harmon kardon + subwoofer
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: SW FLA
2003 ML350, 2005 C320
harmon kardon + subwoofer
hi all
newbie here. really like the info on this forum for those of us who do more than just drive our cars. anyway, i was wondering if any one has added a sub (or two) and amplifier to the stock HK system (mine is in the '05 c-class). i have read about a feedback loop issue with the auto pilot on the bose system and it might be my imagination but i think the HK system has the same type of feature. any thoughts?
newbie here. really like the info on this forum for those of us who do more than just drive our cars. anyway, i was wondering if any one has added a sub (or two) and amplifier to the stock HK system (mine is in the '05 c-class). i have read about a feedback loop issue with the auto pilot on the bose system and it might be my imagination but i think the HK system has the same type of feature. any thoughts?
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
The stock '05 HK could definitely use more power. There should be no problem with properly adding additional amplification. I have not seen any posts for this done to an '05.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
05-C230SC
Should be easier than with Bose...
Bose uses a proprietary voltage (4.2Volt, I think), and most other conventional car audio equipment uses 12V. If the HK system uses 12V it should be fairly easy.
I had a Bose system in my VW, and when I added subs to it, I had to choose between using additional equipment to keep the Bose setup or replace the Bose HU & amp and use 12V equivalent.
I have the HK system and I think it ROCKS the way it is; but then again I don't roll down the ghetto with my driver seat reclined to the back seat blasting Dr Dre (at least not to often)
Bose uses a proprietary voltage (4.2Volt, I think), and most other conventional car audio equipment uses 12V. If the HK system uses 12V it should be fairly easy.
I had a Bose system in my VW, and when I added subs to it, I had to choose between using additional equipment to keep the Bose setup or replace the Bose HU & amp and use 12V equivalent.
I have the HK system and I think it ROCKS the way it is; but then again I don't roll down the ghetto with my driver seat reclined to the back seat blasting Dr Dre (at least not to often)
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: hawaii
'05 C230 coupe
Originally Posted by Deutscher_Wagen
I have the HK system and I think it ROCKS the way it is; but then again I don't roll down the ghetto with my driver seat reclined to the back seat blasting Dr Dre (at least not to often)
wouldn't mind a small sub to give it a little bit more kick, but I'm not in a rush since I think it sounds fine
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
05-C230SC
Originally Posted by LiquidSmile
I have an 03' not sure if it is the same setup, but I have a JL Audio Amp and 12" Sub Installed in the trunk to the factory stereo.
Did you install it or did you have a shop do it?
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Germany
i have always wanted to add an additional subwoofer to my bose system on C240 but i am totally cluess ín this field and have absolute no idea how car audio actually works.
I remember seeing one member on the forum with a JL subwoofer in his trunk. it would be interesting to know what we need to add and the costs.
Many thanks,
Mike
I remember seeing one member on the forum with a JL subwoofer in his trunk. it would be interesting to know what we need to add and the costs.
Many thanks,
Mike
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 1
From: GA
'06 Lexus GS300 RWD, '07 Camry SE V6 auto, '91 190E 2.6 auto
If you have a sedan and are worried about space, you might be able to put a free-air sub (no box - trunk is the closed air space) in the rear deck.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: MORTON GROVE,IL
BLACK 2005 SLK55 AMG,02 SILVER C32(SOLD),02 ML320 SILVER(Sold),99 S320 BLUE, 03 E500 Sport Pewter
i got 2 10 in l7's installed last week to my stock radio on my c32 the place i got it done at is call ABT electronics in glenview illinois, the system pounds with my 1200 watt kicker amp i have got the sub facing inside of the car so when the seats fold down you can see the stainless steel front they put on also when i pu the seats back up i has them remove the ski bag option so when i put down the rear arm rest it goes straight through the trunk the biggest problem im having now is that witht the speed sensative volume control i have taken back 3 times the volume adjusts itself by it self its annoying they should eb able to bypass this if not someone there is going to get me yelling and screaming at them they are pros they should be able to do anything it really sucks whe you spend a lot of money and theres still problems we'll see what happens
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: MORTON GROVE,IL
BLACK 2005 SLK55 AMG,02 SILVER C32(SOLD),02 ML320 SILVER(Sold),99 S320 BLUE, 03 E500 Sport Pewter
here are some pics at this link my car is really dirty im about to go get it washed
http://community.webshots.com/album/275717726YCBfin?914
http://community.webshots.com/album/275717726YCBfin?914
Last edited by chitownc32; Feb 16, 2005 at 05:39 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Germany
thanks for the pics, the sound system looks great.
btw. i found this thread regarding the problem that u are having. hope it helps!
