Showing posts with label Audi Audio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Audi Audio. Show all posts

Nov 2, 2017

Audi Q7: The cockpit is a concert hall 1.920 Watt Hi-Fi Audio


The new Audi Q7 a model that comes after eight years of honored career. Redesigned from scratch, the new Ingolstad full size SUV is completely renewed both in aesthetic and technical terms, losing even 325 kg weight compared to the previous model.

 Also great in terms of propulsion with the introduction of the much-anticipated hybrid diesel plug-in . The new Audi Q7 e-tron quattro for the first time in absolute, alongside the V6 3.0 TDI 258 hp, we find a 127 hp electric motor for a total power of ... and average fuel consumption ...

 Even inside the passenger compartment the German brand wanted to leave the mark upgrading the interior equipment. We are talking about the introduction of two premium sound systems : Bang & Olufsen's Advanced Sound System and Bose Surround Sound with 3D technology.

 Audi has recently released new detailed information on these two sound systems that, using sophisticated math algorithms , want to recreate the same environment conditions in which the audio track was recorded. The ultimate goal is therefore to accurately reconstruct the rendering of a closed environment inside the car, exploiting the different sound reflection on the car walls.

23 loudspeakers and 1,920 watts of audio power

To do this, the Bang & Olufsen system uses up to 23 speakers distributed in the four doors, uprights, dashboard and even roof car. Also worth mentioning is the new 250mm subwoofer and the new 1.920 watt power amplifier.

audi q7 (8)
The Bang & Olufsen system boasts 23 speakers while the Bose brand uses 20 different speakers


The Bose Surround Sound system, on the other hand, guarantees a quality sound through 20 speakers, four of which are installed in the front door, able to reproduce the 3D effect.



"When an artist sings from a stage," says Audi, "the floor, ceiling and walls of the concert hall reflect the sound at different intervals . Bounce from the floor in a few milliseconds, reflecting from a wall 40 meters behind 200 milliseconds. Using these different sound reflections, the algorithm is able to calculate a mathematical model able to reproduce the same conditions as a recording chamber. "
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Jun 27, 2011

Presentation of the Pioneer car stereo AppRadio

 

 

We know for a long time, the car of tomorrow will be communicating. If communication systems has been around for years on high-end cars like the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, these systems are far from accessible to everyone, and especially on this car, "Mr Everyone". With AppRadio, Pioneer reinvents the radio and has a revolutionary product!

 

An open car and almost limitless!

 

In recent years, car radios have evolved considerably by adopting the connectivity sources: iPod control, USB port, SD slot, Bluetooth phone ... But still, it remains closed systems and not scalable to new technologies. Now everyone (or almost saw the growth curve) has a Smartphone. Besides the basic telephone function, Smart phones we provide many daily services through their many applications. While some such as games or video are fun, some are really useful for the driver (weather, traffic, Google Maps for POI, ...). Unless you use a car PC with a 3G connection, his services were previously inaccessible to the general public in their car. With the new AppRadio Pioneer has revolutionized the radio and open to the world of communication.According to market research, motorists Smartphone owners wish to take advantage of the features of their smart phone in the car. There are many windshield suction cups to install the iPhone on the dashboard. But these systems are not integrated to the car and are not as practical as that. The GPS smart phone is low power. And above the screen is really small (3 to 4.3 inches depending on the model. Also, do not forget that using a smart phone in hand while driving is dangerous and prohibited by law (such as phone while driving) . To solve all these problems and meet the expectations of consumers, Pioneer developed the first car truly dedicated to the use of Smart phones by car. The AppRadio, its code name SPH-DA01, is certainly the multimedia car radio tomorrow!

 

The first car that opens fully to the iPhone!


But what is this little wonder? Just like with the Parrot Asteroid, Pioneer democratizes communicating car, but chose a different path to meet consumer demands high-tech. Why add to a product, functions that are already in Smartphone? Pioneer wanted a solution, simple and convenient, allowing to resume its functions and especially to limit the cost to the consumer. In fact, most communication systems require a car key with 3G subscription, while we already have a subscription in its 3G Smartphone. The AppRadio Pioneer uses the 3G connection for communicating, which avoids having two 3G subscriptions. Let us see in detail this unit AppRadio.

