C32 AMG, C55 AMG (W203) 2001 - 2007

Best upgrade speakers for C55?

Old Apr 15, 2023 | 02:44 PM
  #1  
abqhudson's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 488
Likes: 37
From: Albuquerque, NM
2014 e350
Best upgrade speakers for C55?

Has anyone upgraded the speakers in a C55?
Any observations/advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2023 | 05:35 PM
  #2  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
They are 2 ohm speakers, and you have a very limited selection to choose from. The whole system is really crap, and replacing just the speakers more than likely won’t help very much( unless they’re blown) the amplifier is not good at all either. Unfortunately upgrading is an all or nothing deal, as it’s a really bad sound system all around.

The c32 has a great sound system, but the newer ones like in my c55 and e55 are really poor. I upgraded the e55 speakers, but like I said, it really didn’t make that much difference, and isn’t inexpensive because of the 2 ohm speaker needed.
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2023 | 08:53 PM
  #3  
abqhudson's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 488
Likes: 37
From: Albuquerque, NM
2014 e350
Thx.

Found some speakers from Hertz.

Anyone try them?
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2023 | 02:52 AM
  #4  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
Where do you find hertz speakers in 2 ohm?
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2023 | 11:35 AM
  #5  
abqhudson's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 488
Likes: 37
From: Albuquerque, NM
2014 e350
Crutchfield says they fit my car, but, upon checking, I see that they are 4 ohm.

If the Hertz are more efficient, they might work??

Last edited by abqhudson; Apr 16, 2023 at 12:42 PM. Reason: clarify
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2023 | 11:57 AM
  #6  
BBC55's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
AMG C55
Talking

I'm not sure that my sound system works... I usually just open the windows and listen to the roaring bear in the can up front.
I'm not sure how the accelerator is connected, but he gets very noisy.... Who needs more music?
Reply
Old Apr 16, 2023 | 01:16 PM
  #7  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
Originally Posted by abqhudson
Crutchfield says they fit my car, but, upon checking, I see that they are 4 ohm.

If the Hertz are more efficient, they might work??
. Not sure what efficiency has to do with it, but a 4 ohm speaker won’t work well with this system. Do what you like, but I have tried the speaker upgrade, and unless the speakers are blown, it really isn’t worth the money. The most system sucks, the amp is under powered, and the sound isn’t clean at all.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2023 | 05:11 PM
  #8  
brauhaus313's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 61
asdas
Theoretically, if a 4 ohm speaker is about 3db/watt more efficient than the 2 ohm HK speakers, the overall output may be about the same, even though amplifier output would be roughly halved going from 2 to 4 ohm speakers. However, no one knows what the sensitivity of the stock speakers are, and precisely ZERO can be assumed about the relevancy of manufacturer speaker ratings across different manufacturers and relative to stock speakers.

You don't say which Hertz speakers, so what input could anyone give? Have you already bought them? If so, why not go ahead and install them and let us know how they sound.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

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

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 17, 2023 | 06:02 PM
  #9  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
Looks good on paper, doesn’t work well in the real world. Even the 2 ohm infinity kappa 6.5” I put in my e55 years ago ( 2ohm) sound marginally better than the stock door speakers, increase the ohm rating, decrease the sound level.
Reply
Old Apr 17, 2023 | 09:32 PM
  #10  
brauhaus313's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 61
asdas
Perhaps for the Infinity's in your E55. It is an overstatement to say it only works on paper and not in the real world. If the Hertz speakers are more efficient than the stock speakers by 3db/watt, they can be just as loud on half the watts. That's not just on paper and doesn't have anything to do with your Infinity speakers (which IMO are crap car speakers, with a few exceptions, none of which are made in 2 ohm). Problem is, we don't know what the efficiency of the stock speakers are. So, no one can answer OP's question about the Hertz potentially working well because they may be more efficient, and is not answered by saying your Infinity's sounded like crap in your E55.

