Upgrade BASE radio w/SUBWOOFER ?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 831
Likes: 13
From: N.C. USA
2015, ML250 BlueTEC
Upgrade BASE radio w/SUBWOOFER ?
Have 2015 ML w/Base radio--No HK. Need info re.upgrades. MB dealer can supply Subwoofer from HK for $500. Has anybody done this? Also plan to install Processor & Amp,maybe some speakers if necessary.
Any info you can supply appreciated.
Any info you can supply appreciated.
Last edited by greasykid; Mar 25, 2015 at 03:41 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 831
Likes: 13
From: N.C. USA
2015, ML250 BlueTEC
Audio upgrade---Subwoofer etc.
One big advantage of HK is that it is an easy fit and should install without having to fab a custom build which would be more expensive. Do not want to have a separate enclosure added to rear hatch area. To keep within my budget will have better sound spending $ on a good processor & amp. Can always upgrade Sub later.
Always open for a better idea.
Always open for a better idea.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 445
Likes: 11
From: Washington, DC Metro Area
Currently: 2019 E450 AWD, Previous: 2002 CLK55 Cab
Not an expert by any means, I just went through this exercise. I have a cab. Very limited trunk space and precious few sub placement options in the passenger cabin.
Not to be johnny one note on this sub forum but you might want to do some research into low profile sub woofers. I did and went with a Helix, low profile 8 inch, which dropped right into the factory sub enclosure at less than half the price you were quoted by MBZ. A number of the major sub brands carry one ir two low profile options, but you have to get the measurements of the space, understand your application i.e can you find one that uses the factory enclosure or will you be able to move to a "free air" design, hunt down the low profile options and see what sounds best to you of those that you track down. As former colleague used to say"... easy peasy, lemon squeezy.." BTW, stay away from "basslink" amped sub options that will pop up on low profile searches.
Not to be johnny one note on this sub forum but you might want to do some research into low profile sub woofers. I did and went with a Helix, low profile 8 inch, which dropped right into the factory sub enclosure at less than half the price you were quoted by MBZ. A number of the major sub brands carry one ir two low profile options, but you have to get the measurements of the space, understand your application i.e can you find one that uses the factory enclosure or will you be able to move to a "free air" design, hunt down the low profile options and see what sounds best to you of those that you track down. As former colleague used to say"... easy peasy, lemon squeezy.." BTW, stay away from "basslink" amped sub options that will pop up on low profile searches.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 831
Likes: 13
From: N.C. USA
2015, ML250 BlueTEC
CITY RAT
You said that you "dropped the new Sub" into the enclosure. I take it that you changed the oem sub with your replacement sub. What was the base response difference? I wish that I had an enclosure. Would make this upgrade much easier.
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 445
Likes: 11
From: Washington, DC Metro Area
Currently: 2019 E450 AWD, Previous: 2002 CLK55 Cab
In terms if bass response difference hard to say as my base line was never established with the original head unit. After a few days the factory bass just sounded weak with the oem hu. I swapped the hu out for an Alpine at the same time the Helix sub went in, so old with old, new with new. The difference in bass response is noticeable and much better.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 831
Likes: 13
From: N.C. USA
2015, ML250 BlueTEC
Work in progress--2015 ML
Still @ it. Have researched JL Speakers & KICKER subwoofer. C2-650 & C3-650 speakers have my attention ,also KICKER amp powered sub. Would like to use sub but cannot find a way to install in the ML unless in well @ left rear wheel well area. Both C2 & C3 speakers have great reviews. If I do not use sub am considering C3's in all 4 doors.
COMMENTS?
COMMENTS?
Last edited by greasykid; Apr 1, 2015 at 06:18 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
loo into hertzaudiovideo.com hertz hi energy line if you want a better sound for about the same price or bit more. online reviews aren't really going to help ya as most people have no clue to what really good audio is. hertz is used in every high end shop across the world.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 831
Likes: 13
From: N.C. USA
2015, ML250 BlueTEC
Processor Questions
1 My installer strongly recommends a Signal Processor.I understand the basics & agree.
2 Does anybody on this discussion have a Processor in their car audio system?
3 If so;which unit do you have?
4 Without getting too exotic my research has lead me to the Audison "Bit Ten D". @ $399.
5 Getting real specs on this unit is difficult. When I finally did find them I was blocked from printing.
Appreciate any info/help on this subject.
2 Does anybody on this discussion have a Processor in their car audio system?
3 If so;which unit do you have?
4 Without getting too exotic my research has lead me to the Audison "Bit Ten D". @ $399.
5 Getting real specs on this unit is difficult. When I finally did find them I was blocked from printing.
Appreciate any info/help on this subject.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
audison prima amp built in processor... if you think the processor is expensive then you are in for a suprise, a lot of voodoo wizardry out there that is BS, audison is straight up and will leave you with the only best of sound quality.
