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Ok. But I'm still curious on @wangbar's settings. Based on the photo, the rear seats are "white" but the front seats are highlighted in "blue".
He has the sound stage focused on the rear seats. The blue is indicating he can touch to focus the sound stage on the front seats. He can also select the focus on all seats to the left. Personally, I like the sound stage focused on all seats.
He has the sound stage focused on the rear seats. The blue is indicating he can touch to focus the sound stage on the front seats. He can also select the focus on all seats to the left. Personally, I like the sound stage focused on all seats.
I see. Thanks!
I just wanted to start fine tuning mine as well by starting with his settings. I am assuming these settings are not for XM radio, correct? Would these be ok for Pandora/Spotify streaming?
I just wanted to start fine tuning mine as well by starting with his settings. I am assuming these settings are not for XM radio, correct? Would these be ok for Pandora/Spotify streaming?
The system has individual setting for each source, so recommend you set all sources, just make sure you're using your profile. XM has a low bitrate, and has sound poor quality -- the problem is the source, so you'll need to tweak the settings as best you can. Spotify premium on the other hand, set to the highest bitrate, sounds excellent, you can hear the surround much better. So the sound stage settings for each source will need to be tweaked individually...what sounds best to you.
The system has individual setting for each source, so recommend you set all sources, just make sure you're using your profile. XM has a low bitrate, and has sound poor quality -- the problem is the source, so you'll need to tweak the settings as best you can. Spotify premium on the other hand, set to the highest bitrate, sounds excellent, you can hear the surround much better. So the sound stage settings for each source will need to be tweaked individually...what sounds best to you.
Not sure each source has its own setting. I set the EQ for the USB and checked the radio EQ and they're the same.
This system sounds so bad. My wife's minivan sounds better than this by a long shot.
I took my car to ABT Electronics in hopes of simply replacing the system, but unfortunately the cost was prohibitive ($15K).
He told me he has had others come in w same vehicle/sound system complaining of poor sound quality.
What is so odd is my ML350 2015 Harmon Kardon sound system was absolutely incredible.
Three months ago I got some kind of over the air update and the Burmaster sounds a lot better now, especially when using Bluetooth. I’ve noticed I’ve got a lot more surround than before. Here are my settings if you want to give it a try.
…and here are 2 excellent live songs
to test it out— you are free to agree or disagree.
Hey, @TexAg91 ! Does the update show in Mercedes me Connect app.? I would love to know how to get the update.
I got a comm module update that pushed in December, that’s when I noticed the Blue tooth sounds better. Was it coincidence, not sure? After we returned from Disneyworld in Oct, the dealer did some warranty work and also installed some software updates…that may have affected it too.
I got a comm module update that pushed in December, that’s when I noticed the Blue tooth sounds better. Was it coincidence, not sure? After we returned from Disneyworld in Oct, the dealer did some warranty work and also installed some software updates…that may have affected it too.
Thank you. Mine doesn't show that; just the map updates. I'll check with dealer next time I am there.
Been written about in many threads, but I thought I would add on my 2 cent s as well.... My system now sounds great.
I had seen many threads about the lackluster, muddy system in the GLEs (or at the least the non-3D ones), and I stumbled on to other threads as well, about puting in the powered Cerwin Vega spare tire subwoofer (it fits perfectly - the JBL, close competitor, does not fit). The difference in sound is amazing and it truly exceeding my expectations. It is night and day! Was able to dial back the bass going to all the other speakers so that they now are much clearer and louder. I cannot believe Mercedes does not sell such a simple solution - Imagine what they could charge for it, and this thing sells for $339.00.
Same here, I have a 2017 E Class and the Burmester system sounds amazing. I just bought a 2021 GLE 350 and assumed it would be the same, but it sounds terrible. I've also played with all the settings to no avail, and as someone else mentioned, the vibration under my left foot is about to drive me crazy. Bought it in another state and drove 9 hours back home with it yesterday, got out of the vehicle with a headache from listening to it. Actually thinking of getting rid of the GLE because it's so bad. I still have the E300 and I wanted to hug it when I got home. I wish I'd read this post before. Very unhappy.
I adjusted my settings to the ones above, with sound focus on the rear seats. Sounds a tad better. But still poor. Disappointed. Seems like all my updates are "up to date". Not due for service for quite some time, will approach dealer and ask if the specific update for the audio system can be done. Sigh.