 

The purpose of the AppRadio is to use the Smartphone drive without its drawbacks

 

The AppRadio is combined with a double DIN touch screen 6.1-inch screen is three times larger than the iPhone. Viewing comfort is considerably higher than a Smartphone. Connected for his first car, Pioneer chose Apple and its famous iPhone. This is not the best-selling Smartphone, but the most symbolic, the approach was logical to launch a new generation of radio. But there is a good chance that Pioneer open to other OS like Android in the near future. The AppRadio is therefore compatible with the iPhone and the next four generations. Why not earlier models?Simply because the iPhone 3G or 3G can not get the applications by making the dock to the Apple smart phone. The AppRadio is a multimedia handset with an FM RDS tuner, an amplifier 4x50 Watts, a rear camera input, compatibility with steering wheel controls and a connection for the iPhone 4. No other source is the iPhone which will provide four music and applications to AppRadio. Note also that the AppRadio is the first car to be equipped with a capacitive touch screen multi-touch, that is to say, it works just like the iPhone.

 

By applying AppRadio, the SPH-DA01 open to new features

 

Specifically, that allows AppRadio? As we have said, it offers FM radio RDS, music control iPhone with playlist management and display of album covers, but mostly, it can get the iPhone apps on the touch screen. And there, applications are becoming very easy to use, since the screen is bigger and works with the same simplicity as the Apple phone. But it required a lot of development work in partnership between Pioneer and Apple. Indeed, applications are often portrait mode on the iPhone, while the double DIN is in landscape mode. In addition, these applications to be used while driving, they should be easier to use.

 

The AppRadio is compatible with the iPhone 4 and future generations

 

Compared to the iPhone, even if they work the same way, they are a redesigned ergonomic point of view. To counter the low power of the Smartphone GPS, Pioneer provides a GPS antenna with its receiver. The latter was also equipped with the Bluetooth remote with microphone to ensure perfect communication. Thus, the iPhone does not need to be on the dashboard to operate. Cable dock iPhone is long enough, you can put the Smartphone in the glove box.

 

Native applications to get started!

What applications do we have? For now, at the time of this writing, the AppRadio has native applications for iPhone. First of all, download the application from Pioneer AppRadio the Apple Store, which will allow it to bridge between the Pioneer car stereo and the iPhone 4. Then, after turning on the radio, the iPhone is connected and starts the application AppRadio. And there is magic, there are native applications for the iPhone on his car radio. There is Google Maps (to be on the map and see the way to do), loading of contacts from the iPhone, calendar, and photo viewing. Some applications are used as stationary vehicle for obvious security reasons (eg photos). For other applications, they have been redesigned from a usability point of view to be easily used. Thus, one can easily see its calendar to check the time of his appointment. This is only advisory, it can not complete the schedule by the unit. But this is logical, it would be dangerous while driving, and it makes more sense to do so directly on the Smartphone. The purpose of the AppRadio is to provide new services useful to the driver, without disturbing the pipe. This requires reviewing the applications.

 

Once the iPhone connected, everything happens on the touch screen of the AppRadio

 

Viewing the map on Google Maps, find a contact, make a call, play music, use the FM tuner, everything is as simple as child's play. Pioneer has worked extensively on ergonomics. Services, security, connected, these are the words of AppRadio. Of course, reading this, many will say that the combined Pioneer does not take many applications. Make no mistake, this is just the beginning. Technically, anything is possible and the unit could use all the iPhone apps. However, applications that will be used by the AppRadio are subject to validation of Pioneer and Apple. In addition, they must be reprogrammed for the screen size and ergonomics. But during the presentation, Pioneer has made some demonstrations (we can not reveal at this time these applications), and we can tell you that many applications will enrich the AppRadio. No way to find games like Angry Bird, this is not the purpose of AppRadio, Pioneer will offer in partnership with developers of applications, features that can really make to a service to the driver.

