Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 20 of 20
  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,948

    Automotive Sound

    My new Mercedes has a Burmester sound system in it. I did not realize what a nice sound system was in the car when we ordered it. I did not know that Burmester Audiosystems even built auto sound systems.

    Upon research I see that Burmester builds sound systems for three companies; Bugatti, Porsche, and Mercedes Benz. I like that it can handle FLAC files up to 192 KHz (maybe higher, that is the highest I have tried). It plays them beautifully!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    928

    Automotive Sound

    Glad to hear you are enjoying your car audio!

    If it’s still the same, Porsche has 3 levels of sound system: base, Bose, and Burmester. I’ve read that the Bose and Burmester systems are nice. I can unequivocally say the base system is terrible.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Sean

    Lumin T2
    Gryphon Diablo 333
    Magico A3 w/ A-Pods
    AudioQuest Hurricane HC
    Shunyata PS8 & Defender & Cabling
    HRS E1

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,948

    Re: Automotive Sound

    I have not put the system thru its paces yet, but seems to be good so far!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2015
    Location
    Europe
    Posts
    240

    Re: Automotive Sound

    Love a good soundsystem in a car, the Mark Levinson system in my Lexus RC300 sounds great
    Moon 700i V2, YG Acoustics Hailey, Aurender N10, dCS Rossini, Oppo BDP103D (audiopraise board), Ansuz Mainz 8 D2

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,948

    Re: Automotive Sound

    Awesome!!! I remember the Levinson system in a Lexus we had. Nice sounding system for sure!

    The only thing I have to do now is get a thumb drive that is USB-C. I am using an adapter which works fine, however a straight USB-C (all ports in the car are USB-C) so that the thumb drive does not stick up so much; not so obtrusive would be nice. It does sound pretty good.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  6. #6
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    SE Pa
    Posts
    2,029

    Re: Automotive Sound

    Fond memories of my Dad's '58 Impala and it's 'Wonder Bar' radio .......
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  7. #7

    Automotive Sound

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    Awesome!!! I remember the Levinson system in a Lexus we had. Nice sounding system for sure!

    The only thing I have to do now is get a thumb drive that is USB-C. I am using an adapter which works fine, however a straight USB-C (all ports in the car are USB-C) so that the thumb drive does not stick up so much; not so obtrusive would be nice. It does sound pretty good.
    Does your car use SD Cards? SD cards are relatively cheap, can store several hundred Mb.
    I really like the B&O system in my Audi. Much better than Bose systems and even ML that I have had in the past.
    PS. Of course the best automotive sound comes from a big NA Engine.

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,948

    Re: Automotive Sound

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoff View Post
    Does your car use SD Cards? SD cards are relatively cheap, can store several hundred Mb.
    I really like the B&O system in my Audi. Much better than Bose systems and even ML that I have had in the past.
    PS. Of course the best automotive sound comes from a big NA Engine.
    I do not believe there are any SD slots. Too bad, my last Mercedes did have a slot, but could only handle MP3 <yuck>. It appears the car only has USB-C ports but, the Burmester can handle high resolution just fine. They did not mention DSF in the manual as an audio format supported therefor I assume PCM is the best it can do... but for a car audio system it does a spectacular job... FLAC 192 Khz play beautifully....

    I did pick up a small USB-C thumb drive. It is physically small so it is not in the way, and it works great!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Bucks County PA
    Posts
    3,704

    Re: Automotive Sound

    Can't believe this just popped up as I was searching the Porsche site. I spent last week being driven around in a Porsche Panamera and was really surprised that it had a Bose system.

    I just went to the Build site to see what was available. The Bose was a $1700 option from whatever the Stock system is.

    BUT, the $7600 option was the Burmester system which I would have loved to hear.

    The 12 Speaker Bose system in my Buick is really not that bad when adjusted properly, but I was just blown away that a $120K German Luxury car would even come with a Bose and not have Burmester or Blaupunkt as the Stock Audio option.

    Fortunately for the actual owner, his main audio setup is Alexa so the Bose is a step up for him.

