SL/R231: SL550 back speakers PROBLEM SOLVED!
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 130
Likes: 24
From: Connecticut, USA
2017 SL450
That price hike is strange, as I was under the impression that Best Buy charged a fixed price, depending on what they were installing in your car. So, as an example, a four channel amp should be the same price, regardless of if it's going into a '68 Ford or a 2017 SL550.
I just looked at the BB website, and here's a link to their car amplifier installation pricing page: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/promo/a...llation-136088
I just looked at the BB website, and here's a link to their car amplifier installation pricing page: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/promo/a...llation-136088
Last edited by jetjok; Feb 18, 2018 at 10:16 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
sl550
I saw the same but when i was at BB they said certain vehicles are higher price,
Anybody able to answer
Can anyone tell me if the HK amplifier is in the trunk and are the speaker wires accessible from the amp. I was hoping not to rip apart the interior is not needed. Also is it as simple as tapping into the rear speaker wires and routing them to the new amp or is it more involved. With normal cd or mp3 do the rear speakers work at all? If not tapping into speakers would not make any difference. To sum it up the Alpine unit does not connect to the head unit at all it just connects to the 3 speakers in the rear and amplifies that signal with a fixed gain that you preset on the amp is that correct?
Anybody able to answer
Can anyone tell me if the HK amplifier is in the trunk and are the speaker wires accessible from the amp. I was hoping not to rip apart the interior is not needed. Also is it as simple as tapping into the rear speaker wires and routing them to the new amp or is it more involved. With normal cd or mp3 do the rear speakers work at all? If not tapping into speakers would not make any difference. To sum it up the Alpine unit does not connect to the head unit at all it just connects to the 3 speakers in the rear and amplifies that signal with a fixed gain that you preset on the amp is that correct?
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 1
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SL550, 2013, sport pkg
Mercedes and Harmon Kardon take a clue from Tesla
The sound system on my SL550 disappoints and Mercedes / Harmon Kardon needs to release a software update to allow front - rear balance. Directional sound with rear speakers for ambience is nice but so is full immersion in the sound which is possible with front - rear balance. With top down the rear speakers, being closer top the ear, are even more important.
While you are at it Mercedes, add an optional (and switchable on /off) bass chord synthetically produced in tune with engine revolutions to augment the exhaust note inside the cabin. I expect that these types of change will add resale value to the SL when younger buyers consider buying the used SL's.
While you are at it Mercedes, add an optional (and switchable on /off) bass chord synthetically produced in tune with engine revolutions to augment the exhaust note inside the cabin. I expect that these types of change will add resale value to the SL when younger buyers consider buying the used SL's.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 42
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Thanks for all the info here! I had mine done two days ago after finding an advanced level tech at a local Best Buy with tons of knowledge and experience! Didn’t want just anyone taking my car apart and messing with the B&O system 😁
Had the same alpine amp installed and he installed in next to the other amp in the trunk with one volume knob to control the center and the other for the two rear back speakers. what a difference and what a bargain!!
for those who have done it, what do you keep the bass and treble settings at with the new amp installed and how much did you turn the volume knobs on the amps for the center? For the rear side speakers?
another thing, leave on surround sound or true image?!
Seems the rear side ones volume should be set slightly higher because of how the speakers sit down low with the seat blocking lots of the sound vs the center speaker being positioned right there with nothing to opstruct the sound......
Had the same alpine amp installed and he installed in next to the other amp in the trunk with one volume knob to control the center and the other for the two rear back speakers. what a difference and what a bargain!!
for those who have done it, what do you keep the bass and treble settings at with the new amp installed and how much did you turn the volume knobs on the amps for the center? For the rear side speakers?
another thing, leave on surround sound or true image?!
Seems the rear side ones volume should be set slightly higher because of how the speakers sit down low with the seat blocking lots of the sound vs the center speaker being positioned right there with nothing to opstruct the sound......
Last edited by texasplayer; Mar 9, 2018 at 12:12 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 3
From: Las Vegas
'88 190E; '03 CLK350; '07 SL550; '10 GLK350; '13 ML550; '13 SL550; '17 GLE63s; '18 GT Roadster
All,
I recognize that better speakers and amps are a good way to get better sound. But the OP problem was balancing front/back (fader).
I went through the engineering menu (Search forum for how to activate) the other day and found that the fader option was not active. - I turned it on and voila!, after a reboot, I was now able to move the sound slightly toward the rear, and that did just enough that I don't think I need to add additional amps to the car. - Just throwing it out there as an alternative.
I recognize that better speakers and amps are a good way to get better sound. But the OP problem was balancing front/back (fader).
