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The Volvo S80, the maker's flagship sedan, has been on the market for quite some time. We think the vehicle itself is getting a little long in the tooth. On the other hand, its optional Dolby Pro Logic audio system is one great-sounding package. Pro Logic is Dolby Laboratories' trademark for a signal-processing scheme that takes two-channel sound and matrixes it into surround sound with dramatic yet natural-sounding effect.
Ergonomically, the unit in the S80 leaves a lot to be desired (try a simple task like changing a preset radio station). However, we're not judging car audio systems on their ergonomics here. We're judging solely on sound quality, and the Volvo's Dolby Pro Logic system definitely belongs in this group.
Some newer Volvos have been introduced with an optional Dolby Pro Logic II system, which takes advantage of Dolby Laboratories' latest research and development in the area of matrixed surround sound. However, the S80's solid and very quiet cabin offers some sonic advantages over the lesser Volvo models. Hence, it's the S80 that makes the grade here.