2005 E500 Would like better sound, but....

groeger · 04-11-2012, 12:20 PM

There are a lot of threads on this topic regarding improving MB sound. I don't have HK or Bose, I believe it's even lower quality in my 2005 E500. I have asked the dealer about upgrading and they gave me the name of a good local audio shop. The local shop said the stock speakers are very thin and that it would be difficult to find good quality aftermarket speakers to fit this car and improve the sound. Also, they said the stock speakers may not handle the extra power from an aftermarket amp.

Any ideas or experience with upgrading 2005 E500 audio would be appreciated. Thanks.

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bfisher · 04-12-2012, 10:26 AM

I suspect it's possible to improve the sound... but it comes down to how much are you willing to spend to do it? They may be right - the factory speaker locations may not be ideal for speakers - but can you replace the speakers in the rear deck and doors? Maybe not use the dash speakers at all anymore?

I had an aftermarket sub put in my trunk and the old factory sub removed - huge improvement.

I'd try another car stereo place and get another opinion. As noted, I'm sure it can be improved... question is how much $$ is it worth to you?

groeger · 04-12-2012, 10:59 AM

Thanks. When you replaced the stock sub with an aftermarket sub in the trunk did you also replace amp with aftermarket amp? Or is the new sub running off of the stock amp?

bfisher · 04-12-2012, 11:09 AM

Here is a link to post I made about my new setup. The main speakers all use the factory amp - the new sub uses a dedicated amp.

groeger · 04-12-2012, 11:18 AM

Very nice! Thanks for the info. Makes sense that the stock amp would perform better by not feeding power to the sub. I like the sub **** location as well.

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04-12-2012, 10:26 AM	#2
bfisher Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 57 Drives: 2008 E320	I suspect it's possible to improve the sound... but it comes down to how much are you willing to spend to do it? They may be right - the factory speaker locations may not be ideal for speakers - but can you replace the speakers in the rear deck and doors? Maybe not use the dash speakers at all anymore? I had an aftermarket sub put in my trunk and the old factory sub removed - huge improvement. I'd try another car stereo place and get another opinion. As noted, I'm sure it can be improved... question is how much $$ is it worth to you?

04-12-2012, 10:59 AM	#3
groeger Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 7 Drives: 2002 E320 2005 S430 1975 300D	Thanks. When you replaced the stock sub with an aftermarket sub in the trunk did you also replace amp with aftermarket amp? Or is the new sub running off of the stock amp?

04-12-2012, 11:09 AM	#4
bfisher Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Concord, NC Posts: 57 Drives: 2008 E320	Here is a link to post I made about my new setup. The main speakers all use the factory amp - the new sub uses a dedicated amp.

04-12-2012, 11:18 AM	#5
groeger Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 7 Drives: 2002 E320 2005 S430 1975 300D	Very nice! Thanks for the info. Makes sense that the stock amp would perform better by not feeding power to the sub. I like the sub **** location as well.

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