Adding Amp to stock 2015 ML 350 and new speakers?
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2017
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2015 ML 350
Adding Amp to stock 2015 ML 350 and new speakers?
Just upgraded from a 2013 GLK with HK system to a 2015 ML 350 without. Any recommendations on how to get more/better sound without chaning the head unit? I am game for new speakers and and amp . . . any help much appreciated!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 447
Likes: 4
From: Orange County.CA
12E350, 12ML350, 08C350
2012 ML350 without HK system, I want to have more juice to the sound, I shopped around in SoCal (Orange County), some auto audio store quote : "just keep the head unit, strip all the speakers, they will install new speakers all around + power amp (no sub box) in the tune of $2500 to $3500", (that I do not expect to spend that much of money for the sound system, it work fine the way it is), I skipped theses stores, continue to shop around, one car's stereo shop check out my truck, they said if my truck had HK, it will 2-3 thousand dollars, luckily, my truck had the regular stereo system, they can add a 5 channels power amp + small 8 inches sub for $500.00, which I did, the sound is 10 times better than the regular sound (keep all the OEM speakers, just add 2000w 5 channels amp). You do not have to spend a fortune to get a good sound. 4 channels for stock speakers setup + 1 channel for the small 8 inches KICKERS sub-box (custom to hide an the rear, driver side (where the HK system is). I am very happy to spend $500 than 2 to 3 thousand dollars. I do not live in my car, just enjoy a little juice while driving.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
2015 ML350 4MATIC
I just picked up my 2015 ML350 with HK. I'm an audiophile, every cay I get WILL have a system... I've already taken it over to my installer. For audio integration, check out the mObridge DA-1. This module will intercept the fiber connection from the radio to the HK amp and convert to TOSLink Optical. You will then want to get a DSP that will accept a TOSLink Optical connection (Zapco Z8 or Helix DSP.2 are my recommendations). From there, you can tweak TA and EQ, then send the signal to some amps.
My plan will be this:
Stock HU -> mObridge DA-1 -> Helix DSP PRO MK2
Rip out the front door speakers and install:
Hybrid Audio Clarus 6.5" midbass or Audiofrog GB60
Hybrid Audio L3SE or Audiofrog GB25
Hybrid Audio L1 Pro R2 or Audiofrog GB15
This will be powered by my Zapco Z150.6 LX
Each speaker will be EQ'd and time aligned to the driver seat for a true phantom center image and wide staging.
I will then send signal to a 12" sub installed in the spare wheel well.. debating whether to go with my Hybrid Audio Clarus 12 .. or switch out to an Audiofrog GB12D2.
Sub will be powered by an Audison Voce Uno.
I'm probably going to be spending between 2k-6k depending on whether I want to switch from Hybrid audio to Audiofrog.
My plan will be this:
Stock HU -> mObridge DA-1 -> Helix DSP PRO MK2
Rip out the front door speakers and install:
Hybrid Audio Clarus 6.5" midbass or Audiofrog GB60
Hybrid Audio L3SE or Audiofrog GB25
Hybrid Audio L1 Pro R2 or Audiofrog GB15
This will be powered by my Zapco Z150.6 LX
Each speaker will be EQ'd and time aligned to the driver seat for a true phantom center image and wide staging.
I will then send signal to a 12" sub installed in the spare wheel well.. debating whether to go with my Hybrid Audio Clarus 12 .. or switch out to an Audiofrog GB12D2.
Sub will be powered by an Audison Voce Uno.
I'm probably going to be spending between 2k-6k depending on whether I want to switch from Hybrid audio to Audiofrog.
