I read the same thing and have to agree with one thing pointed out in that article. While I have not heard the B&O, the stock radio is exceptional. Even at 75-80 with the top down there is more than enough bass, volume, treble, presence and clarity to satisfy all but those with bat like hearing. The $6,400 is much better spent on the AMG wheel package with larger front brakes, the Magic Sky roof (you will like it!), upgraded leather, premium 1 and driver assistance packages.

 

My dealer advised me that the B&O sound option is an option that I would probably get nothing back on when I traded/sold the car and I agreed with him. How good can good get in a convertible with the top down? THe HK Logic 7 system is great enough for me.

 

I spent quite a bit in cars with both before I bought my new SL. I can honestly say I thought the Harmon/Kardon system sounded better than the B/O one did. And with the H/K you do not get those funny looking cone things on your front dash....

Save your money, definately not worth it!

 

harmon/kardon system sounds incredible in the 2013 sl
didn't sound great in my 2011

 

Harmon-Kardon is excellent in my 2009 SL550, even with top down. I see no reason to spend the extra $$. After all, it is a car, and a roadster at that.

 

I had an Audi A7 before with the B&O and its incredible nothing it's better, regret not getting it on my new SL.

 

If you guys thinking of the Bang & Olufsen option for your SL R231..... It a MUST....... End of story....... I listen to it and it sound amazing..... For $6400 it worth it..... In order to get this kind of amazing sound system you be spending $10,000 plus on aftermarket sound system......

 

Bang & Olufsen Beosound AMG For The SL (PDF)

 

B&O in my F13 6 series was terrific, but so is the HK in the R231. Hard to imagine getting 6K worth of stereo in a roadster.

 

Thanks for posting up the information Ken...

Grey.Coupe have you try listen to both system in the SL...??

Audi Q7 Bang & Olufsen Sound Check - YouTube

...^^^...I LOVE when you turn on the B&O system, the tweeter pop up from the dashboard.....

 

Some information that I want to share with you guys about the SL R231 sound system.....

FrontBass Music Delivery System

The all-new Mercedes-Benz SL will introduce the highly innovative all-new "FrontBass" music delivery system, which delivers amazing sound, even when the top of the SL is reclined. The FrontBass system strategically places the speakers in the firewall openings instead of in the traditional doors. This essentially makes the cabin a behave like a huge speaker.

Mercedes-Benz says of the FrontBase system: "The unique FrontBase system, turns the SL luxury sports car into a concert hall–with the top down or up."

Notice in the photo, the two speaker holes located in the front footwell firewall. In the photo below you see the right FrontBass speaker placed strategically in the firewall. This permits the deep bass sounds to better resonate throughout the cabin by creating a resonating chamber for the woofers. In other words, it is turning the car structure into a big woofer.

 

I spent quite a bit of time going back and forth between the systems when I was considering the 63 instead of a 65. I was torn, and was somewhat happy to have the stereo decision taken out of my hands when I opted for the 65.

I'm an audio nut, having put more into my home listening systems than into cars, but it was still a tough decision between the two systems. The B&O is clearly superior in terms of accuracy of sound, frequency extension, ability to create an actual soundstage (something I've not previously heard from a car system), and all of the usual audiophile checklist items. BUT, it only comes alive as you approach reference volumes. At lower volumes it tends to sound a bit thin, almost tinny. Boosting bass and mid range can partially address this, but then it sounds sloppy when you turn it up.

The HK system, while not as accurate, has a pleasing well-rounded sound at moderate volume levels, and does a very credible job at higher volume levels as well.

In my opinion the HK could be a better choice if you listen mostly to modern popular music, frequently drive with a passenger (and want to be able to talk to that passenger), or if you don't like to listen at 92+ decibels. Conversely, if you listen to a lot of classical or jazz and like to play back at live volume levels then the B&O is far and away the better option. If you're in both camps like me then I don't know what to advise

 

"Hi" pmrogers...... Welcome to the SL R231 forum.....

Thanks for your reports on Harmon/Kardon LOGIC7 and Bang & Olufsen BeoSound......

As what I saw all SL65 come with Bang & Olufsen sound system.... I guess when you go with the 65, it the top of the line and people demand the BEST or nothing...

 

No, I haven't, and as I said, the B&O system sounded --great-- in my 6 series. I guess part of my response is colored by the listening quality of the cabins in the two cars. The HK is a very good system, and with the top up, the structure of the roadster is inherently noisier than in the 6 coupe. When it's down it's not a fair test...

 

Thanks for the feedback Grey.Coupe.......

 

NO question the B & O is the way to go. Just took delivery of my triple black sl63 with it. I came out of a Panamera GTS with the burmester....if u can afford it DO IT and dont look back

 

Glad you like it Jeff......:thumbsup:

 

I am an audio nut or audiophile as well, I have heard an A/B comparison in an M5 and have to say the B&O had more clarity and presence in the mid range. pmrogers knows as he did an excellent job describing the difference above. I can't say I have done the A/B with a 231, mine has the HK standard, the B&O was not in stock at the time.

What really has me curious is the new 2014 S class with a Burmester system. In the audio world, Burmester is far more than B&O in terms of good sound. Porsche got it right going with Burmester for their premium sound system, even though I have not heard one in a Porsche. In the audio world, Burmester is very highly respected internationally. Good to hear Mercedes is going to offer that in the 2014 S class, let's hope they replace B&O with Burmester for all future models.

I would not hesitate on a Burmester audio system if it was offered. The Burmster uses a Heil tweeter in their system.

 

Thanks for the write up GhostInTheMachine and welcome to the R231 forum.....