Volvo s40/v50 Audio System.

dalerobinsuk · Jul 3rd, 2009, 17:10

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

Guru · Jul 3rd, 2009, 17:57

Hi, congrats on your decision to buy a Volvo

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.

fenton_jd · Jul 3rd, 2009, 18:32

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.

dalerobinsuk · Jul 3rd, 2009, 20:01

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

V50 Adie · Jul 4th, 2009, 00:26

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.

V50 Adie · Jul 4th, 2009, 00:33

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

Rossthecrow · Jul 3rd, 2016, 13:50

I have just bought a v50 it's 54 plate with high performance stereo it has a dash speaker but don't know if work or us supposed to

Can Anybody help me on this please

iainmd · Jul 3rd, 2016, 17:59

If it has a dash speaker it should be Premium Audio. 10 speakers and Dolby Surround. The dash speaker is a centre speaker for Dolby so won't always belt out sound.

yannickc · Jul 4th, 2016, 06:32

The base performance system before model 2008 has 4 speakers. And 6 speakers (2 front tweeters) + aux in model 2008.

I have a model 2008 base system.
It sounds like crap!
This is realy a shame for a brand like volvo!

i changed al the speakers + extra amp for the front speakers and a small pioneer sub hidden in the trunk.
It sounds alot better now. The only thing is the FM tuner is also not the best. Compared to the CD player it sounds to flat. But the CD now sounds alot better then most car audio systems.

I add a DAB+ module with BT receiver to the aux port. the DAB+ sounds al lott clearer then the FM tuner.
And the BT audio is almost like the CD. but the CD has a little more detail...

Its also important to have a strong line level signal for the Aux. the aux is verry sensitive for noise... My smartphone do not have the power to get a noise free signal. luckely, my DAB+ module has a strong audio level signal.

Rossthecrow · Jul 4th, 2016, 16:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rossthecrow

I have just bought a v50 it's 54 plate with high performance stereo it has a dash speaker but don't know if work or us supposed to

Can Anybody help me on this please

Hi thanks for your reply when I turn my stereo on it says high performance audio and as far as I can see no dolby, bbut have looked under the grill in dash and is defo a speaker there

Jul 3rd, 2009, 17:10	#1
dalerobinsuk New Member Last Online: Jul 15th, 2009 00:40 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: S-Wales	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

Jul 3rd, 2009, 17:57	#2
Guru Premier Member Last Online: Oct 25th, 2023 07:46 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Between chair and keyboard	Hi, congrats on your decision to buy a Volvo 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. Last edited by Guru; Jul 3rd, 2009 at 18:00.

Jul 3rd, 2016, 13:50	#7
Rossthecrow New Member Last Online: Nov 17th, 2019 15:18 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Nottingham	Dash speaker I have just bought a v50 it's 54 plate with high performance stereo it has a dash speaker but don't know if work or us supposed to Can Anybody help me on this please Last edited by Rossthecrow; Jul 3rd, 2016 at 15:07.

Jul 3rd, 2016, 17:59	#8
iainmd Member Last Online: Apr 25th, 2024 13:38 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Fife View Photos By: iainmd	If it has a dash speaker it should be Premium Audio. 10 speakers and Dolby Surround. The dash speaker is a centre speaker for Dolby so won't always belt out sound. __________________ Present: 2009 Volvo V50 1.6D DRIVe SE Past: 2004 Volvo S40 T5 SE

Jul 4th, 2016, 06:32	#9
yannickc Junior Member Last Online: Jan 28th, 2020 07:32 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Flanders	bad sound The base performance system before model 2008 has 4 speakers. And 6 speakers (2 front tweeters) + aux in model 2008. I have a model 2008 base system. It sounds like crap! This is realy a shame for a brand like volvo! i changed al the speakers + extra amp for the front speakers and a small pioneer sub hidden in the trunk. It sounds alot better now. The only thing is the FM tuner is also not the best. Compared to the CD player it sounds to flat. But the CD now sounds alot better then most car audio systems. I add a DAB+ module with BT receiver to the aux port. the DAB+ sounds al lott clearer then the FM tuner. And the BT audio is almost like the CD. but the CD has a little more detail... Its also important to have a strong line level signal for the Aux. the aux is verry sensitive for noise... My smartphone do not have the power to get a noise free signal. luckely, my DAB+ module has a strong audio level signal.

Jul 3rd, 2009, 18:32	#3
fenton_jd turkeyspace.com Last Online: Nov 5th, 2016 16:41 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Gloucester	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.

Jul 3rd, 2009, 20:01	#4
dalerobinsuk New Member Last Online: Jul 15th, 2009 00:40 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: S-Wales	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

Jul 4th, 2009, 00:26	#5
V50 Adie New Member Last Online: Jul 20th, 2009 22:34 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mansfield	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.

Jul 4th, 2009, 00:33	#6
V50 Adie New Member Last Online: Jul 20th, 2009 22:34 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Mansfield	Forgot to say on other post that I have 2 speakers in each door.

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