    My 2019 Santa Fe has an decent Infinity system once you dig deep enough thru the menus to find the good settings.
    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

    Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables


  10. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Bucks County PA
    Posts
    3,704

    Re: Automotive Sound

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    Awesome!!! I remember the Levinson system in a Lexus we had. Nice sounding system for sure!

    The only thing I have to do now is get a thumb drive that is USB-C. I am using an adapter which works fine, however a straight USB-C (all ports in the car are USB-C) so that the thumb drive does not stick up so much; not so obtrusive would be nice. It does sound pretty good.
    I use a tiny 64GB Thumb Drive for all my music, really low profile.

    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

    Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables


  11. #11

    Re: Automotive Sound

    Quote Originally Posted by Shadowfax View Post
    Can't believe this just popped up as I was searching the Porsche site. I spent last week being driven around in a Porsche Panamera and was really surprised that it had a Bose system.

    I just went to the Build site to see what was available. The Bose was a $1700 option from whatever the Stock system is.

    BUT, the $7600 option was the Burmester system which I would have loved to hear.

    The 12 Speaker Bose system in my Buick is really not that bad when adjusted properly, but I was just blown away that a $120K German Luxury car would even come with a Bose and not have Burmester or Blaupunkt as the Stock Audio option.

    Fortunately for the actual owner, his main audio setup is Alexa so the Bose is a step up for him.

    My 2019 Santa Fe has an decent Infinity system once you dig deep enough thru the menus to find the good settings.
    Get the cheapest system you can & then take it to someone that really knows what they are doing. For half the money & a "proper"install you will be light years ahead

  12. #12
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,948

    Re: Automotive Sound

    Quote Originally Posted by Shadowfax View Post
    I use a tiny 64GB Thumb Drive for all my music, really low profile.
    Yea, I use one of these in my wife's SUV. I could not find anything that small for USB-C. I prefer not using an adapter because it defeats the purpose. The one I found was on the smaller side, but not as small as these USB A.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  13. #13

    Re: Automotive Sound

    I am surprised that more car manufacturers don't use SD Cards. They have good capacity and don't cost an arm and a leg. Not to mention that they go fully into their slot and become inconspicuous.

  14. #14
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Bucks County PA
    Posts
    3,704

    Re: Automotive Sound

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoff View Post
    I am surprised that more car manufacturers don't use SD Cards. They have good capacity and don't cost an arm and a leg. Not to mention that they go fully into their slot and become inconspicuous.
    My guess is they assume everyone wants to use a smartphone and bluetooth. At least my Buick still has a CD Player.
    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

    Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables


  15. #15
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,948

    Re: Automotive Sound

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoff View Post
    I am surprised that more car manufacturers don't use SD Cards. They have good capacity and don't cost an arm and a leg. Not to mention that they go fully into their slot and become inconspicuous.
    Agreed. I loved that my last car had a slot right in the dash that a SD card slipped in and you were done. I guess they have determined that USB-C is the future and that is the way they are going. Not bad for phone integration, etc., but much harder to put music in the car as inconspicuous.

    However it is not really necessary for the phone, I mean things like streaming from the phone is Bluetooth and the car has wireless charging for your phone.... so having 5 USB-C ports seems maybe a bit more then is needed... I would trade them for a SD card slot ....
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  16. #16

    Re: Automotive Sound

    I had a Bose in my 2011 Porsche Cayenne that I thought was decent until I had Reus Audio change out the Harmon Kardon in my 05 E55 with a new Kenwood head unit, Reus custom sub amp and speakers.

    Other than the Kenwood head unit, this system looks completely stock and blows away every audiofile who has heard it.

    This system was so much better than my Bose that i had them do the Cayenne shortly thereafter. Kept the Cayenne's Bose head unit, added new custom sub, amplifier, and speakers. I later compared it to my friends Burmeister in his Turbo Cayenne.

