How to upgrade the base sound system
Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 129
Likes: 15
From: Stavanger, Norway
E350e W213
As for the Match P&P they say it only works on the W204 Audio20 but I found somewhere that the connectors are the same for Audio20 in W204 and W205 (and they look exactly the same).
If it doesn't work I'll try disassembling the yellow ISO from the stock connector. I think it can come out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Yeah, the joy of being an audio pioneer. I'm pretty psyched about there being a good upgrade path for the A20. I get a couple of emails a month on the blog asking for one and I'm basically guessing.
Are you doing an external sub/amp in the trunk?
Are you doing an external sub/amp in the trunk?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 4
From: Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
15 E200CGI SPORT
Yeah, that's a recent revelation on the 2 ohm. At least when harman/kardon used essentially the same speaker in the W221 they were 4 ohm. My error for assuming they'd be the same. I need to check the resistance in the 4" I took out of the Burmester as well.
So in your system with the Match DSP the website shows it as a straight DSP with low voltage RCA out, presumably for an amplifier. Did you need to buy an amp for your set up?
Edit: Found the version with the amp included.
The really cool thing about the Match is the available vehicle specific harness. Huge labor saver. Otherwise, on paper at least, it does seem to match the Audison in terms of power and features. How much for it plus the custom harness?
So in your system with the Match DSP the website shows it as a straight DSP with low voltage RCA out, presumably for an amplifier. Did you need to buy an amp for your set up?
Edit: Found the version with the amp included.
The really cool thing about the Match is the available vehicle specific harness. Huge labor saver. Otherwise, on paper at least, it does seem to match the Audison in terms of power and features. How much for it plus the custom harness?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Yeah, at the time it was my shop's first Prima in a 221 S Class and the harness was almost $700, or roughly 7 hours of labor. We decided to skip it. The spot we picked to mount the Prima on the 205 was right on top of the factory amp so they did their own connections on that one too.
Last edited by Mike5215; Jun 17, 2016 at 10:04 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 129
Likes: 15
From: Stavanger, Norway
E350e W213
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
With the DSP you may be able to rein it in enough to have it play from sub territory up into the mid bass without getting sloppy but it's tough. It'll definitely sound better than what you have now though.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: California, USA
2025 E-Class All-Terrain wagon
Where do you guys get the Audison Prima's? I'm in the U.S. and can't find them anywhere except from Italy on eBay. Doesn't look like they can ship the 5.9 to U.S.
I'm psyched to get my Focal KRS100 components installed next week. Audio shop said they can try to do some custom tuning. Eventually I want to get the rear doors done with either the KRS100's or the ES100K's without tweeters.
I thought about the Alpine DSP for $700 USD...but it does not have amp. My GLC is very similar to the W205, so I'm guessing the stock amp is under the center console. Vladar - how do you like the Focals in front???
I'm psyched to get my Focal KRS100 components installed next week. Audio shop said they can try to do some custom tuning. Eventually I want to get the rear doors done with either the KRS100's or the ES100K's without tweeters.
I thought about the Alpine DSP for $700 USD...but it does not have amp. My GLC is very similar to the W205, so I'm guessing the stock amp is under the center console. Vladar - how do you like the Focals in front???
Last edited by CA_GLC; Jun 19, 2016 at 11:57 AM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
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
Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 129
Likes: 15
From: Stavanger, Norway
E350e W213
There's a difference when you install them, the mid frequencies are crisper and you get the highs which weren't there. But you feel a bit disappointed when you realize that they're not exploited to the fullest. And with them the terrible bass stands out even more. So I can't really tell before the amp is in. But they are fantastic speakers, so I'm sure I'll love them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Yeah, the best part of the KRS100 are the tweeters. I was originally going to get the BMW Focal drop ins for my 221 but the local Focal rep recommended the KRS just for the step up in the tweeters. The 4" were six of one/half dozen etc.
I think a lot of owners think the answer to the A20 is high end speakers, but really you need to address the DSP first.
I think a lot of owners think the answer to the A20 is high end speakers, but really you need to address the DSP first.
Last edited by Mike5215; Jun 19, 2016 at 04:12 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Yeah, I'd start there and see how much improvement you can get just by some EQ. I'd say next would be to add tweeters in the front door sail panels and a sub/amp in the trunk.
