Sound upgrade?

[ashadam]

No, it is just a normal head unit, they all are from late 2008, even comand units.

You could buy the Blaupunkt Plug and Play system.

You get a Blaupunkt 4 channel amp and a harness, you daisy chain this into your connector on the back of the head unit and run the amp to the boot to hide it away.
This makes it a very easy install you can do yourself.

Hi gizze if this is meant for me unfortunately this is way over my comfort level not thank technically minded. i am now confused as initially you recommended Alpine but now Blaupunkt or was that for purposes of plug & play? thanks

 

[gIzzE]

Alpine will work, and will be cheaper.

The Blaupunkt is plug and play and means there is no wire snipping.

Anyone can install it, if you can be bothered.


If you want and isntaller to install and amp, just say to them "I want an amp adding to my system, something like an Alpine Class D that can take the hi level signal from the head unit will be fine."
They will know what you are after and won't try and convince you to add any extras that really aren't needed.

 

[ashadam]

Excellent I will take you advice and go with the alpine route I can see the benefits of plug & play but I would prefer to give someone else the work. What model would you recommend to go for?

 

[gIzzE]

Any of the class D amps make that will take a speaker level input, anything from Alpine, DLS, Pioneer will do the job and more than good enough.

Just choose something your dealer has and that is within budget.

Something like these...

Blaupunkt GTA4 Special Edition 2011 4/3/2 Ch. MOSFET Amplifier - Amplifiers - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Magazine

Alpine MRX-F30 Four Channel Amplifier - Amplifiers - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Magazine

GM-D8604 4 Channel 1200W Class-D Car Amp - Pioneer Amplifier

GM-D9500F Pioneer - Amplifier - Car*Entertainment



Bit more money...

Alpine PDX-F4 Four Channel Amplifier - Amplifiers - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Magazine

 

[b1g1an]

Just out of interest, and I know they're very different beasts, but how would you compare the results of your simple upgrade of the standard system to the optional HK as it comes?

 

[gIzzE]

Pretty similar, the HK amp is a bit underpowered, goes plenty loud enough but can sound a bit brash when it fills the cabin, with this you just get more control.
I would personally prefer the basic system with an amp added than the HK system.

Best way to describe it is this, go out to your car at midnight, play a CD you know well at a level that fills the cabin nicely, I can guarantee that it will be much lower than during the day and when driving, and because of that it will be nice and smooth.

Adding an amp allows you to get this nice cabin filling sound that is smooth at the volumes needed when driving, you are getting to the levels needed with plenty in reserve, it is not being pushed.

 

[b1g1an]

Thanks as usual and nicely described.

 

[ashadam]

Any of the class D amps make that will take a speaker level input, anything from Alpine, DLS, Pioneer will do the job and more than good enough.

Just choose something your dealer has and that is within budget.

Something like these...

Blaupunkt GTA4 Special Edition 2011 4/3/2 Ch. MOSFET Amplifier - Amplifiers - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Magazine

Alpine MRX-F30 Four Channel Amplifier - Amplifiers - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Magazine

GM-D8604 4 Channel 1200W Class-D Car Amp - Pioneer Amplifier

GM-D9500F Pioneer - Amplifier - Car*Entertainment



Bit more money...

Alpine PDX-F4 Four Channel Amplifier - Amplifiers - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Talk Audio Online Car Audio Magazine & Forum - Magazine

Thanks Gizze perfect info as always
I have also spoken with a few audio retailers who have come back with a good charge for fitting currently between £70 - £150 + vat dependant on time, also need to purchase a fitting kit. The information you have given made one of the dealers think I knew what I was talking about, I cannot thank you enough. I will keep all advised of sound when I finally get car (6th march). I am not sure on what amp to go for yet but will most probably by one of the first 3 you listed, I suppose which one is more cost effective.

 

[b1g1an]

This is really good for seeing what's involved...

W211 Speaker and Amplifier install

There are several pages of pics but you can obviously ignore all the ones for the speakers, does look tight where you have to splice into the speaker outputs. Don't know if that cable is removable so you do it on the bench?

 

[b1g1an]

I found the bass needs to be dropped on the E Class, only a couple of clicks, but it took all the overpowering boominess away.
The treble just adjusts from very upper mid, from what I can tell, so upping that just adds some nasty harshness, adjusting the bass is adjusting lower mid so will take away the 'muffled voices' effect.

Unless of course someone has friend the tweeters in it already!

I am in Wymondham, so if you want to pop over with it when you get it I can have a listen and see what I think, if you think there may be a problem with it.

Now I've finally got the car, followed your advice and it's bang on, thanks. Surprised how big a difference those simple tweaks made.

Will probably still go the amp route as it does go off a bit when you have the volume high enough to drown the 19"s on the concrete rubbish that masquerades as roads, exactly as you said again, but that can wait for warmer weather when you may find me knocking on your door looking for tips.

Thanks again.

 

[Sema4]

Some great info in here, thanks to all that posted.

I am currently considering an Alpine PDX-5 or a PDX-V9, can't really decide between them, my main concern is physical size as there isn't many places to hide an amp in a C180, I'm hoping I can get it in behind a boot panel or up under the glove box, not sure how much room is in there as I have not taken the panel below the glove box off yet..

I need the 5 channel as I plan to drive a sub off it also.

I am also in need of upgrading my door speakers and despite searching repeatedly on google but I can't find anyone that mentions this upgrade in a W203 coupe, nor can I find any accurate info on the sizes of the stock speakers.

Does anyone here have any experience with W203 coupe door speakers? I have been told by a local audio installer that the set in the front of the doors are probably 6 1/2" and the set in the rear of the doors are probably 5" and so I have a set of Focal PS165's in mind for the front, and a set of Focal PC130's in mind for the rear, but before I order them I would like to be sure they will fit..