I went through the engineering menu (Search forum for how to activate) the other day and found that the fader option was not active. - I turned it on and voila!, after a reboot, I was now able to move the sound slightly toward the rear, and that did just enough that I don't think I need to add additional amps to the car. - Just throwing it out there as an alternative.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 706
Likes: 50
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
All,
I recognize that better speakers and amps are a good way to get better sound. But the OP problem was balancing front/back (fader).
I went through the engineering menu (Search forum for how to activate) the other day and found that the fader option was not active. - I turned it on and voila!, after a reboot, I was now able to move the sound slightly toward the rear, and that did just enough that I don't think I need to add additional amps to the car. - Just throwing it out there as an alternative.
I recognize that better speakers and amps are a good way to get better sound. But the OP problem was balancing front/back (fader).
I went through the engineering menu (Search forum for how to activate) the other day and found that the fader option was not active. - I turned it on and voila!, after a reboot, I was now able to move the sound slightly toward the rear, and that did just enough that I don't think I need to add additional amps to the car. - Just throwing it out there as an alternative.
well some of us are just smarter
thanks for posting
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,125
Likes: 4,353
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
All,
I recognize that better speakers and amps are a good way to get better sound. But the OP problem was balancing front/back (fader).
I went through the engineering menu (Search forum for how to activate) the other day and found that the fader option was not active. - I turned it on and voila!, after a reboot, I was now able to move the sound slightly toward the rear, and that did just enough that I don't think I need to add additional amps to the car. - Just throwing it out there as an alternative.
I recognize that better speakers and amps are a good way to get better sound. But the OP problem was balancing front/back (fader).
I went through the engineering menu (Search forum for how to activate) the other day and found that the fader option was not active. - I turned it on and voila!, after a reboot, I was now able to move the sound slightly toward the rear, and that did just enough that I don't think I need to add additional amps to the car. - Just throwing it out there as an alternative.
Last edited by Streamliner; May 6, 2019 at 02:15 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 6
This totally worked for me. Turn on the car to Accessory (don't start), then hold the red End Call, 1 and # keys on the command system at the same time for around 5-10 seconds. Its controlled by the main controller (scroll to change values on a page, slide to go to next page, press down to select.) On my SL400, the option for fade was in HW Settings...HU Parameters (if I remember correctly) on about page 12-13 (of 18). Enabling "Surround and Fade" let me balance the sound better and get a good sound fill. Definitely will have to listen to this for a few weeks before I commit to an amplifier...might be enough to improve the sound a lot.
I am curious if there is a doc with the various settings.
I am curious if there is a doc with the various settings.
Last edited by jakepratt; Apr 6, 2018 at 07:59 AM.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
CGhoring and JakePratt, THANK YOU! While the sound is still not optimum to my old ears, the enabling of the fader setting allows me to move the sound around. I will keep playing with it, but at first blush, this is a really simple and easily done alternative to additional speakers / amplifiers. WELL DONE LADS! Thanks again.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 660
Likes: 300
From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
Perhaps what we are experiencing is the speaker location issue as much as anything, along with the use of the chassis to 'enhance' the bass performance.
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 130
Likes: 24
From: Connecticut, USA
2017 SL450
I've got a 2017 SL450 and tried using your instructions, but to no avail. Pressing and holding the End Call key, along with the #1 and # keys didn't produce anything. Any other suggestions.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 46
From: southeastern NC
'18 SL 550, '19 1500 Z71 Silverado LTZ, '19 Mustang convertible
“Engineering menu?” I don’t believe I have ever heard of such a thing. Since this is something you have done, could you PLEASE go into more detail? Searching forums, for something one doesn’t inderstand, especially when most of us are not all that tech oriented can be very difficult. If you have found a secret passage, please tell us more on how difficult it is. Maybe a step by step? Thanks!
https://www.mbusa.com/vcm/MB/Digital..._SL_COMAND.pdf
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 334
From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
These radio problems are not acceptable for any car, much less a $100K Mercedes-Benz SL Class!
Is there any improvement to the sound quality or rear speaker activation when listening to Sirius Digital (Satellite) Radio in the 231 SL Class (400/450/550)?
Is there any improvement to the sound quality or rear speaker activation when listening to Sirius Digital (Satellite) Radio in the 231 SL Class (400/450/550)?
Last edited by bob55; Jul 23, 2018 at 02:16 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 36
Likes: 11
From: So Cal
SL550; BMW5; Bentley, CL550 Designo+all options
Agree with all that sound quality is substandard, especially in a vehicle of this caliber and price.
The fix discussed above via going into the “engineering menu” does help, it’s a bit tedious but worth it. Still sub-par sound in the rear.
