Who supplies the OEM speakers for the Audio 20 in a 2012 C250?

Yes, I have used the search function and even asked the local dealer.

 

Some have replaced them, no? Did you notice a manufacturer stamp?

 

The OEM speakers, you mean the Harman Kardon ones? Or normal?

 

Obviously OP means 'the normal' speakers.

 

The C250 comes with 2 types of speakers, first ones are provided by Mercedes and they have no tag on them and the other sets are provided by Harman Kardon.

So assuming that the thread starter means the ones provided by Mercedes?

 

Yes.

 

Thanks.
They're not HK, but the ones provided by MB. However, assume MB sourced out the speakers they use in the Audio 20 and was hoping to find out who actually makes them. Similar to Bosch, Siemens and Bilstein making component parts for other systems in MB cars.

 

I think I heard they were MB-Quart

 

I don't know who manufactures them but I am very happy with their sound - if you set them properly, you don't need the HK at all.

 

I don't think you've heard the HK system.....

 

I don't need to hear every speaker on Earth to know what is good. I know how to set up audio equipment and the sound of the standard speakers is perfect. If you tweak the settings, you will get better sound with standard speakers than someone with HK who didn't touch the settings (95% of people leave the audio settings at 0/0/0).

 

I have no doubt there are better car audio systems, but my impression is the "standard" non-HK Audio 20 speakers are above average. The bottom line is, I enjoy listening to them, and I don't enjoy most standard oem audio systems.
My home audio consists of Yamaha column speakers, center and back. Probably, not audiophile, but very nice clear distinct sound. So, that's my reference. IMO the Audio 20s standard speakers have passable highs, clear middle and fuller base than I would expect w/o sub. No, they don't sound like my home system, but provide enjoyable sound.
But, ultimately preferred audio sound, like the comfort of a bed, is a subjective thing.

 

dear lord.... you clearly don't know what your talking about my 1996 850 volvo had better speakers..... for $300 you can get better quality speakers and install them yourself, If you know anything about audio you'd already know about the secret audio menu, where you can literally play with all the settings possible. which I've done and still its pretty bad if you jam up the volume.

The one thing that changed my audio experience with audio 20 was the app EQu by elephant candy do a search theres previous post about this.

All i know in my next Benz ill never get the low quality speakers agin, it will save the headache of upgrading.

 

I think you're responding to dol4er, but what is the secret audio menu and how do I access it?

 

Don't tell me what I know, please. Look at yourself before you insult the others.

"My 1540 Volvo has better speakers"... ... get out of here. It is NOT pretty bad, you don't know what you are talking about. This system is not for "jamming up the volume" and blowing your head, this is for normal people listening to nice music and it plays PERFECTLY FINE.

 

Got it. Parametric Equalizer in Audio 20

 

That's my impression. In fact,when consider upgrading, I think about how much time I actually spend in the car and how dissatisfied I am with the current system; I end up doing nothing.

 

lol I don't want to back and fourth but your the only person who thinks the audio 20 is good..... you clearly haven't listed to a quality system before. the 2016 Dodge grand caravan has better speakers lol and its a dodge.....

listening "normally" so when you listen to a song you like you don't jam it full bast? I say thats a lie. In fact the system sounds better when you play it a few notches lower than 100 but its still poor.

you can't even actually jam up the volume unless you go into the perimeters..... so you can't say you never have listened to the audio full blast because at full blast its not even loud enough when a good song comes on.

God theres so many threads on how bad they are...

 

Full blast? Really? Are you hard of hearing?

BTW I know I've read threads in this forum, and by those who've upgraded their sound system, say the base OEM Audio 20 is very good.

 

yes I'm deaf.... thats probably why it sounds so bad.

 

Marko, you are not deaf. Would not buy a car with audio 20 system. I have had 2 Benzes with HK systems and one with Burmester. They sound great. The audio 20 sounds horrendous. The speakers in audio 20 are crap.

 

I am not the only person... every normal person would tell you that the Audio 20 sounds very good for standard speakers.

But now I get it, you are one of that kind people who want to open 4 windows and let the whole neighborhood know that you are passing by with your tinted C300 which resembles a C63 and you're listening to some crap song. X-pipe... make it as loud as possible, why not?

Let everybody know you are driving well, mate, Audio 20 is not for you but that doesn't make it bad, so no need to insult people who like it for listening to nice music.

Actually, you are just a show-off guy... I wonder how you end up with 4 exhaust tips... go for 6-8, it will attract much more attention and you will be unique (just an idea). I bet you've got blue LED lights below the car...

You are not only deaf, but you are also blind if you bought a 1996 Volvo... there is no doubt about it.

 

I feel sorry for you... unfortunately there is no cure for being stupid.,I'll pray for you though.

Just like you said "you don't know me" Lol

 

Jeff,

This kid will not let this go but thanks for agreeing I though I was losing my marbles.

Listen looks wise I don't think any car in the price range beats the W204 c class for our model years. BUT you need to realize you have a base model C250 nothing wrong with that but every car has its flaws .... If MB just used better speakers wtf else would be wrong with the car? It would probably be hard to find 5 things.

The problem with the W204 now is it's so affordable every kid has one now and thinks they have a unicorn.... when they have a base model car.

Yes I have a base model C300 I've upgraded a lot of things for the love of the car. I'm sorry you are also blind and can't admit it looks better with 4 exhaust tips instead of OH YA you have one on your C250 which is a sports car like my Volvo.

Go sit in an Audi, BMW, God pick any luxury car brand and you'll hear the difference. Wait maybe you won't but bring a friend who can help.

 

Wow^^ A heated discussion about speakers -_-

This is my opinion only.

I've had Bose speakers in an Audi, have listened to the Nakamichi system in a RX from a years past, have listened to B&O speakers on an A4 (the B8 A4 from a few years ago).

It's hard to say between all of those upgraded systems which one I like best, but I Would say the HK system on a C class is comparable (it really depends on what music you listen to and what type of sound you want coming from a system).

The base Audio 20 system though is crap. It's worse than the base system on an A4 by a mile.

When I was buying my car, I specifically asked to sit in a car with the HK system and without. Within 15 seconds I jumped out of the car with the Audio 20 system and said...NO WAY.

Anyways, my $0.02. No need to get excited over speakers on a forum though...