Audio system comments
 

I have just a few observations / comments on the audio system.

Overall, I am quite pleased with the sound. When I first got the car, I adjusted the tone controls (I have trouble calling bass, mid, and treble controls an equalizer) using lossless music on my iPod. Initially I found the bass to be much too boosted. I ended up with a -4 setting for bass. Based on my listening, the bass and treble did not need adjustment.

Also initially, the treble had a bit of harsh edge. The level was well balanced, but it sounded a bit "gritty." I experienced this as accelerated "listener fatigue." That is, after about an hour, I felt like my ears needed a break before continuing to listen to the system.

After a few weeks, I believe the sound improved. It could simply be that I "got used to it." However, I do believe that the system needed some burn-in time.

In any case, the treble harsh edge is no longer there and I can comfortably listen for extended periods.

Also, the bass has definitely calmed down. After a recent careful listen, I determined that the bass now needs only a -2 to be at the correct level.

I don't know if the system will continue to burn-in. However, it sounds very good at this point. I will check the bass again in a month or two, just to be sure.

My advice to all new owners is to be a bit patient. Wait a few weeks before making any judgments about the audio system.

I agree with you, at first I also felt that it was uncomfortable listening to the system for extended periods of time simply due to the harsh highs, but I do feel like the speakers have been broken in. I felt that the bass was lacking, yes it was loud but it didn't hit some of those low notes like a proper bass should. In the end I wired up a 10" jl in a sealed box and put it in the trunk. I have to say it sounds pretty awesome now haha. The front bass system was a pita to get too, I had to take out the floor liner just to tap the leads. When I finally got to it, it looked fairly weak/lacking but what can u expect from the stock system.. anyways highly recommend putting a sub in the back, really adds a level of depth to this system that should have been there from the start.

Burmester is best left at zero. I was told that when I went to a training event. However, I have all of mine at +3.

Try setting the audio system to feed only the front seats and no rear. There's better sound that way. You might also want to try setting the fader/balance so that it's biased slightly toward the driver's seat and just above the center of the car.

Your taste may vary, but this is how I tuned my last car stereo with time alignment and it sounded great.

Turn the rear speakers back on for passengers only (if you care).


Everyone's ears are different.