My Burmester stereo sounds awful
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 44
Likes: 11
From: Ontario, Canada
E63S Wagon
My Burmester stereo sounds awful
I have the "standard" Burmester stereo in my GLE 450 and really don't like the sound of it ... it's so incredibly heavy on the bass.
I've cranked up the high and mid to +10, and I've put the bass to -3, and still there's too much bass and not enough "detail" in the highs and mids.
Am I the only person who feels this way? Does anybody know if a firmware update might fix this?
I've cranked up the high and mid to +10, and I've put the bass to -3, and still there's too much bass and not enough "detail" in the highs and mids.
Am I the only person who feels this way? Does anybody know if a firmware update might fix this?
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 17
Likes: 8
From: Long Island, New York
2020 GLE 350
I 100% agree with that. The system does not sound like a high-end stereo. It's loaded with bass and sounds so linear. I had a base stereo in my GLS 450 that honestly sounded better. It is not a great system and I have sat in other cars with it and it sounds the same. On the flip-side, I have learned to live with it and otherwise the car has been great. I figure if a muddy stereo is the worst issue then it's not so bad. But if there is a fix, I would love to know.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 44
Likes: 11
From: Ontario, Canada
E63S Wagon
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
2020 GLE 350 w167
It's Bass Heavy, but not with real Bass. It's sort of overly muddy mid bass.
I've only got a few hundred miles on mine, but I'm already thinking through a solution.
I'm thinking that I am going to get a subwoofer amplifier with EQ. I know what what you're thinking, why amplify what's already too much....
If I get a sub amp that has a bunch of sub EQ, AND a remote level knob, I can dial in the amount of subwoofer level (different than the BASS + or - adjustment on the eq controls on settings of the radio) and adjust the EQ to tune the woofers properly.
Thinking I'll use this: http://www.wavtech-usa.com/linkq
With this Amp: https://www.rockfordfosgate.com/prod...ails/t500x1br/
Thoughts?
I've only got a few hundred miles on mine, but I'm already thinking through a solution.
I'm thinking that I am going to get a subwoofer amplifier with EQ. I know what what you're thinking, why amplify what's already too much....
If I get a sub amp that has a bunch of sub EQ, AND a remote level knob, I can dial in the amount of subwoofer level (different than the BASS + or - adjustment on the eq controls on settings of the radio) and adjust the EQ to tune the woofers properly.
Thinking I'll use this: http://www.wavtech-usa.com/linkq
With this Amp: https://www.rockfordfosgate.com/prod...ails/t500x1br/
Thoughts?
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Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 180
Likes: 17
From: New York
2025 e450
It's Bass Heavy, but not with real Bass. It's sort of overly muddy mid bass.
I've only got a few hundred miles on mine, but I'm already thinking through a solution.
I'm thinking that I am going to get a subwoofer amplifier with EQ. I know what what you're thinking, why amplify what's already too much....
If I get a sub amp that has a bunch of sub EQ, AND a remote level knob, I can dial in the amount of subwoofer level (different than the BASS + or - adjustment on the eq controls on settings of the radio) and adjust the EQ to tune the woofers properly.
Thinking I'll use this: http://www.wavtech-usa.com/linkq
With this Amp: https://www.rockfordfosgate.com/prod...ails/t500x1br/
Thoughts?
I've only got a few hundred miles on mine, but I'm already thinking through a solution.
I'm thinking that I am going to get a subwoofer amplifier with EQ. I know what what you're thinking, why amplify what's already too much....
If I get a sub amp that has a bunch of sub EQ, AND a remote level knob, I can dial in the amount of subwoofer level (different than the BASS + or - adjustment on the eq controls on settings of the radio) and adjust the EQ to tune the woofers properly.
