thats what i thought just the diagram threw me off...

 

that diagram shows solid is positive and striped is negative... the diy how to retrofit shows the opposite.. i'm about to complete this tomorrow.. anyone know for sure?

 

For the wiring I followed the diagram accordingly. When I did my speaker install I found the exact same solid and striped colored wires in each speaker location as per the diagram.

 

ok sounds good!

 

after procrastinating for awhile i finally had mine installed... the shop charged $90 to do it.. but the mids seem to have less bass then before for some reason.. definitely louder but it's just the bass to the speakers just missing the punch it used to have... seems like i'm going to have to do some dynamat make a small enclosure behind the speaker

 

You need to fine tune the Parametric EQ. The factory settings are quite flat.

 

what are the equalizer setting for the hip hop reggae and rap music ?!?!?
i have alpine type x for the bass so i dont need bass from the speakers thanks ...

 

Not 100% sure as I listen to this type of music on occasion (whenever Pandora plays it) and the settings I have tailored to my taste seem to sound fine. I have since slightly adjusted my settings on the mid and high frequency to the following -

Filter3 / Frequency: 10000 / Q: 1.0 / Gain (db): +3.0
Filter4 / Frequency: 15000 / Q: 1.0 / Gain (db): +0.5

I found my previous settings emphasizing the "S" sound too much.

Since your music preference has more of a lower sound emphasis I would try the following settings and play with it from there -

Filter1 / Frequency: 60 / Q: 0.5 / Gain(db): +3.5
Filter2 / Frequency: 900 / Q: 1.5 / Gain (db): +4.0
Filter3 / Frequency: 8000 / Q: 1.0 / Gain (db): +3.0
Filter4 / Frequency: 13000 / Q: 1.0 / Gain (db): +0.5

There really is no set rule for the settings and mainly by playing with them over time you can find the settings best suited to your listening pleasure.

 

ICON1,

You mentioned that you purchased the 60.9cs (front) and 62.9i (rear) and had it done for $340 at Crutchfield.

I too purchased the exact same Kappas (60.9cs & 62.9i) from Amazon a few weeks ago along with an Infinity Basslink to round out the lows.

I know a few members on the forum recommend going with the Infinity 6032si set for the rear because they are shallow mount and fit better. Crutchfield website states that the 62.9i's do not fit in the C300.

However, I spoke to one of their techs and he didn't seem bothered about fitting the 62's in the rear. Obviously you had a good experience and are please with the outcome of your setup.

Just wondering if you could provide me with some reassurance and let me know if Crutchfield had any issues fitting the 62's in the rear doors. I have an appointment scheduled for installation next week and want make sure everything will go smoothly.

Thanks,

KC

 

Hi Bill,

I originally had planned to put the 6032si's in the rear doors but read several posts from jimmythegreek and Icon_1 describing how they had no issues installing the 62.9i in the rear.

Being a higher quality speaker than the 6032si I thought I would pay a few extra dollars and go with the better speakers.

As I mentioned, I ran my plan across one of the techs at Crutchfield and he didn't seem concerned about the fitting them in the rear doors of the W204 despite the fact that their website says they do not fit either the front or rear doors of a 2009 C300.

I am scheduled to have everything installed next week so I will post my thoughts on the config once I get a week or so to break them in.

Thanks again Bill...

-KC

 

KC,

I followed Akadan's install for the rear (used this method for the front as well). The thread for this is https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...fit-howto.html.

He has 2 PDF files attached with detailed pictures and instructions. I personally feel that this is the best and easiest method of install for all 4 speakers. You would cut out the stock speaker drivers only and leave the riveted stock speaker plastic housing in place. The 62.9i's will fit into the rears with this install as the stock speaker housing will serve as spacers. The metal attachment rings that come with the infinity speakers fit perfectly into the stock speaker housing when the drivers are cut out. Attach the metal attachment rings into the recessed lip of the stock speaker housing with super 3m double stick tape (as per Akadan's instruction), for added strength I added a few of the small screws as well. Not only did the stock speaker housing make for an easy install (did it myself) it created better bass reproduction from the infinity speakers overall.