    The Burmeister was way better than the original Bose system, but Bose head unit combo with Reus amp/speakers beat the Burmeister for resolution, bass and musicality. My friend then later had his other SUV done by Reus.

    www.royceaudio.com/

    These guys fly all over the country doing installs of their products. Highly recommended if you have a Bose or HK system that you want to upgrade
    Avantgarde Duo Mezzo,
    Nagra VPA 845 mono blocks, Audio Note UK Shinri 300B mono blocks, AudioPax KT88 monoblocks
    Conrad Johnson GAT, Zesto Tessera
    Esoteric K-01X, Esoteric N-01,

    Clearaudio Innovation TT,
    Graham Phantom 2 Supreme Arm/Ortofon Anna, Bobs Sky 2 SUT
    Clearaudio Universal Arm/Benz LPS
    Minus K isolation platform

    Galibier TT,
    Graham Phantom Elite Arm/Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement,

    Kubala Elation Cabling, Shunyata Trident 3, Typhon QR
    Zoethecus stands,

  17. #17

    Re: Automotive Sound

    Quote Originally Posted by mallen123 View Post
    I had a Bose in my 2011 Porsche Cayenne that I thought was decent until I had Reus Audio change out the Harmon Kardon in my 05 E55 with a new Kenwood head unit, Reus custom sub amp and speakers.

    Other than the Kenwood head unit, this system looks completely stock and blows away every audiofile who has heard it.

    This system was so much better than my Bose that i had them do the Cayenne shortly thereafter. Kept the Cayenne's Bose head unit, added new custom sub, amplifier, and speakers. I later compared it to my friends Burmeister in his Turbo Cayenne.

    The Burmeister was way better than the original Bose system, but Bose head unit combo with Reus amp/speakers beat the Burmeister for resolution, bass and musicality. My friend then later had his other SUV done by Reus.

    www.royceaudio.com/

    These guys fly all over the country doing installs of their products. Highly recommended if you have a Bose or HK system that you want to upgrade
    Very interesting and impressive. I had never heard of these folks. Price wise, how does a system by this company compare to a Bose or Burmeister?

  18. #18

    Re: Automotive Sound

    $2-3K to start - basically keeping the stock head unit and replacing all the speakers, custom sub and amp for the sub. This also includes a center channel tweeter that really helps with imaging. This is what I did in my Cayenne and it was better the Burmeister. Not louder, but more musical, better highs, and better defined bass.

    $3K is easy to justify replacing a base level Bose system as the improvement was so dramatic, but probably not cost effective to replace a $7k Burmeister. That said, I heard Reus's $15k system in a Bentley that has their tube amp and their best speakers, and it was really impressive.
    They specialize in Audiophile level audio systems that look completely stock. For later models they keep the stock head unit and do all their magic via speakers, cabling, electronics and tuning.

    I first heard them at the Show in Newport Beach in 2014. There was a Ferrari 458 Spyder out front of the hotel with their system and I couldn't believe how good it sounded.
    Avantgarde Duo Mezzo,
    Nagra VPA 845 mono blocks, Audio Note UK Shinri 300B mono blocks, AudioPax KT88 monoblocks
    Conrad Johnson GAT, Zesto Tessera
    Esoteric K-01X, Esoteric N-01,

    Clearaudio Innovation TT,
    Graham Phantom 2 Supreme Arm/Ortofon Anna, Bobs Sky 2 SUT
    Clearaudio Universal Arm/Benz LPS
    Minus K isolation platform

    Galibier TT,
    Graham Phantom Elite Arm/Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement,

    Kubala Elation Cabling, Shunyata Trident 3, Typhon QR
    Zoethecus stands,

  19. #19
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,948

    Re: Automotive Sound

    That is very cool! Sounds like they would be great.

    So far I am happy with the Burmester Audio system in my car. I am equally sure that it is not the same as the one they put in the Porsche. For my small car it is very nice though!
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  20. #20
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    Boynton Beach, FL
    Posts
    1,010

    Re: Automotive Sound

    I have the BMW X5M. It has a fantastic harman kardon stereo in it. My last BMW, the 550x has Bose, that sounded awful.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    Preamp/Digital: Meitner MA3
    HT Processor: Bryston SP3
    Amps: Bryston 14b3, Bryston 4b3
    Speakers: Kef Reference 5, Kef Reference 4c
    Sub: REL Carbon Special
    Power: Shunyata Denali, Bryston BIT15
    Wires: Wireworld Silver Eclipse XLR & SC, Ethernet - WW Platinum USB
    Other: Stillpoint Ultra SS, ISO-Acoustics ISO Pucks

    -Kyle

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

Automotive Sound

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •