bkushner

Took delivery on a new ML350 yesterday and the sound system is horrendous. My old Hyundai stock system killed it.

I didn't get the premium sound because I didn't want the CD changer since I have Ipod Integration. Now at full volume the sound doesn't even move me.

Is there a way to get the premium sound option now or is that a factory option?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Brian

sosh

To the best of my knowledge the premium HK sound system is a factory only install. There are other aftermarket possibilities but I believe that most are half assed. The HK, by the way is excellent and far superior to the Bose used in earlier cars.

bkushner

Now I'm depressed.

gsrjc

my premium HK sound system is awesome.

bkushner

Rub it in...Monday morning I'm putting my new vehicle up for sale it has 36 miles.

I can't believe how bad the stock system is on a $50K vehicle. MB ought to be ashamed of themselves.

Fiorucci

Haha...sorry that was funny...I can't believe the stock system is that bad. Well, I also have the Premium Sound system and its ok...I mean, my husband has a killer system on his Lexus so I wouldn't say the MB system is that awesome. However, I used my 6 CD changer for 3 weeks and it broke down...with all my favorite CD's inside. They already changed the whole thing, but not CD's until MB decides to send them to me. Quite frankly, I couldn't believe it broke down so fast...I wonder about the quality?

sosh

If you are actually going to do that it will really cost you and you will see that what saving a couple of a hundred bucks can really cost you for being so frugal. Re the CD player, I have now had them in 3 MB's and have had no issues with any of them. Problems are usually caused by abuse and loading defective or very dirty CD's like any other player. Its not a quality issue.

idrive

A lot of people will order the stock system because they plan on putting their own system in anyway.

A custom system would be much nicer, be much cheaper than what you'd lose trading the car in.

Go custom baby....you will be happier in the long run. You'll have a better system than the HK upgrade (though my wife blows me out of the car with hers )

bkushner

A custom system won't interface with Command will it? Any suggestions for a custom system?

Brian

sosh

It certainly could interfere and cause you to lose Command functions and wheel button functions.

ShoremNJ

I love the premium sound system. My Ipod plays at lower volume also but still sufficient.

SL%%

Well I don't entirely agree (correct me if I'm wrong) on loosing some of the steering wheel function. With the way I understand sound system, the only time you lose the steering wheel function is when you also change your Head Unit (in this case the COMMAND itself). If you opt not to replace the head unit and just maybe add some/change speakers/ampli and all that, I think you're just fine. Now, what I'm not really sure is the wiring of the ML500. Though the Harman Kardon is really a very descent sound system, there are those who are really very meticulous. As for the SL55, its fiber optic which is a way higher end so its harder to replace all the stock wirings and its not simple according to one thread somewhere around on the SL55 forum. If you opt to go customize, I stongly suggest that you look for a very good installer because product is one thing, installation is another thing. Hope this help

bkushner

I paid over $2K for a custom upgrade, amps, new speakers, subwoofers. When the radio plays it will blow you out of the truck, swtitch to my $875 Ipod integration and it's a whimper. Now if I take the IPOD and connect it to one of those $50 over the air thingys, the Ipod rocks.

My stereo installer was shocked at how bad the IPOD sounded.

SEXYBEEST

good to here you got it fixed, post some pics and specs please

hcwong

Agreed 100%. But Bose was never a well regarded by those with any interest in quality audio reproduction anyway. I have the Harman Kardon in my new W221 and I am delighted with it.

Realster

Hmmzzz... i'm not so impressed with the HK Sound System on my car. I have 11 speakers and a Sub. 6 CD Changer that plays MP3.

Too much rattle in the rear with loud bass. I tried to tighten the trim panels but problem persits.

I was out of town last week and rented a Dodge Stratus... I have to admit that car has kick *** 4 speakers sound system that has louder bass than the $1000 system i have on the Benz

But i still think it's worth it to have the HK option. You'll have a CD changer that plays mp3 (only 99 songs per disc) so you basically can have close to 600 songs to-go on your Benz. Who needs the iPod intergration...

AR.Shah

Just a thought: Does the sound not get better in time?

A few years ago I bought a quality home entertainment sound system and the speakers did not sound good at all. I was very disatisfied so I took them back to the shop where I was told that the sound will improve with usage. He was absolutely right about this, a few weeks later the sound was much better. I believe the same goes for cars with quality speakers and therefore I think the sound in a brand new car might not be as good as expected.