SL/R231: How to Activate Control of the Rear Speaker Volume
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 501
Likes: 92
From: Miami Beach
2006 CLS55 AMG Sold 2010 E550 Coupe totaled by mechanic, '13 SL550 I totaled it, 2017 SL63 current
I am going to attempt this tmw as I have not yet had a chance to get the amp installed that I purchased from a forum member. What I did notice is when playing music from my phone connected via bluetooth, the rear speakers were activated and the system was cranking. Will be nice to always have it playing like this. Hope I can get it to take.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
SL 400
Road Top Wireless
Are you certain that you have NGT4.5 or NGT4.7? I don't know when NGT5.0 was released.
FWIW, I recently installed the Road Top Wireless CarPlay Kit in both my 2015 SL400 and 2014 C350 and the sound is amazing! Best $300 I ever spent on a car stereo. Ain't nuthin wrong with the speakers. The device has a built-in equalizer that totally changes the sound in the car. And with activating the Balance and Fader controls, I can now hear the rear speakers. I'm now convinced the stock sound on the SL is crap. I sometimes think manufacturers "detune" some models so people will be compelled to upgrade or buy options.
FWIW, I recently installed the Road Top Wireless CarPlay Kit in both my 2015 SL400 and 2014 C350 and the sound is amazing! Best $300 I ever spent on a car stereo. Ain't nuthin wrong with the speakers. The device has a built-in equalizer that totally changes the sound in the car. And with activating the Balance and Fader controls, I can now hear the rear speakers. I'm now convinced the stock sound on the SL is crap. I sometimes think manufacturers "detune" some models so people will be compelled to upgrade or buy options.
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 152
Likes: 29
From: Central Florida
'13 SL550 Mars Red, Designo White interior, B and O sound
I'm not going to belabour this but on my '13 SL550 with the B & O, I altered the programming in the head unit as per previous instructions, enabling front-back fading and set it at -4 biased to the back. With it set to 'All' on the speaker/sound selection menu, the system is brilliant. I get superb centre sound stage placement at the right elbow with deep, resonant, clear bass at slightly lower than full on the EQ menu (and crisp trebles). Certainly enough bass and volume that the neighbors complain when I roll into the neighborhood. As does the Apple Watch.
I do not get how this is the case for me and yet so many others bemoan the quality? Several friends and likeminded rock and rollers also have remarked on this sound system: I can comfortably assume it's not my inherent bias or ignorance that influences my opinion of what sounds good or not! Kinda intrigued ... Anyone?
I do not get how this is the case for me and yet so many others bemoan the quality? Several friends and likeminded rock and rollers also have remarked on this sound system: I can comfortably assume it's not my inherent bias or ignorance that influences my opinion of what sounds good or not! Kinda intrigued ... Anyone?
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
SL 400
- It is better, but when I fad back to center the sound, I am at the end, all back, one more click and it is just the bask speakers. Anyone else have the same. Hoping the carplay has better adjustment. I think there is just many more speakers in front.
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 152
Likes: 29
From: Central Florida
'13 SL550 Mars Red, Designo White interior, B and O sound
I noticed mine did that to begin with. I also noticed it would reset when I turned off the car. However, I played a remastered version of DSotM from the Apple (iPhone) Music app (as opposed to my usual BBC digital stream for 6Music), made the same old adjustments and they stuck! Since then, it's been rock solid for all audio through BT.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 58
Likes: 6
From: Memphis, TN Metro
2017 SL550
Dealer/Scan Tool for Fade Control
I have a 2017 (facelift) SL550 and cannot hear rear speakers at all. Do not want to add an amp.
Thx,
Reid C
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 58
Likes: 6
From: Memphis, TN Metro
2017 SL550
