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DIY: Audio 10 Install Pics / W203 ('01-'04) Center Console Removal Instructions
#26
Out Of Control!!
Session - thanks for taking the time to post the pics and type the install.
Question: everyone says that it sounds much better than the stock h/u. Do you agree with that? Then the follow-up: anyone know why it does sound better? TIA.
Question: everyone says that it sounds much better than the stock h/u. Do you agree with that? Then the follow-up: anyone know why it does sound better? TIA.
#27
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answer: it definitely has a crisper sound than the stock HU, but as far as sounding "better" that is really hard to tell. it seems to have better output than the stock, but as far as i remember they're both really low wattage.
the next thing i'll change (hopefully soon) is the speakers and adding an amp/sub. i don't know if i can do this with the audio 10... my audio 10 is essentially a "temporary" install until i can overhaul the entire system.
the next thing i'll change (hopefully soon) is the speakers and adding an amp/sub. i don't know if i can do this with the audio 10... my audio 10 is essentially a "temporary" install until i can overhaul the entire system.
#28
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2004 SL55, 2015 A250d, 2016 GLC250d
Originally posted by session
however, it is good advice to be careful not to bend it. i sure was (that's why it's missing in the next photo).
i don't have the cd changer nor teleaid, but i still had that cable.
however, it is good advice to be careful not to bend it. i sure was (that's why it's missing in the next photo).
i don't have the cd changer nor teleaid, but i still had that cable.
The D2B ring is used for :-
Digital BOSE amp
Phone
Voice-Recognition
CD Changer
Teleaid
[some other stuff aswell no doubt]
So if your in the US, or you have one of those, you'll have fibre-optic cable
#29
Out Of Control!!
Originally posted by session
answer: it definitely has a crisper sound than the stock HU, but as far as sounding "better" that is really hard to tell. it seems to have better output than the stock, but as far as i remember they're both really low wattage.
the next thing i'll change (hopefully soon) is the speakers and adding an amp/sub. i don't know if i can do this with the audio 10... my audio 10 is essentially a "temporary" install until i can overhaul the entire system.
answer: it definitely has a crisper sound than the stock HU, but as far as sounding "better" that is really hard to tell. it seems to have better output than the stock, but as far as i remember they're both really low wattage.
the next thing i'll change (hopefully soon) is the speakers and adding an amp/sub. i don't know if i can do this with the audio 10... my audio 10 is essentially a "temporary" install until i can overhaul the entire system.
If it's just that the A10 has more power than the std h/u, no biggie - an external amp will more than make up for that.
#30
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Originally posted by tommy
Question: everyone says that it sounds much better than the stock h/u. Do you agree with that? Then the follow-up: anyone know why it does sound better? TIA.
Question: everyone says that it sounds much better than the stock h/u. Do you agree with that? Then the follow-up: anyone know why it does sound better? TIA.
#31
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'02 C230K Coupe
Does the Bose system have any kind of special connectors to the HU that prevent it from working with the Audio 10? If it sounds great with stock speakers, I want to see what kind of improvement it provides for a Bose system!
#32
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Originally posted by tommy
He said that changing the h/u won't give you any better sound, and then I remembered Buell and others saying that the A10 h/u sounds better than the stock one.
He said that changing the h/u won't give you any better sound, and then I remembered Buell and others saying that the A10 h/u sounds better than the stock one.
only one real way to find out to me... someone (eg tommy) needs to get one and then compare to the stock bose system(eg mine).
#33
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Look at it this way, a person spends an extra $600 for Bose and I can barely tell the difference but it's a Bose so psychologically it sounds better. The Audio 10 for half that price physically sounds better, you can feel the vibrations in the door panel and the thumping in your head long after you turned the radio off.
Now if Renntech was smart they would silk screen Renntech on the Audio 10 and sell it for $1,694. Then it would sound psychologically much better.
Now if Renntech was smart they would silk screen Renntech on the Audio 10 and sell it for $1,694. Then it would sound psychologically much better.
#34
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'02 C230K Coupe
Originally posted by Buellwinkle
Now if Renntech was smart they would silk screen Renntech on the Audio 10 and sell it for $1,694. Then it would sound psychologically much better.
Now if Renntech was smart they would silk screen Renntech on the Audio 10 and sell it for $1,694. Then it would sound psychologically much better.
#35
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Originally posted by Buellwinkle
Look at it this way, a person spends an extra $600 for Bose and I can barely tell the difference but it's a Bose so psychologically it sounds better. The Audio 10 for half that price physically sounds better, you can feel the vibrations in the door panel and the thumping in your head long after you turned the radio off.
Now if Renntech was smart they would silk screen Renntech on the Audio 10 and sell it for $1,694. Then it would sound psychologically much better.
