dmills

Its the classic problem of trying to serve two market segments: Mercedes has always been know for building no-nonsense reliable cars but in recent years they have been getting their butts kicked in the reviews against comparably segmented cars when it comes to the telematics system. This is especially true now that you can buy a cheapo ford focus and get the amazing sync system. So mercedes spent alot of money to build a really nice multimedia system for the C class and they have succeeded.

The only problem of course is that they also want to be able to price the C at an entry-level pricepoint which means having a lower end option. It looks as though the MM system is marketed to younger professionals that want a car that has the bells and whistles of the S class but without spending close to 100K. The base system gets marketed to people who want a nice reliable inexpensive mercedes, perhaps as a second car or a winter car.

Its all relative... I like gadgets so I ordered my wifes C class with the MM even though she said she really didnt care (of course she'll be thanking me when the dvd keeps the kids quiet). Most of the people here love the MM system, particularly the younger ones who really understand and appreciate things like having a built in hard drive to store music.

Benz084

FWIW, I'm an audiophile....somewhat. I have a sick sound system in my jeep....but have since switched to "better quality" instead of loud.

That said, I opted for the HK on my 05 c230. I loved the sound.
I didn't get the MM on my 08and I'm more than happy.

To be honest, I can't tell much of a difference between the updraded HK in the 05 and the stock stereo in the new one. The biggest difference might be the "surround" effect. The hk had the center speaker in the dash and it sounded slightly better in surround mode, but if you're thinking about the MM because of the updraded sound, its not worth the 3000 IMO.

Great package, just not for everyone.

chilledbenz

No redesign is needed..they can simply use the stock systems screen...or in worst case scenario they can use the dash from the GLK. I doubt the second example would happen, but come on..its a hole in the dash, it wouldn't take much engineering to make the whole bigger for a bigger in dash screen.

Derspeed

That may be. Regardless, of the number of staitions I can't pick which song I want to hear, so it's still pointless for me.

webada

Perfect example of this is the infiniti G35, if you opted for the navi, the screen pops up vertically (although I think its spring loaded rather than a motor)

Infiniti did wait for a redesign to phase that out tho.

webada

As for the sound quality of the HK system .....

if you're going to listen to mp3 out of flashcard/ipod/mp3cds then it doesn't matter between the stock and hk system. you won't be able to tell much difference.... pop in a dvd audio or a quality mastered CD, that's when the system can really shine.

chilledbenz

You make a great point for the MM system playing DVD Audio, you can really tell a difference then....only problem is you can't find DVD Audio discs in the stores anymore, or if you do (Best Buy) its a real crappy selection as not all artists release their albums in the DVD Audio format.

webada

the genre that has the most dvd audio is classical and vocal. the common believe is that if you are listening to pop/rock/rap, you care more about bass/loudness than clarity/definition.

you won't find dvd audio in stores, best place is probably www.acousticsounds.com or even amazon.com. Anyone else of any good sites?

however, a good master quality cd such as Pink Floyd's dark side of the moon is often used in hi-def shop to show off speakers...

chilledbenz

I'm revisiting this thread because I hate to admit it..but I was wrong. The hardon/cardon sound system does sound better than the stock system. I finally had a chance to crank up the system in the R class today without people with me and its quite good. As I mentioned above in another post, the stock system and the hardon system sound the same...that is until you can get some volume in it ha ha. I'm still not sold on that flipping screen...but as far as sound quality I have to resend my early comment and say its much better than stock. It is however a bit disappointing that the sound isn't much better at lower levels.

ghostbusters

Sup guys,

After reading all the good comments on the MM package, I am kinda regretting not getting it. Anyways, with that said, I might just opt for the HK system. Do you guys reckon it's available in Malaysia/Singapore?

Also, is it possible to reinstall the MM package on a non-MM car? I've been reading through reviews which say that it is not entirely impossible, but the cost just isn't worth it. Any ideas on that?

Cheers.

C300Sport

For the cost and hassle involved, you may just want to try some good replacement co-ax/tri-ax speakers and see what they do for the sound quality...little more bass, little sharper highs and cleaner midrange could be all you need...