You need to tell your shop that the signal on the ML is pretty flat throughout the audio spectrum with a slight bump at 40hz with eq settings at 0 using the speaker level outputs of the radio
You need to tell your shop that the signal on the ML is pretty flat throughout the audio spectrum with a slight bump at 40hz with eq settings at 0 using the speaker level outputs of the radio
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 831
Likes: 13
From: N.C. USA
2015, ML250 BlueTEC
Audison processor
audison prima amp built in processor... if you think the processor is expensive then you are in for a suprise, a lot of voodoo wizardry out there that is BS, audison is straight up and will leave you with the only best of sound quality.
You need to tell your shop that the signal on the ML is pretty flat throughout the audio spectrum with a slight bump at 40hz with eq settings at 0 using the speaker level outputs of the radio
You need to tell your shop that the signal on the ML is pretty flat throughout the audio spectrum with a slight bump at 40hz with eq settings at 0 using the speaker level outputs of the radio
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
and ya won't have to add wires or anything because it is built in sub amp... and of course, the coulda shoulda woulda post in a few months Just messing with ya, but there is not that much money difference between the 4 and 5 channel
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 831
Likes: 13
From: N.C. USA
2015, ML250 BlueTEC
What I ordered
Have the following ordered & in transit.
1. 2pr Hertz spkrs--ESK -165L.5
2. Alpine PDX-F4 4 channel amp
I ordered these items on line and they s/b here within a week. Other items needed will come from my installer. Have shopped for info about a month b4 making final decisions. The spkrs I ordered have a response of 50-23k & I expect that they will have enough base for my taste. Plan to have Dynamat in the 4 doors. Installer expects that the installation to take 8-10 hrs. There will be more items to the install than what I have stated here. When completed all the normal audio controls that are oem will be fully functional. The speakers are component style rather than coax. The amp has great specs & reviews. Final on all this is "tuning" to get the most out of the completed system. Expect final cost to be $2k+/-.
Starting to get to the anxious stage. All this started about 3 mos ago.
1. 2pr Hertz spkrs--ESK -165L.5
2. Alpine PDX-F4 4 channel amp
I ordered these items on line and they s/b here within a week. Other items needed will come from my installer. Have shopped for info about a month b4 making final decisions. The spkrs I ordered have a response of 50-23k & I expect that they will have enough base for my taste. Plan to have Dynamat in the 4 doors. Installer expects that the installation to take 8-10 hrs. There will be more items to the install than what I have stated here. When completed all the normal audio controls that are oem will be fully functional. The speakers are component style rather than coax. The amp has great specs & reviews. Final on all this is "tuning" to get the most out of the completed system. Expect final cost to be $2k+/-.
Starting to get to the anxious stage. All this started about 3 mos ago.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 831
Likes: 13
From: N.C. USA
2015, ML250 BlueTEC
The finished product
Have the following ordered & in transit.
1. 2pr Hertz spkrs--ESK -165L.5
2. Alpine PDX-F4 4 channel amp
I ordered these items on line and they s/b here within a week. Other items needed will come from my installer. Have shopped for info about a month b4 making final decisions. The spkrs I ordered have a response of 50-23k & I expect that they will have enough base for my taste. Plan to have Hushmat Ultra in the 4 doors. Installer expects that the installation to take 8-10 hrs. There will be more items to the install than what I have stated here. When completed all the normal audio controls that are oem will be fully functional. The speakers are component style rather than coax. The amp has great specs & reviews. Final on all this is "tuning" to get the most out of the completed system. Expect final cost to be $2k+/-.
Starting to get to the anxious stage. All this started about 3 mos ago.
1. 2pr Hertz spkrs--ESK -165L.5
2. Alpine PDX-F4 4 channel amp
I ordered these items on line and they s/b here within a week. Other items needed will come from my installer. Have shopped for info about a month b4 making final decisions. The spkrs I ordered have a response of 50-23k & I expect that they will have enough base for my taste. Plan to have Hushmat Ultra in the 4 doors. Installer expects that the installation to take 8-10 hrs. There will be more items to the install than what I have stated here. When completed all the normal audio controls that are oem will be fully functional. The speakers are component style rather than coax. The amp has great specs & reviews. Final on all this is "tuning" to get the most out of the completed system. Expect final cost to be $2k+/-.
Starting to get to the anxious stage. All this started about 3 mos ago.
Big surprise. Hushmat Ultra material installed in all 4 doors. Can't believe how quiet the cabin is now!
Last edited by greasykid; Jun 1, 2015 at 12:59 PM.