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From: at the mercedes dealer next to you
2020 GLE350 2020 Toyota Rav4H AWD XLE
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2015 ML 250
2012 ML350 without HK system, I want to have more juice to the sound, I shopped around in SoCal (Orange County), some auto audio store quote : "just keep the head unit, strip all the speakers, they will install new speakers all around + power amp (no sub box) in the tune of $2500 to $3500", (that I do not expect to spend that much of money for the sound system, it work fine the way it is), I skipped theses stores, continue to shop around, one car's stereo shop check out my truck, they said if my truck had HK, it will 2-3 thousand dollars, luckily, my truck had the regular stereo system, they can add a 5 channels power amp + small 8 inches sub for $500.00, which I did, the sound is 10 times better than the regular sound (keep all the OEM speakers, just add 2000w 5 channels amp). You do not have to spend a fortune to get a good sound. 4 channels for stock speakers setup + 1 channel for the small 8 inches KICKERS sub-box (custom to hide an the rear, driver side (where the HK system is). I am very happy to spend $500 than 2 to 3 thousand dollars. I do not live in my car, just enjoy a little juice while driving.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Boston, MA
'14 ML350, '13 C220 CDI, '07 C280, '98 ML320
Can we add just a sub (without removing/changing anything else) to the HK system on ML350?
Do we need to change the amp in order to provide the additional power to the sub?
Do we need to change the amp in order to provide the additional power to the sub?
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 447
Likes: 4
From: Orange County.CA
12E350, 12ML350, 08C350
That's I do not know. Mine 20120 ML does not have option HK sound system, so add the power amp is easy (according to the stereo shop).
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 67
Likes: 11
From: SoCal
2015 ML350
IMO the biggest bang for the smallest buck is to simply install a quality amp and sub, then crossover the stock speakers to just handle the mids and highs. There is no need to replace ANY speakers. The factory speakers are just fine for mids and highs, they simply distort from bass. I used an old JBL amp and a 10" JL Audio sub. Had a small custom box built and installed quickly and inexpensively. My system ROCKS. People are blown away by the difference in audio. Looking for a pic now....
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 6
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2015 ML350 4MATIC
This is exactly my plan! Very clean install! My only gripe is the location of the midrange and distance away from the tweeter. When driving, the mudrange will be blocked by my leg. To compensate for the midrange location, the tweeter needs to extend lower than ideal. I’ll be building out custom sail panels and installing both midrange and tweet in that spot.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2012 ML350 BT
Signal
I think you got the best solution. I have some question:
- Where did you get the signal for the Amp?
- Did you amplified the rest of the channels or just the Sub?
- Did you install the Crossovers for the rest of the speakers?
Thank you
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 3
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2012 ML350 BT
Questions
I think you got the best solution. I have some question:Where did you get the signal for the Amp?Did you amplified the rest of the channels or just the Sub?Did you install the Crossovers for the rest of the speakers?Thank you
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 67
Likes: 11
From: SoCal
2015 ML350
I assume you mean the signal from the stock head unit? I had the gear installed by my installer. I also had them run a controller cable from the amp to the front. I mounted that under the dash and use the knob to add or reduce the sub gain as needed but i dont really change it that often. I only amplified the sub. Yes, they crossed over the stock speakers to just handle the mids and highs. There is no need to replace any speakers. The factory speakers are just fine for mids and highs IMO.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 706
Likes: 114
From: Los Angeles, CA
'22 GLE 350 | '15 ML250 | '87 560SL | '19 GLC 300 | '12 C250 (sold) | '02 ML500 | '98 C230
My Christmas break project was replacing all of the speakers in my truck with their HK counterparts (I did not have the HK system). I also added an 1100 watt amp plus 2 x 15" MTX subs in the trunk. Wow, what a difference just the HK speakers made. I only swapped out the door speakers (did not bother tying in the center channel speaker, or adding the 2 speakers in the D-pillar). So I replaced all 4 door woofers + tweeters, and added the 2 HK mid-range speakers in the front doors by tying them into the tweeter feed. Was worried the Audio20 HU was not going to be enough to power it, but it's more than enough and quite clear. That HK amp must really serve to power the woofer in the trunk, and help the load on the additional 3 speakers I am not using. But for my purposes, the Audio20 HU power handles it just fine, and the sub in the trunk takes care of the rest. I'll tell you what -- whoever thought it was a good idea to put the battery underneath the passenger seat should go pound sand.
A few pictures from the install.
A few pictures from the install.
Last edited by we47b1me; Dec 29, 2018 at 02:14 PM.
