Is the following what you did to access the engineering menu for an SL? "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." Mine is an '18 should year matter...

 

Question for those of you who understand all the 'quirks' of the 231 HK System....Mine is a 2013 model, but I would imagine all are the same.

Do you feel the 231's HK System sounds any better with the bass and treble levels turned up to their 'max' output levels, or do you recommend leaving the bass and treble settings in the neutral (middle) position? Does it even make enough difference to matter?

I happen to be deaf in one ear, so certainly not a very good judge of the 231's sound quality, however I think others here are also curious about the optimum settings for bass and treble. Accordingly, your thoughts and recommendations on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

I recently turned up the bass and treble levels on my 231 a few clicks and it seemed to make somewhat of a difference when listening to Sirius XM Music at least. (Top was up at the time) I haven't tried turning the bass and treble to their max output levels yet, but thinking I should try that tomorrow during a Sunday Drive with the top down.

Any and all feedback on what HK bass and treble levels sound best to YOU will be greatly appreciated.


Note: Some people may acutally prefer to switch from 'Surround Sound ;Mode' to 'Stereo Mode' since the back speakers don't work well from most music sources anyway. Select 'sound' on the 231 radio to change modes from 'Surround' to 'Stereo'. This will place all the available sound in the front seat area with none lost to the ineffective rear speakers of the 231..




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The engineering menu - "entry code" - might only work on HK equipped USA cars - deffo does not work on mine (standard system). Tried all the permutations.

 

My SL is a 2013 and the engineering menu trick described in this thread worked for me. I suspect MB changed the trick in a subsequent model year. People indicating the trick didn't work all seem to have newer model cars.

 

For the 'Best Sound Available' from your 231's (standard) Harman Kardon Logic-7 Sound System, here are (2) recommendations: (I do not feel it is necessary to change anything in the HK's 'Engineering Menu' as some people here have suggested).

Step 1 - First, go to 'Sound' using the Command System's Radio Settings and ensure that Logic-7 Surround is turned 'ON'.and also make sure the Balance Setting is in the Middle, (the neutral setting), so both Driver and Passenger enjoy the same sound experience.

Note: For certain audio sources, HK does recommend Surround be turned off, but it should normally be set to 'ON'.


Step 2 - Select the 'BASS' and 'TREBLE' Settings from the Command Radio Sound Menu and turn each ALL THE WAY UP TO THEIR 'MAXIMUM OUTPUTS', (or at least to a +8 setting if that particular setting is better for you). (You should immediately notice a significant increase in bass level sound output after doing this).

Once you've done th2 (2) things suggested above, please understand that's 'As Good As the HK Sound Quality Gets', and in my opinion, it actually sounds quite nice as long as Sirius XM, (Digital Satellite Music), is the Audio Source selected! These recommendations also apply for CD's, but DVD's played on the 231's HK system are a different type of media...(video media). See notes below regarding settings adjustments for DVD (video) media.


Notes about the CD's and DVD's that came with your 231:

The Mercedes-Benz Pop/Classical DVD is of course a Video Disc that comes with the 231, and upon loading it, you'll note that it comes up as video media, and instructs you to 'turn off' the HK Logic-7 Surround when you play it. In addition to that DVD, you should also have received a Harman Kardon Logic-7 Demo Disc with your 231. That latter one is a high quality CD and will therefore come up as AUDIO media when you load it. This HK disc is designed specifically to showcase HK's Logic-7 (Audio) Surround Sound.


Note: The HK Logic-7's 'Surround Sound' may NOT be as rich-sounding from conventional FM Radio Broadcasts, or other Auxiliary Input Music sources as it is when listening to Sirius XM Satellite Radio.. Also, Logic-7 Surround Sound must always be turned OFF when listening to AM Radio, which is a mono broadcast.

Note: The recommendations made above apply only to the 231's 'standard' Harman Kardon Logic-7 System and may NOT be applicable for the optional and very expensive, ($5,000), Bang & Olufsen Sound System.

 

This $5k boat anchor of a radio, and the fact that MB thinks it is acceptable in a $185k car, and doesn't even have the honor to admit it or try to remediate it in any way is why, when I found myself considering a new AMG SUV, I slapped myself hard across the face repeatedly until I regained my senses..

I LOVE DRIVING my AMG SL. But every single other aspect of dealing with MB and the dealer practices they endorse, from blatant rape on ROUTINE service, ridiculously obscene parts costs, and this premium audio system that would be embarassing were they to be even slightly less bald faced... this will be my last MB product. And I love the frikken car!

