Stomachmd

When lisitening to radio in new 2013 SL, sound seems to be entirely coming only from front dash.
Speakers in door are definitely putting out sound as is rear speakers.
MB service checked speakers all working.
No fader to adjust.
Anyone else with similiar experience or opinion. Radio sounds marginal at best.
Cant phatom this is the way a sound system sounds in a 117000 car,
Suggestions?

jpeardm

I opted for the B&O system and that as well doesn't have a fader control. I would prefer to move more sound to the rear but not possible. Though this system sounds really great, I was disappointed on this issue also.

Florida Joe

I have the base radio also and i also wish it had a fader to move more sound to the rear.

The sound is coming from in front of you rather than next to you or in the rear for balance.

The sound issue and my nav that does not like highways are my only 2 disappointments with the car.

You would think both could be fixed with software upgrades.

ajm0623

i find this discussion interesting. i had a 380sl back in '85 and noted that i only heard the becker's sound from the front ,,, and that was because there were no speakers in the back. just two in the front. and here we are almost 30 years later and i am reading the same complaint. the difference being there are speakers in the back on the sl now. how frustrating for you. nevertheless, your cars are beautiful i think. saw one on the showroom floor the other day and thought it looked terrific; the interior is gorgeous in my opinion.

Stomachmd

I'm so perplexed by the audio engineering.
Only when i place my ear to the multitude of speakers from around the sides and back of the car do i hear sound. likewise with the door speakers when adjusting left and right sound.
When playing balenced though it appears all from front dash.
Does anyone know if there are rear speakers on the back deck? I see mesh grill but hear no sound.
Any tweeks to possibly provide better sound?

Florida Joe

I have climbed in the back. There are speakers and sound does come out but you have to stick your ear next to the grill. Very low volume.

jpeardm

Fwiw, I contacted B&O about the issue of lack of fader control and they politely responded that I must contact the dealer for assistance. I didn't expect much else but thought I'd give it a try. On the other hand I was playing the supplied multi channel DVD-audio disc last night and some of the recordings are pretty impressive with the rear channels really loud and clear but with 2 channel stereo there's just not much signal sent to the rears and no means to boost it. I may purchase some DVD-audio discs to have for fun but doesn't help with the 2,000 songs on my ipod, lol. A bit disappointing but not going to loose sleep over it.

Daytona-flyer

I've found that the rear speakers are louder with a CD. Go figure.

PeterSL

I am very happy with the Harman Kardon sound in mine but it is noticeable that the quality steps up a whole level when you watch something like a movie through the TV function.

jpeardm

Just purchased a few DVD-audio discs to try in the B&O system. Very impressive difference in quality and cabin filling sound compared to 2 channel sources. Rears speakers are all active. Too bad it's only a 6 disc changer, need a 50 after getting spoiled with the iPods, lol.

mikey94025

Have you tried playing MP3 files (stored on CD, DVD, or SD memory card)? I'm curious if those will play with higher quality & fidelity.

jpeardm

I've used an SD card with mp3's which don't seem much different than the iPod. CD's definitely sound nicer though. I haven't tried burning any discs myself and not sure if the unit will play any loss-less file types but I will give that a try sometime.