Bermester low end drops out when turning up volume.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 138
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From: LA California
2003 CL55 AMG 2019 C300 Coupe 2017 AMG GTS 2020 A 220
Bermester low end drops out when turning up volume.
Has anyone had an issue with the Burmester sound low end dropping out when you turn up the volume? If I play it at a average volume it sounds amazing but as I turn it up to about 70% or more the low end cuts out, but what's strange is that it is not the amp going into protection, it changes every few turns of the knob, a few ticks higher it comes back, a few more ticks it drops out.
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Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
My guess is that the system is designed to compensate for the human ear's frequency response, which changes with the volume of the sound. Way back in time (see the 1933 paper published by Fletcher and Munson), engineers found that the human ear heard all sound frequencies at the same relative loudness, as long as the sounds were above a certain volume level. Below that reference level, the ear's sensitivity to high tones and low tones was reduced. So, they devised an equalization curve that could be built into audio equipment, that increased the relative volume of high and low-pitched tones when system volume was below a pre-determined volume level. As sound level approached that reference volume level, the circuit reduced the boost effect, until total volume reached or passed that reference level, where all frequency-based volume compensation was removed.
The net result of this circuit being included in the modern systems is that both bass and treble tones are "boosted" to be louder when total system volume is below a reference point. Once that reference volume point is reached, all artificial "boost" is gone, so the sound reverts to "flat" response, as recorded.
For us mere mortals, there is no way to defeat this volume compensation. The only thing we can do is add outboard "black boxes" that allow user-selected equalization, often along with additional power amplifiers. All of this gets quite expensive, and may raise warranty questions if you're still in warranty.
The net result of this circuit being included in the modern systems is that both bass and treble tones are "boosted" to be louder when total system volume is below a reference point. Once that reference volume point is reached, all artificial "boost" is gone, so the sound reverts to "flat" response, as recorded.
For us mere mortals, there is no way to defeat this volume compensation. The only thing we can do is add outboard "black boxes" that allow user-selected equalization, often along with additional power amplifiers. All of this gets quite expensive, and may raise warranty questions if you're still in warranty.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 40
From: LA California
2003 CL55 AMG 2019 C300 Coupe 2017 AMG GTS 2020 A 220
Thanks for that response but this is a different issue, because it is intermittent, Full blast gives bass, a few ticks lower does not then a tick lower bass again.
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Joined: Dec 2014
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2014 S550, 2019 GTC Coupe
It’s most likely that you’re hitting the power limit on the bass amp. It won’t let the amp clip to protect the speakers. At low to mid volume levels there is enough power to drive the woofer but as you get louder you are hitting the power limit and it will not get louder but the kids and highs that are not hitting the power limit do get louder. The impression would be that the bass is being turned down but it actually is just not getting louder. Try dialing the bass back a couple clicks and it will let you turn it up without hitting the power limit as soon.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 138
Likes: 40
From: LA California
2003 CL55 AMG 2019 C300 Coupe 2017 AMG GTS 2020 A 220
Still not the issue, even at low volume the low end cuts out, I think I got a dirty dial, need to clean it and check, I also found a cheap upgrade to the sound woes of the Burmester, I use a free app called Power Amp, and play everything through my phone bluethooth through that app, it has full band EQ and power boost.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 319
Likes: 52
2014 S550, 2019 GTC Coupe
I had a issue with the wiring to the sub run improperly from the factory and getting worn through causing the sub to cut out initially and then loud howling! You might also have bad wiring. They spliced the sub wiring and ran it properly and it’s been good since then.
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Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Irvine, California
2022 AMG SL63
I've had completely the opposite experience. Had the regular in my first GTS and now two years in with my GTC, the high end Burmester is fantastic!
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
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From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
I've now had (only) 3 MB autos, over an almost 30 year time span, and I have never been really satisfied with the sound systems. First MB had a Becker Mexico radio. Just so/so. Now have one with Audio-20, one with Harmon-Kardon. Still just so/so.
I remember asking the dealer, when I bought the initial MB car, whether there was an extra cost option to improve the sound system. I was very sternly told. . . "Sir! Our customers do not purchase these automobiles to listen to the radio!"
I remember asking the dealer, when I bought the initial MB car, whether there was an extra cost option to improve the sound system. I was very sternly told. . . "Sir! Our customers do not purchase these automobiles to listen to the radio!"
