PharmD

Well, I bought my '06 C230 because I fell in love with the looks just as she sat and was tired of buying cars to "mod" to be satisfied with them. Needless to say, that didn't last long! However, the only upgrade I'm interested in pursuing at the moment is upgrading the stock audio system to the H/K Logic 7 setup.

I have an H/K AVR347 home theater receiver and really enjoy the Logic7 surround settings it offers, so I figured I might be content with the same in the C230. I know my car does NOT have the H/K optional audio system and obviously brings me to my first question: what does the H/K entail that the base setup does not? Obviously, there is a center channel on the dash, a subwoofer that mounts under the rear parcel shelf, and from what I can deduce, a few tweeters that mount there as well. Am I missing anything, speaker-wise?

Aside from that, I would assume that an amplifier is an order. Is the base audio system driven by a standalone amplifier, or does the H/U itself drive the speakers (Note: this is NOT a COMAND unit)? I would assume the H/K HAS a beefier amp, and if so, where does it mount? Do the Logic7 surround settings also require some nature of standalone "decoder" or sound processor unit that must be added as, or does the H/U handle this itself?

Finally, assuming that an additional amp is required, is there generally a harness installed in all the W203's to allow for easy expansion to this, or must that be added as well? Same goes for the additional speakers (pre-wired for the sub?)?

If anyone has a schematic of some nature for the audio system(s) (both base and H/K), I would really be interested in seeing it if someone doesn't mind to share

I've found a lot of information here so far regarding my first Mercedes purchase and look forward to future interaction with this community!

Thanks in advance,

Stephen

BF_JC230

Contact Steve at www.mbenznl.nl

...Jake

LILBENZ230

I can't imagine this mod is worth it money wise, but with deep enough pockets, anything is possible. The HK system is powered by an amp that is mounted in the trunk (IIRC) and is highly expensive to buy from a dealer ($800-1000). The standard Audio20 in the C230 does not have rear deck speakers (just covers) and you'd need those as well. I know the Bose did and I think the HK7 also has some noise cancel feature which would mean more parts. Again, IMO, not worth it. You could have probably a better system for less $$.

holycaoAMG

+1

Moviela

The amp is in the trunk, the wiring harness is different and difficult to install. The sub also has a midrange on the assembly. The door tweeters and the four door speakers need to change. The head unit needs to be programmed for logic 7. The signal from the head unit is carried to the rear wheel arch (passenger side) on MOST fiber optics. The speakers are connected by copper wires from the amp in the trunk. Currently the door speakers are driven by an amp inside the head unit. You also need to install a microphone above the passenger headliner and install a harness for it. When you are done, it sounds pretty much like the current system at reasonable listening levels.

LILBENZ230

And there are a lot of recent HK7 amp failures going around which would be another expensive part of the HK system down the road if you kept the car for a while.

aznmode

I have an HK system and I honesty don't think it's worth upgrading to. My previous 4 door integra had better sound considering it only had an Aiwa deck and 2 infinity 6.5 in the fronts, 2 sonny 1 inch tweets and 2 6x9 Kenwood 120w speakers in the back. Costing me less than $500 all together. Not saying the HK system is bad, but it's not the best system money can buy out there. I'd do more searching for other options if I were you.

91RS

I wouldn't bother with it either. Just go aftermarket. The loeaner car I got from the dealership had the HK system in it, and I honestly didn't think the HK system sounded that great. I'm MUCH happier with my Infinity Kappa speakers. I also kept my factory radio (because I think aftermarket radios look like crap in newer cars, especially these). The only problem I have a little noise in the system when the car is running, which I'm still working on.

LILBENZ230

I've had loaners from Atlanta Classic Cars with the HK Logic7 system and I didn't think it was anything special.


+100

jerryraykeown

Next week i will be selling my head unit, the amp, cd changer and the sirius set up minus the antenna. Any one interested?

maverik259

not necessaryily true...i dont have h/k and i def do have rear deck speakers...

LILBENZ230

Unless you have the premium system you do not have rear deck speakers. There are speaker grilles for the sake of appearance but no speakers behind them. I checked.

maverik259

i dont have the h/k system and i have speakers back there...when installing my subs the place wanted to remove them for better base sound to come into the car...thus I have rear deck speakers

PharmD

Very interesting information and commentary, guys. I appreciate everyone's input and experience!

I think that if the opportunity to acquire the H/K setup for a reasonable price came along, I might give it a swing (I enjoy dabbling in audio installations) for the heck of it. However, I probably won't pursue it if it means spending a few G's on a system that allegedly really isn't THAT much of an improvement.

Jerry, I returned your message.


Keep the thoughts coming

maverik259

ya though you could def have better sound with an aftermarket setup and probably cheaper just b/c its not mercedes...try finding an aftermarket h/k system...

drcnyt

I have w203 Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompresor Avantgarde (Model year 2001)
I want to buy a Comand unit for my car.
I want to ask you which Comand unit I should buy to use every function well.
Thanks in advance.

warrenallen

Ive just installed a aftermarket hu and amp into my 2007 c230 with the HK system.

I'm interested in selling the hu, amp, cd changer and Sirius antenna box.

I think the HK amp is burnt. Not sure what repairs are needed to it; but Audio HU, Sirius box, and cd changer work perfect.

MIKESV8

don't waste your money OP, it shouldn't take others to tell you not to http://funny-pics-fun.com/wp-content...ERCEDES-15.jpg

want high end sound? go with something not intended for options in mass produced vehicles.