Anyone replace their H/U with Cartronics?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 660
Likes: 3
From: Maryland
2006 C55, 1995 C36
Anyone replace their H/U with Cartronics?
Got some cash to spend on upgrades and I'm wondering if anyone has any input on the Cartronics factory replacement head unit. I like the factory fit and claimed functionality over an aftermarket replacement, but $2K is a lot to spend on something with no real reviews on MBWorld...thanks!
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
We can help you a bit... even though we are the vendor. We have written many reviews of the aftermarket units on this site and the 'other' site. There is a review over there too as I recall, but we are not sponsors there, so don't spend too much time.
The unit came from a request from the largest chain of MB dealers in the US. I can't say the name of the franchise, but it ends in nation. - Anyway, that unit came from a request to test certain units that came to market, and they did not fit the bill for reliability and function. We went to a manufacturer, and basically design spec'd a system. It is perfect for cars that do not currently have COMAND. If you have COMAND, we have some better options.
The unit came from a request from the largest chain of MB dealers in the US. I can't say the name of the franchise, but it ends in nation. - Anyway, that unit came from a request to test certain units that came to market, and they did not fit the bill for reliability and function. We went to a manufacturer, and basically design spec'd a system. It is perfect for cars that do not currently have COMAND. If you have COMAND, we have some better options.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
What is it then, that you want in your current system. The Mercedes COMAND is a tightly integrated solution (the COMAND PRO comes close too), BUT - I would advocate adding features that you desire to your current COMAND instead of replacing it. For two reasons:
1. Cost - you would have to replace your amp and rewire at a minimum plus the COMAND PRO. Again, the COMAND PRO is a great solution if you do not have the HK amp already. So we can add about anything to your current COMAND for less and still retain all factory functionality.
2. Integration. Again, your current system (since it is the COMAND and not one of the lesser radios) has so many hooks and effects in the car, it would generally not make sense to take all that out. You don't really gain that much that can't be quickly added to your system.
1. Cost - you would have to replace your amp and rewire at a minimum plus the COMAND PRO. Again, the COMAND PRO is a great solution if you do not have the HK amp already. So we can add about anything to your current COMAND for less and still retain all factory functionality.
2. Integration. Again, your current system (since it is the COMAND and not one of the lesser radios) has so many hooks and effects in the car, it would generally not make sense to take all that out. You don't really gain that much that can't be quickly added to your system.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 660
Likes: 3
From: Maryland
2006 C55, 1995 C36
What is it then, that you want in your current system. The Mercedes COMAND is a tightly integrated solution (the COMAND PRO comes close too), BUT - I would advocate adding features that you desire to your current COMAND instead of replacing it. For two reasons:
1. Cost - you would have to replace your amp and rewire at a minimum plus the COMAND PRO. Again, the COMAND PRO is a great solution if you do not have the HK amp already. So we can add about anything to your current COMAND for less and still retain all factory functionality.
2. Integration. Again, your current system (since it is the COMAND and not one of the lesser radios) has so many hooks and effects in the car, it would generally not make sense to take all that out. You don't really gain that much that can't be quickly added to your system.
1. Cost - you would have to replace your amp and rewire at a minimum plus the COMAND PRO. Again, the COMAND PRO is a great solution if you do not have the HK amp already. So we can add about anything to your current COMAND for less and still retain all factory functionality.
2. Integration. Again, your current system (since it is the COMAND and not one of the lesser radios) has so many hooks and effects in the car, it would generally not make sense to take all that out. You don't really gain that much that can't be quickly added to your system.
It looks like I will lose the CD changer if I do the iTronic BT? Thanks!
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Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
Ahhh, you can do BT, iPod and SAT. BUT the COMAND PRO does not natively control a sat tuner. it has an Aux input so a typical tuner could be plugged in. In Europe, they don't have SAT radio, so they could not incorporate this for us.
The bluetooth has no effect on the changer, only iPod does.
The iTronic stuff would definitely be the best way to go. WAY money ahead (no amp change, no rewire, etc etc)
The bluetooth has no effect on the changer, only iPod does.
The iTronic stuff would definitely be the best way to go. WAY money ahead (no amp change, no rewire, etc etc)
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
We have a special version that will work in that situation, but frankly the sound quality is only acceptable. More for the client that wants basic sound, but navigation. For best sound, replace the amp. The factory amp is a 'tuned' setup for the factory head unit.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,001
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From: NY
2014 E350 4Matic
I have the Comand, HK 7.1 system and added itronic BT. I love it and it works fantastically with my OE system through OE controls. I also added the MB Ipod kit to keep my CD player etc. The system is fine for me but, almost any audiophile will complain. The only way to bring the system from what I have (which is very good) to audiophile quality would require between $5k and $10k, lots of time and your ear would have to be "trained" to hear the difference.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
+1 - and after spending 5k-10k, remember that you are listening in a CAR - not exactly an audiophile listening den -
The iTronic is full digital and capable of reproducing whatever quality goes in. If it is 128kbps in 128kbps comes out. However, if you put in 320kbps CD quality iPod files, that is what you will get out
The iTronic is full digital and capable of reproducing whatever quality goes in. If it is 128kbps in 128kbps comes out. However, if you put in 320kbps CD quality iPod files, that is what you will get out
