S550 Sound System (Bose or Harman Kardon)
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Owned an Infiniti M35x, Drives an 08 S550 4matic
S550 Sound System (Bose or Harman Kardon)
I am really not impressed with the Harman Kardon sound system in my S550 and really miss the clarity and bass I got with the Bose Sound System in my Infiniti. Do any of you feel the same way about the stock system or am I alone here with my venting.
Does anyone know if MB will change the sound system in the new models (S550 and CL550) to BOSE or B&O or they plan on keeping what they have. I plan on upgrading to the CL in a few years and really hope that is not the case.
Does anyone know if MB will change the sound system in the new models (S550 and CL550) to BOSE or B&O or they plan on keeping what they have. I plan on upgrading to the CL in a few years and really hope that is not the case.
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'10 MB S550, '11 RR HSE LUX
"No highs, no lows -- it's a Bose" (c)
Subjectively, I prefer the HK in W221 to the Bose in the 1998 W140 (at least based on my memories of it) and definitely to the HK in the 750; I'm still undecided on the RR's HK. However, the 1992 Lexus Nakamichi sound system is still best in my books.
Subjectively, I prefer the HK in W221 to the Bose in the 1998 W140 (at least based on my memories of it) and definitely to the HK in the 750; I'm still undecided on the RR's HK. However, the 1992 Lexus Nakamichi sound system is still best in my books.
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Car
I am really not impressed with the Harman Kardon sound system in my S550 and really miss the clarity and bass I got with the Bose Sound System in my Infiniti. Do any of you feel the same way about the stock system or am I alone here with my venting.
Does anyone know if MB will change the sound system in the new models (S550 and CL550) to BOSE or B&O or they plan on keeping what they have. I plan on upgrading to the CL in a few years and really hope that is not the case.
Does anyone know if MB will change the sound system in the new models (S550 and CL550) to BOSE or B&O or they plan on keeping what they have. I plan on upgrading to the CL in a few years and really hope that is not the case.
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11 S550V4
"No highs, no lows -- it's a Bose" (c)
Subjectively, I prefer the HK in W221 to the Bose in the 1998 W140 (at least based on my memories of it) and definitely to the HK in the 750; I'm still undecided on the RR's HK. However, the 1992 Lexus Nakamichi sound system is still best in my books.
Subjectively, I prefer the HK in W221 to the Bose in the 1998 W140 (at least based on my memories of it) and definitely to the HK in the 750; I'm still undecided on the RR's HK. However, the 1992 Lexus Nakamichi sound system is still best in my books.
I have a 2011 S550V4 on order with a B&O sound system that's being built right now; should be in my hands by the end of March, I'm hoping I won't be disappointed!
#6
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Well that's utterly subjective. I don't think it'll be an option you find many people getting so on that basis not many people think it'll be worth the $$$.
If it's anything like the B&O system in the A8 then it should be great. My father's had three A8s now and got the B&O system on them all, it's superb.
If it's anything like the B&O system in the A8 then it should be great. My father's had three A8s now and got the B&O system on them all, it's superb.
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'10 MB S550, '11 RR HSE LUX
I would be very interested in hearing your opinion. I have always considered B&O to be more marketing than actual value, but would be happy to change my view. Those 6 childhood years I spent studying music made my ears extremely sensitive, so a bad audio system is a deal breaker no matter how good a car is ;-)
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2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I would be very interested in hearing your opinion. I have always considered B&O to be more marketing than actual value, but would be happy to change my view. Those 6 childhood years I spent studying music made my ears extremely sensitive, so a bad audio system is a deal breaker no matter how good a car is ;-)
#10
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I would check to make sure the sub is working. My car had limited bass and it turned out to be a blown sub, something that is apparently common. Once that was fixed it was much better but still not great...
#11
I feel your pain!!!
My dad bought a 2007 S550 and the HK sound sym is a complete disappointment!! My 97 S500 bose sound sym sound 100x better than his and my mom has a 2007 LS460 with the Mark levinson sound sym and that thing is unbelievable!!!! I'm sure this is why benz is starting to offer the B&O sound sym cause they kno they dropped the ball on this one!! But i have to admit that the benz does drive better than the lexus but i love music so the sound system kind of ruins the drive for me sometimes.
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#14
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Jag's B&W system sounds awesome for a reasonable price.
#15
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you can upgrade the H-K system. I just had a system installed in my CL600 that I am pleased with. Used some old JL amps and a JL T5 sub and some Boston Acoustic z-6 speakers connected to the output of the factory amp by an Audison Bit 10. Very nice sound except for one small issue. The head unit volume control has a mind of its own - when the sub is very active the unit sees it as road noise and increases the volume on its own. Still looking for the solution to that.
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2012 C300 4Matic
The only thing Bose makes that doesn't suck is their wave radio - its the one piece of engineering they can claim. Every speaker they make is utter garbage time and time again. I can't comment on their noise canceling headphones. We had a 2002 E class a while back with the Bose sound system. The STOCK 6 speaker system in my 2005 C class at the time sounded far superior (seriously) we put the cars next to each other in the driveway and everyone agreed.
#18
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Bose is a master at making crap components sound reasonable for a huge markup and a master at marketing but nobody who knows anything about quality sound touts Bose. Besides I didn't choose Harmon-Kardon over Bose, that is what Mercedes. Hose as the stock OEM system.
