C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Hi - Audio Advice Needed

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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 01:21 PM
  #26  
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2002 C320
U can get audio 10 (original MB CD deck) and then get the changer on ebay for only 300 brand new thats what I do =) I hate to lose the funtion to control the value and change song on S wheel =)
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 01:34 PM
  #27  
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2002 C230 Coupe Black/Charcoal C5 C7 Auto
i have BOSE in the coupe and switched out with Audio 10. I was happy for a while now i think it may need more OOMPH. I dont wanna do too much b/c its a leased car but I was thinking how hard will it be to replace just amp and speakers? Is that even possible on the factory BOSE? doesnt it have its own amp somwhere by front passenger feet under carpet? Then will just swapping out for better speakers make any diff? 3-ways or 4-ways? Pioneers? MB Quart? suggestions? thanx.
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 01:38 PM
  #28  
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Originally posted by tberry
i have BOSE in the coupe and switched out with Audio 10. I was happy for a while now i think it may need more OOMPH. I dont wanna do too much b/c its a leased car but I was thinking how hard will it be to replace just amp and speakers? Is that even possible on the factory BOSE? doesnt it have its own amp somwhere by front passenger feet under carpet? Then will just swapping out for better speakers make any diff? 3-ways or 4-ways? Pioneers? MB Quart? suggestions? thanx.
Click below...

Originally posted by KompMan420
The factory BOSE speakers run on a different impedence then normal speakers. That along with the fiber-optic wiring is the reason for change...

For other audio advise look...

HERE
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 01:45 PM
  #29  
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To better explain impedence...

When wiring up your speakers it is important to "balance the impedence". This is effectively the resistance presented to your amplifier. Too much resistance and the amp will have to work harder for the same sound level (or you need a bigger amp); too little and the amp can overheat.

Speaker cable also has an inherent impedence. In order to avoid it becoming signiciant in the system a rule of thumb is that it should not exceed 10% of the speaker impedence.
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 01:49 PM
  #30  
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Originally posted by KompMan420
That's all you man, but...

Read this too

Just an FYI
What part do you want me to read?

The incorrect part about adding a sub? (1.c.) Did that in my last BOSE car?

The incorrect part about adding a new radio? (1.b.) Did that in this car?

The incorrect part about adding BOSE afterwards?(2.b.) I personally know it can be done.

It's obvious BOSE doesnt want you to modify their design, but that fact is its easy to do and works fine. I had the BOSE in my last car running off of a non-BOSE HU for 3 years with no problems.

Erik
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 01:55 PM
  #31  
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Originally posted by tifosiv122
What part do you want me to read?

The incorrect part about adding a sub? (1.c.) Did that in my last BOSE car?

The incorrect part about adding a new radio? (1.b.) Did that in this car?

The incorrect part about adding BOSE afterwards?(2.b.) I personally know it can be done.

It's obvious BOSE doesnt want you to modify their design, but that fact is its easy to do and works fine. I had the BOSE in my last car running off of a non-BOSE HU for 3 years with no problems.

Erik
While you may not have any problems you are still running a risk by feeding an unmatched impedence to your speakers. It's not that it's impossible to do, but it is NOT recommended and the reasons are clearly stated above. If this is an acceptable risk for you then cool. "It's all you man" I'm just trying to educate and answer the questions that were presented.
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 01:55 PM
  #32  
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2002 C230 Coupe Black/Charcoal C5 C7 Auto
Re: To better explain impedence...

Originally posted by KompMan420
When wiring up your speakers it is important to "balance the impedence".
I'm sorry i'm not very experienced in audio equip for cars but from what i read in your link you made a bunch of recommended parts for a full stereo setup and explained the importance of full range, noise ratio, etc (which is great info BTW). All i want to do as previously mentioned is to do either a simple swap of my amp and speakers (I have the optional BOSE on my coupe) and from my understanding it has a BOSE amp somewhere. I just wanted to know whether there are amps that I can replace the bose one that will work with some aftermkt speakers, my audio 10, and steering controls, and of course sound better (clarity at higher volume, more bass will be plus but not necessary).
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 02:08 PM
  #33  
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Originally posted by KompMan420
While you may not have any problems you are still running a risk by feeding an unmatched impedence to your speakers. It's not that it's impossible to do, but it is NOT recommended and the reasons are clearly stated above. If this is an acceptable risk for you then cool. "It's all you man" I'm just trying to educate and answer the questions that were presented.
Thats why there are hi/low adapters and such.