Look at it this way, a person spends an extra $600 for Bose and I can barely tell the difference but it's a Bose so psychologically it sounds better. The Audio 10 for half that price physically sounds better, you can feel the vibrations in the door panel and the thumping in your head long after you turned the radio off.
Now if Renntech was smart they would silk screen Renntech on the Audio 10 and sell it for $1,694. Then it would sound psychologically much better.
i don't think i'd buy a renntech sound system (unless it was a rebadged high end sound system)... but i'd get a mark levinson! whoo hoo! nah... recently, i've been just listening to the engine and street noise.
Last edited by young; 07-29-2002 at 10:39 PM.
#36
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Originally posted by preyx
Actually, I second that! It's not worth it until it says "Renntech"!!!
Actually, I second that! It's not worth it until it says "Renntech"!!!
btw, session, excellent instructions. could be useful in the future for me.
Last edited by young; 07-29-2002 at 08:13 PM.
#37
Out Of Control!!
Young - no, I just want a system that sounds better with more power, so I'm torn between keeping the stock h/u (and attempting to stay at least close to stock for the electrical system warranty) or swapping the whole damn thing, and getting a h/u that can play mp3s. Those 130% oversized DIN h/us from Alpine look really good (and you can switch to amber illuminiation to come close to stock look).
I got a ballpark of $2500 for speakers/amps/one 10" sub in a stealth box on one side of rear; add 600 for the Alpine h/u. It's going to be a while before I can do this stuff, but want to do it correctly the first time.
I got a ballpark of $2500 for speakers/amps/one 10" sub in a stealth box on one side of rear; add 600 for the Alpine h/u. It's going to be a while before I can do this stuff, but want to do it correctly the first time.
#38
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'02 C230K Coupe
Actually, the sound system I'm interested in is one provided by this comany: http://www.reusaudio.com . They offer an "upgrade" package that keeps the currently installed system but augments it by installing a subwoofer and some tweeters and a new amp alongside the current one. I really like how their systems are tuned for the car to get the optimal sound stage, I listened to their demo systems at the LA Auto Show in January and was just blown away. I'll might look into getting a non-Merc HU if I ever get to the point of installing this particular system.
#39
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C230 K /// Brilliant Silver / C1 / C5 / C7 / 6 Spd.
Nice illustrations. Very helpful to me and others I'm sure. Can you tell me one thing though, about the 'stock' radio? I am getting ready to put in a new headunit and speakers and I need to know on the regular tape deck radio, is there an illustration somewhere that describes what all the wires are on the back? Mine will have the fiber optic cable since I currently have the bose system, but I am wondering about which is the antenna connection, which wire is for accessory power, etc... I can't seem to find any sort of pinout on what is what in the back...can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks
Jakobud
Thanks
Jakobud
#40
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C- 230 Kompressor,C2,C7,Black,JL sub,A/D/S/ amps,Alpine hu and changer
Originally posted by tommy
Young - no, I just want a system that sounds better with more power, so I'm torn between keeping the stock h/u (and attempting to stay at least close to stock for the electrical system warranty) or swapping the whole damn thing, and getting a h/u that can play mp3s. Those 130% oversized DIN h/us from Alpine look really good (and you can switch to amber illuminiation to come close to stock look).
I got a ballpark of $2500 for speakers/amps/one 10" sub in a stealth box on one side of rear; add 600 for the Alpine h/u. It's going to be a while before I can do this stuff, but want to do it correctly the first time.
Young - no, I just want a system that sounds better with more power, so I'm torn between keeping the stock h/u (and attempting to stay at least close to stock for the electrical system warranty) or swapping the whole damn thing, and getting a h/u that can play mp3s. Those 130% oversized DIN h/us from Alpine look really good (and you can switch to amber illuminiation to come close to stock look).
I got a ballpark of $2500 for speakers/amps/one 10" sub in a stealth box on one side of rear; add 600 for the Alpine h/u. It's going to be a while before I can do this stuff, but want to do it correctly the first time.
#42
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2002 Mercedes C240 Desert Silver Java Interior
OK, here goes my first post. Hopefully I won't make a complete *** out of myself since I know absolutely nothing about cars.
I'd like to have an in-dash CD player, is that even a possibility here in the US? If, in fact, the Audio 10 is a possibility here in the states, then were are the buttons for the preset stations? And can the dealer perform the change for me? Thanks Alot!
By the way, I've really enjoyed this forum. It has definitely become one of my favored diversions while sitting at my desk, since work is definitely not something I favor.
I'd like to have an in-dash CD player, is that even a possibility here in the US? If, in fact, the Audio 10 is a possibility here in the states, then were are the buttons for the preset stations? And can the dealer perform the change for me? Thanks Alot!
