Sub help. Poor bass sound after sub install
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2009 e350
Sub help. Poor bass sound after sub install
Hi Everyone. I just got a 2009 e350 with the HK system and installed an old kicker zx1000.1 amp and 2 12" MB quart subs in a vented enclosure in the trunk firing toward the license plate. I took the wires from the HK sub in the rear deck and connected them to the high level input of the amp.
The problems are:
1. The poor sound. It seems delayed and muddied. I don't know if it is because it is sealed in the trunk or not. Would removing the factory sub from the rear deck help? People have mentioned it in other threads but no one has commented from experience.
2. The bass seem to be only low frequency. I only get about 100Hz or lower sound even listening right beside the subs and makes the bass very unbalanced in some songs. Are those the only frequencies sent from the AGW to the factory sub? Maybe I should also tap into a woofer signal from one of the door speakers to get 100-170Hz frequencies to the amp?
Thanks for any input.
The problems are:
1. The poor sound. It seems delayed and muddied. I don't know if it is because it is sealed in the trunk or not. Would removing the factory sub from the rear deck help? People have mentioned it in other threads but no one has commented from experience.
2. The bass seem to be only low frequency. I only get about 100Hz or lower sound even listening right beside the subs and makes the bass very unbalanced in some songs. Are those the only frequencies sent from the AGW to the factory sub? Maybe I should also tap into a woofer signal from one of the door speakers to get 100-170Hz frequencies to the amp?
Thanks for any input.
Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 219
Likes: 26
2011 E350, 1998 ML320
I recommend an active line converter, I have my factory sub leads connected to an audio control lc2i http://www.crutchfield.com/S-6Qk85qq...trol-LC2i.html
It helps with the cutout at high volume, you can adjust the volume on the fly if you add the line control knob. it works great for me!
It helps with the cutout at high volume, you can adjust the volume on the fly if you add the line control knob. it works great for me!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2009 e350
I actually have a scosche converter that I could use that looks like it does the same thing but thought I would get better quality using the amps inputs. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142SLC4/Scosche-SLC4.html
Have you noticed only lower frequencies playing eg 100hz or so and lower?
Do you have your factory sub removed?
Thanks again!
Have you noticed only lower frequencies playing eg 100hz or so and lower?
Do you have your factory sub removed?
Thanks again!
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 11
From: Bedford, MA
2013 S350, 2021 GLS450, 2003 SLK32
I had really muddy low bass when I installed my dual Bazookas in my trunk. Problem turned out to be the sound deadening in the rear deck. I removed the sound deadening foam from the sub cut out and all was cleared up.
My assumption is that since your factory sub is still installed it is keeping the sounds in your trunk sealed off from the passenger compartment. I would recommend removing the factory sub.
My assumption is that since your factory sub is still installed it is keeping the sounds in your trunk sealed off from the passenger compartment. I would recommend removing the factory sub.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2009 e350
SnowCub, did you use the factory sub wires to feed a signal to your amp? Did you use a LOC or something like bernard did?
And it sounds like you didn't have problems with mid bass like I am having.
And it sounds like you didn't have problems with mid bass like I am having.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2009 e350
So I figured it out. The factory amp sends a limited bandwidth to the factory sub and the volume control to the sub by the factory amp is unusual leading to the problems I mentioned. I removed the inputs that had come from the factory sub and instead tapped into the Gn/BrGn wires coming out of the amp that serve the front door. It apparantly is a full range signal. Voila! Much better sound.
So if your reading this, don't feed your subwoofer amp with the signal from the factory sub. It will sound ****ty. Use the signal that goes to the front door.
So if your reading this, don't feed your subwoofer amp with the signal from the factory sub. It will sound ****ty. Use the signal that goes to the front door.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
2014 AMG E63S, 2006 XK8 victory edition convertible, 2006 supercharged trailblazer SS, 2001 E430
Front L & R (doors), Rear L & R (doors), and Sub signals. I did not use the center or rear dash mid signals although I did disconnect them.
Last edited by nizzle; Jun 27, 2012 at 05:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2009 e350
One more thing. Did you have a wiring diagram? How did you know what wires went where? I used this one but I don't know how correct it is.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/atta...-fog-audio.jpg
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/atta...-fog-audio.jpg
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
2014 AMG E63S, 2006 XK8 victory edition convertible, 2006 supercharged trailblazer SS, 2001 E430
It took me some digging, but I found a diagram when I did mine. It's not the same as the one you posted. I'll search for the one I had again..... hope I can find it 
EDIT: Although the one you have looks like a better one than the one I used. The colors appear to be correct on yours as well but i can't really remember so...... I'll still look for the one I used
EDIT: Although the one you have looks like a better one than the one I used. The colors appear to be correct on yours as well but i can't really remember so...... I'll still look for the one I used
Last edited by nizzle; Jun 27, 2012 at 07:27 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 320
Likes: 7
From: North NJ
06 E55(SOLD), 03 E500(SOLD)