 

Search for an address on Google Maps with a large screen is much more convenient

 

What to expect in the near future? It is logical to think that one benefit of the Internet, e-mail, driving aids such as road traffic or POI databases, navigation, ... Technically everything is possible, and Pioneer is working hard on it with Apple and application developers to enrich AppRadio. The latter promises to be exciting because there is virtually no limit, since it is computer programming. We will keep you informed of future developments on AppRadio and present a complete test soon. The AppRadio will be marketed from June 20 at a price of 379 Euros. To have been manipulated a bit, saw some prototype development, AppRadio is promoted to a bright future and really revolutionized the multimedia drive. In addition to its iPhone look great, it fits perfectly in most dashboards, since Pioneer is developing integration kits. For the demonstration, a Fiat 500 was in fact equipped with AppRadio, whereas normally this car has a single DIN slot. And format of the double DIN AppRadio is not a problem since 80% of cars have a radio location to this dimension. And for cars with a specific form of radio, there are now numerous media integration. See you later this summer for a full test of this unit promises to be exciting!

 

Through integration kits, the AppRadio can be mounted in many cars

 

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Jun 13, 2011

Installation The Audi A4 S-Line by Pioneer

In the spring, Pioneer PRS has renewed its range, range dedicated to hi-fi enthusiasts. The amplifier 4 channel we had left a good impression during the test.To discover the new PRS speakers, we decided to try the Audi A4 S-Line from Pioneer, with precisely this new product line.

Pioneer Auditorium on 4 wheels

Technology with the first Ice Power amp for car audio, the new range of Pioneer PRS has put the dishes in large to meet the expectations of music lovers. Enthusiasts looking foremost integrated products and music, Pioneer has a simple installation, relatively reasonable investment (relative to some hi-fi up the price of a small car), and perfectly integrated to not interfere with the car use.


Presentation: a custom installation and unobtrusive
Hi-fi automobile often difficult to attract the general public who mistakenly believe that a change in depth of a car to his inside. However, a car for every day, must remain functional, and even discreet enough to cause risk of theft.


This misconception about hi-fi board is conveyed by tuning cars very demonstrative, too often placed on the front of the stage. But the hi-fi car is quite another thing, and it can be done without putting a ton of equipment in the car. Pioneer we had a very nice demonstration.

A cache has been molded to perfectly integrate the DEX-P90RS in center console

The brief was very simple, so you can say you had to get a very musical listening without making big changes on the car, so that it remains close to the origin. As this is a hi-fi, Pioneer has opted for a relatively simple system: three front channels and subwoofer channel tracks.


The new car stereo Pioneer DEH-do manager P88RS that systems with three active channels, Pioneer has opted for another model to its range: The DEX-P90RS. Thanks to its processor, it manages four active channels with EQ, time alignment and of course active filtering.

The screen in front of the gear lever is only there to navigation

The source took place in the original location, so that the facade comes flush with the center console. For this, a cache fiber painted original color was molded around the faceplate. We swear an original mounting. DEQ-P90 processor being connected by fiber optics to the source and controlled by the latter, it was hidden under a seat.

A chest 100% functional
For amplification, Pioneer uses three models of the new PRS range. These work in digital and use Ice Power technology developed by B & O. This has many advantages: low power consumption, higher power, low heat and especially a very compact size.


The three amplifiers are housed in a rack on the trunk floor. They are then hidden by the carpet rigid origin. The rack can of course be raised to access the spare tire. Thus, the amps do not fear the blows when loading the trunk, and it remains usable. These hot little amp, this poses no problem running.

Compact and thin, the amps are located between the trunk floor and floor mats

The amplification is composed of two two-channel amplifiers (PRS-D200) and a four-channel model (PRS-D400). The four channels is responsible for leading the midrange and treble for the front channels. The first two channels is responsible before the woofers, while the second is to facilitate bridged mono subwoofer.

The trunk is fully used and the installation is invisible when opened in a public place

For channel bass, Pioneer used a 25 cm subwoofer range ODR, the cream of the crop in the catalog Pioneer. Wishing to use the safe storage of the left flank to integrate the subwoofer in the trunk, Pioneer needed a powered subwoofer in a small volume, and especially thin. TS-W01RS corresponded perfectly to that use because it can operate in a volume of 14 to 28 liters.

The box is custom made to fit the lost volume of the left rear fender

To do this, an imprint of the wing was made with cardboard to make fiberglass the bottom of the box. Several layers of fiber were providing sufficient rigidity. The front is made of 22 mm medium and painted black. The lid of the storage box has been discreetly modified to include a grill speaker cloth through which the sound.

