Factory head unit question on 05' C230
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 15
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2005 C230
Factory head unit question on 05' C230
I have the stock audio system and plan to upgrade the sound while keeping the stock head unit. My question is, does anyone know if the factory HU puts out a flat signal or is there a non defeatable EQ signal?
The answer to that question may mean a $300 difference as I'll need to get the JL Audio Cleansweep CL441dsp unit if the signal is equalized. If it's not, I can use a standard line out converter. Hopefully someone has ran across this issue before and has an aswer for me, any input would be greatly appreciated. If others have used a similar device as the cleansweep I'd be interested to hear how that's worked out for you. The only other unit I've found is made by Rockford Fosgate and is even pricier at $600. Lastly, for those that have used only a regular line out converter...how is the sound, any issues (I've heard in some cases bass can be too heavy at low volumes)?
Thanks,
Jae
The answer to that question may mean a $300 difference as I'll need to get the JL Audio Cleansweep CL441dsp unit if the signal is equalized. If it's not, I can use a standard line out converter. Hopefully someone has ran across this issue before and has an aswer for me, any input would be greatly appreciated. If others have used a similar device as the cleansweep I'd be interested to hear how that's worked out for you. The only other unit I've found is made by Rockford Fosgate and is even pricier at $600. Lastly, for those that have used only a regular line out converter...how is the sound, any issues (I've heard in some cases bass can be too heavy at low volumes)?
Thanks,
Jae
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 12
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07 - C230
Well, the automatic volume as you drive faster can be turned off by your dealer... but why not just change out the headunit ???? You can still use your steeringwheel controls, they make a dash kit for single or double din for your car....
upgrade your HU... you'll be much happier... i've got a Z110bt Pioneer navigation with full steering wheel control - looks perfect.....
You'll need to spend about $180 on the steeringwheel adpt, dash kit and antenna adapt... but its money well spent and no need to hack away at your factory wiring and harness.... there's not much slack on your factory harness anyway..... and not much room behind the deck to splice wires and shove it all back in... you've got a benz... a very refined machine of a car... its full of precision and you don't get much room behind your HU.....
PM me if you want, i've got an 07 c230 - and done work on pre/post facelift c-class's and other models.....
Steve
upgrade your HU... you'll be much happier... i've got a Z110bt Pioneer navigation with full steering wheel control - looks perfect.....
You'll need to spend about $180 on the steeringwheel adpt, dash kit and antenna adapt... but its money well spent and no need to hack away at your factory wiring and harness.... there's not much slack on your factory harness anyway..... and not much room behind the deck to splice wires and shove it all back in... you've got a benz... a very refined machine of a car... its full of precision and you don't get much room behind your HU.....
PM me if you want, i've got an 07 c230 - and done work on pre/post facelift c-class's and other models.....
Steve
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Joined: Sep 2009
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2005 C230
Well I was trying to keep the look of the factory HU, but I'm not opposed to an aftermarket HU if it looks nice. Are the parts I'll need MB parts or from a 3rd party? Do you have links and/or part numbers?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Va Beach, VA
05 C230K SS (sold), 06 C55 (sold), 08 Yamaha R1 (sold), 16 X5M
stick with the factory...the look is way cleaner and aftermarket just looks tacky in the benz!...and its a straight signal since there is no equalizer ability in the audio 20 only the h/k system! just do speakers and an amp and you'll be fine! although stock speakers are not bad at all and really are just underpowered by the h/u...so a powerful is really all you need if your looking for simply better sound! after that I'd go for speakers (mids in the doors, 8" woofs in the rear deck, and 1" tweeters in the door A-frame)
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Joined: Nov 2005
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07 - C230
stick with the factory...the look is way cleaner and aftermarket just looks tacky in the benz!...and its a straight signal since there is no equalizer ability in the audio 20 only the h/k system! just do speakers and an amp and you'll be fine! although stock speakers are not bad at all and really are just underpowered by the h/u...so a powerful is really all you need if your looking for simply better sound! after that I'd go for speakers (mids in the doors, 8" woofs in the rear deck, and 1" tweeters in the door A-frame)
I'm not coming down on you, but you opinion of a factory look is great but you can't make a decision for everyone and say its tacky.... I should say that aftermarket 19" rims look tacky for that matter.... looks like a ghetto rider....
Either way if you're looking for a system and help with it no harm in PM'ing me for wiring / diagrams / how to take apart the car and such....
good luck to you both
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,191
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From: Va Beach, VA
05 C230K SS (sold), 06 C55 (sold), 08 Yamaha R1 (sold), 16 X5M
...well F*(@ you and the horse you road in on...Obviously its my opinion since I said it and considering no one asked you what you think of "19" rims" means no one cares about your opinion...if you want someone to play the violin for you find a musician and give him a few notes on his skin flute...basically keep your bantering for the offtopic forums...besides ask 90% of the members on here and they will agree that the factory look is much better for the luxury car MERCEDES or did you forget you drive one?
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...well F*(@ you and the horse you road in on...Obviously its my opinion since I said it and considering no one asked you what you think of "19" rims" means no one cares about your opinion...if you want someone to play the violin for you find a musician and give him a few notes on his skin flute...basically keep your bantering for the offtopic forums...besides ask 90% of the members on here and they will agree that the factory look is much better for the luxury car MERCEDES or did you forget you drive one?
I agree with maverik, stay stock. Or better yet, get command, looks way better. Aftermarket head units look super cheezy. They suit Hondas though.
