taylorcoleman

Hi all.

What aftermarket audio systems have you been running? I'm not looking to blow the doors off, but I would like more punch to the sound on both the high and low ranges.

Anyone integrate something with the stock unit?

Pics welcome, along with vendor names, prices and installers.

hhughes1

Kleemann supplied my aftermarket audio system

gsmps

soldier2304

I would say Boston acoustics for speakers and if you do want to add a subwoofer that would be JL audio FTW

taylorcoleman

Thanks man. Amp recommendation, & sub placement recommendation?

DaGS1800

MB Quart Speakers are the best on the market... and the best subwoofers are JL W7's

MNL ICE

+1 MB Quart FTW!!!

-michael-

I think that MB Quart will not unleash all of it's potential with the stock unit. In order to make them sound like they should you would have to install some nice components like Denon or hi end Pioneer or hi end Alpine and a 24 bit DAC. But that is just me. (Ex You would not wear Jordans with a Brioni suit, right?)
And also auto sound is something that you have to listen to before purchasing. I you know a good auto sound shop, just drop in and tell them what you are missing in the current set up. You can only tell when you actually hear it.

wuyichao

MB Quartz speaker

JL sub and amp

thats what i had in my g35 and minivan. i wouldnt touch my c63 audio system, cuz my exhaust note sounds flawless!

wuyichao

and yes, like someone said, you will need a stronger aftermarket HU to utilize mb quartz speaker/JL audio amp+sub

taylorcoleman

thanks all. anyone have any pics (especially of an upgrade head unit?)

Shellbmb

If you upgraded the head unit, there would have to be considerable dash work to make a custom housing for a double-din unit. I would think you would have to lose the entire comand unit and then what would you do with the pop-up screen? Plus, if you ditched the comand unit you would lose a ton of integrated features like bluetooth, SW controls, etc. You may even run into the problem where the comand unit is integral to the function of other components and is irreplaceable. I'd definitely find someone who knows what they are doing.

Is the dash even deep enough for a double-din unit? I have never seen the comand unit removed.

If you simply wanted to add amps/subs/new speakers, then something like a JL Audio CleanSweep might be the way to go.

soldier2304

If i was you, i wouldnt replace the WHOLE command unit. You can add speakers I.E boston or Pioneer are also good or infinity kappa (thats what i have on my C230 and they sound AMAZING). All of this can be done keeping your stock command. For the Sub and amp, you will have a little switch most likely installed on the bottom of your driver seat or your preference to turn it on and off or to adjust levels. Now just make sure you find a really good shop to do all this since not all shops do a clean work.

taylorcoleman

Thanks, makes sense. With the upgraded speakers, is the stock amp sufficient? Where did you put the sub--trunk or somewhere else?

soldier2304

The sub is on the trunk along with the amplifier attached behind it. What you can do is get prices and product numbers for everything on a GOOD shop and then buy everything off ebay. Thats what i did and saved myself a good 500-600 bucks. For example my JL audio Subwoofer was about $700 ONLY regular price anywhere. Ebay price:$399!

soldier2304

You probly wont need an AMP just for the speakers. If you do get a SUB and decide to get a AMP for the SUB which is a must. That will be sufficient to handle ANY speakers you decide to throw in there.

MNL ICE

DONT DO IT...just my 0.02 cents

Shellbmb

I think adding a sub would be fairly easy to do and would definitely improve the low end; however, with more bump, comes more rattles! Especially if you start trying to change out the speakers. How many does this system have anyways?

Find a reputable shop. Talk to your Porsche dealer and see who they have work on their high end cars. I have seen some incredible installs on Porsches. Trust them and pay them. I doubt this is something you want to spend your weekend doing as complex as these cars are.

hcetzneb

i agree.. if you put some mb quarts or boston acoustics for highs and mids running of the factory.. For subs JL cant be beat or mtx. If you want more highs and mids you can run a 5 chanel amp.. latley the 5 chanel amp market has blown up JL has a 1000w 5 chanel that is amazing (had it in my 07 e)
just remember when you use a amp you need a signal processor.. the best for the money id the JL clean sweep... other models are very difficult to set up, they need a pda to make adjusting the JL is self calibrating very simple and the sound/bass signal response is right on ( no delay like others)

Good luck

Also replaceing the head unit in the new c class would be a undertaking..
maybe reserved for show cars not very practical

MNL ICE

If it wont make any problem...I say "GO GOR IT"!!!

55fanatic

jeeeze some of the information in this thread isnt all that accurate... While I wouldnt recommend pulling the Oem command unit, it is doable with losing minimal features of the factory system. a steering wheel integrator can be used to keep the steering wheel controls, a seperate bluetooth system could be installed with the aftermarket head unit.

Anyways with the use of a JL cleansweep...you would retain the use of the factory head unit and would be able to integrate a full aftermarket audio system.

Boston Accoustic is a good mid level speaker, I have the pro series in my ML55... but for the money I think I would also look at some of the stuff out by Focal. Speakers... JL does make descent Amps and subs but also take a look at some of the digital amps by alpine now Its been some time since I was really into audio but I do know that some of the integration options that exist do allow you to do pretty much whatever you want

hcetzneb

What information isnt accurate?????

Azn_C300

This was done almost a year ago by got_thang. I believe he mentioned he was going to convert the existing screen area for meters and gauges.




Original thread
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...installed.html

Talked to a friend who's an MB tech. He saw a c63 with DD unit installed with all features (SW control, BT, etc) working as normal. Probably head over to the same shop to do my setup once I commit.

taylorcoleman

Good stuff, thanks. I guess anything is possible with a good installer. Anyone know of one in Pittsburgh area?

Shellbmb

It would be interesting to see if they could relocate the heated seat and rear shade switches to the side of the double din and put a pocket for sunglasses or whatever where the existing screen is.

Taylor, you mentioned redoing some interior dash pieces. Would be a good time to refinish the custom double din unit in the same material such as the carbon fiber.