will_w204

I wouldn't even mess with it, as the ipod worked ok until recently, but now the left side speakers no longer work running ipod through the tape deck, and if I use an fm adaptor, only the left side works! What's up with that? Adjusting the Becker volume causes popping and vibration from the left side now. Amps fried?

Either way, tell me your choice for best HU (ipod/usb/cd/maybe XM), amp(s), and speakers. How many speakers do I need to replace for optimum sound (surely not all 13), what's the smallest amp(s) I could get away with? I don't need anything crazy, I just want to enjoy my time in this 15yo car, and there is too much out there for me to know what I need.

SirTweakAlot

I can tell you what to AVOID.
My SONY GT-series head unit has the annoying feature of beeping 3 times when the key is shut off.This CAN'T BE DEFEATED!! Simply Horrible!

ZedStyle

you can probably get away without using an amp, and run your new speakers off the head unit... the new head units ahve at least as much power as the old benz amps, and if you just want something to replace your current system that would do it.
i'm not sure what the stock speaker set up is on a 400E, but 4 speakers will sort you for a basic system

RHW

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...te-budget.html

Not as cheap as I think you want, but I have liked the Alpine head units w the pdx amps, the head units I am using now are ida x100, very ipod friendly, and w common speakers would have sufficient power to be an upgrade from stock.

neanderthal

it really depends on your budget.

you could buy a head unit (free installation at circuit city and best buy on purchases over $100. so time it just right) that has all those features for less than $200.
speakers, fronts are 4" rears are 5" doors are 6" (if i recall correctly. and if you have the door speakers.) if you skip the door speakers, then you are already done. probably for less than $300 if you are smart about your purchases, and time them correctly.

if you want to get some nice sound, you could buy an amp and power your speakers with that.

ive got a wishlist on crutchfield thats less than $750 (i just bought a 94) that includes the head unit, (bluetooth, i-pod ready, HD radio ready, satellite radio ready, disc player etc) front and rear speakers, 6" components, two amps and an 8" subwoofer.

my plan is to install the sub in the first aid kit, mount the two amps right next to the sub, one on either side below the hatshelf where the rear headrests rest, power the front and rear speakers with one amp, power the components and the sub (bridged) with the other, run a cable into my center console for my i-pod.

you can mount the speakers yourself and save yourself some money. take a weekend off and do the wiring yourself and save yourself a bundle there too. and if you are going to go that far, you may as well just mount the amps too. its not rocket science when you have the internet as a resource.

will_w204

I ended up talking BestBuy down to Crutchfield's price for an Alpine IDA-x200, plus XM. As I had volume-tested my speakers (BTW, at least 2 of the rears are late-90s Blau's, not factory) and found them to be clear with the Becker using FM radio, at full volume, the installer and I agreed they should be fine.

Well....

They sounded great to me with the Alpine, until I drove about 2 miles and then start getting pockets of dead silence, pockets of static and screeching, and popping. Is the install screwed, or did this finally kill the speakers? I'm not very happy right now, as I really did not want to be in this for any more money

RHW

The stockers are paper, my guess is that you are up for a speaker upgrade.

will_w204

Could I get away wit 4"s in the front and rear, and 5.25's in the front doors? I believe those are pretty close to stock sizes. Think 6 would do the trick?

Chappy

Rainbow makes some nice speakers that will drop in.

will_w204

Yeah, but I want to do this asap, and relatively cheaply. I have been told everything from 5.25 to 6 to 6.5 is in the front doors, so I have no idea. I'm trying to determine if 4s and 5.25s, like Polk or Blau, would be what I need for easy fit.

neanderthal

4.5s in the fronts 5.25s in the back, 6.5s possible in the doors.

thats whats in my other 124. none of them are drop in either. some work needed.

Runninrebel211

You could try some MB Quarts. They got them at a great price at www.onlinecarstereo.com These speakers can handle some power so make sure they are powered by an amp or it wouldnt sound very good.

Zytek_Fan

Get Kenwood everything.
They're great and they sound good.

75BMW2002

+1 - I have one in my Benz and my BMW - I hate that beep !!!!!!!!!

Andy_M

I have Alpine CDA-9886 HU with iPod connection, Polk Audio db521 drivers both front and rear in stock locations (had MB Quarts drivers but they are overly bright and the Polks kick their *** for tight, accurate sound,) and a Profile AP1040 4 Ch 1000 Watt Amplifier mounted in the trunk. (Sounds as good as the Adcom I have in my Porsche, and costs 1/10 as much) Total cost $570. I put it all in.

Future upgrade plans include a Polk Audio MM1240DVC 12" 4 Ohm DVC Shallow Mount Subwoofer mounted below the first aid kit cover and powered by a Profile AP700M 1 Ch 700 Watt Amplifier. $260.

STLe320

I have a pioneer deh6800 head unit with infinity reference speakers in the dash and rear deck. That goes along with a PA1800 2 channel amp (1800max) wired down to 2 ohms powering an Audiobahn aw1206t. It's getting a little annoying how loud it is now

appatula

Not to steal the thread but some of you real audiophiles might be able to shed some light on a amp I picked up at the flea market for 15 big ones... Its a:

a/d/s PH15.2 6 channel 300 watt amp ???? I think I remember hearing that ADS was a pretty bad *** make that went out of business a while back?

Just to contribute, I'd go with decent MB quarts that fit.

Chinny4290

I have no issues since my car came with teh Bose premium system from back in the day. Still works like a charm with the better Becker 1492 over the Grand Prix.

See if you can get a 1492 with the premium speaker replacements.

Used, on ebay they go vor about $120

Bigpete123

a/d/s is really good gear from what I've read. Never had any experience with it personally though.

will_w204

I wish I had. I ended up with an Alpine ida-x200 and 2 new Polk 6.5s in the doors - one was blown. It is more clear than the stock setup, but for $700 installed (with XM), it wasn't worth it. The stock setups are not bad at all if everything is still functional. That said, it's nice to have intergrated XM and Ipod capability now (not a tape adapter)

appatula

Thanks Pete! BTW I just picked up a Alpine CDA-9884, its a very impressive looking player! It'll be going in today so I'll let you know how it sounds....

appatula

I love my Alpine CDA-9884 so far....The difference is night and day compared to the budget lanzar player I had in there. I ordered some MB Quart 6.5" Components (FSA-216) for the rear deck and JL TR400 CXi 4" co-ax's in the front....and I'm well prepared to make them fit They will be being pushed by that 6 channel (6x50w) A/D/S amp, I'll bridge up a couple channels if needed. Seems like a fairly decent upgrade over stock, seeing that the whole setup was less than $300 but I'll post back with the results once I get everything done.