I recently bought a 99CLK 430 and I am dying to upgrade the stereo. I am looking at purchasing the clarion VRX925VD and have another $1500-2k for speakers/amps. I have looked at MB Quart (all the models of component systems) and I am lost! I also looked a focal and feel the same way. I listen to anything from rock to hip hop/r&b and was considering 10 inch subs. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Rich

 

if you got the cash, i say get the mb quarts. for the head unit, i would seriously sit down and consider what you really want .. do you want multi media? dvd, cd, mp3 compatible, xm radio, etc.... think about also what you want to add on later on. for the sub, 15! nothing less!

B

 

Thanks for the suggestions. Would you tell me what your set up is? I would love to hear what others are running in their clk.

 

Alpine IVA-C800
Alpine DVD-5205
Alpine 12 disc cd changer
Alpine Mobile VCR
Rockford 4 channel and 2 channel amps
Mb quart 3 way reference series component set
Mb quart coaxial 61/2 set in rear deck
15 inch solobaric kicker subwoofer.

hope this helps

B

 

I like Focal speakers better than MB Quart. And I think a 10" sub is not good enough, you should put either two 10" or 12" or one 15" like byip.

 

Thanks for the info.
Why would you buy the Alpine IVA 800 and the DVD 5205?
Maybe I am missing something, but why wouldn't you just get one of the monitors like the CVA 1003 and the dvd 5205? Is there any other advantages besides having two cd players? What do you guys think of the all in one cd/dvd/Tv/tuner etc. like the Clarion VRX925VD or the Kenwood KVT-911DVD ? They seem to be a good value (found them as low as $1500), but I am unsure of the quality, everyone seems to prefer Alpine.

Thanks,

Rich

 

because i want to have the option to put in a cd from inside the car and not have to go to the trunk. plus, my 12-disc changer does not support cd text which i like having the info displayed on my screen. the cva-1003 can be controlled by the bottom panel and the only option it offers above the iva-c800 is that it supports xm. i dont care for xm anymore, so that was no big sacrifice to me.


B

 

Doesn't the 5205 player let you play cd's in the car? Sorry for all the questions, this is new to me.

Rich

 

it does, but it runs through the dedicated output for the dvd. it wont display on the screen as the cd screen which has cd text, track position, all that good stuff.

B

 

ahh, thanks for clearing that up. I am on my way to building a system. I bought two 12" xtant 1244's and an xtant 1001 amp off ebay. I'll let you guys know how it all turns out. I have been searching the net like a madman for a deck, speakers, and an amp to run the fronts. I am trying to work a deal for an xtant 604x
and possibly some MB Quart or Focal components. (took Peter's advice for amps and subs). I was origianlly going to put 10's, glad you guys told me to go 12's or a single 15. Thanks for all your help, can't wait to get some real sound.

Rich

 

I would love to have a Navigation upgrade to my 2002 CLK, but not sure where to go.

I have been told (by a local stereo retailer - Ultimate Electronics) that the 2002 CLK has fiber optic cables and they cannot install a double din DVD Navigation Stereo. The sales rep told me to call the manufacturer.

How in the world did you guys install DVD/Navigation units in your CLKs?

Dave
dwpurnell@yahoo.com

 

It seems like they have bypassed the factory amp....You can do the same. You can power all the speakers in the car except the subwoofer with the new head unit. You will need a separate amp for the subwoofer. I would say your looking at around $1300 -$2800 depending on brand of equipment and $500-$800 labor.

 

Yo David,

Let me talk to my people tomarrow and let you know whats up. You can install an aftermarket DVD/Nav in your car. The fiber optics have nothing to do with it. If you want you can call the stereo shop that just did my car and they can tell what would need to happen to accomplish what you want. The name of the place is Stereo One in Memphis TN, ask for Big L(Eldridge)He is my brotha from anotha motha. super cool guy 901-756-5633. Tell him Yarbrough(me) told you call. good luck. I will still ask him myself and post the info tomarrow for other peeps that might be interested. Be easy

 

I don't think that there are any differences to the german version. In germany your mobile phone an th cd changer won't work after changing to an aftermarket radio because of the D2B bus...

 

I'm very interested on how you install this also... thanks!!