23 speakers, 1920 watts, noise cancellation ... We tried the excessive sound system of the Audi S8

The audio system of the luxury German sedan was designed by Bang & Olufsen. It has many technological advances, including a noise reduction process similar to that of headphones.

23 speakers, capable of send more than 1900 watts, and a teNoise reduction technology ... This description is not that of a living room hi-fi system, but rather of the Advanced Sound System of the Audi S8. Designed in collaboration with Bang & Olufsen, it is one of the most impressive audio systems on the market.

LM / - On the dashboard, two retractable speakers which direct the sound signal towards the passengers.

To achieve such a result, the The manufacturer has placed loudspeakers throughout the passenger compartment. The classic slots in the doors are inserted in their own resonance box to prevent them from vibrating and disturbing the audio signal. better the internal sound of the external environment.

LM / - One of the speakers inserted in the doors.

When the creator of the MP3 gets involved

In this continuity of passive insulation, the engineers of the brand also stuffed the car with acoustic reinforcements, worked on the aerodynamics of the car so that it is as noisy as possible as soon as you pick up speed and equipped the vehicle with ... double glazing. This allows you to take even better advantage of the "3D sound designed by Bang & Olufsen.

LM / - On the ceiling, the speakers are dedicated to 3D sound.

Behind this name, the manufacturer offers to spatialize the sound signal to the extreme. the 23 loudspeakers (with neodymium magnets), especially those placed in the car ceiling or on the interior door jambs.issuing the stereo audio tracks in a 3D version was designed by the applied research institute Fraunhofer, itself at the origin of the creation of the MP3 compression format in 1993.

The rear passengers pampered

The concrete result is quite surprising, but accessible only in the rear seats - the A8 being especially thought for the transport of passengers. It is especially in classical music that it is best expressed, by separating the various instruments from an orchestra and placing them everywhere in the cockpit. This can sometimes be slightly artificial, but the manufacturer gives the possibility of adjusting the intensity of the effect, or even completely deactivating it.

LM / - The 3D effect can be adjusted in intensity or disabled.

In addition to this sound 3D and passive isolation, it is above all in active isolation that this S8 is the most disproportionate. It starts from the running gear with the integration of a predictive suspension. vehicle detects uneven road surfaces upstream so the suspension adjusts its travel to the height of the pothole so thatthe car should be as rowdy as possible. The result is improved comfort, but also a reduction in road noise.

Two systems noise compensation assets

To compensate for the ambient sounds generated by the engine, gearbox and taxiing noises, Audi and Bang & Olufsen have developed the “Vehicle Noise Compensation”. Thanks to a box connected to the engine, the audio system knows this information and raises the musical signal above the noise level. This device is already an effective first bulwark against all the sounds emitted by the vehicle itself.

But the S8 also includes the “Active Noise Control”, available only on this model equipped with the 8-cylinder engine with 571 horsepower. It works just like the noise reduction systems of headphones and earphones. Four microphones are arranged in the passenger compartment to identify the sounds.

LM / - One of the four microphones responsible for picking up ambient noise.

Five high- Bass speakers (in addition to the 23 dedicated to music) then broadcast an opposite phase sound signal to almost completely hide them.This installation is completely independent of the sound system and therefore works even when you are not listening to music. / p>

Ultra efficient ... and sometimes treacherous

Unprecedented in its combination of various processes, the audio system offered is extremely effective. Despite the imposing and powerful V8 engine with a displacement of 4 liters, you feel in this S8 as in a cocoon, almost entirely isolated from outside sounds, whatever the surface of the road. Of course, the installation does not work miracles either, we continue to hear the rolling noises, but in an extremely discreet way to achieve an amazing acoustic comfort.

LM / - A monster of 571 horses.

Of course, the installation also has its faults. The cost first, at 6060 euros, the price of the audio system is that of a small used car. It is true however that on a model with more of 150,000 euros, the additional cost is negligible.

Finally, the discretion of the engine noises can quickly make you lose your license, as we do not realize the speed that we The versatility and flexibility of the Audi V8 are such that, especially in town, you keep an eye on the meter so as not to panic it too much. The downside of an extremely efficient system. >