By the way, I've really enjoyed this forum. It has definitely become one of my favored diversions while sitting at my desk, since work is definitely not something I favor.
#43
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Originally posted by RJamesC240
OK, here goes my first post. Hopefully I won't make a complete *** out of myself since I know absolutely nothing about cars.
I'd like to have an in-dash CD player, is that even a possibility here in the US? If, in fact, the Audio 10 is a possibility here in the states, then were are the buttons for the preset stations? And can the dealer perform the change for me? Thanks Alot!
By the way, I've really enjoyed this forum. It has definitely become one of my favored diversions while sitting at my desk, since work is definitely not something I favor.
OK, here goes my first post. Hopefully I won't make a complete *** out of myself since I know absolutely nothing about cars.
I'd like to have an in-dash CD player, is that even a possibility here in the US? If, in fact, the Audio 10 is a possibility here in the states, then were are the buttons for the preset stations? And can the dealer perform the change for me? Thanks Alot!
By the way, I've really enjoyed this forum. It has definitely become one of my favored diversions while sitting at my desk, since work is definitely not something I favor.
#44
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2002 Mercedes C240 Desert Silver Java Interior
LOL!!!
Well it definitely doesn't feel cheap every time I write the check out.....but, I am definitely not handy. Tim the Toolman Taylor would have better luck installing it correctly and functionally. I appreciate the response, THANK YOU!!
Well it definitely doesn't feel cheap every time I write the check out.....but, I am definitely not handy. Tim the Toolman Taylor would have better luck installing it correctly and functionally. I appreciate the response, THANK YOU!!
#45
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2002 Mercedes C240 Desert Silver Java Interior
Wow, I just called Autoclass. Now I get why all of you are buying from ebay. I dunno, I've never used e-bay and am a bit hesitant. But, should I choose to get the Audio 10 through e-bay and manage to install it myself, will it void out my warranty? I just got the car 4months ago so it would suck if it did. Also, are the install instructions posted the same for the sedan? Thanks
#46
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally posted by RJamesC240
Wow, I just called Autoclass. Now I get why all of you are buying from ebay. I dunno, I've never used e-bay and am a bit hesitant. But, should I choose to get the Audio 10 through e-bay and manage to install it myself, will it void out my warranty? I just got the car 4months ago so it would suck if it did. Also, are the install instructions posted the same for the sedan? Thanks
Wow, I just called Autoclass. Now I get why all of you are buying from ebay. I dunno, I've never used e-bay and am a bit hesitant. But, should I choose to get the Audio 10 through e-bay and manage to install it myself, will it void out my warranty? I just got the car 4months ago so it would suck if it did. Also, are the install instructions posted the same for the sedan? Thanks
As for ebay, it's not for everyone and the fact that it's in German doesn't help. I'll give you a head start, here's one starting at 1 Euro. A Euro is similar to a dollar. Count on about $30 for shipping, $5 ebay fees, $15 international wire transfer fees. All in all expect to pay from $225 to $275 shipped.
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...tem=1760759125
And it says he will ship only within Germany so ask the seller first before bidding if he'll ship to the US if you pay, you may want to ask him if he speaks English if you are German chanllenged.
Use Babelfish to help you with the translations.
http://babelfish.altavista.com/
If you are worried, start on something small on U.S. ebay like a $2 hotwheels and experience it first. There are bidding skills to be learned.
#47
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Thread Starter
Originally posted by RJamesC240
Wow, I just called Autoclass. Now I get why all of you are buying from ebay. I dunno, I've never used e-bay and am a bit hesitant. But, should I choose to get the Audio 10 through e-bay and manage to install it myself, will it void out my warranty? I just got the car 4months ago so it would suck if it did. Also, are the install instructions posted the same for the sedan? Thanks
Wow, I just called Autoclass. Now I get why all of you are buying from ebay. I dunno, I've never used e-bay and am a bit hesitant. But, should I choose to get the Audio 10 through e-bay and manage to install it myself, will it void out my warranty? I just got the car 4months ago so it would suck if it did. Also, are the install instructions posted the same for the sedan? Thanks
as far as buying on ebay.de, look out for auctions that have a "Buy It Now" option. that way you can buy the product before any bids are even put in. you may pay a higher price than the auction would produce but you're assured you'll "win" the bids since it eliminates any other bidders. that's what i did and i got my audio 10 for about $267 total.
don't feel like you can't install this thing... i'd never taken a car apart before this, and look how easy it was. my pictures show you how to do it
#49
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Does bidding on ebay.de require seperate registration from ebay.com? or do they share databases? I'd hate to be a (0) person again after finally getting into the 40's of feedbacks (after many many many many years).
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