The cache is closed, the subwoofer is hidden and does not clutter the boot

Change the doors to a minimum
Before modifying at least the car he was out of question to redo the door panels tailored to accommodate the three-way kit. Recall that the latter consists of a pair of 28 mm tweeters, a pair of medium of 10 cm and a pair of woofers 17 cm. The woofers are mounted in original locations at the bottom of the doors.

PRS woofers are hidden in the original locations

Mediums have been top of the doors. The orientation was chosen to deliver the best possible sound image. A fiber support painted in color of the interior was molded in the shape of the door trim. For now, the speakers are visible, but a small grid stretched canvas will protect them from prying eyes.

Not wanting to redo the door panels, the support has been designed to match the trim without sacrificing aesthetics

The tweeters are integrated in the upright windshield, always with a precise choice of angle of orientation for imaging. They are also mounted on a fiber painted on the linings of the amounts of the windshield. They could be molded directly into the lining of the amount of the windshield, but the system remains well removed without having to change the fittings for the resale of the car.

As those mediums, supports the tweeters were made by Parotech

Listening: High Fidelity simply
Tested with different types of music, the facility provides a really excellent musicality. It is really in the audiophile category. The first thing you notice is the quality of the stamps, the installation sounds realistic, true. We also liked the sound details, it seems to feel the guitarist's fingers on the strings run. It's open and airy, it has a nice sense of space, depth between instruments.

This facility gives Pioneer a lot of fun to listen

We really feel the bass is totally forward, not back. Any disturbing vibration is felt, just the serious need for music is there and in front. The subwoofer is well connected to other speakers.The subwoofer is present.

Although the subwoofer in the trunk, the grave is well ahead

Dynamic question, PRS amps give very good results, it lives, it's rhythmic. The soundstage is wide, and no hole in the center, at the right height for the ears. The focus and settings for the processor are many.


A good example of realistic hi-fi
This installation is simple in its configuration: front channels and subwoofer channel in assets. No accumulation of equipment, Pioneer has just necessary for audiophile listening. This facility is fully integrated and does not disturb the use of the vehicle.

The new PRS speakers offer very beautiful stamps

In conclusion: A reasonable facility
Although more than 5000 € is a substantial sum, it is still very reasonable compared to what we can see in this category of hi-fi. Only the source and processor, have a high price (although justified). Taking the elements separately, the new PRS products offer excellent value for money (for example, less than 500 Euros for the 4-channel amplifier), given their performance.


Musicality, strength, beauty of stamps (particularly the female voices), sense of space is a beautiful facility that provides a lot of fun. For all these reasons, this Audi is truly exemplary in promoting true hi-fi to the general public.

Factsheet

- Source: Pioneer DEX-P90RS
- Processor: Pioneer DEQ-P90
- Amp Mid / High: Pioneer PRS-D400
- Receivers Woofers: Pioneer PRS-D200
- Subwoofer Amplifier: Pioneer PRS-D200
- Subwoofer: Pioneer TS-W01RS
- Woofer: Pioneer TS-M171PRS
- Media: Pioneer TS-S101PRS
- Tweeters: Pioneer TS-T031PRS
Budget, excluding labor: € 5972

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Jun 3, 2011

Parrot announces partnership with Audi for solutions


Parrot, a company active in the design of wireless devices for mobile phones, today announced that its connectivity solutions will become part of the platform, "High MIB", designed to Audi vehicles.

In this agreement, Parrot contributes to the top of the range multimedia solution developed by solutions GmbH, a joint venture between the automaker Audi and accessories manufacturer Elektrobit ( www.esolutions.de ), making some features of the platform Parrot FC6050 ( "Full Connectivity ').

Parrot FC6050 provides Internet access using either a 3G + modem built-in self is a Bluetooth phone as a modem.

Access to the Internet can be made available via WiFi in the vehicle, allowing passengers to navigate using laptops or tablet.

The WiFi connection allows even those who are driving to access multimedia content from a cell phone or a computer (movies, music, photos, etc.).

Parrot FC6050 offers other innovative solutions such as managing multisource voice-controlled music files, synchronization of e-mail and calendars, and a new generation of signal processing algorithms. Parrot FC6050 also allows you to expand Internet access through USB dongle modem (3G) mobile phones or via USB or WiFi connections.
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Apr 25, 2011

Audi A1 Car Audio Review




In a preview of the Geneva Motor Show, we introduce the new small Audi, the A1. In premium small car category, the A1 has a pretty basic system in series, but can receive an optional stereo system and sophisticated multimedia and even rare for a car of this category. In fact, Audi offers a Bose 5.1 with a fairly complete multimedia unit.