I would just grab a set of used Harmon/Kardon tweets off eBay and run them off the 4" OEM door speakers.
I would just grab a set of used Harmon/Kardon tweets off eBay and run them off the 4" OEM door speakers.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
C180D 2016
sweet will give that a try soon 
, secretly waiting on vladarh harness fitting test xD of the match dsp one (do hope the harness for the w204 audio20 is the same as the w205). going by pics they do seem the same to me though.
, secretly waiting on vladarh harness fitting test xD of the match dsp one (do hope the harness for the w204 audio20 is the same as the w205). going by pics they do seem the same to me though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Yep. You never know how the pin-outs are going to match up though W204 vs 205, even if the harnesses look identical. That's the real hurdle. He can always disassemble the connector and move pins around if he has to.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
C180D 2016
IFBMW-S
IFBMW-C
IFBMW-SUB
Can get those for about 550EUR, just doubtful about the built in dept. Afaik:
front built in dept is larger than the rear doors (same on s205? I'll need to check that soonish). But the IFBMW-C will have a built in depth of about 5CM (according to the seller) with the same magnet diameter and afaik same depth as the Focal PC100 which someone tried to fit, and failed for the rear doors. :/
Any other suggestions for the speakers? at this point, I just want to replace the standard ones.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: California, USA
2025 E-Class All-Terrain wagon
@Seranex - do you have a link for the thread(s) about the Match aka Helix amps? Actually my local audio shop recommended this one for $900 but I did not ask the name of the specific model.
The 5DSP looks tiny but I like how it does not put out too much power and has the DSP built-in. Or I saw the PP41DSP had same 35W output for the 4 door speakers >
http://www.audiotec-fischer.de/lng/e.../pp-41dsp.html
You should go with the Focal KRS100 components if you can afford, many people here have done it. Rear doors are more iffy , less space. I might try the ES100K's later when I can afford it.
The 5DSP looks tiny but I like how it does not put out too much power and has the DSP built-in. Or I saw the PP41DSP had same 35W output for the 4 door speakers >
http://www.audiotec-fischer.de/lng/e.../pp-41dsp.html
You should go with the Focal KRS100 components if you can afford, many people here have done it. Rear doors are more iffy , less space. I might try the ES100K's later when I can afford it.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
C180D 2016
@Seranex - do you have a link for the thread(s) about the Match aka Helix amps? Actually my local audio shop recommended this one for $900 but I did not ask the name of the specific model.
The 5DSP looks tiny but I like how it does not put out too much power and has the DSP built-in. Or I saw the PP41DSP had same 35W output for the 4 door speakers >
http://www.audiotec-fischer.de/lng/e.../pp-41dsp.html
You should go with the Focal KRS100 components if you can afford, many people here have done it. Rear doors are more iffy , less space. I might try the ES100K's later when I can afford it.
The 5DSP looks tiny but I like how it does not put out too much power and has the DSP built-in. Or I saw the PP41DSP had same 35W output for the 4 door speakers >
http://www.audiotec-fischer.de/lng/e.../pp-41dsp.html
You should go with the Focal KRS100 components if you can afford, many people here have done it. Rear doors are more iffy , less space. I might try the ES100K's later when I can afford it.
) supposedly with matching adapter for the audio20 (W204 Audio20 connection is supposedly the same as for the W205). But I don't think he tried to connect it yet. I haven't bought anything yet myself.I could do the Focal KRS100 components but did some reading on various threads and the pics where someone put the crossover: front door panel didn't match with someone else's front door panels
, drop ins just seem easier xD . I need to get around taking off the front/rear door panels either this or next weekend to be sure of it all.Focal KRS100's will bump my front door speaker cost by 100EUR only (compared to the IFBMW-S), isn't that much, but is it really worth the money?
Last edited by Seranex; Jun 22, 2016 at 11:29 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Planning on getting the Match M 5DSP and changing up the speakers. Any recommendations on speakers? I was looking at the bmw drop ins:
IFBMW-S
IFBMW-C
IFBMW-SUB
Can get those for about 550EUR, just doubtful about the built in dept. Afaik:
front built in dept is larger than the rear doors (same on s205? I'll need to check that soonish). But the IFBMW-C will have a built in depth of about 5CM (according to the seller) with the same magnet diameter and afaik same depth as the Focal PC100 which someone tried to fit, and failed for the rear doors. :/
Any other suggestions for the speakers? at this point, I just want to replace the standard ones.