I also posted my own post install experience and what I had encountered with my install earlier in this thread.

 

Icon 1,

I actually sent Crutchfield the 2 pdf's from Adakan's install instructions last week. Told them I have 62.9i for the rear and wanted it done like that.

I just wanted to check with you because you did a similar install and seemed to like it a lot.

Perhaps I missed it in the pdf but I didn't see where it mentioned the 62.9i for the rear. Thanks for confirming, I will let you all know how it goes.

 

The PDF from Akadan is for the rear install. I have attached for your reference. He references Vic Viper's front install on how to remove the front door panels in the beginning but everything else he does is for the rear door speakers. You should familiar yourself with Vic Viper's thread on the subject. For the rear door panel removal you do not need to remove the plastic trim around the upper door frame. The install is very easy to do and the sound quality is day and night compared to the stock speakers.

I did the same install for my front door speakers as well and installed the tweeters in the tweeter space. You will find the Infinity tweeters to be larger than the stock tweeters but if you follow what I did on my install the triangular plastic tweeter cover/housing can hold the Infinity tweeters in place once you cut out and remove the back stock tweeter holder, place the new Infinity speaker into the foam and while holding the infinity tweeter in place snap the triangualr speaker cover back.

 

Many thanks to you, Vic Viper and Akadan for all the shared knowledge. I've already sent Crutchfield both pdf's last week and will speak with them tomorrow to confirm they are good to go.

I spoke with their senior tech last Friday and he seemed confident in what I described for the rear install with the larger 62.9i. However, I asked him for his email so he could take a look at exactly what I want via the Akadan's pdf's. The senior tech was off all weekend and today (Monday) so I will hear from him tomorrow.

Senior tech told me last week that they had done many installs like this in C300's and actually recommended a small external 4 channel amp because he said the Kappa's wouldn't live up to their potential with just the factory head unit.


Side note: I actually spoke with one of their younger guys today while the senior tech was off and he made it seem like it was going to be a big deal installing any of these Kappas in the W204. He said, "Well we can't be sure it can be done so you may need to bring it in for a preliminary "look over" before we do the installation. Of course I asked why because the senior tech didn't give me any doubts and seemed very confident. The young guy (I'm 31 and he sounded 19) said, "Well you didn't buy your equipment from us so we can't be sure without looking at it first."

Ridiculous because they sell the exact same equipment on Crutchfield.com but only twice the price. I got mine from Amazon.com brand new in the box...always a run around depending on who you speak with.

I will wait to hear back from the senior guy...otherwise I'll just do the damn thing myself. I'm an engineer by trade so I'm perfectly capable but I'd rather have it professionally done.

-KC

 

Just reminding @kcanard that with a 2 ohm impedance, the Audio20 headunit will produce 50 watts per channel, 200 total. To substantially increase the SPL (+6 dB) one would need to install a 200 watt per channel (800 watts total) amplifier. Thats just for the in-door speakers.

The HK installation gets by with about the same watts (250 in the headunit) albeit with less efficient speakers. Suggest installing the Infinity speakers and giving them a week to break in. If the SPL they produce is in your opinion insufficient, then a great deal of time and money will be required to substantially increase by +6 dB (4 times the wattage), the total amplification available.

 

I despise situations like that. I have slightly above basic knowledge of car audio and have completed the install myself. If you are detail oriented and are handy then it is an easy install to follow and complete on your own.

I am running the Kappa's off of the factory head unit without an amp and they sound great. Hate it even more when they try to sell you more than you need. When the weather is nice I drive with all windows and sunroof open at 80mph and can clearly hear all of my music. Why pay them the money when you probably have more knowledge then they do.