Anyone know for sure?

Thanks in advance.

 

[gIzzE]

Why Focals?

They are quite bright, and the Alpine amps border on lively too, I would look at something else maybe?

Morel, Hertz would be a better match.

I am not sure on coupe sizes, look on Rainbows site as they have custom fit speakers, will tell you what size each is.

 

[rx7withtimhui]

hi guys... new to this forum... i've got a w124 awaiting restoration, and before i've started working on the car, i've got a set of jehnert doorboards.... hopefully they'll turn out good...

 

[Youaregod]

This post dead i guess?
I recently bought CLS 350 GE and thinking about audio upgrade.
Any suggestions what is the best way to upgrade CLS audio system and keep original 2.5 headunit?
In my old C-class merc i have Series Three Genesis Five Channel amp and Alpine SPG-17CS speakers front + rear (speakers recommended by AmpDoctor - best decision ever, million times better than Infinity Kappa or any other budget speakers) + Focal Performance Sub P 30 DB 12 + some old Alpine 9855 unit.

I am sort of audiophile more or less, i love quality. I am looking for cheaper solution to upgrade my new car audio, plus have a little more improvement over my old setup using original head unit. I am thinking about 3-way speakers in front + rear door speakers + subwoofer of course.

Maybe in front:

Focal ES165KX3 - ELITE K2 Power 6.5" 16.5cm 3-Way

Rear:
Alpine SPG-17CS

Subwoofer thinking about JL audio w6 10 maybe?

Just dont want to spend too much on audio processors and other unessesary stuff...

Is it good idea to replace old amp with Genesis amp?

But i need more amps to power rear and not sure if Genesis could handle Focal speakers.

Does anyone heard those Focals? I was told that to beat those Alpine you would have to go for Morel speakers and spend at least 500+ per pair. Once i heard them, i trully agree about it. My friend has those Alpine speakers and runs them actively - man what a difference, maybe that is the way go?

Anyone with wider experience, please advise.

Greatly Appreaciated.

 

[Alfie]

This post dead i guess?
I recently bought CLS 350 GE and thinking about audio upgrade.
Any suggestions what is the best way to upgrade CLS audio system and keep original 2.5 headunit?
In my old C-class merc i have Series Three Genesis Five Channel amp and Alpine SPG-17CS speakers front + rear (speakers recommended by AmpDoctor - best decision ever, million times better than Infinity Kappa or any other budget speakers) + Focal Performance Sub P 30 DB 12 + some old Alpine 9855 unit.

I am sort of audiophile more or less, i love quality. I am looking for cheaper solution to upgrade my new car audio, plus have a little more improvement over my old setup using original head unit. I am thinking about 3-way speakers in front + rear door speakers + subwoofer of course.

Maybe in front:

Focal ES165KX3 - ELITE K2 Power 6.5" 16.5cm 3-Way

Rear:
Alpine SPG-17CS

Subwoofer thinking about JL audio w6 10 maybe?

Just dont want to spend too much on audio processors and other unessesary stuff...

Is it good idea to replace old amp with Genesis amp?

But i need more amps to power rear and not sure if Genesis could handle Focal speakers.

Does anyone heard those Focals? I was told that to beat those Alpine you would have to go for Morel speakers and spend at least 500+ per pair. Once i heard them, i trully agree about it. My friend has those Alpine speakers and runs them actively - man what a difference, maybe that is the way go?

Anyone with wider experience, please advise.

Greatly Appreaciated.

There are a few things you can do but be careful as upgrading and cost all depend on whats in the car already. email me your VIN number to [email protected]

The Focals are very good, up there with Morel. Alpine moderate. Morels start at £180 for a pair of front 6.5" components (with tweeters) and go up to the supremo range at circa £4000. Ive just fitted some two way 38 LE Morel speakers with JL three channel amp and 10" Rockford sub into my smart. I think the speakers are worth more than the car! Sounds awesome though.

If you have HK then simply replacing the HK speakers with decent Morels will transform the sound. HK speakers themselves are not very good compared to Focal or Morel.

 

[markjay]

Alfie recommended and fitted Morels (the entry level ones) to my car last month and they are amazing - haven't heard of Morel before, but Alfie's recommendation was spot-on and I am very pleased with them.

(My teenage daughter is an audiophile and she approves )

 

[garycat]

I'd consider an under seat sub, rather than sticking one in the boot.

They need about 8cm clearance though.

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/focal-integration-ibus-20

 

[markjay]

I'd consider an under seat sub, rather than sticking one in the boot.

They need about 8cm clearance though.

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/focal-integration-ibus-20

Alfie (www.comandonline.co.uk) fitted a flat 'underseat'-type subwoofer in the boot - My C Class does not have split/folding rear seat and the subwoofer fits perfectly on the back of the rear bench.

If you are concerned that a flat subwoofer might not be sufficient.... my family members complain about the bass being too strong

(Little Miss MJ, however, is in her element )

 

[6cyl]

I've had my 2009 CLS320CDI for a few days now, find it a comfortable and quiet place to be in for the daily commute. Ideal for listening to music. Best source I've found is the ipod, for some reason it doesn't talk to my ip6.

It has the standard COMAND NTG2.5 unit that sounds ok. Gets a little busy sounding.


Not into road shaking sub bass. Prefer warmer sounding presentation, but no flabby bass. I have an eclectic tastes in music.

The amplifiers recommended by GizzE back in 2013 don't seem to be available now.

Would this benefit from better amplification ? What would be a sensible upgrade path ?

 

[6cyl]

Connected my old iPod up to the car, actually sounds quite reasonable, definitely better than DAB and FM.

How do I get the other DAB channels ? Only seem to have access to a few.