Aston Martin

Beyond the Roar: Unveiling Aston Martin's Best Sound Systems

Aston Martin. The name alone conjures images of exquisite design, unparalleled performance, and a driving experience steeped in heritage. While the thunderous exhaust note of an Aston Martin engine is often celebrated as the ultimate soundtrack, discerning enthusiasts know that a truly luxurious ride encompasses more than just raw power. It extends to every sensory detail, including the in-car audio system. For those moments when the engine's crescendo yields to the desire for a pristine auditory experience, Aston Martin has consistently partnered with some of the world's leading audio specialists to deliver sound systems that are as sophisticated as the vehicles themselves.

The Evolution of Aston Martin Audio: A Quest for Perfection

For decades, Aston Martin has understood that a premium vehicle demands premium sound. While early models offered respectable, if not revolutionary, audio setups, the brand truly elevated its in-car entertainment experience by forging strategic alliances with high-end audio manufacturers. These collaborations have allowed Aston Martin to integrate bespoke sound solutions, meticulously tuned to the unique acoustic properties of each cabin.

The Bang & Olufsen Era: Artistry and Acoustics

Perhaps the most iconic partnership in Aston Martin's audio history was with the Danish audio pioneers, Bang & Olufsen (B&O). Their B&O BeoSound audio systems became synonymous with Aston Martin luxury during the 2000s and early 2010s. These systems weren't just about sound quality; they were visual masterpieces that seamlessly integrated into the car's opulent interiors.

Models that Shone with B&O:

DBS (First Generation): The original DBS was one of the first Aston Martins to truly showcase the B&O BeoSound system. Its 13-speaker, 1000-watt setup, featuring acoustically dampened aluminium dome tweeters and the iconic motorised acoustic lens technology that emerged from the dashboard upon activation, set a new benchmark. The sound stage was expansive, offering incredible clarity and precision, making every journey an auditory delight.
DB9 / Virage: Owners of these grand tourers also benefited from the immersive B&O BeoSound experience. The system was carefully calibrated to the cabin's acoustics, delivering a rich, detailed sound that complemented the car's refined character.
Vanquish (First and Second Generation): The ultimate grand tourer of its time, the Vanquish, especially the second-generation model, often featured an exquisitely tuned B&O system. With multiple speakers strategically placed, it provided a concert-hall-like experience, perfect for long-distance cruising. The crisp highs, articulate mids, and surprisingly deep bass ensured a full-bodied sound that was rare in such a driver-focused machine.

The B&O systems were celebrated for their natural sound reproduction, stunning design, and the way they truly made the audio system an integral, luxurious part of the Aston Martin experience.

The Bowers & Wilkins Partnership: Precision and Power

As Aston Martin evolved, so did its audio partnerships. More recently, the brand has forged a strong alliance with British high-fidelity audio specialists, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W). Renowned for their studio-grade loudspeakers and exceptional sound engineering, B&W has brought a new level of audio prowess to contemporary Aston Martin models.

Current Flagships with B&W Excellence:

DB11: The DB11 marked a new era for Aston Martin, and its optional B&W sound system continued this tradition of excellence. Offering a powerful multi-speaker setup, often featuring Kevlar mid-range drivers and Nautilus™ swirl tweeters, the B&W system in the DB11 delivers astonishing clarity, dynamic range, and a precise soundstage. It's a system designed to extract every nuance from your music, making you feel closer to the original recording.
DBS Superleggera: As the ultimate expression of Aston Martin's GT philosophy, the DBS Superleggera demands an equally formidable audio system. Its B&W setup is engineered to perfection, providing immense power and unparalleled fidelity. The sheer impact and detail, even at high volumes, are breathtaking, ensuring that whether you're enjoying a symphony or an intense rock track, the sound is always captivating.
Vantage: The modern Vantage, with its aggressive styling and agile performance, is also available with a superb B&W audio system. This system is tuned to deliver an energetic yet refined sound, perfectly matching the car's character. It offers a punchy bass and crystal-clear highs, making for an engaging listening experience on spirited drives.
DBX: As Aston Martin's foray into the SUV market, the DBX required an audio system that could fill a larger cabin while maintaining the brand's high standards. The optional B&W system in the DBX is a tour-de-force, often featuring up to 14 speakers and a high-power amplifier. It creates an incredibly immersive soundscape for all occupants, proving that even in an SUV, Aston Martin doesn't compromise on audio luxury.

Bowers & Wilkins systems are characterized by their analytical precision, robust bass, and incredibly detailed high frequencies, allowing listeners to experience their music with unparalleled realism.

Which Aston Martin Has the "Best" Sound System?

Defining the "best" is subjective, but generally, the Aston Martin models equipped with the premium, optional sound systems from either Bang & Olufsen or Bowers & Wilkins represent the pinnacle of in-car audio for the brand. Both brands bring distinct philosophies to the table:

Bang & Olufsen: Often favored for its warm, natural sound, stunning visual integration, and unique acoustic lens technology. Systems from the DBS and Vanquish eras are particularly noteworthy.
Bowers & Wilkins: Praised for its analytical precision, dynamic power, and ability to reproduce intricate details. Modern cars like the DB11, DBS Superleggera, new Vantage, and DBX with their B&W upgrades are exceptional.

For sheer immersive quality and acoustic engineering within a luxurious grand tourer, models like the DBS Superleggera and DB11 with their top-tier Bowers & Wilkins systems are arguably among the best currently available. The DBX also offers a phenomenal audio experience, particularly impressive given its larger cabin volume.

Conclusion: A Symphony on Wheels

While the roar of an Aston Martin engine is an intoxicating melody, the brand's dedication to high-fidelity in-car audio ensures that there's always an alternative soundtrack ready to play. Whether it was the visually striking and acoustically brilliant Bang & Olufsen systems of the past or the analytically precise and powerful Bowers & Wilkins setups of today, Aston Martin continues to offer an auditory experience that is truly befitting of its legendary status. For those who appreciate every facet of luxury, an Aston Martin with its premium sound system is not just a car; it's a private concert hall on wheels, ready to transport you to a world of exquisite sound, even as the world rushes by.