 

The kappas fit fine in the rear, 62.9 is no problem u dont need shallows. Just follow the pdf, hack up the stocks and mount the rings and screw together, really easy. Dont expect miracles fromt he stock system

 

jimmythegreek,

Thanks for the reassurance regarding the 62.9i. I spoke with the senior tech at Crutchfield again today and he said it will be no problem putting the 60.9cs up front and the 62.9i in the rear. I emailed a copy of Akadan's pdf and he will follow that method for the rear.

Got a 10" self powered Infinity Basslink going in the trunk. Also have a bulk pack of Dynamat available but don't know if I will need it yet.

I too had two 12" JL's in my old Tahoe and it hit hard but I don't need all of that power in my W204. Just want something solid that's clear, loud and still bumps a little.

Lastly, I do have an Infinity Kappa Four external 4 channel amp. Oddly when I spoke to Crutchfield last week they seemed to keep mentioning that the stock head unit in the W204 wouldn't do the Kappas justice and recommended an external amp. However, today when I spoke to the same person and mentioned I had my own amp he was hesitant and basically said he didn't know if he could hook up an external amp to the head unit in my 2009 W204. Said it may not work right without a JL DSP. But like you jimmy I'm not into mounting external knobs and losing my steering wheel controls.

It's like the bizzaro world with these people. Maybe he lost interest since I had my own amp and wouldn't be purchasing from them. Even mentioned there would be a $20 service charge per item for installation since it wasn't purchased at Crutchfield. That's pretty crappy IMO but what can you do?

Though you guys would be interested in the latest update...seems to be something new everyday with these folks.

-KC

 

The JL 441DSP mentioned by the Crutchfield salesperson is described in this link:
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_c...php?page_id=94

One wonders why in the world one would wish to change an analog output from an already digital-input amplifier (such as the topology of the Audio20) back into digital, only to convert it again to analog in an aftermarket amplifier? Every conversion degrades fidelity. The Audio20 is impressive in its transparent conversion of analog input to digital where the internal chips offer even a parametric equalizer, then drive its internal amplifiers.

You would think that the iPod Integration Kit would feed a digital signal into the Audio20 headunit, but it uses the leftover Aux analog input. Then it converts the Aux signal to digital. CDs are kept in its digital realm, and also (I assume) digital radio, until after the tone/equalizer/fader section.

The Audio20's amplifier output is pristine IMO, and the Aux conversion to digital is also transparent, finding no audible difference between playing a CD, vs from the iPod, albeit with Apple Lossless and NOT MP3 recordings.

So why would the person recommend installing a unit to make yet another analog conversion back to digital? My point: If even after having available 200 watts with the Kappas and Audio20, you are obsessed into installing an aftermarket amplifier, just use the amplifier output from the Audio20.

 

I agree with AB, the power and sound from the Audio 20 when paired with the Infinity speakers is clean, clear, precise, and quite loud. I am able to drive on the highway at 80mph with all windows opened and still hear my music clearly.

It is not booming and seat lifting as some of today's hip hop music is listen too but it works for me in this genre (occasionally listen to mainstream hip hip when Pandora plays it). If your listening to jazz, pop, classical IMO it is as good as the HK system without the surround sound.

 

Just a quick update regarding my aftermarket installation for those following the thread....

Yesterday I had my speakers installed at Crutchfield and the Infinity Kappas sound great running just off the factory head unit alone. Perhaps adding a 4-channel amp may give you a little more but not really necessary IMO.

I rode back from Crutchfield with all four windows down at 70mph and you could still hear the speakers VERY well. Nice, crisp and clean

I did have the Infinity Basslink installed in the trunk and it does a nice job of rounding out the lows, however those looking to vibrate your review mirror even in the slightest will be very disappointed in a W204.

With the gain and bass boost feature all the way up it fills in the bass just enough so the highs in the front aren't overbearing. Other than that not much thump. I was honestly expecting just a LITTLE more but don't get me wrong it's NOT bad at all...still sounds great. I'm going to play around with the parametric EQ this weekend since Irene has ruined any other weekend plans. Hopefully tweaking this just right will give me the little bit more I'm looking for.

