basic) is 4x loudspeakers and 2x front tweeters.
- High performance sound is 8x speakers, as above but with two extra midrange speakers up front.
- Premium Sound has 11 speakers (rear door tweeers and a centra dashboard speaker) +Sub & amp with dolby pro logic II sound proccessing

I have the high performance audio system and a 09MY car, delivered in July 08 (so one of the first).

I don't have the USB socket - or am I looking for it in the wrong place?

Did they add this during the 09MY builds or did they make a mistake in the very early models? USB would be ideal, and even better than an iPod connection.

I have a 3.5mm audio-in socket.

I had a listen to the "performance audio" today in a car at the dealers, granted I could only listen to the radio, but it sounded quite wooly and bass heavy with distinct lack of higher frequencies. Obviously the cd should sound a lot better, but I guess i've been spoiled with the becker factory system in the last car which the radio sounds superior to anything i've heard in a car. I hope the "high performance" sounds better!, i'll have to find a car with it in to listen to.

Also, the dealer said if I order a s40/v50 now I wont get one till october!?!?, thats a long wait.

I know what you mean with the radio.... It does sound quite good with a decent quality CD. Shame theres no kind of EQ options on the standard sound setup.