I am coming into the GLE from a 2013 Infiniti EX37 with a Bose system. That system sound amazing. All the way up to volume at Max it is crisp, bass pounds very cleanly. Even the Harmon Kardon 7 speaker system in my parents 08 W164 sounds 10x better than the GLEs' Burmester .
Really curious as to what happened here in the design process.
In my younger days I thought heavy bass was cool. I liked the way the seats would thump, as it gave the false impression of a high-powered system. The Burmeister sounds downright annoying even at low volumes, even after adjusting all the settings. I have the factory system in my Model S Tesla and it's simply amazing; puts the MB to shame. I've just accepted the fact that it's inferior to even low-end units... but would gladly accept a reliable SUV such as the GLE with a defective sound system, rather than the other way around.
I don't know about older models, but my 2024 sounds pretty good. I've found that crap in equals crap out. If you want the best sound, forget Sirius XM (low bitrates and compression) or bluetooth. Use a usb connection to your iPhone and try the Dolby Atmos/spatial audio (if your system supports it). You might be surprised at the sound quality.
I don't know about older models, but my 2024 sounds pretty good. I've found that crap in equals crap out. If you want the best sound, forget Sirius XM (low bitrates and compression) or bluetooth. Use a usb connection to your iPhone and try the Dolby Atmos/spatial audio (if your system supports it). You might be surprised at the sound quality.
Dolby Atmos was just added right? The system is still 13 speakers and 590 watts. Any ideas if they changed the DSP?
I find the Burmester Surround Sound system to be quite nice. It depends on the source you are using.
To me, any music coming from a satellite or streaming from the internet is poor.
I think the best fidelity comes from a USB stick.
2025 Maserati Grecale Folgore and 2024 Jaguar F-PACE SVR
Originally Posted by nismodrifter
I adjusted my settings to the ones above, with sound focus on the rear seats. Sounds a tad better.
My EQE 500 SUV in Pinnacle sounds VASTLY better with sound focus to rear... more treble up front and more bass to the back. Since subwoofer is in front that setting seems to balance everything out nicely. Was really not happy with it before. Think that should probably be the default in these cars.
I have the 25 speaker Burmester, so my opinion below is based on the test drive cars we drove before buying ours, and listened to music on the 13 speaker system for a grand total of 45 mins. So, take this for what it is worth :-)
Agree a lot depends on the source - in fact, internet or not, as long as you have lossless/minimally compressed audio, the system sounds perfectly adequate. We listened to lossless Apple music tracks and even Sirius XM on the 13-spkr system and it was pretty good. Way better than stock BMW X3 audio; the two things I noticed was a lack of bass extension (since the footwells have those bass thingies and without a proper sub, it just doesn't cut it, especially when you have heavy bass guitar riffs, etc., ) and surround sound effect is a bit hollow. But of course, the 25 spkr thing is simply awesome.
I have the 25 speaker Burmester, so my opinion below is based on the test drive cars we drove before buying ours, and listened to music on the 13 speaker system for a grand total of 45 mins. So, take this for what it is worth :-)
Agree a lot depends on the source - in fact, internet or not, as long as you have lossless/minimally compressed audio, the system sounds perfectly adequate. We listened to lossless Apple music tracks and even Sirius XM on the 13-spkr system and it was pretty good. Way better than stock BMW X3 audio; the two things I noticed was a lack of bass extension (since the footwells have those bass thingies and without a proper sub, it just doesn't cut it, especially when you have heavy bass guitar riffs, etc., ) and surround sound effect is a bit hollow. But of course, the 25 spkr thing is simply awesome.
25 Speakers!!!!!! I feel so inadequate. Perhaps I can get Viagra for Burmester - LOL..
Seriously, passengers are constantly asking why there is no sound coming from the door speakers. I've purchased cars for a quarter of the price of my GLE450, and the sound from those cars blows away the Burmester; while the Burmester just blows. Wasn't worth the extra spend, IMO.
Last edited by TonyF61; Aug 31, 2023 at 07:47 AM.
Reason: type-o
2025 Maserati Grecale Folgore and 2024 Jaguar F-PACE SVR
Oh and pl4ease don't tell me to take it to the dealer. That might be OK for you gas Mercedes guys who have to get the engine oil drained and the trans fluid flushed and your diff grease changed but I bought an electric car so I wouldn't have to see the dealer but once every two years and I've already been there for a rattle in my passenger seat headrest. If I have to go to the dealer again it'll be a Porsche dealer.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
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