Burmester Audiosysteme GMBH are makers of handmade audio components for high-end vehicles.
Founded in 1977, Burmester Audiosysteme has been manufacturing high-end audio components to the highest quality standards. From the company's inception, their objective has been “to create a perfect blend of highest-quality sound, technological innovation and timeless design.” All of the Burmester components are hand-made and assembled in its Berlin factory. “Made in Germany” is a label that is taken very seriously by Burmester. The research and development department of Burmester strives to not only keep up with the latest advances but to set its own trends and standards.
Many people spend a significant amount of time in their cars, perhaps even more time than they spend sitting in their living rooms at home. For many people, their car is more than just a means to get from point A to point B, it is a mobile retreat where they can forget about their cares and anxiety and just relax. This is the reason some drivers increasingly appreciate a comfortable and leisurely ambiance in their cars. To many, the sound of music can significantly contribute to making driving a far more pleasant experience.
Burmester's first major foray into the automobile industry was the result of a challenge to fit a high-end sound system into a vehicle. The vehicle was the Bugatti Veyron. For the Bugatti Veyron, the Burmester engineers designed a special sound system that this out-of-the-ordinary vehicle called for. The Bugatti Veyron called for a system that had to meet very exacting and specific requirements. In contrast to a normal production car, the method for integrating a complete sound system into the Bugatti was a challenge. Both the Burmester and Bugatti teams tried to figure out the best arrangement for all of the components in the car. This process took place and was taken into consideration while the monocoque chassis was still being developed. Such close cooperation in the early design stages of the Bugatti allowed for the best design and performance of the complete system. Throughout this process many aspects of the system were changed, including the audio controls which were completely redesigned. This change allowed for the driver to use them effortlessly, especially at high speeds.
After their first successful partnership with Bugatti, Burmester was able to acquire a contract to work with Porsche. The experiences from the exciting cooperation of these two projects have enabled Burmester to set new global standards for the automotive industry. The Burmester high-end Surround Sound System was introduced along with the Porsche Panamera ($5,890 option) and has since become the benchmark for factory-installed and integrated car audio systems. The Burmester system was progressively added to other models in the Porsche lineup including the Porsche Cayenne ($5,690 option) and the iconic Porsche 911 sports car ($5,010 option). Intense research and development have made it possible to transfer Burmester's long experience of providing high-end sound for the living room to the automotive industry.
A few facts and figures about the system installed in the Panamera. The system features sixteen speakers throughout the lavish Panamera interior and has a total of 372 square inches of radiating surface. Over 1,000 watts drives the drivers while you drive the drivers and you. Perhaps most impressive, the entire system only adds 26.5 pounds. That's a small percentage for a vehicle that weighs over two tons, but notable given the performance potential. The use of materials found in Burmester high-end systems certainly add to the “Burmester DNA” of the vehicle. Listening to music in the car is no longer a compromise affair. A highly efficient amplifier system, lightweight Neodym magnets, similarly light aluminum loudspeaker baskets and various weight-reduced synthetic materials are in keeping with the lightweight construction that tends to be found in sports cars. The Burmester sound system has several innovative ways of enhancing individual listening pleasure. For example, in the Panamera and the Cayenne the sound can be optimized for the front or rear seats by merely pressing a button. In Porsche sports cars fitted with a Burmester system it is possible to select “Smooth”, “Live” or “Surround” settings to obtain the best sound for one's listening pleasure. The superiority of the system is the net result of innumerable details, and of one overriding goal, and that is perfect sound.
Burmester is now forming partnerships with many other automobile manufactures. Mercedes-Benz will be offering a Burmester Audio System as an option on its upcoming redesigned S-Class.
