My Burmester stereo sounds awful
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 99
Likes: 22
From: New York
2020 GLE450 polar white AMG pkg.
Many thanks to the contributors on this board, I have completely revamped the settings on my Burmeister, and the sound quality has greatly improved. The biggest factor was turning off the Intense Surround Sound! For me, it amplifies artificial presence and distorts the sound quality. For too long I just accepted the bad quality and didn't take the initiative to experiment with the settings. Yet another reason to keep active with this forum.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
GLS 450
I have a GLS 2022. The burmester system in my car is as others said simply awful. I love listening to music in the car and tried everything including different steaming services. Horrible. I did try to download some songs on a zipdrive and definitely sounded better. Brought the sound to the level of a fair to moderate sound only. My old 2016 GLS radio sounded amazing. Wish I had that one again
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2023
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From: Occupied Palestine
2025 Maserati Grecale Folgore and 2024 Jaguar F-PACE SVR
I guess it's all relative.. and m = E/c2. Compared to the audio system in my Jaguar the Mercedes doesn't sound so bad all of a sudden.
Member
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 169
Likes: 29
2022 GLE 450
out of all of the other luxury car brand "premium" sound systems, this one is way better. I'm an audiophile, guitarist with expensive amps...an absolute nerd with audio.
I didn't splurge for the expensive audio upgrade option and I can't even imagine how much nicer it would be but I have no complaints for the burmeister compared to the atrocious quality from other "luxury" brands.
I didn't splurge for the expensive audio upgrade option and I can't even imagine how much nicer it would be but I have no complaints for the burmeister compared to the atrocious quality from other "luxury" brands.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 556
Likes: 197
From: NJ
2022 GLE 450
out of all of the other luxury car brand "premium" sound systems, this one is way better. I'm an audiophile, guitarist with expensive amps...an absolute nerd with audio.
I didn't splurge for the expensive audio upgrade option and I can't even imagine how much nicer it would be but I have no complaints for the burmeister compared to the atrocious quality from other "luxury" brands.
I didn't splurge for the expensive audio upgrade option and I can't even imagine how much nicer it would be but I have no complaints for the burmeister compared to the atrocious quality from other "luxury" brands.
I had a 2011 Lincoln, basically a Ford, that put this system to shame. I am embarassed while driving with others in my car. I always get asked the same question - "Why doesn't any music come out of the door speakers?" Most of the sound comes from the dashboard, unless I'm streaming music; then, I will occassionaly hear sound coming from door speakers. Most of the time, it sounds like I am listening to music on an AM station - horrible!!! Wasted my money on the upgrade.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
WOW!!!!
I had a 2011 Lincoln, basically a Ford, that put this system to shame. I am embarassed while driving with others in my car. I always get asked the same question - "Why doesn't any music come out of the door speakers?" Most of the sound comes from the dashboard, unless I'm streaming music; then, I will occassionaly hear sound coming from door speakers. Most of the time, it sounds like I am listening to music on an AM station - horrible!!! Wasted my money on the upgrade.
I had a 2011 Lincoln, basically a Ford, that put this system to shame. I am embarassed while driving with others in my car. I always get asked the same question - "Why doesn't any music come out of the door speakers?" Most of the sound comes from the dashboard, unless I'm streaming music; then, I will occassionaly hear sound coming from door speakers. Most of the time, it sounds like I am listening to music on an AM station - horrible!!! Wasted my money on the upgrade.
Either the equalizer settings are wrong, or the system's broken, or both.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 290
Likes: 85
W167 2021 GLE63S, W223 2022 S580
We have a Ford F350 King Ranch with the factory Sony audio system and to me it sounds better than the expensive optional Burmester "3D" in our 2021 GLE 63S. Definitely the subwoofer is much more pronounced and adjustable. The Sony doesn't have 3D or surround "effects" but it is quite impressive and it was the "standard" with the trim level of the truck.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 556
Likes: 197
From: NJ
2022 GLE 450
. Would love to see settings that work well so perhaps I could try them. Maybe I need to get hearing aids - LOL
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
GLS 450
I tried everything and Mercedes blames the bad quality on streaming . Tried the different stream and USB/c port . Sounds like Am radio
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Sirius is much worse than AM. Unless you pay for their premium sound, Pandora and Tidal are also low quality sound.
Most ripped files are low bitrate compressed sound as well (MP3 or ?), so a high quality system is wasted on bad source material. Try a FLAC source.
Still, I wonder if the posters have adjusted their Equalizer settings.
I stand by my earlier statement that it's either EQ settings, or something's broken.
'No sound' from the door speakers is not "as designed."
Most ripped files are low bitrate compressed sound as well (MP3 or ?), so a high quality system is wasted on bad source material. Try a FLAC source.
