Genesis G90 Car Audio Upgrade Review: Bang & Olufsen Sound

Genesis G90 Bang & Olufsen Audio: Is an Upgrade Necessary?

The Genesis G90 is renowned for its luxurious interior and premium features, including the optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. However, many owners find that the stock audio system doesn't quite meet their expectations for rich, detailed sound. This often stems from the inherent limitations of factory speakers and untuned audio setups. In this case, a previous owner of a Genesis G90, who was already satisfied with PHASS speakers and a Musway DSP amplifier in their prior vehicle, decided to transfer these components to their new G90 to achieve a superior auditory experience.

PHASS Speaker Replacement: Clarity from Bass to Treble

The upgrade involved installing PHASS 170 2-way speakers. The process begins with carefully removing the door panels to access and replace the factory mid-woofer speakers. To ensure longevity and prevent warping, custom birch wood adapters are used, and a baffle foam is applied for a more secure installation. The mid-woofers are responsible for delivering deep, resonant bass, while the tweeters, which handle crisp, clear highs, are positioned on the upper corners of the G90's dashboard. Replacing these tweeters presents a unique challenge due to the G90's design, which requires them to be mounted in their original locations without external chambers, demanding meticulous work and significant time.

Installation Process:

1. Carefully remove dashboard trim pieces to access the factory tweeter locations.
2. Remove the stock tweeters and prepare the mounting area for the new PHASS tweeters.
3. Install the PHASS tweeters, ensuring a secure fit and proper alignment.
4. Remove door panels to access and replace the factory mid-woofer speakers with PHASS 170 2-way units.
5. Install custom birch wood adapters and apply baffle foam for optimal speaker mounting.
6. Connect the new speakers, ensuring all wiring is properly insulated and secured with sound-dampening material to prevent rattles.

The replacement of dashboard components, especially in a 4-seater G90 with its specific rear center console structure, requires extreme caution. Unlike simpler installations, accessing the G90's tweeters necessitates dashboard disassembly, making this a particularly intricate part of the tuning process. After removing the original speakers, the new PHASS speakers are mounted. The wiring for the upgraded speakers is meticulously treated with sound-absorbing material to eliminate any potential for buzzing or rattling noises from minor vibrations.

Musway DSP Amplifier: Craft Your Perfect Sound Profile

Once the speaker replacement is complete, the next step is installing the Musway DSP amplifier. This unit not only boosts the system's power output but also allows for precise sound tuning. It connects directly to the factory amplifier using a 1:1 connector, simplifying the integration process. While the connection is straightforward thanks to vehicle-specific connectors, achieving the optimal sound settings requires careful consideration of various factors, including the vehicle's acoustics, seat positions, and the specific characteristics of the newly installed speakers. The audio tuning for the Genesis G90 Bang & Olufsen option is finalized through this detailed DSP adjustment process, ensuring a personalized and superior listening experience.