onkelmarknr1

Hello,

i have a clk 500 convertible 04/04 and would like to add a subwoofer to my H/K system. That little bass that i have right now is not enough! I need some ca'ah donga dong. I don't want to take anything out. Just add a sub. I heard there are problems to do that. But somebody can certainly help me.

*Mark*

TheRok

Whats a H/K?
You mean Harmon Kardon? I thought those only come in BMW. What country are you from?

Adding a sub is easy. The only problem is it may drown out your sound quality.

onkelmarknr1

I am from Germany. The new clk's there hve the Harmon Kardon systems in there.
I thought i might not be so easy. My old car had a similar system and it was not possible to add an extra sub, without changing the head unit. When you didn't change it it was always some disturbing sound there. That's why i was asking!

Mark

Monkichi

Usually if you want to add a sub, you should change the headunit. Because the original MB headunit just can't kick the sub for it to work to its potential. Because I tried to do that to my clk but the audio guy said that it won't work as good if you change the headunit.

onkelmarknr1

Normaly i don't want to change the head unit, maybe i have 2. Can you still use your volume and track buttons on the steering wheel? I heard if you change the unit you can't use them any more. What else would i have to change? Because i don't want to change a lot. What size is your sub? Do you have the H/K or the bose system in there.

TheRok

If you do a search in this forum you will find some good info.

I can only speak for US models but installing a sub is easy. The BOSE system that comes in the US CLK has a dedicated sub channel. You only need to tap into that output from the BOSE amp and feed it to a new amplifier. You now have a sub.

The BOSE also has an Audio adjustment control to cancel out ambient sounds such as road noise. I think this is what you were referencing. You need to disable this feature at the dealer. BOSE takes the sub rumble and makes your volume jump up and down.

Also dont change the head unit, I think that will be a mistake.

onkelmarknr1

Thank you rok. I 'll try what you said. Hopefully it is going to work! I am so glad that you have a forum like this. Overhere ain't no forums similar to this.

TheRok

Does the HK system already come with a sub? The US version with Bose has one in the rear deck.

cliffybabe

I have done a install using the exsisting Becker head unit, it is possible to get the sub to kick but it take's alot of effort and time if you do it yourself.

I have posted pic's of my install in the past and if you want I can re-post them for you

Regards

Neil

onkelmarknr1

Aw. Rok: The h/k has an amp in there, but i don't know where it is located at, not yet. i have a convertible though. so i think it is not where your's is

by the way i think you are going to get the h/ksystem in the states, too. because the older models here (04/04) have also the bose system.

Aw. Neil: that would be nice if you can re-post them again.

cliffybabe

As promised:







It sound really clear and crisp, I'm running a line tap directly from the back of the head unit and then connecting to the EQ in the boot which then make's the audio out anything up to 16volt connection.

It allows great bass, it make the whole car shake and set's other car alarms off as I go past.

Regards

Neil

onkelmarknr1

how much did you pay for everthing? togther with the equimpment; i mean. and you still have your mb head unit in there right!? your 12" are in a very small box. it looks like i could even fit one off those in my convertible. i think i am gonna go with 2 10". don't you have a power cap in there?

mark

cliffybabe

Hi Mark

It's 1cubic foot box both side's which is right for the sub's.

Your right it's all running through the MB head unit (soon to be comand) I done this so i didn't lose the steering wheel controls or the factory look.

I spent £400.00 on the EQ, £400.00 on the x 2 12's, about £600.00 on the amp's, and the 6x9 and mid's and tweeters probley about £450.00 - £500.

I know I paid under price for all of it, it's been valued around £4500.00.

The cabling is another story, but I did install it myself and I'm more than happy to pass on anyhelp I can.

Thanks

Neil

onkelmarknr1

alright then. i ll probably come back at you for some more questions.

later
mark

onkelmarknr1

didn't you like the speaker of the bose system or why did you change them?