Still, I wonder if the posters have adjusted their Equalizer settings.
I stand by my earlier statement that it's either EQ settings, or something's broken.
'No sound' from the door speakers is not "as designed."
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 750
Likes: 225
From: Sweden
2023 EQE SUV 500 4Matic
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 47
Likes: 11
GLE 450
Worst system ever
Virtually no sounds coming out of door speakers....its all from the dashboard speaker. Dealer says normal. 3rd party audio store says sound is a joke but to improve it would cost thousands due to system integration configuration.
Virtually no sounds coming out of door speakers....its all from the dashboard speaker. Dealer says normal. 3rd party audio store says sound is a joke but to improve it would cost thousands due to system integration configuration.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 750
Likes: 225
From: Sweden
2023 EQE SUV 500 4Matic
I find it difficult to follow "Burmester Sound System" discussions on various threads because people often don't state which car they have and/or which Burmester system they have. Mercedes Marketing certainly doesn't add much transparency either. Hmmm. How to compare apples to apples...
Googling, I found this rather amazing thread that explains which Burmester options are offered for each current MB model and what the Burmester upgrade options are. Quite informative!
https://theweeklyautos.com/the-merce...tem-explained/
Googling, I found this rather amazing thread that explains which Burmester options are offered for each current MB model and what the Burmester upgrade options are. Quite informative!
https://theweeklyautos.com/the-merce...tem-explained/
Last edited by ScottC2; Jan 9, 2024 at 03:59 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 360
Likes: 171
From: MA
MY2024 GLE 450
I find it difficult to follow "Burmester Sound System" discussions on various threads because people often don't state which system they have and/or which Burmester system they have. Mercedes Marketing certainly doesn't add much transparency either. Hmmm. How to compare apples to apples...
Googling, I found this rather amazing thread that explains which Burmester options are offered for each current MB model and what the Burmester upgrade options are. Quite informative!
https://theweeklyautos.com/the-merce...tem-explained/
Googling, I found this rather amazing thread that explains which Burmester options are offered for each current MB model and what the Burmester upgrade options are. Quite informative!
https://theweeklyautos.com/the-merce...tem-explained/
The information from that article doesn't appear to be super accurate. For instance, in gle 2024, you can create your music profile, you can also switch the targeting from "all" seats to front or rear on a regular" non 3d system etc. From 2024, regular Burmester also has Dolby Atmos.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Haven’t seen much talk on this thread about source. In rennlist there is alot of complaining about the optional Bose system when the problem is low quality sources, for example streaming and XM/Sirius. I canceled Sirius after 13 years of being a customer because the sound quality had gotten to unlistenably bad quality levels.
Using higher quality input means you get higher quality output. Hardware (speaker, amp) is generally pretty good on luxury cars. The user needs to feed the hardware with good data, not low quality stuff. Bluetooth degrades quality vs a wired connection.
Another big factor is the “enhancements” in the audio control menus. Switch most of that crap off because it further degrades what might already be low quality sound files.
Summary, use high quality sources (eg wired connection and Tidal hifi or better) and turn off most of the enhancements in the audio menus. Then zero out tone, balance and fade, and make small adjustments from there. You will be amazed.
Using higher quality input means you get higher quality output. Hardware (speaker, amp) is generally pretty good on luxury cars. The user needs to feed the hardware with good data, not low quality stuff. Bluetooth degrades quality vs a wired connection.
Another big factor is the “enhancements” in the audio control menus. Switch most of that crap off because it further degrades what might already be low quality sound files.
Summary, use high quality sources (eg wired connection and Tidal hifi or better) and turn off most of the enhancements in the audio menus. Then zero out tone, balance and fade, and make small adjustments from there. You will be amazed.
Last edited by chassis; Jan 9, 2024 at 12:59 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 556
Likes: 197
From: NJ
2022 GLE 450
Haven’t seen much talk on this thread about source. In rennlist there is alot of complaining about the optional Bose system when the problem is low quality sources, for example streaming and XM/Sirius. I canceled Sirius after 13 years of being a customer because the sound quality had gotten to unlistenably bad quality levels.
Using higher quality input means you get higher quality output. Hardware (speaker, amp) is generally pretty good on luxury cars. The user needs to feed the hardware with good data, not low quality stuff. Bluetooth degrades quality vs a wired connection.
Another big factor is the “enhancements” in the audio control menus. Switch most of that crap off because it further degrades what might already be low quality sound files.
Summary, use high quality sources (eg wired connection and Tidal hifi or better) and turn off most of the enhancements in the audio menus. Then zero out tone, balance and fade, and make small adjustments from there. You will be amazed.
Using higher quality input means you get higher quality output. Hardware (speaker, amp) is generally pretty good on luxury cars. The user needs to feed the hardware with good data, not low quality stuff. Bluetooth degrades quality vs a wired connection.
