Benzdom

I have my eyes set on a 2010 ML350 which I like.

It has the stock audio system, not the Harman Kardon upgrade.

Now I know Harman Kardon from home HiFi systems, where it has a great name.

Researching, the voices were mixed. Some said it sounded so much better, others, among which was a sound engineer, said it was all circus with lots of power and three-dimensional Logic-7 fun and less about the sound quality.

What's your take? Are you an audiophile?

I never play mp3, only CDs or lossless compressed files.

Do you think the audio in the ML is good - it really depends a lot on the speakers and how good the stereo presentation of the sound is to appear truthful and lively.

I'm not listening to house, hip-hop or other bass heavy music, but am more on the Jazz and classic side.

flybd5

Harman Kardon beats stock audio by a mile. People who can't tell the difference should be visiting their doctor to check their hearing.

Benzdom

Of course it will sound very different with surround sound and more speakers.

What I was referring to was that some reviewers (who could articulate their views quite well) said, that looking at the actual sound quality they found the stock system sounding better.

I have not heard either of the two, I'm just listing results of a research.

On the other hand, there are many who think that insane bass and strong punch is good sound - and nothing could be farther from the truth. There are many bass-heavy sound systems out there that completely destroy any music that's not based on rhythm computers and loops.

texterted

I've got the stock system, I think it sounds pretty good. It gives a clean and clear soundstage without being overly aggressive.

I've added the ipod connector to mine as I've got a 160GB ipod classic. This lives in the glovebox, for a whole jukebox of tunes on the move.

I can't say how inferior it is to the premium audio package, as I've not heard it. However, if the car you're looking at ticks every other box then?

flybd5

What most people don't understand is that power, subwoofers, etc. are not there to blow your windows out. That's for pathetic fools. To truly reproduce great music correctly you need power, but only when necessary.

Benzdom

I have rented a lot of cars in the recent months. And rental cars have the worst audio - their stock system.

But I never rented Mercedes, just the usual rental brands: Hyundai, Ford, Nissan ... my ears were complaining.

Luckily, Mercedes Benz seems to put a decent system into their cars.

I like the car - so I won't let the audio be a deal breaker. Just have to check the suspension once more. I guess the shocks all have about 100 k miles on them and need to be replaced...

Benzdom

There are systems for true audio experience, and there are systems for the blow-your-brains-out crowd.

From what I heard the stock audio seems to operate well to produce a good sound image.

I always felt that subwoofers are more for the house, techno, rap scene and they don't really have a function in Jazz and classical music.

I once had an Alpine system in a former car and I hated how it enhanced the bass and the rhythm section. It basically ruined anything soul, jazz, and classic.

I can't say if the Harman-Kardon system one of the show-off systems or if it is really great in picturing sound.

The only post that really described the Harman-Kardon in detail was from a sound engineer, and it was not favorable.

I have to withdraw judgement because I only heard the Harman-Kardon system for a minute or so - but I turned it off, because during test drives I listen to the car, not to music. But it seemed to have a very "roomy" and impressive staging of sound. Can't tell if the detail and energy was good as I never listened to my own music on this system.

I hoped there would be more of a discussion, people who loves the Harman and those critical would tell their sides, but it looks like message boards are getting a bit sleepy these days...

Euler

I have the HK system in my ML and the sound is fantastic. I have ridden in many with the stock system and there is no comparison. It definitely does loud, but also accuracy and realism. The drivers seem to be nicely matched to the power in their ability to reproduce what they're fed.

Benzdom

Well the car I favor doesn't have it.

A second car I have my eyes on has it, but it has a shabby interior and there are other factors.

So I'll make do with the stock system - and make up for it by playing only prime sources: CDs. It has a six-CD-changer in the glove compartment. Absolutely no bluetooth for its horrible signal and maybe I can plug in my iPhone and play my Apple Lossless compressed files (haven't read the manual yet)

Benzdom

I have not yet received a tip on how to upgrade the stock system.

Comments appreciated!

Narley

My 2010 c350 had the HK System and I left it alone .
I just got an 09 ml320 with the base sound system on Saturday and it's Monday and it's not in the driveway. It's at the audio shop.
The base system sounds bad to me. Cymbals sound like paper and the bass is single note droning.
I chose a pair of German Helix components for the front and another pair for the rear . 2 x 10 inch fosgates and found an amp that fits in the first aid kit cubby in the cargo area drivers side. It will be done late tommorow

scourchaine

Hi All,
I just purchased a '06 ML500 and love it. It's loaded with lots of good options except it has the standard radio with the Sirius option #536 and Nav option #530. Has anyone done a swap to the Harman Kardon Logic 7 system from the stock system? I looked at eBay and salvage yards, the speakers and amps are not so expensive. Does anyone have a list of the components needed to do the swap? Is it even possible to do i.e. the dealer told me that it was NOT as the wire harness is different. I think I read somewhere it has fiber optic wiring, which would complicate this if accurate.

Thanks Scott

flybd5

Harman Kardon system is completely different. Trying to retrofit your car to that will be a huge undertaking. Personally, I think you're better off heading to a good car audio shop and discussing your options with them.

2008ml550_0104

did you ever find a “tip” on how to? Be awesome to kind of get a little bit more mid range in space I think the tweeters I’ll good let me know if you found anything