What Are The Best Audio Options For A SL55?
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Joined: May 2003
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From: West Toluca Lake, CA.
2004 SL55 AMG
What Are The Best Audio Options For A SL55?
I was curious as to what others have done to the R230 SL55 as far as upgrades in audio. The Bose doesn't cut it in a vehicle of this calibre. Actually, Bose does blow for any calibre vehicle I've listened to except for SUVs in my experience (They are decent on a few models for OEM gear). I've been recommended that 6.5" Component sets with separate tweeters, mids in the doors, replace the rears with full range matching speakers and JL Audio woofers (10"?) somehow incorporated into the rear storage bins. I don't want to go crazy with custom fabricated enclosures though the AMG audio option with the speaker in the rear center looks amazing. If it looks great I will entertain some custom enclosures. A friend recommended that I stay out of the trunk because of muddy, non-directional base, and so forth.
I listen to all genres of music though I would like the upgrade to shine for Jazz. Any recommendations for an optimized set-up?
Btw, I may go with (2) amps, one multi-channel for the speaker sets and one dedicated to the subs. I've been out of touch with the audio market for several years now so I truly appreciate your insights on brands and setup. I've had great experiences with Cliff Designs and Boston Acoustics in my vehicles years ago. Also, I've listened to MB Quartz and those are awesome.
I listen to all genres of music though I would like the upgrade to shine for Jazz. Any recommendations for an optimized set-up?
Btw, I may go with (2) amps, one multi-channel for the speaker sets and one dedicated to the subs. I've been out of touch with the audio market for several years now so I truly appreciate your insights on brands and setup. I've had great experiences with Cliff Designs and Boston Acoustics in my vehicles years ago. Also, I've listened to MB Quartz and those are awesome.
Last edited by RU_MATRX; Feb 16, 2004 at 04:33 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 255
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From: Alexandria, Lousiana
06 Infiniti FX35, 07 SL55
Bringing up an old thread here,
Was wondering if you went with an audio upgrade in your SL. I am looking into one for my SL500 and have also been steered toward JL Audio with separate amps. The installers recommended putting the sub in the passenger footwell...I dont know.
Paul
Was wondering if you went with an audio upgrade in your SL. I am looking into one for my SL500 and have also been steered toward JL Audio with separate amps. The installers recommended putting the sub in the passenger footwell...I dont know.
Paul
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 271
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From: West Toluca Lake, CA.
2004 SL55 AMG
Hey prsmith777:
I haven't explored the audio option too much further though it's definitely in the future. The Bose system really is dissapointing in this calibre of vehicle. I feel that between the audio system and GPS, I'm back in my friends 2001 SL600 back in 2001. Those systems are 4-5 yrs old and with a new model intro you'd think they would have at least upgraded the GPS to something like I had in my 2002 ML55 which was far superior. The audio and weak renditions of various digital sound fields just plain blows.
Anyways, I'll keep in touch when I have a system installed or learn more. My focus is just in a bunch of other endeavors right now.
Take care and let me know of what you decide on. I wish someone had a good system I could actually see and hear in another SL500/55. We can;t be the only ones with the same line of thinking,...
I haven't explored the audio option too much further though it's definitely in the future. The Bose system really is dissapointing in this calibre of vehicle. I feel that between the audio system and GPS, I'm back in my friends 2001 SL600 back in 2001. Those systems are 4-5 yrs old and with a new model intro you'd think they would have at least upgraded the GPS to something like I had in my 2002 ML55 which was far superior. The audio and weak renditions of various digital sound fields just plain blows.
Anyways, I'll keep in touch when I have a system installed or learn more. My focus is just in a bunch of other endeavors right now.
Take care and let me know of what you decide on. I wish someone had a good system I could actually see and hear in another SL500/55. We can;t be the only ones with the same line of thinking,...
Last edited by RU_MATRX; Mar 25, 2004 at 03:47 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 255
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From: Alexandria, Lousiana
06 Infiniti FX35, 07 SL55
I live in central Louisiana and you can imagine how many options I have for custom stereo installers...
I did manage to find a shop in Houston (5 hour drive) that has done "several" SLs and I will be making a road trip to see and hear their work before too long. I will let you know.
Paul
I did manage to find a shop in Houston (5 hour drive) that has done "several" SLs and I will be making a road trip to see and hear their work before too long. I will let you know.
Paul
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 255
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From: Alexandria, Lousiana
06 Infiniti FX35, 07 SL55
I did make the trip and was impressed with the quality of their work and the sound was fantastic.
They put new separates in the doors, new subs in the passenger footwell and two large amps in the trunk. The system integrates completely with the existing command controls. The only problem is that they have to take the command system out and have it modified so that they can do the upgrade. I was warned by others on this forum that that may void the warranty and so I have not jumped yet.
I am trying to find out what this modification is, whether it is software or hardware, and then maybe I will consider it.
Paul
They put new separates in the doors, new subs in the passenger footwell and two large amps in the trunk. The system integrates completely with the existing command controls. The only problem is that they have to take the command system out and have it modified so that they can do the upgrade. I was warned by others on this forum that that may void the warranty and so I have not jumped yet.
I am trying to find out what this modification is, whether it is software or hardware, and then maybe I will consider it.
Paul
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Paul and others: your cars have fiber optic cables with the headunit connected to the stock amp, if you want to keep the stock HU, the best way is to get a pre-amp/EQ and hook it up to the stock amp, and the output of the EQ will connect to aftermarket amps, speakers and sub.
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