Multimedia and high-fidelity option!

The basic system (Chorus) includes a laser receiver with MP3 and RDS tuner with 4 speakers. The interim facility is New Concert Radio. This is a car very similar, but with 6.5-inch color display that folds into the dashboard. This unit has in addition an auxiliary input for connecting an MP3 player and an SD memory card reader. This unit delivers its Watts to a system with 6 speakers. The Concert system can be complemented by a MMI Bluetooth car phone.

Optional Audi Navigation Plus MMI offers a fairly complete multimedia system. The latter consists of a central unit located in the center console and a 6.5-inch color display that folds into the dashboard. This combination course incorporates a browser with Europe maps in 3D The latter is stored in a disk drive 60 GB 20 GB of hard drive can be used to store music. It also has a DVD player that can play CDs and DVD video (off course for video).

MMI Navigation Plus system offers complete relative benefits

In addition to the conventional steering wheel, the MMI multimedia system has a voice command, making it even more practical use. This system can be complemented by an interface (AMI Audi Music Interface) to have Bluetooth and an iPod connection. The iPod connection is then placed in the glove box. Also the radius of the options, Audi also offers a DAB tuner (useless in France unfortunately) and a CD changer. Audi has not forgotten the music lovers, since two Bose options are proposed.


The MMI system has an iPod control with power in the glove box

The first option uses 10 Bose speakers and an amplifier of 180 Watts. For the most demanding, the top is to retain the Bose setup in 5.1. The latter uses 14 speakers with a subwoofer. This was then fed through an amplifier of 465 Watts. Small aluminum strapping on the gates of HP, the finish is particularly good on the high end version. In short, many things are optional, as usual with Audi, but the catalog is fairly complete. For now, the prices we are not yet known, but we will have the opportunity to speak after the Geneva Motor Show with more details on the options and proposed systems for the new A1! Meanwhile, a photo gallery allows you to discover a little car!


Optionally, you can have a Bose system with a subwoofer with 14 HP

         













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Apr 24, 2011

Audi TT RS Roadster Car Audio Review





Spearheading the TT line, the RS version is a real racing car driven by an extraordinary 5-cylinder engine. It is of course in multimedia system that we were interested, but we must recognize that between the pleasure of hearing the engine roar and the pleasure of listening to the Bose system to 12 horsepower, the choice was very hard! If in hi-fi, the TT RS remains very well equipped, multimedia is it optional!


A good sound system, a multimedia unit but overpriced!

Originally, the TT RS Roadster has a fairly conventional RDS receiver laser with steering wheel controls. This source may be supplemented by a few options such as a connection for iPod or phone preparation. Multimedia systems are optional, and unfortunately at exorbitant rates for a car to nearly 60,000 Euros. However, the Bose audio system is itself signed a standard feature. Well done and well integrated, it saves the day, but the bill has the multimedia system still struggling to pass. Audi MMI system offers two options: a combined browser and a simple browser combined with DVD-ROM. Our tester was equipped roadster of this model. Before going into details, note that the TT RS is protected by a GPS tracker in addition to its electronic immobilizer.

Benefits: a hi-fi to 12 HP with a center lane

Let's start with the MMI multimedia system. There is a large unit in the center of the center console. This handset MMI incorporates a 6.5-inch screen, providing a good visual comfort. Damage cons it is not tactile, today is still a must! No remote control system near the gearbox, the rotary knob and 4 buttons are built into the CPU to the right of the screen. The facade of the station is motorized to allow insertion of the DVD-ROM navigation. This includes European mapping in 3D with a vast library of POIs. The browser also has a TMC receiver to navigate, taking into account the real-time traffic. The DVD-Rom can also play CDs, but it can not be used for music while navigating. Our MMI system was therefore complemented by a 6-CD changer located in glove box. This is charged at 450 Euros, a really high price because an aftermarket changer plays DVDs and DivX at this price.

