CLK Speaker Upgrade
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
85 280GE; 2001 E55; 2003 CLK
CLK Speaker Upgrade
Is it possible to swap out my stock Bose speakers for updated Harmon Kardon ones? Ive got the standard headunit with the 6 disc cd changer in the trunk
would the sound system sound better?
Would i need to swap out the stock Bose amp with a Harmon Kardon amp?
Would i be able to add the Bose subwoofer in between the rear seats?
thanks
_n.
would the sound system sound better?
Would i need to swap out the stock Bose amp with a Harmon Kardon amp?
Would i be able to add the Bose subwoofer in between the rear seats?
thanks
_n.
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
CLK 63 AMG
I have both systems, the HK in my CLK 63 and the Bose in my W208. I was really looking forward to the HK system and it does have good sound, but far from impressive and in my opinion, it suffers from a lack of power. The Bose system gives up little, if anything at all in my opinion.
I'm considering amplifier options now. I don't want to damage the stock speakers, but in a car whose engine is without comprimise, it is hard to tolerate an audio system that does exactly that.
If you make a replacement, consider some other top audio choice that will fit in the same enclosures. My hesitation is with the command integration. I don't know what impact such a modification would have, or who to trust with an install.
I'm considering amplifier options now. I don't want to damage the stock speakers, but in a car whose engine is without comprimise, it is hard to tolerate an audio system that does exactly that.
If you make a replacement, consider some other top audio choice that will fit in the same enclosures. My hesitation is with the command integration. I don't know what impact such a modification would have, or who to trust with an install.
Last edited by Redcab; Nov 27, 2013 at 05:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
85 280GE; 2001 E55; 2003 CLK
I have both systems, the HK in my CLK 63 and the Bose in my W208. I was really looking forward to the HK system and it does have good sound, but far from impressive and in my opinion, it suffers from a lack of power. The Bose system gives up little, if anything at all in my opinion.
I'm considering amplifier options now. I don't want to damage the stock speakers, but in a car whose engine is without comprimise, it is hard to tolerate an audio system that does exactly that.
If you make a replacement, consider some other top audio choice that will fit in the same enclosures. My hesitation is with the command integration. I don't know what impact such a modification would have, or who to trust with an install.
I'm considering amplifier options now. I don't want to damage the stock speakers, but in a car whose engine is without comprimise, it is hard to tolerate an audio system that does exactly that.
If you make a replacement, consider some other top audio choice that will fit in the same enclosures. My hesitation is with the command integration. I don't know what impact such a modification would have, or who to trust with an install.
does anyone know the specs on factory Bose AMP? does the Harmon Kardon amp put out more watts? and would the HK amp just be plug and play and work with my original factory headunit?
_n.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 445
Likes: 11
From: Washington, DC Metro Area
Currently: 2019 E450 AWD, Previous: 2002 CLK55 Cab
Guys there is a lot more on all of this in the Audio sub forum. That said I did replace the HU and the factory sub. The HU swap, Alpine really brought out clarity to the stock Bose system. It also showed the short comings of the stock sub. I found a sub, Helix, that fit the OEM sub horn and enclosure and the richness of the system came right out. If I decide to sell the car I can put it all back in about two hours. Any reputable pro installer can handle the job easily. I had the guys at Crutchfields do the HU install and I had the guys at Best Buy do the sub install. At best buy I was in an appointment line up of BMWs, Porsches and Volvo all having similar setups done. Just a thought. Good luck.
