Unrivaled Clarity and Distortion-Free Audio
One of the most immediate and striking improvements with the B&W system is its ability to maintain pristine audio quality even at elevated volumes. Where other systems might begin to exhibit distortion as the volume increases, the B&W in the M8 Competition remains remarkably clean and composed. This ensures that every nuance of your favorite music is faithfully reproduced, without any muddiness or unwanted artifacts creeping in, even when you decide to crank up the sound.
Commanding Volume Capability
The sheer volume output of the Bowers & Wilkins system is also significantly greater than standard systems. The M8 Competition’s B&W setup possesses such impressive headroom that reaching its maximum volume becomes an exercise in auditory tolerance. The system delivers sound with such intensity that it’s rarely necessary, or even comfortable, to explore its upper limits, highlighting the robust engineering and power reserves built into this premium audio system.
High-Definition Mids and Highs
The B&W system truly shines in its reproduction of mid and high frequencies. The clarity and crispness are exceptional, revealing layers of detail in music that might be easily missed on lesser systems. This high-definition fidelity creates a more immersive and engaging listening experience, bringing instruments and vocals to life with remarkable accuracy and presence within the M8 Competition’s cabin. The superior definition in these ranges positions the factory B&W system as a strong contender even when compared to aftermarket setups.
Addressing Bass and Achieving Sonic Perfection
While the B&W system delivers deep and impactful bass at moderate listening levels, there is a subtle characteristic to note at very high volumes. As the system is pushed towards its maximum output, the incredibly potent and clear mid and high frequencies can, subjectively, become slightly more dominant, potentially overshadowing the bass frequencies. It’s crucial to understand that this is not due to any deficiency in the bass drivers or their performance. Instead, it is more related to the physics of sound reproduction at extreme volumes within the confined space of a car cabin. Bass frequencies, especially at very high volumes, require more space to fully develop.
For those seeking an absolutely perfectly balanced sound profile at all volume levels, including when pushing the system to its extreme limits, integrating an aftermarket subwoofer can be considered. In my pursuit of sonic perfection within my M8 Competition, I am planning to add a JL Audio 12″ subwoofer in a high-output enclosure, powered by a JL Audio XD600-1 amplifier, discreetly installed in the trunk. While this represents an additional investment, the projected outcome is a sound system of unparalleled quality, where the already exceptional B&W system is augmented with truly prodigious and perfectly balanced bass response, creating an in-car audio experience that is simply breathtaking. The inherent quality of the B&W system makes it an ideal foundation for such an upgrade, ensuring seamless integration and a final result that is far greater than the sum of its parts.