Thinking I'll use this: http://www.wavtech-usa.com/linkq
With this Amp: https://www.rockfordfosgate.com/prod...ails/t500x1br/
Thoughts?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,398
Likes: 5,323
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
The Burmester system does seem to be bass heavy. It's something I noticed pretty much immediately and it bothered me. It's kinda funny coming from Audi with the B&O system where a lot of people complain that it lacks bass, so the additional bass was definitely a bit jarring. I've found, though, if I dial it back just a little bit, I think I have it at -1, it's just about right. Seems that even just one increment is a noticeably reduction in bass. But more than the bass, what made it sound terrible for me is if I have the Surround turned off. I don't remember if I turned it off, or it got turned off because of a software update during my last service, but the sounds was almost like Mono just coming from the center of the dash. Didn't really pay attention to it at first, but I eventually realized how terrible it sounded. Once I turned Surround back on, it was much better. To be honest, car stereo quality is something that is not very high on my list of priorities, which is probably why it took me a bit to realize that Surround was off. With all the noises in the car, particularly since mine is an AMG, the car interior isn't exactly a concert hall. Anything I'm listening to is often overshadowed by the engine and exhaust sound anyway 
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 444
Likes: 125
From: New England
2020 GLE 450 AMG exterior
I'm by no means an audiophile, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but I rather like the sound system. In fact, it was one of the factors that wowed my wife into buying it. It's far better than whatever we had in my Infiniti QX60 or the system in her Lexus RX. It also sounds better, to me, than the Bang&Olafson system in our F-150 which, as superswiss noted, really seems to lack bass, even after I pumped it up.
Maybe I just like a bass-heavy system, I dunno.
Maybe I just like a bass-heavy system, I dunno.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,757
Likes: 957
From: Atlanta
2022 Mercedes EQS 580
I 100% agree with that. The system does not sound like a high-end stereo. It's loaded with bass and sounds so linear. I had a base stereo in my GLS 450 that honestly sounded better. It is not a great system and I have sat in other cars with it and it sounds the same. On the flip-side, I have learned to live with it and otherwise the car has been great. I figure if a muddy stereo is the worst issue then it's not so bad. But if there is a fix, I would love to know.
If you listen to the Burmester High-End 3D system the difference is night and day. The version in my Porsche is sublime. It's hard to believe they are made by the same company.
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Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 664
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A
I have the mid-level upgrade and find the bass to be a bit too strong at low volume, and not strong enough at high volume (I would normally be listening at about 75% volume). My bass setting is turned all the way up.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 791
Likes: 412
From: Fredericksburg, VA
2020 Mercedes GLE350 4Matic; 2023 Tesla Model Y
I'm by no means an audiophile, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but I rather like the sound system. In fact, it was one of the factors that wowed my wife into buying it. It's far better than whatever we had in my Infiniti QX60 or the system in her Lexus RX. It also sounds better, to me, than the Bang&Olafson system in our F-150 which, as superswiss noted, really seems to lack bass, even after I pumped it up.
Maybe I just like a bass-heavy system, I dunno.
Maybe I just like a bass-heavy system, I dunno.
Last edited by TexAg91; Jul 17, 2020 at 10:48 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 775
Likes: 413
From: Pennsylvania
2024 GLE 450 4matic
That's because it is not a high end stereo. It's a premium stereo. It's better than the low-end stereos, but it is middle of the road - nothing more or less.
If you listen to the Burmester High-End 3D system the difference is night and day. The version in my Porsche is sublime. It's hard to believe they are made by the same company.
If you listen to the Burmester High-End 3D system the difference is night and day. The version in my Porsche is sublime. It's hard to believe they are made by the same company.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 641
Likes: 226
From: Charlotte, NC
2024 E450 AT Wagon, 2024 EQS450+ / Had: 2021 E350, 2019 E300, 2021 + 20 GLE350, 2019 E450 Wagon(s)
I find it ok, but not as good as the same system in my 2019 E Class. Lots of muddy mid-bass for the "thump" that some people like, but not a clean sound and mid / upper frequencies seem poorly differentiated.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 44
Likes: 11
From: Ontario, Canada
E63S Wagon
The low-end Burmester system (I'm calling it low-end because I think it sounds quite crappy given the cost of the car) you won't have those additional speakers. It should be pretty obvious which Burmester you've got.
Last edited by Spitfire63; Jul 18, 2020 at 08:46 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 791
Likes: 412
From: Fredericksburg, VA
2020 Mercedes GLE350 4Matic; 2023 Tesla Model Y
That's because it is not a high end stereo. It's a premium stereo. It's better than the low-end stereos, but it is middle of the road - nothing more or less.