The source MMI uses a browser to DVD-Rom with TMC

But back to our car. Behind the motor, there are also two SD memory card readers to read music MP3 playlist manager. The unit is also equipped with a dual tuner RDS to ensure perfect FM reception. Finally, this unit also has an auxiliary mini-jack located on the central tunnel. It will connect the headphone output of any MP3 player. It should be noted that this MMI system has a remote display in the counter block to give the basic information of the multimedia system (radio, navigation pictograms direction, ...). This MMI is charged 2500 Euros, and that is frankly outrageous. Audi Our tester was also equipped with a voice command button on the steering wheel for making phone (compatible with select GSM only). This system is not included in the MMI and is optional!


The source is supplemented by a 6-CD changer

Many other elements are optional. One can retain Audi Music interface for receiving a USB port and an iPod control. Unfortunately, this is not compatible with the CD changer. In addition, the iPod control is not even compatible with the latest generation of Apple music players. Audi also offers a TV tuner, but at 1220 Euros, it must be gold because the market for the aftermarket, a very good tuner costing 400 Euros. In short, Audi offers a number of solution for a fairly complete MMI, but the prices were too high. For cons, the German brand is the total dead on the DVD video playback. Admittedly, it does not look a film while driving poses to relax in, a DVD player is always appreciated.

Behind the motor, it has 2 SD readers to read MP3 music

Turning now to the audio system, which is standard and is quite well designed. This is a Bose system with 12 speakers 8-channel amplifier with 255 Watts. The front channels are equipped with a three-way. The tweeters are placed at the ends of the dashboard, while the midrange and woofers are installed in doors. Behind the seats in the bulkhead separating the passenger compartment of the chest has a separate 2-way kit. Rarer in the center of the dashboard, the TT RS is equipped with a center lane. The last speaker is a subwoofer. Note that the amplifier is set to the sound of the cockpit and has a dynamic compensation of ambient noise.

Discover and use: effective, but lacks the benefits!

Before going into the play, let's consider ergonomics. A touch screen would have been much more convenient. But failing that, the rotary control built into the car for us is much more convenient than ordering systems placed near the gear lever. The Audi fall more naturally under the hand reaching out to the car. The knob is accompanied by 4 action buttons for functions, as indicated in the 4 corners of the screen (source, setting her ...). In absolute terms, the system is quite handy for the audio portion. Eg radio, turn the dial to display the desired radio station and is validated by pressing the rotary control. For managing music files in an SD card is the same principle. In absolute terms, it is quite intuitive and quick to take charge, even if used by touch screens, we tend to want to touch on the screen.


Managing playlists is easy to drive SD

In contrast, the use of GPS, and more particularly to enter a destination, this system is not practical. The letters are placed in a circle, and we must turn the knob and then confirm. When we got into the habit of touch screens, found it far too long. A strength, we end up taking the habit, but the interface is not as convenient as that of browsers aftermarket portable or stationary. For other navigation features, the settings are standard and fairly easy to use. It is unfortunate that the Roadster cons can not receive a voice command to the GPS as the coupe version.

An effective system, but lacks features!

In use, the browser shows quick calculations, and displays a 3D mapping qualitative and readable. This is not the best we've seen, but she did fine. From a guidance perspective, nothing to say, the system is efficient and accurate. We appreciate the resumption of indications in the small monochrome display between the two counters. TMC information is accurate enough, and the browser has all the classic features. By cons, for a system of this price, we would have liked the new features like Live Services PND (radars, real-time weather for example), Text-To-Speech, the wizard of lanes, overall ... The system is efficient, but not modern enough in relation to new features, especially at this price.


Overall, the browser is powerful, but not modern enough


For part radio, the FM tuner offers excellent reception quality. The presentation of radio as a list is quite handy. There is even the Radio-Text, but it is a pity he does not complete the name of music played. The SD slot provides the files and MP3 files with titles carefree. Damage cons, it does not read the photos or videos, while the radio has a nice screen. Apart from this detail, MP3 playlist management is done very easily. As mentioned in the introduction, use the changer to play a CD, because the navigation mode, the DVD-ROM can not be removed from the source: a little outdated as the system today. But it could have been forgivable if the changer was taking the video DVD. In fact, the main drawback of this MMI system is its lack of modern features: no audio / video input, no iPod control, no touch screen, no DVD playback, no simple and convenient Bluetooth (preparation phone that fitted this car requires an optional stand is compatible with GSM only some) ... The auxiliary input lets you connect the headphones of an iPod, but it requires to handle the iPod if you want to change music: not really advise driving a sports car over 300 hp). In contrast, the TT RS is catching up with Bose audio system.


