Beats Audio? Formentor

[GhostyJHH]

I hope standard audio is not tragic, if it's average, it's fine. I would rather have spare wheel, than subwoofer in the boot. Spare wheel as standard on UK VZ2 spec was nice surprise, as most manufactures phase it out and you have to pay extra to get it back.

I went through 3 cars with Bose, 2 or 3 with Harman Kardon and one with Dynaudio. I'm not sure if HK was better than standard Merc audio. In one car I bought, it was switched off in menu, so there's a chance first owner didn't even use it.

Must have been an old merc, as upgraded audio on merc for last 5 yrs has been beaumiester (spelt wrong i know)

 

[Agnes.Surrey]

Yes, previous models up to 2015. I don't like interiors of new models and probably will never have another new Merc.

 

[AndyCupra93]

I have to say I’m pleasantly surprised with the audio quality on the Formentor, coming from a Jag XF with 380W Meridian Audio (I think this one is only 100W?).

 

[MrBiggles87]

I currently drive a 18' BMW with the upgraded Harmon/Kardon audio. Does anyone know how the systems compare? I completely forgot to try the audio on my test drive

 

[East Yorkshire Retrofits]

I currently drive a 18' BMW with the upgraded Harmon/Kardon audio. Does anyone know how the systems compare? I completely forgot to try the audio on my test drive

Standard system is weak and flat as a pancake. Volume of the full system changes when you get to any heavy bass for example

I'm yet to try the beats, but it has to be better than that. However beats in the Leon was dreadful, I highly doubt it will match other premium sound systems. Like with other things beats, you pay for the name

 

[Mortey]

I'm interested in this as well. My 2017 Audi A4 has the standard audio and is okay, I'm hoping this is too.

To be fair, I wouldn't touch Beats with a barge pole normally!

 

[MrBiggles87]

Standard system is weak and flat as a pancake. Volume of the full system changes when you get to any heavy bass for example

I'm yet to try the beats, but it has to be better than that. However beats in the Leon was dreadful, I highly doubt it will match other premium sound systems. Like with other things beats, you pay for the name

Do you think there will be any decent alternatives in the future?

 

[East Yorkshire Retrofits]

Do you think there will be any decent alternatives in the future?

Only alternative is to retrofit beats as I'm doing (extremely expensive parts wise) or fit a third party amp and replace the speakers

 

[Cupradev]

Do you think there will be any decent alternatives in the future?

I’d hang fire until you’ve heard your own music on the standard system. Reason I say this is that you have people slating it in one post and people rating it in another. So who’s right?
in that respect it may be better to let your own ears judge based on type of music, digital files, DAB etc etc.

 

[East Yorkshire Retrofits]

I'd guess some people are more into their music than others. If you're into your music, you're going to be disappointed with the standard system

Be prepared to have to remove your door cards & sound deaden them too due to the rattles that will gradually appear

 

[Cuprakash]

As i understand it,the formentor will be offered with beats as an option from July

 

[Yaz2010]

As i understand it,the formentor will be offered with beats as an option from July

Cool. Is that advertised anywhere or did you hear from the dealer? Hope they bring the abt option too.

 

[Brady93]

Has anyone figured out the best way to get HD audio into the Formentor? I'm guessing the headunit bluetooth codec isn't a HD one, is it using SBC?

The lack of an Aux port rules out a HD bluetooth amp (Like a FIIO) and android auto still uses the headunit DAC when connected via USB, which I'd be willing to bet isn't very good.

If there's no way of pushing decent audio to the speakers in the first place, it's always going to be an uphill battle..

 

[MrBiggles87]

I’d hang fire until you’ve heard your own music on the standard system. Reason I say this is that you have people slating it in one post and people rating it in another. So who’s right?
in that respect it may be better to let your own ears judge based on type of music, digital files, DAB etc etc.

Yeah you are probably right! As I won't be getting the car until November, there might either be an option to upgrade via Cupra or do some DIY.

That was the only thing I liked about the Golf options. The Harmon/Kardon system would have been nice.

 

[East Yorkshire Retrofits]

I've just ordered all of the necessary parts to retrofit it.

Just under £1300 at trade. Likely be 2 full days of my labour too. Not a cheap retrofit but it keeps it all looking factory

 

[MrBiggles87]

I've just ordered all of the necessary parts to retrofit it.

Just under £1300 at trade. Likely be 2 full days of my labour too. Not a cheap retrofit but it keeps it all looking factory

You'll have to do a little build diary for us.

I think if I owned the car I might consider it, but if thats trade price, I imagine the charge to the customer plus labour etc, would be pushing £2k? I dont think its worth it in a lease.

 

[East Yorkshire Retrofits]

You'll have to do a little build diary for us.

I think if I owned the car I might consider it, but if thats trade price, I imagine the charge to the customer plus labour etc, would be pushing £2k? I dont think its worth it in a lease.

I'll be honest the build diary would just be filled with profanity and me cutting myself on things

With labour & warranty it would easily exceed £2k. I highly doubt it's something we'll be offering to customers

We've already worked out what's what wiring wise, we just need to take some information off a car with factory fit beats software wise so we know what's what. May need to parameterise the new amplifier on that car too.



Mine is on PCP, I'll likely end up with it for the duration and may even keep it. I'm not very hopeful about what vehicles will be available when I come around to looking with the way things are going. Regardless, I can't live with the standard setup - or the door card rattles

 

[GhostyJHH]

un-fortunatly my car is a lease for 4 yrs so cant do anything with it, but i do have friends at clarion car audio (my dad was finance manager there), so if i do get to keep the car id probably get a pro audio system from them lol

 

[Gordon Blair]

Only alternative is to retrofit beats as I'm doing (extremely expensive parts wise) or fit a third party amp and replace the speakers

I’m thinking about fitting an active powered under seat subwoofer to help with bass, and change the standard speakers when I get my formentor. Do you think this would be any better than the standard system? Also do you know if the current system has RCA inputs to connect, or most likely have to splice into the speaker wires and connect that way

 

[East Yorkshire Retrofits]

I’m thinking about fitting an active powered under seat subwoofer to help with bass, and change the standard speakers when I get my formentor. Do you think this would be any better than the standard system? Also do you know if the current system has RCA inputs to connect, or most likely have to splice into the speaker wires and connect that way

The OEM system has high outputs to the speakers & an Ethernet connection used when there's an amplifier fitted

If you fit a sub you're just going to overpower the system with bass whilst the rest will still lack power