Erik
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 03:11 PM
  #34  
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Whoa.... hold on.

I DO NOT have BOSE in my car, so technically I should be able to just buy an Alpine head unit and install it without the need of buying new speakers, correct?

In addition, I would only lose the volume control on the steering wheel button? The rest of the stuff like mileage, temperature, etc would still be there?
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 03:55 PM
  #35  
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Raxen

I DO NOT have BOSE in my car, so technically I should be able to just buy an Alpine head unit and install it without the need of buying new speakers, correct?


That is correct.

In addition, I would only lose the volume control on the steering wheel button? The rest of the stuff like mileage, temperature, etc would still be there?

That is also correct. The steering wheel buttons will not change the volume or stations. Station information will not be displayed on the MFD.
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 03:58 PM
  #36  
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That's awesome... thanks Lynn.

What sort of adaptors would I need to hook up the Alpine head unit onto the existing Merc system?
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 04:01 PM
  #37  
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Originally posted by Raxen
Whoa.... hold on.

I DO NOT have BOSE in my car, so technically I should be able to just buy an Alpine head unit and install it without the need of buying new speakers, correct?

In addition, I would only lose the volume control on the steering wheel button? The rest of the stuff like mileage, temperature, etc would still be there?
Yes, you are correct. That is what I did in my car at first. You will need a dash kit for the head unit to mount in the dash though. Other than that you'll be rockin in no time. You will notice a HUGE difference in that alone, but you may find that you want more bass. In which case it will be simple to upgrade to that later on if you want to. Just make sure that whatever head unit you get will support future mods if desired.

tberry - if you have the audio 10 and wish to get an amp and new speakers you should be able to get most any amp/speaker combo you want. If you are doing the install yourself then I recommend getting a line converter as well.
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 04:05 PM
  #38  
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Originally posted by tifosiv122
Thats why there are hi/low adapters and such.

Erik
If by hi/low adapters you mean a crossover then it won't change the impedence. Crossovers only block/allow certain frequencies to pass. In other words if you have a hi pass crossover it will cut out all your low end bass and most of your mids. These are used for tweeters and smaller component speakers. Likewise with a low pass crossover. These are used for subwoofers.
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 04:18 PM
  #39  
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Originally posted by Raxen
That's awesome... thanks Lynn.

What sort of adaptors would I need to hook up the Alpine head unit onto the existing Merc system?
You will need VW antenna connector adaptors. These are made by Scosche and are widely available. You may need a VW wiring harness to avoid having to cut and splice wires. Your local auto stereo store should be able to tell you more.
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 04:38 PM
  #40  
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Many thanks everyone.
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Old Apr 21, 2003 | 04:41 PM
  #41  
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Originally posted by Lynn
You will need VW antenna connector adaptors. These are made by Scosche and are widely available. You may need a VW wiring harness to avoid having to cut and splice wires. Your local auto stereo store should be able to tell you more.
Yea, what he said. :p
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Old Aug 30, 2004 | 09:02 PM
  #42  
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Originally Posted by Lynn
You will need VW antenna connector adaptors. These are made by Scosche and are widely available. You may need a VW wiring harness to avoid having to cut and splice wires. Your local auto stereo store should be able to tell you more.
Ive been trying to look for a wire harness for my 1995 C36 AMG but it appears there isnt a single one made. Will this work for my vehicle as well?
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Old Sep 8, 2004 | 06:16 AM
  #43  
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Just to elaborate again, youll find a universal harness solution for every benz made on ebay with a wire guide.
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Old Sep 8, 2004 | 03:31 PM
  #44  
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Seem people on this thread know more about audio systems so here goes :

I'm a few hours away from choosing a dealer to buy my car and I need help FAST !!
I'm getting a C230 Sport Sedan / Sunroof / Automatic / RED / CD Changer.

OK, the other dealer is giving me the same but adding Bi-xenons and Audio Package with a difference in price of $1350.00

Is this worth it ? Is the radio that much of a difference unless you're a audio expert to notice the difference ? How can I tell if it REALLY does have the audio package, is the radio different that I can see it or is the sound that noticeable ?
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