03-07-2023, 09:23 PM
(03-07-2023, 08:40 PM)Power6 Wrote: Changing the config for Stereo without changing any hardware...to me that would just be "different" not necessarily "better". The sound does change, there is some processing happening in the IHU to adjust the sound for the stereo equipment that is installed.
IMO the HK setting sounds best with the HK configuration (as original). When I swapped only the B&W amp at first, I still preferred the HK configuration. Once I swapped all the door speakers, it was then that I felt changing to the matching B&W stereo config sounded best.
One might prefer the menus and controls of one over the other. Personally I miss the ease of adjusting the treble and bass quickly with the HK Sound Experience App, that is lost with the B&W version. But I get over it, overall you definitely want to change the config when swapping the stereo equipment.
But everyone may have their own opinion on things, that is how music and sound is. I don't see a benefit to changing the config to B&W without any of the equipment.
The config change in the IHU changes the pre-amp processing and opens different options like the 7 band equalizer and surround effect. The actual audio low signal pre-amp processing is done on the IHU and not on the amplifier (B&W or HK) that's why there is noticeable difference. IHU just outputs the pre-amp signal on optic cable, it does not see what type of Amplifier you have at the end. Look at the technical specs of both amplifiers, the main difference is the output power. The output power of HK amplifier is well enough for me.
Speaker wise, the only difference between BW and HK setup on S60 is the tweeter on the center speaker which adds the sweet and clearness to the sound. But It's very easy to add. It's on the same channel as the center originally. Yes, B&W speakers have higher power because the B&W amplifier has higher output but respond frequencies that human can actually hear are exactly the same as the HK speakers.
Regarding the trouble, bass or sub levels, you can still adjust them in tone section. They are under settings / audio. Same place where you have 7 band equalizer instead of 4.
Most of people wouldn't even feel the difference between (HK amplifier + HK speakers with center tweeter) and (BW amplifier + BW speakers) with the IHU is on premium settings.
VOLVO knows asking additional 3k on the top of HK just for amplifier + adding a tweeter wouldn't convince buyers. That's why they added pre-amp difference, in order to be able to show the difference which has nothing to do with amp or speakers. There are even much better and powerful amps and speakers than BW or HK. Think about a home receiver on pure direct mode and other pre-procossing modes but some of the options are locked.