Replacement stereo delima
 

My 2007 CLK 350 has the Harman Kardon audio option, and so far every option I look at on Crutchfield says that the factory HK amp and subwoofer are NOT supported.

Has anyone found a double din touchscreen bluetooth/android auto option that maintains the factory HK amp and sub?

thanks...mark

I have the same vehicle with the same audio and have done some searching with similar results. There was one outfit with a store front in Texas that claimed to have a plug n play but the reviews complained about bad products and worse customer support. The Command system is antiquated but works well enough and the sound is good for a car, all I would really like to do is add an auxiliary input that would accept a usb stick or a stereo jack. Perhaps there is a way to tap into the cd changer connections. I don't have the experience to do this. Perhaps someone does?

Agreed, I'm very happy with the sound. Like you though, I want more input options like bluetooth and USB stick. I just spoke with my town's high-end auto audio place and they said nope, nothing will maintain the factory amp/sub due to the fiber connectivity on the factory unit.

Maybe someone will chime in with something that will work.

When we bought my wife's CLK in 2013 the dealer installed a AVIC Z140 unit. I just posted as the 12V Switched ACC wire from the Cigarette Lighter is no longer working. I opened up the dash and from what I can tell the factory amp and sub from HK is all there. They also used a PAC Steering Wheel controller as well and all functions work.

I've continued looking for a way to add new functions to my '07 with the Harmon-Kardon audio and have run across an outfit called GROM audio. They have a unit that they claim will add bluetooth, a usb port, and auxiliary stereo port. Their description makes it seem as if you exchange their system for the cd player. I'm going to continue to look into this but I'm curious if anyone else has heard of them or had experience with their products.

https://gromaudio.com/store/most_ada..._optional.html

Interesting

I had a very similar unit on my CLK made by mCar. It provided full emulation for BT hands free calling using the cars standard buttons and features. It did replace the CD changer, and used its control for setting up BT and also for BT streaming and iPod integration. I was very happy with it, except the BT hands-free calling was not so great. It used its own separate mic instead of the car's, which was not as good at noise cancelling. Also, the volume level for calls was low - I had to crank the radio to the max to hear.

I had Soundcrafters Daytona Beach install a Kenwood Excelon DDX9904S, and rear camera in my Mercedes CLK350. The '08 CLK350 had the factory Harman Kardon sound system. Moe Sabourin and his team accomplished what everyone else said could not be done; Installing a new sound system utilizing the existing factory Harman Kardon amplifier and speakers. The installation is superb to include soldering and heat shrink. As an A&P mechanic, I am impressed with the installation from the technical perspective. No issues the last three months. The cost was reasonable and the performance of this unit is fantastic. Thanks Moe and Crew. I would Strongly recommend Soundcrafters Daytona Beach to the discerning auto audiophile.

How did they convert the sound from the Kenwood's analog outputs to the HK amp's fiber inputs? I know there are some aftermarket "black boxes" that do this, but I think most of them are two-channel only, so you lose fader control. Or did they do something more exciting? Inquiring minds want to know! :)

You are correct. I lost separate control of the subwoofer in the back. However, The Cabriolet does not have rear speakers (exception bass module). However, I manipulate the sound via the control head. There is another 4-way adapter out there. The word on the street is that they are not reliable. I will replace two channel later with 4 way. But the sound is great with the spacial adjustments in the radio control head. Still no problems, and excellent support. Already had a system update installed (which you perform yourself) with no issues.

The cabriolet does have rear speakers - they are in the door. But with such a small cabin, it probably does not make a difference not having fader control.

Does anyone know what depth replacement speakers can be - or the depth of the stock door speakers?

I have a blown front in my drivers door (cabriolet) and am considering replacement options.

Thanks!

Crutchfield used to list dimensions, but I think now they just show what fits. I don;t know if they ship to Canada, or if that's even economical, but at least you can look at the list of models they sell that fit.

Sorry, it took so long to reply. I was going to install additional speakers in the back of the vehicle. You are correct, I cannot isolate the rear speakers in the door. We are still looking for a 4-way adapter vs. the current 2-way. Supposedly, some Chinese outfit may have one, but I haven't been able to confirm.