Manofsteelpt

Hey guys, what are my options for upgrading this less than stellar H&K audio system in my car?
Is it possible to just replace the H&K speakers with better speakers, or will the entire system (amps, processor, etc) have to be replaced?
I'm not so much looking for more boom boom, just better quality sound. Any suggestions on nice sounding speakers?
Thanks

DaveW68

Mike5215 has a thread for this very thing. Perhaps he'll be by here soon to direct you to it.

Mike5215

Here ya go!

https://w221audio.wordpress.com

Manofsteelpt

Thanks Dave and Mike...

Wow, great read, thx, Mike... So, in a nutshell, I can just replace the 4 door speakers and have better sound? I don't think I would go as far as the dynamat and processor.

Would you recommend the Focal speakers for all four doors? Again, I just want quality sound. Thanks.

Mike5215

I'd do the opposite. The processor can compensate for any issues with the speakers, but new speakers can't compensate for the factory EQ. I was disappointed when I swapped in the FOCALS and Hertz. Barely moved the needle.

To see how fixing the EQ solves most of the problems, scroll to the bottom of the blog and have a look at the $50 Glovebox EQ Mod. That set up is dirt cheap and will give you an idea of what's possible with the Prima. (Requires a 2010+ car or a 2007-09 with the IPod kit)

Manofsteelpt

So The Clarion EQ, U prefer that to speakers? Should've mentioned, I only listen to CDs and radio, I don't stream music thru my iPod. Oh, and my S is a 13'.

Mike5215

Yeah, speakers alone make very little impact. You don't have to use an IPod with the EQ mod. Anything you put thru the aux in jack works. Might want to grab a cheap IPod or something on EBay if you don't have a portable audio player.

kn51

Mike, great read.

Unfortunately the few pictures I wanted to see most appear broken. The harness wiring and amp stuff.

Mike5215

Heavy duty install but so worth it. It was the shops first Prima in a 221. Took them over 20 hours but they billed six. (I gave the installer a hundred dollar tip.)

All that gear just went into my new C Class.

DaveW68

Nice clean install in your previous S. The Prima would have to be mounted in a different spot in the pre face-lift models since the spot where you mounted it is occupied by the accessory battery.

Mike5215

Yeah, made for a nice nook for 2010+. They built that little rack for the space.

Manofsteelpt

Just read Mikes w205 upgrade, nuts how intricate it gets! tbh, I was thinking/hoping it would've just been an easy fix like replace the door speakers. Looks like that would've been a waste of $$$. Glad there are knowledgable ppl on this board!
Thanks again.

Mike5215

Ha! I tend to get a little long winded. All you really need to know is:

Prima
Small sub amp
Download my W221 Prima tuning file
Done

If you're not replacing speakers, no need to crack open any doors. Everything gets connected back in the trunk.