I do agree though, the amplification and processing in the the HK system is pretty crap.
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2023 | 02:56 AM
  #11  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
The infinity Kappa speakers I have are 2 ohm. Have you replaced any of your speakers with aftermarket ones in these cars with the Harmon Kardon system?

Doubling the resistance that the amplifier delivers, lowers the amplifier output, lowering the volume.it’s really as simple as that. As brauhaus as stated, you can be the Guinea pig,, because “maybe” the hertz 4 ohm speakers are magically efficient and break the laws of electrical physics.
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2023 | 04:39 AM
  #12  
brauhaus313's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 61
asdas
Originally Posted by cdk4219
. Not sure what efficiency has to do with it, but a 4 ohm speaker won’t work well with this system. Do what you like, but I have tried the speaker upgrade, and unless the speakers are blown, it really isn’t worth the money. The most system sucks, the amp is under powered, and the sound isn’t clean at all.
Dunning Kruger in full effect. You state you don't understand what speaker efficiency aka sensitivity has to do with it, and think you know all there is to know based on speaker impedance. You then brush off speaker sensitivity/efficiency, a fundamental speaker stat as a "magical" concept after it's explained to you. Such strong opinions when you don't understand the fundamentals. There are people with decades of experience in actually setting up systems and not just swapping stock speakers with POS Infinity's who know what they're talking about.

Originally Posted by cdk4219
The infinity Kappa speakers I have are 2 ohm. Have you replaced any of your speakers with aftermarket ones in these cars with the Harmon Kardon system?

Doubling the resistance that the amplifier delivers, lowers the amplifier output, lowering the volume.it’s really as simple as that. As brauhaus as stated, you can be the Guinea pig,, because “maybe” the hertz 4 ohm speakers are magically efficient and break the laws of electrical physics.
Like I said, IMO Infinity car speakers are crap, with few exceptions, and none of those exceptions were ever made in 2 ohm versions.
​​​
All of this is really laughable. You don't know what the sensitivity of your stock E55 speakers are do you? It's all still "magical" talk to you isn't it? You question my credibility by asking if I've replaced speakers in this system, and then immediately reveal the basement level limitations of your knowledge and understanding of any of this with the foregoing. I have decades of experience in car audio on multiple platforms doing all kinds of things from simple speaker swaps to full system builds, including on HK systems, but it's completely irrelevant. What you say about speaker sensitivity/efficiency being a magical concept and beyond the laws of physics is completely wrong and it has nothing to do with my level of experience or yours with crap Infinity speakers.

Magical efficiency and breaking the laws of electrical physics? It's getting uncomfortable how unaware you are that you're embarrassing yourself. Do you think all speakers of the same size have the same decibel output given the same wattage input? That is the only way any of what you've said about magical efficiency and breaking the laws of electrical physics makes any sense whatsoever. You would be wrong and part of the never-ending chorus of people on the internet who think they know more than they do, don't hesitate to act like they do, and advise others as if they do.

Here's some info for your edification: https://www.lifewire.com/speaker-sensitivity-3134850

Hopefully it will be illuminating and you won't come back with some ego driven fact averse butt hurt comment about how you're still right.

Last edited by brauhaus313; Apr 18, 2023 at 10:56 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2023 | 05:16 PM
  #13  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
So you’ve replaced your speakers with great success? What have you replaced them with, so we can understand which speaker to go with. I am simply asking from your experience replacing speakers with this system. Please let us know what speakers you used to replace the stock ones with. Thanks and really looking forward to getting this information.
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2023 | 06:28 PM
  #14  
brauhaus313's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 61
asdas
Originally Posted by cdk4219
So you’ve replaced your speakers with great success? What have you replaced them with, so we can understand which speaker to go with. I am simply asking from your experience replacing speakers with this system. Please let us know what speakers you used to replace the stock ones with. Thanks and really looking forward to getting this information.
. I used speakers your mom gave me. You want to distract from how wrong you were. I didn't use Hertz speakers so I don't know out of hand that OP's Hertz wouldn't work well, unlike you who thinks they won't work without even knowing which speakers they are because you know something about speaker impedance.

