W208 sound system versus W209

[tacho d]

I recently replaced my W208 CLK 230 with a W209 220CDI While I am generally happy with the switch things like ride quality being harsher, interior quality cheaper, and the sound system have been disappointments. Whereas the previous car had a very impressive sound with a 13 speaker system including sub, the later 209 has a budget 4 speaker system, just two in the doors and tweeters inside the mirror mounts. The rear parcel shelf has speaker covers with only foam beneath. there appears to be provision for a speaker on the passenger side but none on the driver's. What can be done to improve this? Does the wiring exist for an upgrade where it may have been standard on the Avantgarde?

 

[noogieman]

Your W208 had Bose audio?
Bose sounds much better than stock factory audio system.

You can tear everything out and install Kicker system, it will kick your ears off!
If it sounds good I dunno?

Did MB cheap out on the W209 compared to W208 build quality?

 

[JB052]

My W209 has a Harman Kardon system, obviously quite old now but nothing special in my view. I would like to change it for something else but apparently it's quite difficult because of the HK setup.

 

[noogieman]

H/K is a premium sound system, does it sound poor in your car?

They used to be great and very powerful hifi for 2 channel sterios before Samsung bought the company and pooped their premium brand.

My W209 has a Harman Kardon system, obviously quite old now but nothing special in my view. I would like to change it for something else but apparently it's quite difficult because of the HK setup.m

 

[Londonscottish]

H/K is a premium sound system, does it sound poor in your car?

They used to be great and very powerful hifi for 2 channel sterios before Samsung bought the company and pooped their premium brand.

It's usually more to with manufacturers sticking a premium amp in but keeping the standard shitty paper cone speakers.

 

[noogieman]

It's usually more to with manufacturers sticking a premium amp in but keeping the standard shitty paper cone speakers.

Most speaker bass cones are made of recycled TP

 

[Londonscottish]

Most speaker bass cones are made of recycled TP

Yes, but there's a mini-industry of installer finning Morels or Focals to these branded systems and making a huge difference.

Like I say, the HK brand sometimes means HK amp + factory speakers. Which is a dreadful set up. Same for other manufacturers/brands.

 

[noogieman]

Yes, but there's a mini-industry of installer finning Morels or Focals to these branded systems and making a huge difference.

Like I say, the HK brand sometimes means HK amp + factory speakers. Which is a dreadful set up. Same for other manufacturers/brands.

A good quality amp paired with cheap speakers = shitty sound quality.

What did manufacturer plan in this case offering hifi audio which first owner had to tick the options box for premium sound?
First owner got ripped off paying top dollar.

 

[Londonscottish]

A good quality amp paired with cheap speakers = shitty sound quality.

What did manufacturer plan in this case offering hifi audio which first owner had to tick the options box for premium sound?
First owner got ripped off paying top dollar.

Exactly. The manufacturer fits the more powerful anp, sticks some logo'd up speaker covers on and pockets a huge margin.

They're not all like that; the HK in my 211 was great. But a lot are.

 

[noogieman]

Newer Mercedes cars had Burmeister premium sound.
I have heard people are not very happy with Burmeister audio package?

Do Rolls and Bentley still have Mark Levinson or Naim as their suppliers?
These electronic brands are premium.

 

[Alfie]

Best upgrade you can do is to replace the door speakers (and A pillar) with a set of Morel components for the front and Morel coaxials for the ones at the rear of the door.

HK speakers are rubbish too. We have changed literally dozens and dozens of these for customers with HK. Stunning results.

 

[noogieman]

Best upgrade you can do is to replace the door speakers (and A pillar) with a set of Morel components for the front and Morel coaxials for the ones at the rear of the door.

HK speakers are rubbish too. We have changed literally dozens and dozens of these for customers with HK. Stunning results.

Is Bose system and Bose speakers for W202 rubbish as H/K is rubbish for W209?

 

[Alfie]

Is Bose system and Bose speakers for W202 rubbish as H/K is rubbish for W209?

No, the bose setups were much better than the HK offering.

Often we amplifiy the existing Bose speakers when replacing the H/U. They respond well to more power.

 

[noogieman]

No, the bose setups were much better than the HK offering.

Often we amplifiy the existing Bose speakers when replacing the H/U. They respond well to more power.

I know that Bose speakers are mounted into plastic pods then put in the door, a solid speaker product.
It's a rather powerful system in the w202 AMG, you can play loud inside however outside can't be heard loud.

Bose plays well with navi APS30 cd-player

 

[JB052]

H/K is a premium sound system, does it sound poor in your car?

They used to be great and very powerful hifi for 2 channel sterios before Samsung bought the company and pooped their premium brand.

In my view despite the various settings (speech, surround-sound, etc) the H/K system doesn't sound any better than a standard stereo. But I'm mindful that the car is now 18 years old and the H/K option may have been a significant improvement over standard at time of purchase by the previous owner, who ticked that box when ordering the car.

 

[noogieman]

In my view despite the various settings (speech, surround-sound, etc) the H/K system doesn't sound any better than a standard stereo. But I'm mindful that the car is now 18 years old and the H/K option may have been a significant improvement over standard at time of purchase by the previous owner, who ticked that box when ordering the car.

Get the H/K amp recapped and you're back in business with lots of bass.
Caps degrades and sound gets worse