Does anyone know what are the OEM speakers? Are the speakers the typical junk OEM quality? I acquired my 2005 E320 used, so I don't know whether I have HK or Bose. I do know that there are no speakers mounted on rear deck so I assume I do not have a premium setup.

The point being, I find that the sound system lacks in the higher frequencies, ie. a need to upgrade the tweeters.

 

If you look at the soft key sound adjustment buttons and one of the choices listed is "Surround" in addition to "Speech (or Talk... who remembers)" you have Bose.

 

Oh, ok. That definitely means that I don't have Bose. So does that mean I have the typical junk OEM speakers, ie. two-buck-a-piece drivers & tweeters? What have you folks upgraded to? MBQuarts or KEFs or Dynaudio?

 

I think the term "junk OE speakers" doesn't apply to Mercedes.

It's a term VERY useful in aftermarket shops to help make sales, of course.

 

On the speakers on your door, if it states Harmon Kardon then you have the upgrade, if not you have the standard system (which is not good).

 

Just about everyone I have seen comment on here says the HK systems are superior to the Bose. I have Bose in my W210, and in 2001 that was an upgrade from whatever else was offered. I am not totally happy since I have (what I consider anyway) as a higher end system at home e.g. McIntosh electronics and Polk SDA speakers. My advice would be to upgrade your home system rather that drop money into a car set-up that you will probably sell/trade away when you get tired of your car. How good can a car system be anyway? Despite our high end cars with a lot of sound deadening for the road noise, it just doesn't get that good no matter what you buy.

 

Or JL Audio.......

 

Actually I would certainly call standard OEM speakers junk. If anyone has ever pulled apart a BLOSE speaker or OEM speaker, you can see they are made out of the cheepest possible materials. Take a look at the construction of an MB quart or equivalent aftermarket and the difference is night and day.

If you think because the speaker is in a Mercedes then it is not junk, I have a bridge for sale you would certainly be interested in...

 

Didn't know there was a brand by that name......

 

I went with the MB Quarts. The are far superior to the HK setup that came stock.

 

what amp are you running your Quarts off of?

 

Hey bigswol2, which MBquarts? Q, Premium or Reference?

Thanks

 

Premium I think I'll have to go check the box. I powered those with a precision power pcx 480. Sounds great.

 

Of course I'm sure Reus Audio has a package for the E-Class. No idea how much it costs, but I plan to find out.

 

Very glad for this subject.

As I've stated elsewhere, I'm just an old guy who is pretty hard of hearing.
In my Parktronic, for example, I can’t hear the beep. I think it’s the high
frequency sounds I can’t hear good.

My 08 E-350 probably has as good of speaker system as ANY new car. I don’t
know anything about them. But, even with the treble clear up, the bass clear
down and in speech, it’s not as clear and crisp as I’d like.

I listen to almost no music. 99% talk. One radio guy was going to put “tweeters”
or something, in my Corvette which he said would help. I haven’t done that yet.
I don’t care if I reduce the music quality. Speech Clarity is what I'm after.

I notice in my 350 that there’s a little speaker on each side, about dash level. I
can’t hear anything coming out of them. Could those be replaced with “sharper”
and “more effective” speakers? They’re closer to “ear level” and seemingly
would be ideal for loud, clear speech production.

So, any advice on achieving my “clarity” goal would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

jimm

==========

‘08 E350 Sport, P2, Black/black,Parktronic,
Voice, Bluetooth, Burl Walnut, Split rear seat,
Wood/leather steering wheel

 

I wish I had an answer for you, but this is one of the clearest car audio systems I have ever heard, I find it rivals some aftermarket ones. I would recommend playing with the soundfields, you might be able to find one that changes the equalizer to suit talk radio best. I also think dropping the bass too low actually hurts your ability to hear voices. All sound is comprised of a frequency range, and buy severly limiting that frequency range you are cutting off part of the voice. I would see why with treble on maxx and bass on min you would find the clarity poor, reset them to neutral, play with the soundfields, and then make minor adjustments from there...

 

I don't think it's the radio settings. If you can't hear the Parktronic beep, you may want to visit an audiologist. You might need a hearing aid.

 

I just bought a used E500 with the HK system and must say that I am somewhat disapointed with the sound. I have owned some decent audio for the car and home for some time now and was hoping that the HK system was going to change everything I thought about OEM radios. Not at all, it sounds like a echo chamber and the highs are non-existent. I guess it was wishfull thinking that someone put a good system in a car from the factory.
The radio will stay the same due to the warranty and overall complication of upgrading although my wife uses the car more than me anyway. I don't think its that hard or expensive to offer a clear sound thats not concert hall sounding, so whats the problem?

 

Maybe there is something wrong with your system, I would check to make sure everything is working. I don't know if they changed anything from '05-'07...

 

Oh, I definitely need hearing aids!

But, I've tried them and - for me - they don’t increase clarity, just
volume .. which includes all the noise.

At 76, my best advise to all of you is, “don’t get old.”
Ain’t nothin good about it.

Regarding the MB radios, they are probably the best available. It’s not
the radios; it’s me. I just keep hoping I can tweak them a “tiny bit” ..
somehow, to make them a “tiny bit” clearer. You know, only a hope.

jimm

 

i know this is a moot point, BUT, you know the best stock sound system i ever had was on a 99 740il. dont recall what type but my god that was an incredible sound system. miss that car.
but love my benzo's much more!