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New 2010 c63 owner and like many others, find the HK system lacking. Got a ride today in my brothers 2010 e550 with HK system(has BT audio) and it sounds very good? My 1st instinct was that maybe his has been modded but there's nothing obvious and given that MB put BT audio in the 212 and not ours, maybe they improved something else? It's possible my system might have an issue but nothing obvious to me(been doing audio for years). Anyone else find the w212s HK system that much better as well and know of specific differences? Am having thoughts of tearing into my brothers car(not an easy sell) but thought it prudent to ask here 1st
Nothing wrong with the system. The HK in the W212 is just more capable than that of the W204. The speakers are slightly bigger, there are a few more speakers, and the sub has more watts.
Nothing wrong with the system. The HK in the W212 is just more capable than that of the W204. The speakers are slightly bigger, there are a few more speakers, and the sub has more watts.
Appreciate the response.
Couldn't find out much at the oe parts sites alone but found a ton of parts posted on ebay that helped some. Best I can tell, other than the sub mounting plate(and maybe the sub size), all else appear identical with different 'original' amp part #s(several for each) that now cross reference to a single reman'd sku (212-900-71-08-80) that was originally referenced to the w212 only(as best I could tell?) - the amps definitely retrofit and appear identical so 'maybe' some repair/upgrade from Harman? The difference in sound appears amp related to me and is significantly better on the w212 (an mp3 via bt on his smoked a cd on mine), that on the next decent weather day, gonna talk him in to doing a swap to compare.
Appreciate the response.
Couldn't find out much at the oe parts sites alone but found a ton of parts posted on ebay that helped some. Best I can tell, other than the sub mounting plate(and maybe the sub size), all else appear identical with different 'original' amp part #s(several for each) that now cross reference to a single reman'd sku (212-900-71-08-80) that was originally referenced to the w212 only(as best I could tell?) - the amps definitely retrofit and appear identical so 'maybe' some repair/upgrade from Harman? The difference in sound appears amp related to me and is significantly better on the w212 (an mp3 via bt on his smoked a cd on mine), that on the next decent weather day, gonna talk him in to doing a swap to compare.
You can do some simple things to dramatically improve the sound of the HK system in the W204:
- Add some real bass. Even an 8" sub in the trunk makes a huge difference on virtually any automotive audio system that lacks true bass (as this one does). Solid tight bass takes away the tinny, harsh quality of the mid-highs to highs. It'll sound smoother and more detailed.
- Add some midrange through equalization while leaving the highs alone.
- Use quality source material, minimum 256kbps AAC or mp3. Of course lossless is better. Quite a few friends listen to electronic music as I do - everyone can tell the difference between 320kbps mp3 and FLAC or Apple Lossless on the HK with these three improvements.
The hierarchy strikes again. There are more features in the higher models other than just power. Think of it as different series in your choice of audio speakers/subs. I used to use mb-quart. During high school I could only afford discuss and reference series. When I worked full time I moved up to premium. And for the clk it got nothing but Q series. All were mb-quart but the quality would vary. Same goes with the HK system, they're just different levels.
2x 80mm midrange in front doors that C Class does not have.
2x independent 43mm tweeter on rear door, C Class has them coaxial.
Amp in rear has an extra 160watts booster for total of 610 watts vs 450 watts
14 speaker vs 8 speaker system.
Great info to have - front mids not visible so this helps a lot.
I figured I'd probably have to replace the sub regardless and while researching this, impulse bought a pioneer 8" shallow mount that claims 'free air' - have fab'd a few stealth subs but never set-up a free-air so looking forward to giving it a shot. 'If' the 212 amp is more powerful, doubt it'd be enough to power it but still worth a shot to see if there's any improvement at all - will post results when I do.
Thanks to all that that replied - my problem is not modding a factory system but knowing when to stop Just hoping for a decent/quicker fix so I can spend more time on performance.
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