adding a subwoofer to the stock sound system
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
adding a subwoofer to the stock sound system
I have to say that I am quite disappointed in the standard stereo quality in my 2016 51k mercedes. There is absolutely no bass, flat mids and just overall subpar sound.
The quality of sound in my 2014 C350 with the standard harmon kardon blows this away. I was very happy with the sounds in this car.
What can I do in ways of adding a subwoofer without sacraficing space? I only want to do 1 6 or 8" sub to fill in the **** sound.
The quality of sound in my 2014 C350 with the standard harmon kardon blows this away. I was very happy with the sounds in this car.
What can I do in ways of adding a subwoofer without sacraficing space? I only want to do 1 6 or 8" sub to fill in the **** sound.
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Bernadôtte (03-05-2017)
#3
Junior Member
Based on how my car was delivered you are right, but there may be a no cost solution. Found that once you go into fine tuning the systems bass, treble, fader and balance, the sounds greatly improved. Actually my intention was to replace the speakers and sub woofer with Bose (like my other cars) but the hi fi shop retuned the standard system and that has turned out just fine. Also consider the source, found iTunes/ Apple had very poor reproduction in the MB. Instead use high quality USB/ SDHC set at the highest MP3 recording level, I think you may be presently surprised.
#4
Junior Member
Not worth the risk of electrical issues or messing with your warranty. Sucks it is so hard to get the Burmeister. My plan eventually is to try to improve soundproofing with some dynamat on the doors.
Then later if I can get the Ohm & Peak watt spec's...try to find aftermarket replacement speakers. I think our stock GLC door speakers are 4"? and plenty of aftermarket tweeters on the market to choose from.
@ Ian - yes I use mini-USB drive, sounds way better than radio. Care to share your tuning settings? Did you find out the spec's of our stock speakers?
Then later if I can get the Ohm & Peak watt spec's...try to find aftermarket replacement speakers. I think our stock GLC door speakers are 4"? and plenty of aftermarket tweeters on the market to choose from.
@ Ian - yes I use mini-USB drive, sounds way better than radio. Care to share your tuning settings? Did you find out the spec's of our stock speakers?
#5
Member
Good luck trying to Dynamat the doors. I have already attempted that. Very interesting set up. There is a solid piece of black plastic that completely seals off the inside of the door. I unscrewed it and tried to remove it but it involves the window motor and I gave up. I was able to peak inside a little and they have 2 strips of Dynamat type stuff on the sheet metal of the door. I put Dynamat everywhere I could on the plastic, not sure if it helped or not. I also did the front and rear wheel wells along with the trunk area. I guess you can only make it so quiet.
#6
Junior Member
Hi CA GLC, whilst using a high quality USB is important I forgot to mention the second salient criteria, that is recording source. As demonstrated by the sound technician, the USB recording should be sourced from a high quality DDD CD or music DVD for the MB Audio 20. Music downloaded from the internet (e.g. iTunes) does not reproduce the clarity and breadth of CD. A very good car sound system like HK or Bose, does compensate for this, but the MB Audio 20 doesn't. The technician demonstrated that a USB with music recorded directly from a CD was able to reproduce far better sound on the MB Audio 20. She also mention that in the near future they expect to receive a stereo upgrade bulletin for the GLC and will then upgrade my car if I still wish to do so. Hope this info helps.
#7
Junior Member
Thanks, found lots of threads in C-Class section, very similar to our GLC's on speaker replacements.
Looks do-able. Still can't find spec's on our stock speakers. Either 3.5 or 4" (100mm) speakers in doors apparently. And standard size tweeters near the side mirror assemblies for a total of 6 speakers. Feedback looks good for the C-Class folks whom did this. If we keep everything else especially the amp stock, looks very inexpensive.
Looks do-able. Still can't find spec's on our stock speakers. Either 3.5 or 4" (100mm) speakers in doors apparently. And standard size tweeters near the side mirror assemblies for a total of 6 speakers. Feedback looks good for the C-Class folks whom did this. If we keep everything else especially the amp stock, looks very inexpensive.
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#8
Super Member
The ideal solution would be to buy one 8" JL audio W3 and put it in the opening on the right rear side panel of the trunk and do a Custom flat panel stealth enclosure so that it looks like one flat panel, instead of the big indentation that is there now.