If you listen to the Burmester High-End 3D system the difference is night and day. The version in my Porsche is sublime. It's hard to believe they are made by the same company.
If you listen to the Burmester High-End 3D system the difference is night and day. The version in my Porsche is sublime. It's hard to believe they are made by the same company.
Last edited by TexAg91; Jul 24, 2020 at 08:17 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 44
Likes: 11
From: Ontario, Canada
E63S Wagon
For $5400, in addition to the $1850 cost of the Burmester in the premium package, it better bring tears to your eyes. I’m sure it sounds awesome parked. However, at 75 mph with all the associated noise and vibration, does it sound $5400 better? Personally I’d rather spend the extra money on massage seats and driver assist, and I’m pleased with the premium sound system and the way I have it configured. That said, I've found that what does have an impact on sound quality is the bit rate of the music I'm playing. A higher bit rates = more dynamic sound; and I can tell the difference. That's one of the reason I don't like XM, and I don't like to stream music over bluetooth -- they have lower bit rates. I use Spotify premium, and save my favorites to my iPhone using the highest bit rate. I also connect used the USB port, I've found that makes a big difference!
Thanks for the tip about bit rates in Spotify ... I'd never noticed that setting before now but I am now experimenting with it thanks to you.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 775
Likes: 413
From: Pennsylvania
2024 GLE 450 4matic
If you've got the high-end Burmester system (which comes at quite a high price) you'll have speakers mounted up on the roof liner, and you'll have LED-illuminated tweeters in the A pillars.
The low-end Burmester system (I'm calling it low-end because I think it sounds quite crappy given the cost of the car) you won't have those additional speakers. It should be pretty obvious which Burmester you've got.
The low-end Burmester system (I'm calling it low-end because I think it sounds quite crappy given the cost of the car) you won't have those additional speakers. It should be pretty obvious which Burmester you've got.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 66
Likes: 21
GLE350/W167
My biggest issue isn’t the sound as much
My biggest issue isn’t the sound as much, I figured it is the high end system they want you to buy. My biggest issue lies with volume level. The very first volume notch it is too loud to be background music. They can’t fix it either. Today I have my 10k maintenance schedule and I will emphasize the issue with the volume and the transmission jerkiness. Just had a baby last week and my partner told me to stop playing with the gas pedal bcuz the baby’s head was flopping around, I was just driving normally. I hate the tranny In this vehicle
Banned
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 354
Likes: 122
2020 GLE 350
There must be something different between the builds on these vehicles with the same Burmester systems. After reading this thread, as I was waiting for my wife at the grocery store I took the time to play with my system to see if I could duplicate what some of the different posters had commented on. I have the "mid" level Burmester system. First I compared setting the system between "Pure" and "Surround Sound". I found the lower base levels to be pretty much the same. I did however, notice a much greater level of volume in the mid and high ranges coming from the door speakers in the "Pure" mode. The sound was not moving around as much in the "Pure" mode as in "Surround". I did NOT notice any thumping at my left foot from the sub. I can feel the sub in the vehicle but nothing at my left foot as one poster stated. Finally, I played with the volume control. I am able to adjust the volume from complete silence to maximum with a great degree of control all along the way. I am able to adjust it to a level where it is barely audible. As a caveat, I have to add that I was listening to The Blend on XM Radio while doing all of this.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 664
Likes: 141
A
There must be something different between the builds on these vehicles with the same Burmester systems. After reading this thread, as I was waiting for my wife at the grocery store I took the time to play with my system to see if I could duplicate what some of the different posters had commented on. I have the "mid" level Burmester system. First I compared setting the system between "Pure" and "Surround Sound". I found the lower base levels to be pretty much the same. I did however, notice a much greater level of volume in the mid and high ranges coming from the door speakers in the "Pure" mode. The sound was not moving around as much in the "Pure" mode as in "Surround". I did NOT notice any thumping at my left foot from the sub. I can feel the sub in the vehicle but nothing at my left foot as one poster stated. Finally, I played with the volume control. I am able to adjust the volume from complete silence to maximum with a great degree of control all along the way. I am able to adjust it to a level where it is barely audible. As a caveat, I have to add that I was listening to The Blend on XM Radio while doing all of this.
