replacing R129 speakers

[dbaplayer]

I have a 1993 r129 SL. The previous owner has installed a panasonic head unit, probably about 3 years old. The sound is quite tinny unless you turn it up. What speakers should i replace the originals with? I heard that this model uses 1ohm speakers? thanks

 

[V12]

How much do want to spend, what model number is your head unit?

 

[biturbo]

I had this issue. As you've said, its all to do with the ohms.
When i got my r129 it was with some panasonic headunit 4ohms, it was atrocious. I think the speakers are 2ohms so basically it reduces the power immensly to the speakers. I then put a spare parrot 8400 unit in which runs at 2 ohms and it was much better. Its all to do with the inbuilt amp in the stereo. Cheapest fix is to buy a second hand amp from fleebay that runs at 2 ohms £50 should do it as the power handling on the speakers is low, i guess 50w, then use that to power the speakers. The wiring is abit harry though as its all intergrated, best bet you be slice and connect the speakers in at where they come into the headunit.
Depends how much and what you want to do. But that would be a massive improvement for your money £50 and x 10 better sound.

 

[biturbo]

Out of interest. I did the following.
Replace all 3 speakers.
tweeters in dash
mids and woofers in door.
Audison 3 way.
Hertz 12 inch twin ultra slim subs in boot.
MX5000 mcintosh headunit.
Hertz hp4 amp for 3 ways.
Genesis amp for Sub
I have to tidy the system up etc.

 

[Les]

Some Sl's had an optional additional amplifier that was installed under the left hand back childs seat. Its a 2 minute job to pop the seat out and see if one is fitted.
If your going to rewire from the head unit to new speakers it wont matter. The Ohm rating changed in 1996 - cant remember what from but it was 2ohm in '97 cars.

 

[pdimblad]

R129 stereo upgrade

Out of interest. I did the following.
Replace all 3 speakers.
tweeters in dash
mids and woofers in door.
Audison 3 way.
Hertz 12 inch twin ultra slim subs in boot.
MX5000 mcintosh headunit.
Hertz hp4 amp for 3 ways.
Genesis amp for Sub
I have to tidy the system up etc.

Hi biturbo,
Just bought our 1994 SL280 and have replaced the headunit with an Alpine (as I also wanted a hands-free facility). This works great UNTIL you turn the volume up and then the door speakers simply switch off until volume is brought back down. I've played with the Bass settings and this does help but then the radio sounds a little tinny. So I am guessing that I have to replace those as well...?
Before I start removing the door panels and such, do you have any size specifications in particular is there a depth consideration? Would you recommend any particular speaker make / model? I am also in Cheshire.
Thanks! Peter

 

[Watchcame430]

Are there any speakers that are a straight fit in the door cards?
If I change the head and the speakers (with a new Amp) I will not have any of these issues?

 

[Sp!ke]

Be careful about taking this route - depending on model and year, you may have a 1 ohm setup including matched amp and speakers.

My advice is to research exactly what your car currently has and what you need to change before touching anything.

 

[RKC-benz]

Be careful about taking this route - depending on model and year, you may have a 1 ohm setup including matched amp and speakers. My advice is to research exactly what your car currently has and what you need to change before touching anything.

What he says... ^^

I have spent a long time choosing a matched system and components. Mine is W124 but the issues of keeping car original and having real quality sound was important. My thread on W124 estate using Jehnert door cards will serve only to show you that there are a range of solutions and that each has their merits. Nobody will have heard all of them. I plumped for having a pro-install for quality match. Good luck.

 

[Watchcame430]

Thanks Gents... Shall tread careful on this one.
To be honest I also think the big challenge will be getting a suitable head unit. One without a disco light set up on!
We were developing a retro head unit at work but looks like might not go into production now which is a shame as i need one.
Will do lots of research on the speaker set up ..cheers

 

[Watchcame430]

I have just bought a Blaupunkt Toronto head unit ... Didn't even know they were still going but have a nice subtle design.
Have decided to make custom mounts for new speakers and an amp which will replace the factory one if I find one or tbc if no existing amp.
Also going to dynamat the doors but keep door cards looking stock.

 

[RKC-benz]

I have just bought a Blaupunkt Toronto head unit ... Didn't even know they were still going but have a nice subtle design. Have decided to make custom mounts for new speakers and an amp which will replace the factory one if I find one or tbc if no existing amp. Also going to dynamat the doors but keep door cards looking stock.

This will work. Mine is going in v shortly. Do get advice on speccing the kit and matching it. Having a little bit of control over EQ and cross over frequencies is not a bad thing in a car, particularly if it's a keeper and you're anticipating happy days on into the future in the car.

PS R129 is on my list of wanted. Level pegging an SEC...

 

[Watchcame430]

This will work. Mine is going in v shortly. Do get advice on speccing the kit and matching it. Having a little bit of control over EQ and cross over frequencies is not a bad thing in a car, particularly if it's a keeper and you're anticipating happy days on into the future in the car.

PS R129 is on my list of wanted. Level pegging an SEC...

Thanks, I will look into matching it. If anyone has any recommendations please let me know.
I am hoping i have the version with an amp already which will make life easier.
Will find out at the weekend ... Need to finish my widscreen wiper problem out before I probe around the stereo. Looking forward to it.

I have a bit of a thing for SECs too... I remember a friend at schools dad bought one new ... Looked amazing.

 

[RKC-benz]

Thanks, I will look into matching it. If anyone has any recommendations please let me know. I am hoping i have the version with an amp already which will make life easier. Will find out at the weekend ... Need to finish my widscreen wiper problem out before I probe around the stereo. Looking forward to it. I have a bit of a thing for SECs too... I remember a friend at schools dad bought one new ... Looked amazing.

I will let you know once mine is installed. Jehnert do door cards for W124 and others but I'm not sure about R129 (or W126 for that matter). The door card with appropriate speakers give the lower mid presence. Dash speakers - mid/hi - give detail and stereo separation. Can't wait for mine.