New generation Audi S5 – Bang & Olufsen audio system upgrade

The latest generation Audi S5 can be factory‑fitted with a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, but even that may not satisfy the more demanding listener. In this case the owner decided on a complete replacement of the original system with a clear requirement for a significant step up in reproduction quality while absolutely preserving the original interior appearance. The entire installation was therefore implemented as a fully hidden solution without visible alterations to the cabin or trunk.

At the core of the front three‑way system are Gladen Zeta 200 mid‑woofers. We deliberately retained the original 200 mm speaker size in the doors, which compared to the commonly used smaller mid‑woofers offers a larger cone area, greater dynamics and more convincing low‑mid reproduction. The center speaker comes from the same Gladen Zeta series, while the highest frequencies are handled by Morel Hybrid tweeters. The result is a full active three‑way system with very good dynamics, precision and the ability to create a natural, stable soundstage.

Low frequencies are provided by a Ground Zero Plutonium subwoofer. This particular model won the prestigious EISA Best Product award last season in the car subwoofer category and, thanks to its speed, control and ability to reproduce very low frequencies, perfectly complements the character of the entire setup. The heart of the system is the six‑channel Helix P SIX DSP ULTIMATE, which provides not only power for the front speakers but primarily precise signal processing and control. The subwoofer is powered by a separate Audison monoblock. Thanks to DSP, each speaker can be fully actively controlled, with frequency ranges, time alignment, levels and equalization set to precisely match the acoustics of the specific vehicle.

After installation we carried out final measurements and detailed tuning of the complete setup. This phase is critical in systems conceived this way because only correct tuning can fully exploit the potential of the components used and at the same time create a balanced sound with precise imaging, high resolution and sufficient dynamics. The result is a markedly higher‑quality audio system while the Audi S5’s interior remains practically in its original state.