Gary_D

Have you guys done any audio upgrades to your GLS? I have the standard Burmester system, and I would like more punch from the bass.

I'm thinking of adding the MATCH UP W8MB-S4 plug and play replacements footwell subwoofers. I don't want to give up any cargo space with a sub box in the rear.

c4004matic

The 3d burmester uncudes an additional sub. There isn't anywhere to put more hardware unless you put a box in the rear. BTW not enough bass? Are you a rap mogul or something? 🤣

wolds

I'm not a rap mogul but I wish people would grow up, the world is changing. Sometimes I wish the system had more peak punch, so I hear where you're coming from. I'm not motivated enough to try to do anything about it though.

misterkye

and are you our mom? My gls could def use a lil extra umff to it

@Merc

Just took the delivery of a 2022 GLS450 with the base Burmester. This vehicle is a replacement of a 2017 GLS 450 with HK, and boy what a disappointment …!
I am in Toronto Canada and the 3D Burmester is a CAD 7k option (GLS base price is CAD 106k here).
I am talking to a local car audio shop about what they can do with this). I am no audiophile but this system lacks bass and depth, I find my favourite music to be noise….
Has anybody installed a rear sub or an upgrade from sub without compromising the spare wheel and boot space

c4004matic

If you want extra boom you can always place a sub in the rear hidden compartment even an extra amp will fit there. How to hook it up to the main audio is a mystery since the bass is all routed to the front bass system. There are no full range seakers you can tap into anywhere. If you ask me a complete fools errand. It can be done, but why? The EQS audio system is one of the best in the market but its meant for music, not rattling windows.

@Merc

I don’t necessarily need extra boom, but I just don’t feel the sound to be rich like the HK in the older model or similar systems in my other vehicles. A deep bass is one of the sound elements I find missing based on my limited knowledge of sound attributes. Even my station duty, Honda Civic Touring and the Bose in my 992 sounds much better. My 11 year old Infiniti G37 Bose system sounds better than all of them…

c4004matic

I know some mighty good audiologists I could refer you to, but Im pretty sure your tin ear is congenital
🤣🤣🤣🤣

@Merc

Love the full time forum members like you who have no value add but love to talk…

c4004matic

When you tout Bose and Civic as examples of audio excellence you instantly lose all credibility. In audio circles the saying goes as follows " No highs no lows must be Bose". Honda stereos are notoriously and legendarily bad except for Acura's ELS which are considered "mid fi". Maybe what you don't like about the EQS radio is all those audio notes you never heard before on your favorite music or, your radio is broken....

@Merc

I am not here to prove my credibility. Why are you so bitter….? I understand good parenting is not something everybody gets. The next best thing is a good book on manners and etiquette. Somethings sound better than the others to me. What’s your problem with it… btw, have you experienced a Burmester base system in a x167 GLS. I bet you haven’t….

c4004matic

Just poking fun at what is a completely ludicrous statement.

thisguysucks

Picked up my 2022 GLS 450 with standard Burmeister…….disappointed to say the least. Moving from a 2019 E with Burmeister system. That system had a sub in the spare tire well. Was sufficient for my needs.

I’m pretty embarrassed by the sound in this car. I’d rather a decent Bluetooth speaker TBH.

Any suggestions are appreciated!!!!
Most likely going to have a custom setup done. But at what cost?!?!

Thanks everyone!

@Merc

I did take a quote from a local shop in Toronto. There quote is as below. It is in CAD and sales tax here is 13%. At this point I may order another gls with premium sound… for cad 6500. In current circumstances I expect to trade mine in without loosing any money
”
I have 2 options for your GLS:

Option 1.

This will cost $4600 installed. You get a 10channel DSP/Amplifier, we will replace the driver and passenger footwell subwoofers with 8” subwoofers that are specifically designed for Mercedes. All wiring, factory harnesses and a full tune. We will be using optical module for the signal for pure audio this is the cleanest type of signal available!
This will sound clean, clear, bass will be a lot more noticeable and the staging will be great!

Option 2.

This will cost $3800 installed. You get a 10 channel DSP/Amplifier, we will replace the driver and passenger footwell subwoofers with 8” subwoofers that are specifically designed for Mercedes. All wiring, factory harnesses and a full tune. The audio signal going in will be analog, this will sound clean, clear, bass will be a lot more noticeable and staging will be great!

Option 1 will sound superior than the option 2 only because of the optical module. The optical module will allow superior high quality through the module.

Installation will take a full day to complete.
Taxes are extra.

Option 1

Subtotal $4600
Hst $598
Grand Total $5198

Option 2

Subtotal $3600
Hst $468
Grand Total $4068
“

xxnite2632

Thank you for doing the research. I too am looking to add some extra to the bottom-end of my 2016 S550 Coupe (C217). I'm use-to being able to easily tap into some speaker leads, run a converter to an amp, and "BOOM" for lack of a better adjective.
Did they explain if the Burmeister systems leads are optical or analog? There's an amp at each quarter-panel bass speaker, right?

-Matt-

neetorama

Where is the rear hidden compartment?

c4004matic

Where the spare resides.

dtximages

Reviving this.. I have a 2017 GLS and very disappointed with the sound. It's way too boomy/bassy/bloated in the upper bass range. I am a bit of an audiophile (mainly for home) and I've had cars with much better audio (BMW). I figured surely someone had a better option of replacing some components as opposed to a $6k system overhaul with little guaratee that it will sound better.

Car audio is a different animal because really none of it sounds "good" because it's in a car and your speaker is in a freakin door.. BUT, I have been MUCH happier with many other systems. My B&O system in my 2021 Audi is probably the worst I've ever heard. It's nauseating. B&O in my Expedition is much better and on par for a nice Ford but nothing special. For me, the best I've heard is some Mark Levinson in Lexus (they're not all implemented equally!) and my old BMW with Harman Kardon. It was sublime straight from the factory.

EWL5

You should be checking the X166 thread since you don't have Burmester, right?

Have you tried adjusting the equalizer settings? It's possible it was set to prior owner's taste (if you bought used of course).

dtximages

My EQ only has Bass, Midrange, and Treble so it doesn't offer much control. As a general rule, these should be tinkered with very little. I always start at totally flat, then add a db or two here or there. EQ is like putting on makeup. It CAN look better if done properly, but in a premium car with premium audio, it should be beautiful without much EQ correction if any.