Review: 2010 Audi S4
10-08-09, 06:33 AM
#16
Well, if you compare it to the fabulous LS460 Mark Levinson system, almost any car stereo is less-impressive to some extent. But that doesn't mean it's a bad unit. Today, car stereos have evolved to the point where it is rare to find a truly sub-standard or tinny-sounding unit. Even low-priced Hyundais and Kias have relatively nice units today.
It sounds decent in an IS.
I had the system in a GS 350 and the center channel was too loud and there issn't an volume adjustment which I felt was needed.
10-08-09, 06:33 AM
#17
Lexus Test Driver
10-08-09, 06:37 AM
#18
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Sure. Glad to help.
Yes, I found fewer negatives with this car than I often do with others. But, in reviews, I have to be complete and objective.
Some of the people buying Audis now are ex-BMW and Mercedes people. But brand loyalty in German cars tends to be quite strong....especially with BMWs.
All your minuses seem minor to me. So from your write up I conclude that it's a very nice car.
To be honest I'll probaly never buy a Audi b/c i'm officially a Mercedes guy. But everytime I see one i'm very impress by their exterior paint and interior. Thanks once again for the review.
10-08-09, 06:38 AM
#19
Lexus Test Driver
The ML is fantastic in a LS but not great in a GS,IMO.I don't have ML is the RX but some have said it's not so great in that model.
It sounds decent in an IS.
I had the system in a GS 350 and the center channel was too loud and there issn't an volume adjustment which I felt was needed.
It sounds decent in an IS.
I had the system in a GS 350 and the center channel was too loud and there issn't an volume adjustment which I felt was needed.
10-08-09, 06:43 AM
#22
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Thanks.
OK....your opinions noted.
I've tried some of the voice-command systems....sometimes they work properly, sometimes not.
As far as the twin-stalks on the left of the column go, IMO, the Mercedes ones seem to be the most confusing. That is much less the case in Audis. German cars, though, in general, with some exceptions, seem to use rather thin, flimsy plastic for a lot of them.
As far as the BMW I-drive, you need to check out the new I-drive. It is light years ahead of the old version in use & screen resolution. All of the traditional buttons to control the radio, AC are on the dash for the non-tech savvy old school folks. There is also voice command to control many of the functions if you don't want to mess with the I-drive controller.
I've tried some of the voice-command systems....sometimes they work properly, sometimes not.
You and the stalks lol..
10-08-09, 06:47 AM
#23
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
B&O indeed makes an excellent unit for the S4, but check out the specific Mark Levinson unit used in the LS460.....not necessarily other Lexus products. There is a reason why that ML unit is considered the industry standard.
10-08-09, 09:38 AM
#25
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
10-08-09, 11:17 AM
#28
Lexus Test Driver
The B&O system in the A8 sounds better than the LS ML system in my opinion, more punch and same clarity. The A4's B&O lack clearity and not even as good as the ML on the GS.