I’d go the aftermarket amp route as discussed by many above, but saw a few cars “dismembered” at my local Best Buy and got a bit nervous!
The fix discussed above via going into the “engineering menu” does help, it’s a bit tedious but worth it. Still sub-par sound in the rear.
I’d go the aftermarket amp route as discussed by many above, but saw a few cars “dismembered” at my local Best Buy and got a bit nervous!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta, GA
C300
Have had my 2018 for 9 months. Had to wait for my skilled auto radio guy to get back in town. Bought the amp 6 months ago at Best Buy and the installer there told me he would not touch my car and did not know anyone that would..
Finally up and going with great sound. It is ridiculous that you have to do this to get the sound system the way it should be but just suck it up and do it. It is worth it. You just have to find the right installer. Not a DIY.
Finally up and going with great sound. It is ridiculous that you have to do this to get the sound system the way it should be but just suck it up and do it. It is worth it. You just have to find the right installer. Not a DIY.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 36
Likes: 11
From: So Cal
SL550; BMW5; Bentley, CL550 Designo+all options
Which Audio Setup?
Have had my 2018 for 9 months. Had to wait for my skilled auto radio guy to get back in town. Bought the amp 6 months ago at Best Buy and the installer there told me he would not touch my car and did not know anyone that would..
Finally up and going with great sound. It is ridiculous that you have to do this to get the sound system the way it should be but just suck it up and do it. It is worth it. You just have to find the right installer. Not a DIY.
Finally up and going with great sound. It is ridiculous that you have to do this to get the sound system the way it should be but just suck it up and do it. It is worth it. You just have to find the right installer. Not a DIY.
Which products/brands did you add?
I see many in this thread went with Alpine, and a few members outlined upgrade details.
I really prefer all in the trunk hidden away under the liner. However, looks like a few members installed the JBL Bass Pro SL subwoofer behind the seat on the floor, and some parts in the storage box behind the drivers seat. Some mention Audiocontrol LC2i amp.
Any advice greatly appreciated as I don’t need to “re-invent” the wheel!
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta, GA
C300
Alpine KTP-445U amp
Alpine KTP-445U amp
Nothing was done in the trunk.
Only panels behind seats were removed.
Gain is accessable if I would want to change it.
Drilled hole for passing wire harness into the box. Nice finish grommet.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
sl 550
Best Buy does it again
took my SL into Best Buy today and had the Alpine amp installed under the drivers side rear compartment. The tech did a great job and the difference is night and day. Crisp loud sound now radiates form all corners of the car, huge improvement. Thanks to all that have helped find this solution
Last edited by David Morgan; Sep 10, 2018 at 04:32 PM. Reason: Typo’s
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 475
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From: Philadelphia area
2014 SL65 AMG, 2018 S560
I accessed the engineering menu, as you described, and enabled front/rear fade. Thanks for pointing out that trick! It does help the sound by moving fade slightly to the rear. But, it seems fairly clear that the OEM amp for the rear speakers is a bit anemic. Might still consider a booster amp.
Lots of other interesting stuff in that engineering menu. I wonder what other tricks can be done?
Lots of other interesting stuff in that engineering menu. I wonder what other tricks can be done?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 46
From: southeastern NC
'18 SL 550, '19 1500 Z71 Silverado LTZ, '19 Mustang convertible
I accessed the engineering menu, as you described, and enabled front/rear fade. Thanks for pointing out that trick! It does help the sound by moving fade slightly to the rear. But, it seems fairly clear that the OEM amp for the rear speakers is a bit anemic. Might still consider a booster amp.
Lots of other interesting stuff in that engineering menu. I wonder what other tricks can be done?
Lots of other interesting stuff in that engineering menu. I wonder what other tricks can be done?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 936
From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Yes, It would be very kind for someone in the know to give the rest of us a step by step explanation of how to get into the basement of the system and turn on those illusive useless rear speakers we all paid good money for in the first place.......
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 36
Likes: 11
From: So Cal
SL550; BMW5; Bentley, CL550 Designo+all options
The speakers are on but a really bad system. MBZ and Harmon Kardon should be ashamed of this joke of an audio setup!
Have since added the supplemtary amp as described in detail (again in this discussion). Helped, but still not as good as what it should be on a car of this price/luxury level.
Even tried an additional amp, however the factory system rejected a second added amp.
Hope this helps
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Yes. I could see them messing up with the 2013, but then wouldn’t you think they would have come up with a fix for that year and then a mild redesign in 2014 to cure the problem? Then, if they didn’t do that, wouldn’t you think that when the refresh came about in 2017, that they would have done the fix then? Sometimes I think that when you look up the word “stubborn” in the dictionary, you should see a photo of the 3-Pointed Star!