One other note, my 2009 C300 does not have the folding rear seats and as some others have mentioned on this forum the W204 basically has a solid steel plate that lines the back of the rear seats. This has a lot to do with the amount of bass I can feel from the Infinity Basslink. The trunk is very well sealed even with the foam placeholder where the factory sub would be. If it were an SUV or hatchback I am certain the bass would be MUCH more noticeable from the Basslink.

With that said, the entire Infinity setup is 100 times better than the stock speakers that come with the Audio 20 system. That's a fact! For the cost it is absolutely worth it...no question about it.

Overview:

Infinity Kappa 60.9cs in front
Infinity Kappa 62.9i in rear
Infinity Basslink in trunk

I bought all my components from Amazon at roughly half the price that Crutchfield was asking. Crutchfield charged me a $20 surcharge per each item to install the equipment since I did not buy from them. All said and done labor was $270 which included a wiring kit I bought from them. Took them about 7 hours to complete.

-KC

 

@KC - the sound will improve tremendously after about 30 hours of use, as the speaker surrounds break-in and they attain more dynamic range and efficiency.

As for the sealed-trunk sub - could you post some photos of the trunk install? The self amplified subwoofer used in my installation fits right under the rear shelf, the woofer sealed and firing directly into the cabin. To open a port in the rear shelf could be a solution, realize of course that all the trunk noise also enters.

If roads in your area are not too rough, one could always reinforce the soundproofing in the trunk with Dynamat, Fatmat or other isolator. This will reduce trunk noise from being produced and most of the bass should enter the passenger cabin.

Congrats and best of luck.

 

Bill,

Sure I'd be happy to take some pics this weekend and post them. I saw the install pics for your Boss self-powered sub and how it was mounted. You're absolutely right, that is an ideal position as it shoots the sounds directly into the cabin.

However, as you will soon see from my pics, the Infinity Basslink is not the same shape as the Boss models and thus cannot be mounted similarly. I also forgot to note that I had dynamat mounted around all four of the door speakers while they were in there doing the install. I bought the Extreme bulk pack from Amazon that comes with 9 large sheets. I still have a lot left over in case I want to do portions of the trunk in the future.

Opening the rear shelf is always an option, but I'll play with the parametric EQ and take note of your suggested break-in time before making any definitive statements about the Basslink and Dynamatting the trunk area.

Nevertheless, all of the nit-picking aside this is a wonderful upgrade and puts the factory system to shame. WORTH EVERY PENNY.

-KC

 

Icon 1,

I noted the factory settings for the Parametric EQ and then made the adjustments per your suggestions for Reggae/Hip Hop music. Once I set both the Left and Right Front you could definitely hear a considerable difference.

I was just wondering if you also recommend changing the the Rear Left/Right EQ to the same settings as the Front OR just leaving them at the factory settings.

If you think setting them to the same levels as the Front will also help please let me know your opinion. I'm sure it can't hurt, but I don't recall anyone making any mention about adjustments to the rear. Just thought I'd see what folks have to say before making any further changes.

Thanks,

KC

 

glad ur happy with the outcome of the install. If your not looking for a super system the upgrade is decent, its definitely worth the money. Bill the audio 20/50 doesnt have a digital ouput, it has only 4 channels of speaker outs, the optical ring is only between the unit itself, theres only analog ouput available. Although the math on paper sounds good, I wish u were near NJ or I was near SA to have u listen to my system. You would be amazed. I upgraded the subs/amps yet again and now have JL w6 12s (2) with a HD750 JL amp. I added a remote bass knob to the side of the gearshift that looks OEM and is beautiful custom match knob as well. I custom built a box to sit atop the rear shelf and snug to back seats, I'll post some pics. The system is dramatic, with the VIM module and a good DVD its better than a theatre experience, and good quality recordings blow u away, I have tried using the bypass on the JL DSP and its night and day, I wish u could hear it for yourself. Ill post pics soon. And Im also fabricating kick panel speakers and swapping out my XD400 for a XD600 6 channel amp, adding more highs up front, thats next