Randy V

Welcome to Rennlist, Chip.

I don't understand why anyone would want a CD changer with the availability of digital music sources.

How is the Pan with regards to iPod interfacing?

TGED

The iPod interface works reasonably well. I leave my iPod nano connected inside the armrest compartment all the time, I only take it out when I need to add songs. I rarely listen to CDs anymore. A few years ago I had most of my CDs ripped into my laptop and transferred to my various iPods/iPads/iPhones.

W8MM

The Burmester option was well worth it for me. It sounds as good as my audio room equipment. It's way better in the natural sound of vocals and the bass is very good and deep.

I use a USB memory fob that I have downloaded with my playlists from iTunes. It sounds absolutely great.

uc1bear

Hi all,
I have a '12 Cayenne Turbo with Burmester and I am pretty sure something is wrong with my system, although Porsche says is is 'normal' when I brought it in. Here's what I notice:

- Impossible to listen at low volumes -- totally unbalanced bass/treble/midrange is really 'unmusical' -- sounds more like noise than music.
- Sources like XM and iPod sounds really compressed and nasty, as if it were a low quality MP3 from the 90's. The same iPod sounds great on home system or even (for purposes of demonstration!) a $200 boombox.

Now I am not a mega-audiophile, but I think I generally have a pretty good ear, and my passengers have noted that the system sounds terrible too. Yes, I've played with all the Sound options, and have put everything back at the default levels after fooling with Bass, Treble, and Burmester options didn't help.

My gut is that something is messed up with the midrange, and separately with the XM antenna, since it sounds so compressed (always - with a clear view of sky).

Any ideas? I'm really bummed that I can't share everyone's enthusiasm for Burmester -- I just leave my stereo off all the time.

Mark

umwolverine

With sport exhaust and the new 'Sound Symposer', who needs a high-end stereo?

TGED

Uc1bear, how does your system sound with CDs?

vitaman

Great commentary Chip.
Most changers take more time to use than single disc players operated with purpose.
On the Bose/Burm topic, the Bose system is surprisingly enjoyable with good range and dynamism. Considerably better than most marque's premium upgrades. The Burm is more detailed and "musical" especially in the mid range and treble. I preferred it. Is it worth the extra cost? If it was 7K extra...no. If it was 1K additional then absolutely. At its current price a resounding maybe.

roberga

I have Bose in my 4S. My car had to be in the shop for almost a month(long story). THe dealer provided a Pano Turbo loaner with the Berm. When I got back in my car after a month it sounded like a 70's AM radio. It is more than fine now. I do not think I would pay 5K but if I pick up a used Pano it will have the Berm.

kip1

I have Burmester in my used PTT and think that it is the best audio I have ever heard. It is the first time ever I have really noticed the audio system in a car. Would I ever pay for this option, NO! Its unbelievably expensive and I would have used the money on performance and safety oriented options. There is a saying that dont buy a better/more expensive stereo sytem in your car than you have at home.

uc1bear

TGED, It sounds crappy with CD's. My 70 year old mom can hear that something is wrong with my Burmester (and, no - I haven't been listening to gangsta rap at high volumes and blown the speakers) but Porsche says it's "working to spec". (Which simply means that all the speakers emit sound, as best I can tell.)

Any ideas for how I can isolate the problem and/or find someone at Porsche or Burmester who will simply take a critical listen?

kip1

Bummer. Real sorry to hear this as it is the only car stereo ever I have noticed to be good. I would suggest you take it to a car audio shop. I think they can help you. Workshop guys in overealls who have their hearing impaired after many years of machine sounds cant help you before you tell them what the problem is.

Hope you get this fixed. I assume you have tried all different sound adjusting possibilities and you have noticed that you must adjust the sound separately for everything: usb,cds, radio etc and that if you dont save the settings you have adjusted, they will return to original. What sound modes do you use? I like surround mode.

PanchoV

XM is so compressed it sounds like crap on any stereo. Mp3s on iPhones etc are compressed as well but nothing like XM. CDs are the only way to hear quality audio. CDs are a hassle, scratch and only hold a few songs...therefore I will take the free stereo when I order my 991 turbo.

YRUNVS

Does anyone think the Burmester system was optimized for the Panamera and an afterthought in the Cayenne? Meaning more time was invested in assuring tonal balance etc for the interior of the four door sedan and much less was done with the Cayenne other than to offer it for bragging rights?

vitaman

Interesting point re the Cayenne.
I first heard the Berm in a Panamera and was blown away. Ordered it for my Cayenne and while I like it, it is not as awe inspiring. However, according to Burmeister's website, they created the systems indecently for each car.
Have had the opportunity to play with a Bose in the Panny Hybrid loaner I've been driving for a few days. It's great compared to BMW's Premium Audio, but does not hold a candle in terms of clarity and depth compared to the Berm.

BuddyP

I paid the $2k for the Bose in my 2012 Pana S. It is very ordinary and I do not think it was worth the extra money. I have never heard the Burmester but it will be a consideration the next time around.