The Bose system is more efficient
  
While several manufacturers have over their system with Bose audio, this is not the case in the Audi TT RS. It is certainly not at the high end audiophile equipment that can be seen in aftermarket, but it is still well above the lot for a series of installation. Moreover, it is really well integrated into the car. Overall, the amp has good dynamic and allows you to listen hard to have fun. Better be careful not to push it a little distortion appears (that's logical enough), but most doors are not sufficiently soundproofed. A very high volume of music with rich grave, some parasitize the sound vibrations. Bass is rather well kept, including techno, and its provenance is not localizable. Overall, listening provides a sound image with a well in the front soundstage and fairly high. The center channel offers significantly tuned.


An integrated center channel in the center of the dashboard brings a lot to the sound image

The sound is good for its width and height, but it lacks a little depth, especially on very busy in music instruments. Overall, the installation Bose stamp proves pleasant and well every day, but it lacks a little finesse and venting in the midrange. Well, this will upset most demanding music lovers. And it feels like more than listening to high volume moderate. To nitpick a bit, the TT RS has a beautiful interior finish with aluminum accessories, as we would have liked grids HP more beautiful (small aluminum strapping for example).

In conclusion: 

From a listening standpoint, the Bose system is rather nice and fully satisfy the majority. Our main criticism of the audio, the lack of finesse and lack of soundproofing in the door. Things can be improved with aftermarket soundproofing type Plain Chant and why not by changing the tweeters. However, the source MMI us a lot less satisfied. It works well overall, but the lack of benefits is not acceptable at this price. Of course, the missing features (touchscreen, iPod control) are not essential, but it would have been acceptable if the source was available at a much lower price. For information, Double Din high-end brands in Japan offers 10 times better for a price hovering around 1200 Euros.

Very convenient, small monochrome display provides the basic information source MMI

The same preparation phone is not worth a great Bluetooth headset compatible with all phones. In addition, this system requires support Audi to choose according to some phones. Today, with a good Parrot Bluetooth, the phone remains in your pocket, so no need for this system works! In short, overall the facility is nice, but a little outdated (browser DVD-ROM, no touch, no video), and especially much too expensive, especially on a car costing around 60,000 euros. Anyway, the MMI system has the advantage of being fully integrated into the dashboard, providing a remote display in the counter blocks. And anyway, there are interfaces OEM (Mobridge, Nav TV Paser) on the market for aftermarket upgrade the facility and add the missing features. To conclude this essay, a photo gallery allows you to explore in detail the Audi TT RS Roadster.



Specifications: 
- 6.5-inch color screen
- Twin Tuner RDS
- Two SD card readers
- An auxiliary input minijack
- DVD-ROM CD MP3 compatible
- Browser: Europe maps, 3D, TMC
- 6 CD Changer
- Voice dialing with phone preparation
- Bose 8-channel Amplifier: 255 Watts
- HP before: Kit 3 separate ways
- HP Rear Kit 2 separate channels
- Way Central
- Subwoofer

       













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Apr 23, 2011

Audi A8 Car Audio Review




Late November in Miami, Audi unveiled a preview of the new Audi A8. Flagship of the German mark, the new A8 clearly wants to win in the prestige sedan market. For this, the Ingolstadt brand it is given the means. Its onboard electronic equipment is truly amazing.


Make more complete will be very difficult!

Audi has always used to fine MMI multimedia systems and a hi-fi Bang & Olufsen of prestige, but now Audi has really gone very far in comfort electronics and security. Of course, the brand remained true to its MMI system and its installation B & W, but Audi has taken the concept further. Even rear passengers have their own MMI system. When the electronic security, it is also very complete! See this in detail!

The MMI system consists of an 8-inch motorized screen in the dashboard and a control system located on the center console. To ensure that all information is good in the field of vision, a color screen is also placed between the counters. From a performance standpoint, the MMI system is so complete, GPS, CD player, USB, iPod control, Bluetooth phone, 20 GB hard disk for storing data, radio tuner, ... In addition to the order Central, it has a steering wheel and a voice command. Via an optional connection GPRS / EDGE, the MMI system can also access services Audi Online, Google, Google Earth, ...

In addition to the motorized screen in the center of the dashboard, a screen placed between the counters gives the essential information to the driver


But this MMI system goes much further. It is coupled to the onboard computer and general electronics of the car to adjust many features: air conditioning, seat adjustments, suspension, engine tuning in the dynamic mode or comfort ... Quite simply, we get the impression of being at the controls of a Boeing. Really impressive! The system is also equipped with a rearview camera and parking sensors. Even better, an infrared camera is integrated into the grille, and tells the driver to the presence of obstacles on the road. To protect such a prestigious saloon, an alarm system with satellite surveillance is also part of the equipment. Add to that an assistant of lanes to call to order the driver in an error path. Rear passengers are not left behind.

Each front seat incorporates an entertainment system with motorized


The mobile screens, it's very ugly, built-in displays are not always discreet and not always integrated. Audi has solved the problem for the entertainment of passengers, while preserving the elegance of the interior. Each front seat has a 10.2-inch motorized screen, leaving the front seat headrest. And a functionality point of view, again, Audi has made it big. Each rear passenger has a MMI system with DVD player compatible with any format, SD card reader and A / V input for connecting a games console. The control system is in the center armrest. We can even add a digital tuner to receive TV in your car.


The audio system is given in Bang & Olufsen

To render a high quality music in the car, the A8 system uses the famous B & W The latter consists of an amplifier with 14 channels of 1400 watts with DSP. No fewer than 19 speakers, including a serious, are left in the cockpit so that each passenger regia listening to music. In short, difficult to present a complete system than the new Audi A8. As you can see in the picture gallery, the new Audi A8 is sumptuous, and yet the word is weak. Whether in or outside the cockpit, the A8 has been treated in detail. It is guaranteed to be a beautiful place in the sun on the luxury car segment. In any case, it is certain that the Carrier would have loved to carry out tasks on board. But a question arises still choose what place: behind the wheel to enjoy the V8, or in the back like a pasha with a cocktail and entertainment system!

The new A8 even has night vision


         














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Apr 20, 2011

Audi R8 Spyder Car Audio Review




Convertible version unveiled in Frankfurt, the sublime Quattro Audi R8 is powered by a 5.2 liter V10, which catapult about 313 km / h. But power and sportiness, comfort does not exclude the Audi. This beautiful convertible is equipped with a multimedia installation and hi-fi worthy of his rank!


The combination of multimedia and hi-fi!

Aluminum, leather, luxury carpet, small finishing details, the interior of the convertible R8 was particularly careful. Today, riding in a sports car no longer means getting into a slap "c ...". Quite the contrary, the R8 comes with the equipment of a luxury sedan: electric seats, electronic climate control, plenty of storage to make the interior functional ...

As with its other high-end models, Audi offers a hi-fi (loudspeakers and amplification) signed Bang & Olufsen. The amplifier includes a DSP to correct the sound and have an audiophile listening in the car. For multimedia, the Audi R8 Spyder is equipped with the latest MMI system with navigation and multimedia. The CPU is placed in the center of the dashboard, with a high resolution display of 6.5 inches. The screen is not touch, but the buttons well laid out below, and a rotary control can easily use the many features of the device.

In terms of multimedia, the MMI system is relatively complete

In addition, it also has a steering wheel and voice recognition. The browser uses a 3D mapping stored on a hard drive. The browser offers course all the modern features to provide precise guidance. From a media perspective, this system has a DVD player, a portable device control. Housing for the iPhone has even been installed in the rear bulkhead. Of course, Bluetooth is also present. She even has a world first. The belt has 3 microphones to allow telephone calls while driving.


In the rear wall, a housing can accommodate the iPhone

A fourth microphone is built into the windshield frame. So with or without hood, the driver can call efficiently and safely. Optionally, you can add a CD changer, TV tuner and a DAB tuner. DAB is not very useful in France but in Germany, it works very well, hence the proposal for this feature. Also the radius of the options can be added a rearview camera with park assist. However, more than 150,000 Euros per car, some of this equipment could be set. But Audi made great efforts to provide truly effective OEM multimedia systems: one can only welcome the initiative!

The R8 Spyder may receive an audio Bang & Olufsen

            














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