C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

Another stereo question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 22, 2010 | 12:34 PM
  #1  
08SEA300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
08 C300 Sport
Another stereo question

I've been browsing through some of the stereo install threads. It seems that everyone leaves most of the Harmon systems together and a sub. What about cars (like mine) with stock stereo?
I'm planning on a 10W7 with a JL 500.1 pushing it. Going to build a fiberglass box in the trunk on the left side using that small hole by the light for depth.
Should I bother with the door speakers? My only worry is dialing in the whole system to sound even. This stock stereo is nice for sure, but doesn't get "loud" like aftermarket. But I'm not thinking a stock amp will be able to handle any real upgraded door speaker (Focal, MB, etc.).
Any help is much appreciated!
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2010 | 01:11 PM
  #2  
GHAZAN's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,463
Likes: 2
From: Norte America
MBUSA
start with the sub and go from there...
Reply
Old Oct 22, 2010 | 02:10 PM
  #3  
08SEA300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
08 C300 Sport
That was my plan, just seeing what others may have done.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2010 | 10:26 PM
  #4  
Acapulco Bill's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
Recommend replacing stock speakers with Infinity Kappa 62.9, they are twice as efficient and half the impedance (2 ohms), so you get 4 times the SPL out of the 20-25 WPC Audio 20. The stock OEM speakers cost $1 (for all 8 of them!). It will take patience to install the rear door speakers, the space behind the grill probably has no hole for the tweeter.
Reply
Old Oct 31, 2010 | 10:46 PM
  #5  
08SEA300's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
08 C300 Sport
Originally Posted by Acapulco Bill
Recommend replacing stock speakers with Infinity Kappa 62.9, they are twice as efficient and half the impedance (2 ohms), so you get 4 times the SPL out of the 20-25 WPC Audio 20. The stock OEM speakers cost $1 (for all 8 of them!). It will take patience to install the rear door speakers, the space behind the grill probably has no hole for the tweeter.
What size are these speakers? I'm guessing 5 1/4" but I could be wrong.

Thanks for that suggestion, I knew there had to be some upgrade for these doors. I'm not knocking them, but I know it can be a bit better.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2010 | 10:29 AM
  #6  
Acapulco Bill's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
Here is a link, they are 6 1/2" with separate 1 inch tweeter and crossover. If drilling and cutting the rear door frame seems too much, the Infinity 6032 are coaxial and just pop into the current speaker mount.
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_108609C...rch=car+stereo
With proper source material (not MP3, but lossless or original CD) this is as close to audiophile quality you can get so easily in the C class. The Audio 20 amplifier, although only 20 watts per (x4) channel, is actually a very low distortion unit up to its limit.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2010 | 11:03 AM
  #7  
amdeutsch's Avatar
Administrator
MBWorld Ambassador

Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 15,762
Likes: 36
From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
Be careful about using 2 ohm speakers for an amp not rated for driving such an impedance. Resistance for different gauge wire can be found here. So, you can see that it could take quite a lengthy run for 2 Ohm resistance + speaker impedance to get close to 4 Ohms.
Reply
Old Nov 1, 2010 | 07:50 PM
  #8  
Acapulco Bill's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 19
From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
Most modern amps can get to 1 ohm no problem if the speakers and xover are not reactive. This critical listener is quite pleased with the 2 ohm and several dB efficienty increase over the stock MB speakers. Now there is 40 watts on tap, and at 95 dB/1 watt efficiency of the Infinity Kappa 62.9s, thats 110 dB peaks (32 watts in). Peaks are usually 10 dB over the RMS level, meaning 10x the wattage input, so even with those peaks the average amp output would be around 3 watts RMS. No amplifier distress has been detected, and the internal protection circuitry stops digital volume increases after distortion is detected.

Last edited by Acapulco Bill; Nov 1, 2010 at 07:58 PM. Reason: Detail about peak vs RMS wattage.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

 Verdad Gallardo

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:47 PM.

story-0
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-3
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-4
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-5
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke

Slideshow: The 2027 update adds a fully digital steering system, revised styling, and potential charging upgrades as the company looks to revive interest in the luxury EV.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-04 10:24:38


VIEW MORE