Another big factor is the “enhancements” in the audio control menus. Switch most of that crap off because it further degrades what might already be low quality sound files.
Summary, use high quality sources (eg wired connection and Tidal hifi or better) and turn off most of the enhancements in the audio menus. Then zero out tone, balance and fade, and make small adjustments from there. You will be amazed.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
1. use a high quality sound file (FLAC on USB, Tidal hifi, Apple Music hi-res lossless or better). Sound files need to be downloaded/resident on your device (phone, iPod, etc.). Do not stream. Bad sound files ruin the listening experience, no matter how good the speakers, amp and room/chamber are.
2. use a USB cable connection, do not use Bluetooth
3. zero settings for equalizer: treble, mid, bass
4. zero settings for balance and fader
5. Burmester "Pure" setting. See 2:00 on this video:
6. CarPlay vs native MBUX makes a difference. I haven't dissected this one but without a doubt the sound is different. Follow steps 1-5 and then you can decide if CarPlay or MBUX is better. I use CarPlay in the Cayenne with Tidal hifi downloaded sound files, iPhone and USB connection. I do not consider using the PCM (Porsche analogy for MBUX) for music because it means I need to flip back and forth between PCM and CarPlay which is a frustrating, laggy waste of time.
Make small adjustments from there. Listen for a while (a few days) until you adapt to the sound. Make small adjustments and wait a couple of days.
Most people adjust modern car audio system and car HVAC systems as if they were driving a 1983 Crown Victoria. Audio hardware is light years better than it was, so give it a chance by setting it and forgetting it.
Last edited by chassis; Jan 9, 2024 at 09:31 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 784
Likes: 403
From: SWFL
2024 GLE 450, 2009 SLK 300
Have you turned on the surround mode? If I put mine in the “pure” mode, I get most sound out of the dash speakers. The surround mode brings out the door speakers and subwoofer.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Alternatively, use "Pure" mode and use balance and fader in small amounts to find the right mix of speakers.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 5
Likes: 2
GLS 450
The pure sound is definitely better than surround so the distorted tones are not brought out as much, but still there. I love surround sound just best not to use on this system . Tried every equalizer setting and USB/c port definitely helps somewhat over wireless . My 2016 logic 7 MB system amazing . Burmester in MB 2022 GLS for a $100,000 SUV inferior quality . Have
a wrangler with Alpine and blows the burmestet away and “clear” quality . I am an audiophile /musician. MB should step up and figure out how to deal with this including offering switching out the radios to keep customers satisfied . I agree streaming major issue but still inferior sound system
a wrangler with Alpine and blows the burmestet away and “clear” quality . I am an audiophile /musician. MB should step up and figure out how to deal with this including offering switching out the radios to keep customers satisfied . I agree streaming major issue but still inferior sound system
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
The pure sound is definitely better than surround so the distorted tones are not brought out as much, but still there. I love surround sound just best not to use on this system . Tried every equalizer setting and USB/c port definitely helps somewhat over wireless . My 2016 logic 7 MB system amazing . Burmester in MB 2022 GLS for a $100,000 SUV inferior quality . Have
a wrangler with Alpine and blows the burmestet away and “clear” quality . I am an audiophile /musician. MB should step up and figure out how to deal with this including offering switching out the radios to keep customers satisfied . I agree streaming major issue but still inferior sound system
a wrangler with Alpine and blows the burmestet away and “clear” quality . I am an audiophile /musician. MB should step up and figure out how to deal with this including offering switching out the radios to keep customers satisfied . I agree streaming major issue but still inferior sound system
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
The pure sound is definitely better than surround so the distorted tones are not brought out as much, but still there. I love surround sound just best not to use on this system . Tried every equalizer setting and USB/c port definitely helps somewhat over wireless . My 2016 logic 7 MB system amazing . Burmester in MB 2022 GLS for a $100,000 SUV inferior quality . Have
a wrangler with Alpine and blows the burmestet away and “clear” quality . I am an audiophile /musician. MB should step up and figure out how to deal with this including offering switching out the radios to keep customers satisfied . I agree streaming major issue but still inferior sound system
a wrangler with Alpine and blows the burmestet away and “clear” quality . I am an audiophile /musician. MB should step up and figure out how to deal with this including offering switching out the radios to keep customers satisfied . I agree streaming major issue but still inferior sound system
Any manufacture's base system is substandard, especially for an audiophile.
You wouldn't spend $800 on a home system and expect it to sound OK, would you?
Spend the 5K on a real system, or just "make do." The Bose system in Porsches is lame, too. So is the Alpine system in Stellantis cars as well. I'd like to hear their Macintosh system, though.
The Time Alignment on the 3D Burmester is ear-opening.
