W221 amplifier

[Abed78]

Hi guys
Hope you’re all well. Recently my Harmon Kardon amplifier went on the blink. I tried to get it fixed but was unable to. So I’m stuck do I buy another Harmon Kardon amp or is there an alternative brand that would could possibly do the trick. I don’t mind having to change the command centre if needed be. The car is a w221 2006 s500 which I love but would be better with some tunes. If you any could advice it would be much appreciated
Thanks in advance

 

[mbmb123]

I don't have the HK amp, just the base model.
I tried fixing mine by changing the tiny cooling fan. didn't work. In the end I gambled £200 on a ebay breaker replacement. It's been good for 6 months now.
You'll know how expensive the HK units are. I wonder if you could downgrade to the cheaper amp?

 

[John]

You can't just swap out the amp with an alternative as it is more than just an amp.

It's actually an "Audio GateWay".

I've heard there is or will be a device that can sit on the MOST ring (the fibre optic connection on which the devices all sit in the car) but typically you have to have a working AGW to either get sound directly from it, or if you want to upgrade your audio which would require audio from the AGW and running it through a DSP to a new amp.

So your choices are buying one from a broken car as above or getting your one repaired.

 

[mbmb123]

You can't just swap out the amp with an alternative as it is more than just an amp.

It's actually an "Audio GateWay".

I've heard there is or will be a device that can sit on the MOST ring (the fibre optic connection on which the devices all sit in the car) but typically you have to have a working AGW to either get sound directly from it, or if you want to upgrade your audio which would require audio from the AGW and running it through a DSP to a new amp.

So your choices are buying one from a broken car as above or getting your one repaired.

It not just any alternative, its the cheaper Mercedes base amp.
Wouldn't this contain the audio gateway functionality too? From its connections I know its part of the fibre optic circuit.

 

[John]

It not just any alternative, its the cheaper Mercedes base amp.
Wouldn't this contain the audio gateway functionality too? From its connections I know its part of the fibre optic circuit.

I was more responding to the OP with my post ("or is there an alternative brand that would could possibly do the trick") so apologies for the confusion.

I don't have enough Mercedes-specific knowledge to know whether lower model audio systems similarly run an AGW but I would assume so.

Whether or not it would be compatible is a different story.

Might be worth contacting Comand Online (Richard is often on here) as they have an extensive knowledge of Mercedes-specific audio.

 

[SUPERNOVA1a]

Well my amp gave up the ghost last year and what with all the lockdowns and what. Now that travelling is allowed once more, so started to see about get the audio sorted. On inspection what the fan was doing was trying to engage but would just flicker when the ignition was switched on. Had a look at Braybrooks, which was a promising route to take to get it repaired at £720. Had a telephone conversation with Mercedes Central and was quoted £1018 for a brand new unit. Next had a word with Andy Gayle, the local independent specialist, and they could supply a refurbished exchange unit from Mercedes for £679+vat with a Mercedes two year warranty. Decided to go the route of Andy Gayle for this fix, to save the hassle of going to and fro to Braybrooks or posting. Now the system is all working and looking to doing some travelling. only done done 75 miles in the last 12 months.