One 8" JL Audio W3 is plenty of power for the entire car.
One 8" JL Audio W3 is plenty of power for the entire car.
#9
Junior Member
The Focal 4" KRS100 components are discontinued, so not much time left to get a deal on these while suppliers make room for replacement model.
Does anyone know where the stock amp is for the non-Burmeister base stereos? I just going to get these Focals and call it a day for now.
Does anyone know where the stock amp is for the non-Burmeister base stereos? I just going to get these Focals and call it a day for now.
#10
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2002 C32
Upgrade to standard Audio 20 System
I took delivery of my GLC Coupe at the begining of Feb and love the car, but cant believe how Crap the standard sound sustem is. The sound in the front was OK as there is a small subwoofer which compensates for bass, but when you fade the sound to the rear speakers, thats when you realise how apalling the rear speakers are. then you realise how painfully rubbish the door speakers are. There is absolutely no Bass, just mids and treble (the treble is not crisp either).
Having played with the tuning,
turning up the bass and treble, reducing the Mids etc - it was still S**t so I decided to make some changes. I thought I's start with an Active Subwoofer Namely a Hertz 200.3 cube Active subwoofer (cost of £350 GBP including fitting) which sits perfectly in the spare tyre well and the results are just amazing........ WOW!!!! What a difference!!!
I now run the Bass flat, turn down the mids and notch up the treble and the whole car feels encapsulated with rich - full bodied sound.
I'm still not happy with the Treble so will be changing the door speakers for some decent coaxial speakers in the near future. But in the mean time, I'm enjoying the new rich sound in my car.
It's a shame that Merc simply dont put a Subwoofer in the rear trunk as a simple fix can make all the difference.
Honestly folks, the standard setup is abysmal and I'm so glad I spend a few quid to bring joy to my ears
Having played with the tuning,
turning up the bass and treble, reducing the Mids etc - it was still S**t so I decided to make some changes. I thought I's start with an Active Subwoofer Namely a Hertz 200.3 cube Active subwoofer (cost of £350 GBP including fitting) which sits perfectly in the spare tyre well and the results are just amazing........ WOW!!!! What a difference!!!
I now run the Bass flat, turn down the mids and notch up the treble and the whole car feels encapsulated with rich - full bodied sound.
I'm still not happy with the Treble so will be changing the door speakers for some decent coaxial speakers in the near future. But in the mean time, I'm enjoying the new rich sound in my car.
It's a shame that Merc simply dont put a Subwoofer in the rear trunk as a simple fix can make all the difference.
Honestly folks, the standard setup is abysmal and I'm so glad I spend a few quid to bring joy to my ears
#11
Super Member
Good luck trying to Dynamat the doors. I have already attempted that. Very interesting set up. There is a solid piece of black plastic that completely seals off the inside of the door. I unscrewed it and tried to remove it but it involves the window motor and I gave up. I was able to peak inside a little and they have 2 strips of Dynamat type stuff on the sheet metal of the door. I put Dynamat everywhere I could on the plastic, not sure if it helped or not. I also did the front and rear wheel wells along with the trunk area. I guess you can only make it so quiet.
This is the easiest bit.. Cos manipulating the inner skin off the door frame with the door lock mechanism is my easy ie it's fiddly.... But once off even the. You still have the main harness holding the inner skin in place. So resting the door inner on the floor at this point you can access enough of the door outer skin to apply dynamat....
I did all doors (inner and outer skins), rear hatch, boot, under rear bench cushion, b pillars, rear arches, rear quarter panels outer skins, under the Center console and behind the cluster gauge... Applying dynamat, high density foam, fibre fill and low density foam as appropriate... Net the cabin dropped by 2-3Db..
the number of poor assembly issues I found on the way was appalling MB assembly quality is a myth... They are crap...
#12
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Join Date: May 2005
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2002 C32
I have to say that I am quite disappointed in the standard stereo quality in my 2016 51k mercedes. There is absolutely no bass, flat mids and just overall subpar sound.
The quality of sound in my 2014 C350 with the standard harmon kardon blows this away. I was very happy with the sounds in this car.
What can I do in ways of adding a subwoofer without sacraficing space? I only want to do 1 6 or 8" sub to fill in the **** sound.