The intent of my post was to inform people that there is an upgrade path for our late model cars where it is impossible to remove the headunit as it is an integral part of the car.
The intent of my post was to inform people that there is an upgrade path for our late model cars where it is impossible to remove the headunit as it is an integral part of the car.
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10 MB S550, 07 MB S65, 07 S600, 03 MB S430 Graphite Designo, (Sold w/227k miles)99 E430
I have Bose in the 2003 S430, HK is in the 2010 and my 2007 S. I compare them a lot, but HK wins IMO, but it's still missing something. I have yet to hear the B&O system.
#21
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I have a 2006 S500 that's being traded Monday for a 2007 S550. The 500 has the Bose system, which I hated at first. My prior car had a good high powered aftermarket set up with a much fuller sound.
But after a few months of listening to the same material on the Bose, I realized I was hearing a lot more detail, especially in surround mode. (I remastered my MP3s in 640kb Dolby Digital 5.1 on DVD). Individual instrument performances were distinguishable. It's kind of like watching TV with the colors and brightness maxed out... dialing them down to get better detail may look washed out at first by comparison, but eventually you'll come to prefer the latter. The mids and highs in the Bose were very clear and bright without any brassiness. The mid bass was a little weak, and the bottom was non existent.
I added an Infinity BassLink powered sub, picking up power and signal from the audio rack in the trunk. That did the trick, although the car is so well insulated, the sub needs to be blasting in the trunk to sound normal in the cabin. I think the Bose system in the S500 with the added sub is outstanding. I've really enjoyed it and I'll probably miss it in the S550.
I also have an iPod controller I installed in the S500. That, combined with a portable wifi hotspot lets me stream Pandora in 192KB stereo. By far my favorite source on the Bose.
In shopping for the new car, I've auditioned a lot of new high end systems. The Mark Levinson in the Lexus LS had a very generic and over emphasized mid bass sound, the highs were too muted and the bottom end was muddy. Also, the Lexus rides like a 70's era Buick. What is all the fuss about that car? I loved the sales guy, who started his pitch by looking at the low res navi screen and saying "So let's say you're in the mood for Italian!". Welcome to 2004, dude.
The HK system in the new BMW 535 was all midrange. I played with the limited controls but nothing helped. Bass, Treble and Fader controls only. My wife has a 2012 MDX with the ELS Surround System. It's tolerable, although every song sounds like it was recorded using the same drum kit. I did really like the standard system in the new Jaguar XJ, with the big three way components up front. I didn't audition their high end 1600 watt B&W
Dolby Digital System. At $2400, I was too afraid I'd like it. Luckily, it was in a Jag, which looks really cool but rides like an ice cream truck.
I'm a little nervous about the S550. It may be time for a JL Cleansweep and an amp/driver overhaul.
But after a few months of listening to the same material on the Bose, I realized I was hearing a lot more detail, especially in surround mode. (I remastered my MP3s in 640kb Dolby Digital 5.1 on DVD). Individual instrument performances were distinguishable. It's kind of like watching TV with the colors and brightness maxed out... dialing them down to get better detail may look washed out at first by comparison, but eventually you'll come to prefer the latter. The mids and highs in the Bose were very clear and bright without any brassiness. The mid bass was a little weak, and the bottom was non existent.
I added an Infinity BassLink powered sub, picking up power and signal from the audio rack in the trunk. That did the trick, although the car is so well insulated, the sub needs to be blasting in the trunk to sound normal in the cabin. I think the Bose system in the S500 with the added sub is outstanding. I've really enjoyed it and I'll probably miss it in the S550.
I also have an iPod controller I installed in the S500. That, combined with a portable wifi hotspot lets me stream Pandora in 192KB stereo. By far my favorite source on the Bose.
In shopping for the new car, I've auditioned a lot of new high end systems. The Mark Levinson in the Lexus LS had a very generic and over emphasized mid bass sound, the highs were too muted and the bottom end was muddy. Also, the Lexus rides like a 70's era Buick. What is all the fuss about that car? I loved the sales guy, who started his pitch by looking at the low res navi screen and saying "So let's say you're in the mood for Italian!". Welcome to 2004, dude.
The HK system in the new BMW 535 was all midrange. I played with the limited controls but nothing helped. Bass, Treble and Fader controls only. My wife has a 2012 MDX with the ELS Surround System. It's tolerable, although every song sounds like it was recorded using the same drum kit. I did really like the standard system in the new Jaguar XJ, with the big three way components up front. I didn't audition their high end 1600 watt B&W
Dolby Digital System. At $2400, I was too afraid I'd like it. Luckily, it was in a Jag, which looks really cool but rides like an ice cream truck.
I'm a little nervous about the S550. It may be time for a JL Cleansweep and an amp/driver overhaul.
Last edited by Mike5215; 11-06-2011 at 12:12 AM.
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2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Not sure if there have been changes to the HK system, but, I am mostly satisfied with the sound in my 2012 S. Certainly not a disappointment in any regard.
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2007 S550 Iridium Silver / Black Interior
How did you tweak the HK system? I have been looking at installing a JL Audio Clean Sweep module so I can add my own amps and replace stock speakers and sub.