Is radio/sound in Comand better than regular radio
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Joined: Nov 2002
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E350 and E450
Is radio/sound in Comand better than regular radio
I have a 2002 e430 sport with the Bose system. I don't like the sound and the radio is lousy as people here have previously noted. I'll be at a stop and then step on the gas, and when I do, it sounds like a whole channel on the left side just goes out. When I come to a stop, back comes the full sound. Step on the gas, off it goes. Irritating. Dealer says can't find anything wrong. I know it could be the antenna but that doesn't make me feel better. Also, even with the CD, the sound is heavy bass boomy, particularly out of the front speakers. And I can't even hear the rear two speakers behind the rear seat!
OK, here's the question: Is the radio and/or sound better in the Comand unit? I am thinking of having that done by Steve but he isn't sure if the sound and radio is better or not and suggested I put the question to the board. Any opinions based on actually having heard the two? Or should I just get a new head unit, with new amplifier, and connect to existing speakers.
OK, here's the question: Is the radio and/or sound better in the Comand unit? I am thinking of having that done by Steve but he isn't sure if the sound and radio is better or not and suggested I put the question to the board. Any opinions based on actually having heard the two? Or should I just get a new head unit, with new amplifier, and connect to existing speakers.
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From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
A lot of people will say just blurt out immediately "Yes, the COMAND sounds better!"
But I've listened to a lot of OEM head units in Mercedes cars, and I can't say that with certainty it sounds better.
First, let's eliminate the possiblity that you are using digital Bose, because there should be very little sound quality difference in head units.
Now, I've noticed that there are many changes to the stereo systems based on the year and model of the car. It seems that there is a change almost every year. So, for a fair comparison, we would need to compare with your specific model and year. So maybe you should narrow the question to people who have the same model and year of your car, with the same sound specification (non-Bose)?
Also, it sounds like you have a problem with your stereo in the first place. So if the system is fixed by replacing with a COMAND, that would definitely improve sound quality.
Although the Mercedes OEM stereos sound fairly decent (including COMAND), they're not intended for super high fidelity reproduction (probably rightfully so, as the moving vehicle presents a dynamic target when trying to compensate for background noise, etc.).
In my case, the COMAND in my CLK55 sounds just about the same as the original stereo, maybe a tiny bit more distortion. I have analog Bose, and the COMAND is correctly set for use with analog Bose.
-s-
But I've listened to a lot of OEM head units in Mercedes cars, and I can't say that with certainty it sounds better.
First, let's eliminate the possiblity that you are using digital Bose, because there should be very little sound quality difference in head units.
Now, I've noticed that there are many changes to the stereo systems based on the year and model of the car. It seems that there is a change almost every year. So, for a fair comparison, we would need to compare with your specific model and year. So maybe you should narrow the question to people who have the same model and year of your car, with the same sound specification (non-Bose)?
Also, it sounds like you have a problem with your stereo in the first place. So if the system is fixed by replacing with a COMAND, that would definitely improve sound quality.
Although the Mercedes OEM stereos sound fairly decent (including COMAND), they're not intended for super high fidelity reproduction (probably rightfully so, as the moving vehicle presents a dynamic target when trying to compensate for background noise, etc.).
In my case, the COMAND in my CLK55 sounds just about the same as the original stereo, maybe a tiny bit more distortion. I have analog Bose, and the COMAND is correctly set for use with analog Bose.
-s-