Not sure if I will even buy another hot car, though I am kinda smitten with the Trackhawk Jeeps.

 

 

My sentiments exactly and well said to boot, Streamliner!
Frederick~

 

Hi all, just recently purchased a 2013 SL550 and was disappointed when i went on my first ride with top down to realize the radio sound was terrible. At first i thought my rear speakers were blown, called dealer to schedule service saying my rear speakers seem fried. Their response was even more disappointing when they said your speakers are fine but not much volume comes out of them since they are in rear for surround sound only. The service advisor was honest though and did mention to me he heard customers working around this with installing an alpine amp. So I called my custom stereo shop Superior Auto Radio in Saugus MA asked for Billy explained to him what was happening he told me drop car off and he would take care of it. Wow was i amazed the difference in sound when i picked my car up later that day the sound that came out of speakers was loud crisp and very concert like. The owner billy was amazed to how great the alpine amp performed with the harmon kardon speakers in car sounded incredible. Also note he actually used the kta-450 alpine amp and while he connected the rear speakers to amp he also tested and connected the front speakers as well. Wow both he and i were speechless on the improvement to the sound in my car. My only other recommendation you may need to bring earplugs if your planning on turning it all the way up.need

 

Great story, thanks for posting it. Where did he mount the amp? How much did the whole thing cost?

 

amp was mounted next to mercedes amp in back seat wall and it cost $750 which was 200 for amp 500 labor due to all the panels and work needed to access are necessary to install amp.

 

welcome to the forum! please complete your profile so we'll know which car you have and where you live when you post. Superior Auto Radio is not far from me should I decide I want more volume.

 

Hi John,

I'm from Ma and have been wanting to solve the "lack of rear sound from rear speaker issue" but, not wanting someone to work on my car w/o experience so.... great to get your info.

Few questions:

1) As there is no MB fader control available (only balance) @ the control panel did Superior give you (the user) ability to adjust fade F to R and if so can you adjust while driving and from where?..............................
2) You mention "amp was mounted next to mercedes amp in back seat wall". Where exactly is the amp, is it on back seat wall in the trunk or in the storage area behind the drivers seat or in compartment behind the passenger (be great if in the trunk assuming fade feature can be accessed by operator in the cab)............................
3) You state front speakers connected as well and I wonder why this was needed and again how is fader feature controlled?...................................
4) How long did it take (I would need to wait while work is done) and will they allow waiting?..................................
5) Did any panels need to be removed; if so which panels and was there any damage?......................................
6) Is there any exposed wiring?................................
7) Do you get a better spatial sound feeling when sound coming from the rear?...........................
8) Did Superior have any idea as to why HK built the system as they did w/o fader control???.........................

THANKS in advance for your responses

Steve

 

call billy 781 231 5110 superior radio he did work and can do same to your car and is awesome explaining all of what your asking me which is above my pay grade lol

 

Hi John,

Tx for the tip, I'm in touch with Bill and will let everyone know how it goes.

Steve

 

I would really like to know which panels need to be removed. I'm quite sure that these car audio guys really know how to improve the system. I'm VERY concerned that leather & other items may become damaged.

 

Hi Streamliner,

I too was leery but, I'm basing decision to go with "Superior" on John's recommendation, fact that they are an Alpine Flagship Specialist and family owned business for over 31 yrs with many all 5 star reviews on Yelp.

I'll update after the install that is scheduled for this Thursday.

Will be great for us guys here in Massachusetts with SLs to know about Superior assuming all goes well as I expect it will.

Steve

 

Can anything be done for the door speakers? I have not seen this mentioned, but nothing much seems to be coming out of them either.

 

bob55 - Thanks to you and others who take the time to post "instructional moments" for those of us new to the R231 model. I took delivery of a MY17 CPO SL63 just last week. Sure enough, after reading your thread I said "I'm sure during the CPO process that the radio settings for my HK system would be "proper" ... that said, I brought your note to the vehicle and sure enough, the Logic-7 Surround Sound system was OFF .... go figure
Thanks again, keep 'em coming
Steve

 

Thanks for mentioning that Steve....Just goes to show that you can never take anything for granted when it comes to the car's 'settings', and if Logic-7 Surround Sound is turned 'OFF' then of course, you can only get 'stereo sound' from the HK system.

I have found that Increasing the standard 'factory setting' levels for bass and treble can help improve sound too!

I listen almost exclusively to Sirius XM, (Digital Satellite Radio Music), and I find that setting the bass and treble output levels to +8 delivers better bass and 'high note' sound definition.

 

What Year / Model was you car -- and Do you have any additional contact information for who exactly did the work? Thanks