IFBMW-S
IFBMW-C
IFBMW-SUB
Can get those for about 550EUR, just doubtful about the built in dept. Afaik:
front built in dept is larger than the rear doors (same on s205? I'll need to check that soonish). But the IFBMW-C will have a built in depth of about 5CM (according to the seller) with the same magnet diameter and afaik same depth as the Focal PC100 which someone tried to fit, and failed for the rear doors. :/
Any other suggestions for the speakers? at this point, I just want to replace the standard ones.
I think the Focals (or anything decent) will be power-starved on that amp and the incremental improvement won't justify the cost. If you want the Focals, just do the fronts to get the tweeters and leave the rears stock. I'd do the KRS100 vs the drop in BMW type...just a minor mod on the mount, but much better tweets.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
C180D 2016
Bear in mind the factory speakers are 2 ohm, and any aftermarket replacement is going to be 4 ohm. That means the amp's power will effectively be halved. Replacing speakers also doesn't address the main problem, which is the factory EQ and a lack of any mid-bass woofers.
I think the Focals (or anything decent) will be power-starved on that amp and the incremental improvement won't justify the cost. If you want the Focals, just do the fronts to get the tweeters and leave the rears stock. I'd do the KRS100 vs the drop in BMW type...just a minor mod on the mount, but much better tweets.
I think the Focals (or anything decent) will be power-starved on that amp and the incremental improvement won't justify the cost. If you want the Focals, just do the fronts to get the tweeters and leave the rears stock. I'd do the KRS100 vs the drop in BMW type...just a minor mod on the mount, but much better tweets.
Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 129
Likes: 15
From: Stavanger, Norway
E350e W213
I have good news and bad. The good thing is that the W204 harness works perfectly. Installed it, plug&play and everything works.
Now for the bad news. The stock harness coming from the HU has 5 pairs of cables coming out of the 4x2 standard ISO connector. Before connecting the expensive amp I measured the resistance on all 5 pairs of wires coming out. The four regular pairs (FL, FR, RL, RR) all gave a result under 1ohm (too low for my multimeter) and the 5th pair gave 6,5ohm. Either my multimeter is seriously broken or there's something wrong with the connections. I'll go to my local audio shop to have it measured there.
What's even stranger is that when I disconnected the 5th pair (coming out of FL+ and FR-) the Audio 20 HU went into protected mode and turned off.
I don't get what's going on.
Now for the bad news. The stock harness coming from the HU has 5 pairs of cables coming out of the 4x2 standard ISO connector. Before connecting the expensive amp I measured the resistance on all 5 pairs of wires coming out. The four regular pairs (FL, FR, RL, RR) all gave a result under 1ohm (too low for my multimeter) and the 5th pair gave 6,5ohm. Either my multimeter is seriously broken or there's something wrong with the connections. I'll go to my local audio shop to have it measured there.
What's even stranger is that when I disconnected the 5th pair (coming out of FL+ and FR-) the Audio 20 HU went into protected mode and turned off.
I don't get what's going on.
Last edited by vladarh; Jun 22, 2016 at 04:03 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Hmmm. If the 8" shallow mount sub in the footwell is the same harman/kardon dual coil sub I'm familiar with, it may have a 6.5 ohm resistance. Not sure why you're getting nothing from the cabin speakers. That protection fault can happen if the leads touch each other or one of them touches ground.
Are you hesitant to connect the amp due to the risk of overheating the amp given the low resistance? I think you'd be okay running it for a short period and see if it heats up.
Are you hesitant to connect the amp due to the risk of overheating the amp given the low resistance? I think you'd be okay running it for a short period and see if it heats up.
Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 129
Likes: 15
From: Stavanger, Norway
E350e W213
That's exactly it. I think it was designed for 4+ ohm speakers. But I guess the inbuilt protection will kick in if they're lower. As I said I'll drop by the local car audio shop and see what they say.
