pgeller

The stock (non-Harmon-Kardon) speakers in GLK models are, frankly, pretty awful. The entire set of 6 speakers probably cost less than $10. Bass response is muddy and weak, midrange muffled and highs veiled and rolled-off.

The good new is that upgrading speakers in these models can provide very satisfying results for not a lot of money. On my 2010 GLK350, I replaced the main door and rear door speakers with the excellent Infinity Kappa 6.5's with very satisfactory results. This upgrade is pretty straightforward and is probably documented on this or other forums. Someday, I'll write a report.

For today, I'll focus on replacing just the door mounted tweeters. The stock tweeters are pretty useless, with limited dynamic range and directional, sibilant output. Replacing these can really open up the upper frequencies. Here's a pic of the cheesy stock tweeter:



I chose the lovely LPG 26NA, Neodymium magnet, Aluminum dome 1" drivers (~$50 each) from Meniscus Audio (www.meniscusaudio.com). This place is a fantastic treasure-trove of speaker parts and goodies for audio buffs. Thier service is quick and very personal. Along with Solen 2.2uf protection caps, the result of this super-easy upgrade is smooth, detailed, properly-imaged highs, shimmering cymbals and crisp, detailed vocals. Here's how to do it:

Remove the tweeter assemblies from the door frame by carefully prying, with your fingers or plastic tool, the inner edge outward while tugging it away from the door. The housings clip to the door/window frame on both the inner and outer edges, so just wiggle it free.

Unplug the little connector at the back of the speaker.

Remove the stock speaker driver from the housing by lifting the three little tabs that secure it:



Remove the stock speaker support ring from each housing by carefully cutting/slicing/grinding off the three plastic posts as shown:



Use some 1/8" foam tape to the back of the housing grille,around the approximate aperture of the new speaker. This will surround the new speaker with a nice cushy pillow:



We'll be reusing the connector and holder that is attached to the stock speakers. Use a sharp knife to carefully break loose the glue layer holding the connector/capacitor housing from the back of the stock speaker magnet:



Use a small soldering iron to disconnect the connector housing from the stock tweeter. Note: this is the positive terminal of the connector.



Desolder and remove the stock protection capactor from the connector housing and negative terminal of the stock tweeter.

Use a pair of diagonal cutters to remove tab area shown from the connector housing, so the connector will be easily accessible when the housing is remounted upside-down:



Attach the connector housing upside-down to the back of the new tweeter by soldering the positive terminal of the connector to the positive (marked with red dot) terminal of the new tweeter.

Attach the new protection capacitor to the back of the new speaker assembly, with one lead soldered to the negative terminal of the speaker and the other lead to the remaining terminal on the connector. If you care to, use a bit of foam tape if between the pieces to hold it all solidly together:



Now you can nestle each new speaker assembly into the stock foam holders in it's door, after connecting it's respective cable:



Finally, attach the housings, making sure you get the holding lips clipped securely on both edges. The foam tape you added will secure the speakers nicely without any added fasteners.

The whole upgrade costs about $100 and takes no more than an hour to accomplish, no scraped knuckle, no salty language. The difference in sound quality is night and day.

pg