W219 Car audio low end
05-24-2020, 09:06 PM
#26
Super Member
The W212 is not my first MB, but I've never found MB sound systems to be up to the competition. My W201 (1988 190E-2.3) started it all. When I asked the Sales Consultant if there was an audio upgrade I could purchase, I was told. . . "Sir, people do not purchase these automobiles to listen to the radio." In that car, there was literally NO place to install anything larger than a 6 1/2 inch speaker. Some things never change.
For many years I drove Lexus LS sedans. Their optional systems (Nakamichi or Mark Levinson) were far better than MB's HK systems. In addition, you could easily add a free-air woofer through the rear package shelf, with a modest amp, and have great sound with no visible modifications. No way to do that in a MB.
The only thing that has kept me from just turning it off and ignoring it is finding that careful adjustment of the system controls, particularly front/rear balance, will allow you to get the best performance from the puny little system we have. There really is no place to install a larger speaker -- especially if you have options like the rear sun shade, which would have to go if you wanted to install a larger speaker through the package shelf.
Box in the trunk? I'm really trying to avoid it. . .
For many years I drove Lexus LS sedans. Their optional systems (Nakamichi or Mark Levinson) were far better than MB's HK systems. In addition, you could easily add a free-air woofer through the rear package shelf, with a modest amp, and have great sound with no visible modifications. No way to do that in a MB.
The only thing that has kept me from just turning it off and ignoring it is finding that careful adjustment of the system controls, particularly front/rear balance, will allow you to get the best performance from the puny little system we have. There really is no place to install a larger speaker -- especially if you have options like the rear sun shade, which would have to go if you wanted to install a larger speaker through the package shelf.
Box in the trunk? I'm really trying to avoid it. . .
05-28-2020, 04:26 PM
#27
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yeah, I think I will try a single sub and bridge the amp. I'm sure I'm not the first to talk about replacing that OEM sub in the deck. After all these years, It must didn't work. I think the biggest difference is, many people that look to add bass, want huge clean boom in the trunk. I was simply looking for some kind of low end but not too much where I heard coming down the street...
06-06-2020, 09:47 PM
#28
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CLS55 IWC
Alot of people over the years have been unsatisfied with the stock sound, well more so the ones that really like music. I managed to get better (boosted) or higher sound levels out of mine by installing a headphone amplifier in line with the aux 3.5mm plug in that boosts the level output from my phones jack so the sound is Alot better and much more acceptable to me. I don't listen to the radio as we have crappy stations out here. For some reason the aux 3.5mm input jack the volume levels are really low in the w219 so the headphone amp sorted that out.
06-07-2020, 05:19 AM
#29
Super Member
06-07-2020, 09:57 PM
#30
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CLS55 IWC
06-10-2020, 09:18 AM
#31
MBWorld Fanatic!
06-10-2020, 01:03 PM
#32
Senior Member
Thread Starter
06-10-2020, 01:09 PM
#33
MBWorld Fanatic!
it looks like most of them have added an amp but there are a few ideas here with no added box. https://www.google.com/search?q=w211...w=1280&bih=618
06-12-2020, 08:51 AM
#34
Senior Member
Thread Starter
it looks like most of them have added an amp but there are a few ideas here with no added box. https://www.google.com/search?q=w211...w=1280&bih=618
06-15-2020, 08:34 AM
#36
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I was just wondering, because nobody wants to try it. They'd rather slam you with a box and amp, and send you on your way...lol I don't want to trial and error with this system. I want to know for sure before I invest dollars into upgrading... I even thought about changing everything, radio, speakers and everything... Still researching though...
