Thanks for the comments which don't seem to be swayed like many just because it has a badge.VxD wrote: ↑Thu Jun 09, 2022 2:11 am Hi there,
VxD from Japan, first post in this forum.
Chiming in on BOSE vs Sound Package Plus, because I noticed a few people losing sleep about not choosing the update, when it is not as black and white.
After spending some time listening to both options, I personally prefer the sound of the base system over BOSE. It has more depth and feels warmer thanks to a better mid reproduction, even with the BOSE set to linear mode (which disables most of BOSE's post-processing.)
The BOSE system gives you a few more speakers at the back and a "surround" option which shifts the sound to the middle of the car. Do keep in mind that the system does not offer actual surround sound, as only stereo sources are supported.
Both my dealer and I agreed that the BOSE upgrade is, as adequately advertised in the configurator, a "surround" upgrade. It gives you "more" sound at the (arguably subjective) expense of quality.
Now if you want both surround _and_ better sound, the Burmester is where it's at. Do note that, AFAIK, the PCM still only supports stereo sources. Yet you will feel like you are sitting in a concert hall, but in a car with questionable acoustics.
I personally do not see the appeal of simulated surround sound on stereo sources and prefer the sound to be centered on the driver row where I am sitting, which is why I opted for the base system and do not feel like I am missing out.
It will be interesting to see improvements to the PCM which introduce support for actual spatial audio such as Dolby Atmos down the road, which will make surround setups more appealing. But with PCM5? Nah. Just my 2 cents.
I paid for a Burmester upgrade in a 2021 Mercedes GLA and it has been the most underwhelming upgrade ever. It has surround sound and if you deselect it, a number of the speakers no longer output sound. Sounds like the Macan Burmester upgrade is much better though. Pity it's so expensive...
My partner has a VW T-Cross with a Beats upgrade. It's far better than the Burmester in the GLA despite spending some time playing around with settings !
I have gone with the base stereo on my T. Is it 8 or 10 speakers ? - seems conflicting with some of the details I have read. Seems I should be OK with the Base. That Bose subwoofer steals a bit of space too.