The quality of sound in my 2014 C350 with the standard harmon kardon blows this away. I was very happy with the sounds in this car.
What can I do in ways of adding a subwoofer without sacraficing space? I only want to do 1 6 or 8" sub to fill in the **** sound.
I'm looking to change all 4 door speakers soon to decent coaxial so not messing with additional crossover etc.
#13
I took delivery of my GLC Coupe at the begining of Feb and love the car, but cant believe how Crap the standard sound sustem is. The sound in the front was OK as there is a small subwoofer which compensates for bass, but when you fade the sound to the rear speakers, thats when you realise how apalling the rear speakers are. then you realise how painfully rubbish the door speakers are. There is absolutely no Bass, just mids and treble (the treble is not crisp either).
Having played with the tuning,
turning up the bass and treble, reducing the Mids etc - it was still S**t so I decided to make some changes. I thought I's start with an Active Subwoofer Namely a Hertz 200.3 cube Active subwoofer (cost of £350 GBP including fitting) which sits perfectly in the spare tyre well and the results are just amazing........ WOW!!!! What a difference!!!
I now run the Bass flat, turn down the mids and notch up the treble and the whole car feels encapsulated with rich - full bodied sound.
I'm still not happy with the Treble so will be changing the door speakers for some decent coaxial speakers in the near future. But in the mean time, I'm enjoying the new rich sound in my car.
It's a shame that Merc simply dont put a Subwoofer in the rear trunk as a simple fix can make all the difference.
Honestly folks, the standard setup is abysmal and I'm so glad I spend a few quid to bring joy to my ears
Having played with the tuning,
turning up the bass and treble, reducing the Mids etc - it was still S**t so I decided to make some changes. I thought I's start with an Active Subwoofer Namely a Hertz 200.3 cube Active subwoofer (cost of £350 GBP including fitting) which sits perfectly in the spare tyre well and the results are just amazing........ WOW!!!! What a difference!!!
I now run the Bass flat, turn down the mids and notch up the treble and the whole car feels encapsulated with rich - full bodied sound.
I'm still not happy with the Treble so will be changing the door speakers for some decent coaxial speakers in the near future. But in the mean time, I'm enjoying the new rich sound in my car.
It's a shame that Merc simply dont put a Subwoofer in the rear trunk as a simple fix can make all the difference.
Honestly folks, the standard setup is abysmal and I'm so glad I spend a few quid to bring joy to my ears
Last edited by andyaz; 08-18-2018 at 10:50 PM. Reason: typo
#14
Subwoofer Install
Hi
Just traded my GLK 2015 for a GLC300 2019 and im am very disapointed with the sound system. The standard in the GLK was very good but now it is like a portable stereo that you take to the beach...
Do you have picture of installation of your Sub, i think i will do the same.
Thanks
Just traded my GLK 2015 for a GLC300 2019 and im am very disapointed with the sound system. The standard in the GLK was very good but now it is like a portable stereo that you take to the beach...
Do you have picture of installation of your Sub, i think i will do the same.
Thanks
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560SLMX (09-23-2023)
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
I think a "trick" thing to check out would be taking some of the Fischer - Helix - Match components for VW or BMW upgrades and adapt them over.
That VW subwoofer upgrade package for the rear "spare tire compartment" is kindof real slick
That VW subwoofer upgrade package for the rear "spare tire compartment" is kindof real slick
#16
Junior Member
Since my previou comments, took further advice from local car audio sound specialists and upgraded to Focal speakers/ tweeters. Surprisingly, MB had no tweeters and the speakers were made of very thin plastic. The sound staging is now very good. I am now happy.
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Sure ... the Focals are awesome - the "stock" system (not Burmester) does not have tweeters in the triangle although the holder inside the triangle is there.
Here in US there is a Asia eBay seller that has the "wire splitter harness that will allow the door speaker connection to split off to add dome tweeters (with high pass filter) to go up in the triangles.
The "issue" with the front oor speakers is the mounting and "thin" depth - the Focal set is awesome and "thin" enough for door mounting
Here in US there is a Asia eBay seller that has the "wire splitter harness that will allow the door speaker connection to split off to add dome tweeters (with high pass filter) to go up in the triangles.
The "issue" with the front oor speakers is the mounting and "thin" depth - the Focal set is awesome and "thin" enough for door mounting
#18
Junior Member