SteveMcQueen

Hello all,

I recently purchased a used '14 E350 Cab and I'm trying to upgrade the sound system, mostly the subwoofer. I'm trying to understand if there's a place in the system where I can tap in to some low level audio signals. I have an AudioControl ACM-1.300 amp on the way so I can use either speaker level or component level inputs. I'm just trying to understand my options.

I've seen info/literature that suggests that the 207 models only have the base 450 watt amplifier, while the 212 has the added 160 watt subwoofer amplifier. EPC is indicating to me that somewhere in the trunk of my Cab there is a "sound amplifier" and bracket (See attachment), however I'm unable to locate it so far.



So questions...
Does anyone know where this amp is located in the trunk area? I've had the spare etc., trunk liner out but haven't seen it. I only see the rear battery, fuse block and "comfort module" I guess it's called, all under the liner on the right side. I've also seen a Satellite radio component under the liner on the left-center side (#150 in the diagram I'm fairly certain.)
Could this be the 160 watt subwoofer amp and therefore it is not part of the Cab audio system configuration?

Thanks. Any feedback is much appreciated.

SteveMcQueen

Also, there's this from WIS



But unless I'm blind, there's nothing in that area in the Cab, other than the components I mentioned in the first post.

konigstiger

Basic function location “Shown on model 177.0”. Check behind left trunk panel.

SteveMcQueen

Yeah, thanks. I'd concluded that's the location earlier today as I think I can see the bracket if I open the little door in the interior paneling on the left side. I can also feel the cooling fins on the amp.

All for not as I think the connection on the left (in your photo) is the MOST (digital/optical) in, then it's all analog-speaker-level signals out. So I guess I'll have to roll with the speaker-level connections to the ACM-1.300.

Appreciate the info none the less!

SteveMcQueen

The attached document further confirms it. Of course, it's in the "Remove/install soft top hydraulic pump" docs!

Jaybird123

Thanks for raising this topic ‘Steve’...as I am picking up my new-to-me ‘14 E550 coupe tomorrow and will immediately want to dive into stereo upgrade options! Any further insights/details/feedback on your explorations and upgrades here?

SteveMcQueen

Yeah, I've learned quite a bit about the car over the past few weeks as I've worked on this project. I think I can save you some time and guess-work. I've had the entire aft-half of the car disassembled for cleaning and wire routing. When I have the time I plan to write up my project with photos. Hopefully soon.

Now that I have the subwoofer project mostly wrapped up, I've got my eye on the 4 mid-sized speakers in the system to get a little bit better mid-tones. I may even access them today as I may pull the rear side-paneling for cleaning, and since I still have all the seats out of the car.

Let me know if you have specific questions.

Jaybird123

I would really appreciate any and all details and pics! Thanks for the quick response! I will not have car home for another 4-5 days. Will want to add subwoofer, amp(s), component mid/hi’s, etc. My CLK already had the amp/speaker/head unit work done before I inherited it. Have heard of challenges from dad with his newer SL too

SteveMcQueen

That's going to be a challenging project in the 207 as from the head unit to the HK DSP amplifier is optical/MOST, and then from the amp the outputs are analog speaker-level signals. I've seen some MOST adapters that have low-level RCAs out but I haven't seen one specifically mentioned for the 207 with the HK L7 system.

I suppose one of the AudioControl line out converters is an option.