yodlebenz

yes i searched the forum, but i didnt really find what i was looking for so...

finally getting tired of the lack of bass in the coupe, especially after it was blown away by the c240 loaner i got. What's the best route to go? I was thinking subs and an amp maybe? any suggestions? can i replace any of the stock speakers ( maybe the rear) with something larger? will it fit? I have a real basic understanding of car audio, so any specific recommendations based on your own experience would be helpful.

two conditions:
1. retain stock head unit and cd changer
2. relatively inexpensive. i'm not trying to win any contest, just want more bass.

thanks for any help!

KompMan420

Honestly, the best way to go would be to replace the head unit. Speakers do little more than interpret the signal they are fed. So if you replace the stock speakers with larger ones, but you don't change the signal being fed you're not going to notice that much, but will have spent a pretty penny. However, since you are stuck on the idea of keeping it here's what you can do. I had the same complaint in my car when I first got it and was reluctant to go all aftermarket at first. I took my car to a reputable stereo shop and had an amp and sub spliced in to the system. It added more bass, but you really don't have much control over it. If a little more bass is all you are looking for this is the way to go.

Having said that here is what I recommend for an inexpensive aftermarket setup. Get this. I got it for $300 installed. The great thing about it is you don't need an amp to run your mids and highs. There's plenty of power. Then get something like this with a decent amp like this. Done! You will love the sound and you will never feel like I need more this or that. Now remember that the prices at Crutchfield are ALWAYS high and they don't carry everything. Alpine also makes an adapter for your steering wheel controls if that is important to you (it wasn't to me). Either way you go, you'll pretty much have to visit your local car audio shop so when you do talk to them about your options and the things that I've mentioned here. I hope this has shed a little light on your situation.

KompMan420

Here's a pic of the head unit installed...

TXTiger

Have you considered installing an Audio 10 CD? It retains the steering wheel controls, adds an in dash CD player, is compatible with the CD changer, and is a factory part! Overall sound, especially bass, is greatly improved. You can find them for around $250 on the classifieds or eBay. There's a lot on the forum about the Audio 10 - even installation instructions!

CitronC230K_03

the audio10 i bought came with the instruction booklet in english. i bought it for $220 shipped from a private party from german ebay. id stay with the audio10 cause you will keep your steering wheel controls, gain the indash cd player, keep the lighting color the same and wont have to get an adapter as its a stock fit radio. i love mine and the bass is awesome compared to the stock head unit!

CitronC230K_03

oh yeah and it has RDS as well!

KompMan420

I thought about going with the Audio 10 myself, but at the time they were a little more expensive than $220. Also, it doesn't give you room to improve later on if wished. My system now will certainly not win any competitions, but I'll gaurantee it will blow away anyone with the Audio 10. I don't think the Alpine adapter for the steering wheel controls is that expensive. So let's shoot high and say it's another $100 for the Alpine HU & adapter over the Audio 10. That $100 is well reflected in the sound quality and volume.

This gives you two very realistic and valid options yodlebenz. Hope it answers your questions.

CitronC230K_03

im not saying the audio10 is the best hu out there, nor am i saying the entire system w/ audio10 is going to impress anyone, but it serves it purpose for me and i like the clean looks of no adpater and stock controls.

KompMan420

Hence the...

CitronC230K_03

so true!

KompMan420

cliffybabe

I like my music load and bassy I've got 2 kenwood 12's and the rest of the car kitted but the old audio 10 unit I had was good and bassy but not bassy enough.

Its every one to their own

Yin

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6774

This is for someone who is interested in Audio 10.
Just found this on e-bay...and it's current bid is $2.00

yodlebenz

have a better idea now, thanx

connectcctv

Why are cars in the US not supplied with the standard Audio 10 as they are in the UK. It does the job very well and the bass is better that any Jap import i have heard.

CitronC230K_03

so we can keep german ebay customers happy by selling their units to us! im not sure myself, but im sure someone does. it doesnt make any sense. not only does it sound better, but who really wants a cassette deck over an in dash cd player. let alone the option to choose.

connectcctv

Dont you get the split Euro Mirrors as standard ?

Lynn

Because MBUSA was buying Alpine changers for less than $100, selling them to the dealers for $550, who in turn sold them for $775, and charged $200 to install them. After all, MB buyers are all rich, so why not soak them more than we already do.