For the 997, it was a simple love or hate relationship. Do we expect a change from Porsche for the 991? New components, perhaps? I'm really on the fence on whether to check it off, or not.

I know this is going to come up but I'll skip the Burmester option, I'm not an audiophile, I wouldn't appreciate it.

 

I absolutely agree! But sometimes, when you have to commute 2-3 hours sometimes, it could come in handy.

 

Without the Burmester, it'll probably sound similar to the current setup in the 997. If the Burmester in the 970 is indicative of what it'll sound like in the 991 (I know it's different cabin size / shape, so it won't sound as good), it's definitely worth getting.

 

Bose+PSE>Burmester IMO

 

Do you listen to a lot of music? I usually have my radio set to ESPN or Blue Collar Comedy (best way to deal with traffic)...so the Bose does just fine. When I'm listening to music (iPod), it's not the best stereo in the world, but I don't really care.

But 50% of the time, no sounds from the speakers, just the music coming from the PSE W/ Sharkwerks from out back...

 

That's my problem with the higher end systems. I simply can't justify them because I don't listen to a lot music. Even if I do, they are rarely in a format where I can fully utilize the system. On my short commute, I'm on the radio 90% of the time. My concern is more with the Bose option than Burmester, because it would be a simple no since I don't use it. But the cost on the Bose isn't much, I'm just trying to see if it's worth it.

 

If that's the case, skip the Bose and use that money to buy something else or add other options to your car. It's junk.

 

Burmester is God, it´s kind of a bargain if you look at how much you´d have to pay for their non-car high end components BUT it makes no sense if you don`t really use it or just listen to Slayer!

 

If history is any indication, the sound system will be poor-fair compared to other cars in the same price range.

 

Naw, you gotta listen to that ghetto gangsta rap. Bump that sht from your 991s about how them btches get high then go low and how they drop that thang on the flo. Take a chance roll the dice, money can't buy you love cause it over priced.

I'm not going to buy this option. IMHO, it doesn't belong. It's a Porsche after all, and I'd take PSE any day. Plus, more expensive electronics just means that there is more to go wrong and the repairs are more. I'll just stick to the most basic thing they'll give me and I'll be satisfied.

 

lol, that´s pimpin`dawg!

The Burmester option is highly successful in the Panamera, but i agree, it´s damn nice but not a must have option in a sportscar like the 911.
but then again, do you really need ventilated seats in a 911?

 

This is G.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PN78PS_QsM



Do we even need AC in a 911?

 

Bump some david sanborn or Marcus miller, that will make the big system worth it.

 

I attended IAA in Frankfurt and listened to both the Burmester and Bose systems in the 991 using the same source material I specifically brought for this comparison (Janis Ian's 'Breaking Silence' per a recommendation from 'Cannga' on Rennteam). Both systems were set flat (no enhanced bass, treble, etc).

I'll preface my comments by saying that I don't consider myself a hardcore audiophile, merely someone who appreciates good sound and knows what they like vs don't like.

The biggest difference was clarity and accuracy of highs and mid-range sounds: the vocals, guitar, etc were noticiably clearer and crisper on the Burm vs the Bose. The Burm did a much better job of making you feel like you were listening to a live performance vs a recording. Others have commented that the Burm in the Panamera is unacceptably 'bright'. I did not find this to be true in the 991 but have not listened to the system in the Panamera.

The other major difference was low-end/bass- the Burm had fairly subdued lows that were reasonably tight without any of the muddiness or 'thump' that I really dislike in low-end systems. However, the lows were not as tight I was hoping for- not bad, just not as impressive as the high and mid-range. The lows on the Bose on the other hand were much more forward (again at the neutral setting) vs the laidback bass on the Burm. More 'boomy' and less crisp bass for sure vs the Burm. Soundstage during this limited test was better on the Burm, with more noticiable and discrete placement of vocals and instruments- I didnt bring any of my own 5.1 material unfortunately, but did listen to the Porsche test disc.

Overall, i concluded that the dramatic difference in clarity with the Burmester for me justifies the roughly $2500 premium over the Bose. I simply found the Burmester to be acoustically much more engaging and 'alive'. I can imagine myself escaping into the music more with the Burmester. I have therefore included this option in my spec and will let everyone know what my thoughts are when my car arrives mid-January.

I would appeciate hearing from others who listened to these systems at IAA.

 

The Burmester gives wonderfull sound. That is if your engine is not on. In my 997 the tire noise was so extensive, I could have listened to my nokia radio as well, the Panamera has better insulation, but still distroys any high end audio sound. In some recent Audi comparison Bose gave worse sound than basic audio equipment. There is an old saying, dont buy nicer audio equipment in your car, than you have at home!