You're still laughably wrong about speaker sensitivity/efficiency and want to distract from that by questioning my credibility despite your BS story about just wanting to know which speaker to go with. I've explicitly stated I find the stock amplification and processing to leave a lot to be desired. You turn that into I've replaced the speakers with "great success" based on what? Nothing. Rhetorical bush league.
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2023 | 07:22 PM
  #15  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600

Reply
Old Apr 18, 2023 | 07:25 PM
  #16  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
Again,,this is what I have, 2 ohm infinity 6.5” components. Maybe they don’t make them today, but 14 years ago they did, and they are quality speakers. Did you replace the speakers in your car? And if so what did you use?

Very classy with the mother comment, you raised the bar with more disinformation. I do believe the dunning Kruger effect will apply to you.

Last edited by cdk4219; Apr 18, 2023 at 07:28 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2023 | 08:06 PM
  #17  
brauhaus313's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 61
asdas
Good for you. They are crap speakers. They're only good to the Best Buy car audio crowd.

A person like you can be seen coming from a mile away. What difference does it make what speakers I used? How many times do I have to say I replaced speakers in my car? You're embarrassed so you probe and prod for something you can nitpick to redeem yourself. You're not getting it here.

Originally Posted by cdk4219

Doubling the resistance that the amplifier delivers, lowers the amplifier output, lowering the volume.it’s really as simple as that. As brauhaus as stated, you can be the Guinea pig,, because “maybe” the hertz 4 ohm speakers are magically efficient and break the laws of electrical physics.
You were laughably wrong, so you want to talk about anything and everything but what you said.

Ah, the old "I know you are but what am I" retort. The stuff of persuasive genius. Saying I used the speakers your mom gave me is disinformation? Completely predictably and as usual, you're the victim.
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2023 | 07:44 PM
  #18  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
What speakers did you use when you replaced them in your car?
Reply
Old Apr 23, 2023 | 04:09 PM
  #19  
brauhaus313's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 61
asdas
Originally Posted by brauhaus313
A person like you can be seen coming from a mile away. What difference does it make what speakers I used? How many times do I have to say I replaced speakers in my car? You're embarrassed so you probe and prod for something you can nitpick to redeem yourself. You're not getting it here.
Ask your mom.
Reply
Old May 23, 2023 | 07:55 PM
  #20  
abqhudson's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 488
Likes: 37
From: Albuquerque, NM
2014 e350
After talking to 4 car stereo dealers in Albuquerque, I have concluded that a simple upgrade of speakers is not feasible in this car.
Reply
Old May 23, 2023 | 09:24 PM
  #21  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
Yes kind of an all or nothing deal with these systems. It’s the amplifier that holds it back. The older c32 system is much better.
Reply
Old May 23, 2023 | 10:33 PM
  #22  
brauhaus313's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 61
asdas
Originally Posted by abqhudson
After talking to 4 car stereo dealers in Albuquerque, I have concluded that a simple upgrade of speakers is not feasible in this car.
Those dealers and your statement as it's been stated would be wrong.
Reply
Old May 24, 2023 | 06:52 AM
  #23  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
So what speakers should he use to make this system sound better? I’m wrong, the four audio dealers are wrong? Please let us know.
Reply
Old May 24, 2023 | 06:01 PM
  #24  
brauhaus313's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 61
asdas
STFUB ask your mom.

Did he really say what you've been saying? You think there's a one speaker fits all situation? I guess so, just like you think speaker efficiency is a magical concept that breaks the rules of physics.

You need remedial reading comprehension and critical thinking courses. https://lincs.ed.gov/
Reply
Old May 24, 2023 | 06:32 PM
  #25  
cdk4219's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
That’s helpful. I guess if you’re 12 you can’t help much can you?
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:11 AM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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