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ight=subwoofer
mike
btw. i found this thread regarding the problem that u are having. hope it helps!
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ight=subwoofer
mike
Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Greensboro, NC
00' ML 55 AMG; 08' Jeep Wrangler Unlimted (4 Door)
Originally Posted by Deutscher_Wagen
03 would be Bose, right?
Did you install it or did you have a shop do it?
Did you install it or did you have a shop do it?
I had a shop do it. It's pretty Much Removable if I have to carry something
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: MORTON GROVE,IL
BLACK 2005 SLK55 AMG,02 SILVER C32(SOLD),02 ML320 SILVER(Sold),99 S320 BLUE, 03 E500 Sport Pewter
thanks alot mike182 i couldnt have gotten better help with that Im guessing this problem might not be able to get fixed which will mean that the car audio place might give a tv under cost they have greta customer service ill keep you updated on what happens
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: SW FLA
2003 ML350, 2005 C320
dropped in a 10 and amp
hi all.....i finally got some time to drop off my car with the nice folks @ Advanced Audio here in Naples (FL). after about 2.5 hrs of labor they had things in order....the stock system matches the 10" memphis and JBL BP300 amp well, though i did have to turn the gain down a little...i'm sure the shop had it maxxed out.. so far so good with the speed sensative volume not distorting things......i'll give an update after a few days.....rudy.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: SW FLA
2003 ML350, 2005 C320
magic mic
after two days of test listening i determined that the new HK system does suffer from the dreaded feeback loop b/t after market subwoofers and the speed sensative audio. so i called the dealer........yeah right! they did't know and the fellow that did was out until monday. so i decided to see if i could figure it out. using this exellent post: https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ight=subwoofer
i started to snoop and low and behold i found the magic mic and after removing it all my problems disappeared....now that is true utility from this board...thanks all.
rudy
i started to snoop and low and behold i found the magic mic and after removing it all my problems disappeared....now that is true utility from this board...thanks all.
rudy
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
w203,ka7,e39
if you guys wanna add a sub and an amp, just use a LOC(line output converter). takes the highs and low signal, filter out the highs and uses the low for the bass. run the power wire, find a remote wire(beats the crap out of me) and hook it up. i havnt done anything to the benz yet but i should once i finish w/ my plan w/ my acura 
Banned
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 1
From: Australia
Originally Posted by wingless
The stock '05 HK could definitely use more power. There should be no problem with properly adding additional amplification. I have not seen any posts for this done to an '05.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
Originally Posted by miroj
You mean to say that at your age you already need a hearing aid.
The '05 HK sound system is fine, but on my vehicle it spends way too much time at the maximum setting, wanting more. That is not right.
On my wife's Cayenne Turbo there is so much available volume that the maximum setting exists, but has not been used. That's what I'd like on the MB.
Banned
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 1
From: Australia
Originally Posted by wingless
There is no problem with me hearing good, loud, music.
The '05 HK sound system is fine, but on my vehicle it spends way too much time at the maximum setting, wanting more. That is not right.
On my wife's Cayenne Turbo there is so much available volume that the maximum setting exists, but has not been used. That's what I'd like on the MB.
The '05 HK sound system is fine, but on my vehicle it spends way too much time at the maximum setting, wanting more. That is not right.
On my wife's Cayenne Turbo there is so much available volume that the maximum setting exists, but has not been used. That's what I'd like on the MB.
My advice .... enjoy your music .... in 20 years you wont be able to hear it.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: SW FLA
2003 ML350, 2005 C320
good grief
My advice .... enjoy your music .... in 20 years you wont be able to hear it.
in conclusion of this post, yes there is a ambient sound feedback system with the new HK stereo in the 05 c-class similar to the old bose system. for the addition of a subwoofer or woofers this system needs to be modified....i found that the easiest way to do this was to remove the mic for the feedback system.......and now i can enjoy my music at full range w/o sudden spikes in volume thast might cause cochlear damage. so off i go to bump 50 cent in the club up and down my street!!! sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet! rudy
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
Originally Posted by rudy
wingless...don't cha love unsolicited advice? like you can't make an informed decision without it. let''s see you have a an 05 c320 coupe and your wife drives a cayanne turbo so i'm guessing that your household income is bumpin 6 figures and that more than likely you make executive decesions all day every day and that, like me, you enjoy the finer things like listening to the full range of music as it was intented...not through the crappy stock 6.5 inch woofers that hit about 60 hzs lows (if you lucky) in the back deck. i'm just trying to get the same sounds that i get from my HT set up with klipsch reference speakers, an SVS sub and sony es amplification and digital processing.......but i digress.
Yes, I do suffer from C.H.W. but I am refusing treatment for this ailment. (C.H.W. is Can't Hear Wife)
