Am I too picky on my audio equipment?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 781
Likes: 81
2000 Acura NSX, 2012 C63 P31 (gone and not forgotten), 2015 C63 507
Am I too picky on my audio equipment?
Does anyone else think that the Harmon Kardon "Premium sound system" isn't that..... Premium?
I like it, but it's not great to me... Not crisp.
I've heard other stock systems that are much better in my opinion and this is my Second w204 C63
My bad luck or extra picky?
I like it, but it's not great to me... Not crisp.
I've heard other stock systems that are much better in my opinion and this is my Second w204 C63
My bad luck or extra picky?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,373
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2010 C63 AMG
It’s not that great no it’s also not that bad. Yeah I think as it gets louder it becomes a bit distorted and less clear or crisp. But I am also considering deleting it in this car for the weight savings as I hardly use the sound in the car as it is.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 781
Likes: 81
2000 Acura NSX, 2012 C63 P31 (gone and not forgotten), 2015 C63 507
Have been contemplating an Android screen but why?
It's just decor really
I already have Bluetooth audio... What's the point of the rest except touch the screen instead of my phone
It's just decor really
I already have Bluetooth audio... What's the point of the rest except touch the screen instead of my phone
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 612
Likes: 112
2014 C63
If you are used to high end car audio stuff, the OEM stuff never measures up. Even the newer stuff isn't that great. I will say, it's not worth trying to go aftermarket. You'll have a nightmare of a time tearing these cars apart and getting things to fit. I tried to do it my C32, only to find out the stock head using fed the factory bose amp with a fiber optic input. The best sound you can get in a C63 is the engine and exhaust.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Los Angeles
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
I also thought it wasn't great. I upgraded all of the speakers to Focal, and the sound quality is a little better. It really needs better amplification more than anything, and I just couldn't be bothered with that. It's good enough for me now.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 748
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From: Dhahran, KSA
2020 E 300 Coupe and 2019 GLS 400
Well it really depends on how much money & effort you want to spend.
I removed COMAND completely in my ML63. Installed a Kenwood DNX995S, Focal KRX3 for the front stage, JL 8inch subwoofer, all amplified by a Focal FPS 4160, and retained the HK amp and speakers for rear-fill at -4db.
Steering wheel controls, speed & lights signal (CANBUS functions) are all integrated via an aftermarket integration module.
Overall, 10/10 upgrade.
I removed COMAND completely in my ML63. Installed a Kenwood DNX995S, Focal KRX3 for the front stage, JL 8inch subwoofer, all amplified by a Focal FPS 4160, and retained the HK amp and speakers for rear-fill at -4db.
Steering wheel controls, speed & lights signal (CANBUS functions) are all integrated via an aftermarket integration module.
Overall, 10/10 upgrade.
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 205
Likes: 38
From: Seattle, WA
2010 C63 AMG, 2010 GLK350
The HK system is much better than the basic system. But a fully built out custom system will be light-years ahead of it.
I haven't heard a "premium" system in any car that can compete with a proper custom system. Most of the time, "premium" is few extra speakers not made of paper, a mild boost in amperage, and a sub.
I haven't heard a "premium" system in any car that can compete with a proper custom system. Most of the time, "premium" is few extra speakers not made of paper, a mild boost in amperage, and a sub.
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Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 143
Likes: 34
'12 P31 C63 coupe
What is your budget?
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...e-options.html
Checkout this thread for upgrade options.
tl-dr, go down each level until you are satisfied.
level 1: Upgrade front speakers and soundt reat door panels
level 2: Bypass factory amp, and use a dedicated line out converter to go to your own aftermarket amp
level 3: Add a sub
level 4: Add a DSP to adjust equalizer for each channel/frequency for maximum tuning
I'm on my third iteration and am using an AudioControl D4.800 (4 channel amp + line out converter + dsp all in one), hertz ESK 165 for fronts with sound treated doors, and an Alpine pdx-m12 pushing an 10" idmax in a built to spec sealed box. Pm me if you have any more specific questions or want more pictures of my setup.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...e-options.html
Checkout this thread for upgrade options.
tl-dr, go down each level until you are satisfied.
level 1: Upgrade front speakers and soundt reat door panels
level 2: Bypass factory amp, and use a dedicated line out converter to go to your own aftermarket amp
level 3: Add a sub
level 4: Add a DSP to adjust equalizer for each channel/frequency for maximum tuning
I'm on my third iteration and am using an AudioControl D4.800 (4 channel amp + line out converter + dsp all in one), hertz ESK 165 for fronts with sound treated doors, and an Alpine pdx-m12 pushing an 10" idmax in a built to spec sealed box. Pm me if you have any more specific questions or want more pictures of my setup.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 11
From: Ashburn, Virginia USA
2020 AMG E53 Coupe 4Matic, 2015 smart fortwo Electric Drive
The system in my 2000 CLK430 was an 8-speaker Bose system. To my ears, Bose has always shaded a bit too much to the bass. My 2012 and 2014 E-class coupes had Harmon Kardon systems, which were OK, but not great. My 2020 E53 has the Burmeister 13-speaker surround sound system, and while my personal audio system is by Bang & Olufsen, I have no complaints in my ride.
Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 176
Likes: 11
'10 C63 P30
Spec-wise, its probably better than many but I've heard cheaper systems that I preferred. Given the bass roll-off that many(all?)oem systems now have when you increase the volume, I've added an AudioControl LC2i, subwoofer, amp w/volume control and that's helped quite a bit but it still isn't great. While recently messing w/my bluetooth music app, found a manual graphic EQ that somehow escaped me the last time I looked - tweaked it a bit, and its definitely helped. I've messed with some dedicated EQ/sound apps in the past (with better systems) that I ultimately removed, but it seems to help with this system - worth a try.
