SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Audio options on SL55, 2003 with BOSE speakers

Old 05-27-2016, 01:23 AM
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Audio options on SL55, 2003 with BOSE speakers

Hello,

It's a bit confusing this stuff. Arter a bit of searching I realise that this BOSE option is a bit more tricky to update then the normal version as to my understanding.

I have a "stock" BOSE system from 2003. The sound is not that bad actually, I'm not that picky and I thing that it's the sound coming from the supercharged V8 that's the main attraction.

I'm looking to add some streaming opportunity (if it's possible) or add an iPhone with wire so I can play Spotify etc. Is there any good solutions regarding this? FM transmitter maybe? I'm not looking to spend +$2000 on this but maybe $1000 if it's needed. Seems like It's a can of worms this stuff.

Thanks!

/gustav
Old 05-27-2016, 11:46 AM
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Gus, take a look at the left side panel of your glove compartment. There is an 1/8 phone jack there which you can hook to the headphone jack of your iPhone. Then choose the SVC button on your radio and select AUX.
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Old 05-27-2016, 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Vader1
Gus, take a look at the left side panel of your glove compartment. There is an 1/8 phone jack there which you can hook to the headphone jack of your iPhone. Then choose the SVC button on your radio and select AUX.
Ok, this is the one I guess?

I just need a bluetooth recevier that I need to feed with power, then I can stream music from my telephone.

Thanks Vader1.

/gustav
Attached Thumbnails Audio options on SL55, 2003 with BOSE speakers-img_1785.jpg  
Old 05-28-2016, 08:42 AM
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I added a Clarion equalizer and Auris BluMe bluetooth module to the stock Bose sound system in my 2003. It really cleans up the sound and allows for bluetooth streaming lossless hifi audio at 24-bit/192 kHz. It has a built-in DAC as well. The Clarion equalizer is also nice because the stock head unit in the 2003 models doesn't save your adjustments to the bass/treble settings when in AUX mode. You can really fine tune your audio with this equalizer and there's no need to adjust the stock head unit settings each time you start the car.


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Old 05-28-2016, 01:09 PM
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Nice B Feelgood, seems like a neat set up.

I guess both devices require 12 volts, where did you get that? And so I get this one right, you connect the Bluetooth device to the equalizer with standard RCA's, and then from the equalizer to the AUX-phone jack?

/gustav
Old 05-28-2016, 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by B Feelgood
I added a Clarion equalizer and Auris BluMe bluetooth module to the stock Bose sound system in my 2003. It really cleans up the sound and allows for bluetooth streaming lossless hifi audio at 24-bit/192 kHz. It has a built-in DAC as well. The Clarion equalizer is also nice because the stock head unit in the 2003 models doesn't save your adjustments to the bass/treble settings when in AUX mode. You can really fine tune your audio with this equalizer and there's no need to adjust the stock head unit settings each time you start the car.


This is the best setup for the 03 bose system i have seen yet. It appears much better option than the denison gateway 500. I will look into this install, as i am sick of adjust my eq every time i start the car, and the interference i hear when my phone is plugged into both the 1/8th audip jack and 12v power is unacceptable.
Old 05-28-2016, 04:25 PM
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Just ordered the Clarion EQS746 on Ebay, we don't have them in Sweden so I guess I have to wait a week or two for it to arrive.

The Bluetooth device seems a bit expensive, does it work with something like this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rockford-Fos...sAAOSw~otWbzLh

/gustav
Old 05-28-2016, 05:24 PM
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Originally Posted by GusOsc
Just ordered the Clarion EQS746 on Ebay, we don't have them in Sweden so I guess I have to wait a week or two for it to arrive.

The Bluetooth device seems a bit expensive, does it work with something like this? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rockford-Fos...sAAOSw~otWbzLh

/gustav
I think the price is due to the superior processing module featured on the recommended device. Typical consumer audio converters are made for computer speakers or headphones, no high fidelity audio like home theater or our bose surround systems.

After looking at the auris BluMe, i think i will pick one up myself. I personally have not considered bluetooth and had planned to replace the whole system from receiver, processor, amps, to speakers.

However if this DAC is that good, i may be perfectly happy with enhanced EQ control and a higher output due to less distortion. Thank you, b feelgood, for the suggestion

Question on your install: did the stock head unit have the rca available or did you convert them to the 1/8th input in the glove box?

Last edited by m-svt-amg; 05-28-2016 at 05:27 PM.
Old 05-28-2016, 05:47 PM
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Without going in to discussion about audio quality in detail, I will stream content from Spotify, no super-high-quality stuff that needs any advance DAC in my opinion. Participated in a few double blind tests on home audio equipment so I'm not that concerned about that, but the BlueMe is for sure a very good product.

/gustav
Old 05-28-2016, 05:55 PM
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Originally Posted by GusOsc
Without going in to discussion about audio quality in detail, I will stream content from Spotify, no super-high-quality stuff that needs any advance DAC in my opinion. Participated in a few double blind tests on home audio equipment so I'm not that concerned about that, but the BlueMe is for sure a very good product.

/gustav
Imho content from spotify is exactly the type of content that benefits from high quality dac (im not sold on their upsampling claims yet), but im a musician and developer for audio software so i tend to be a bit snobby about quality according to my friends

Fosgate makes good amps. Ive had them in 2 vehicles, i dont have any reason to think they would make an excellent bluetooth module though...

In all honesty, i probably couldnt tell the difference without an eq. That said, the dropouts are my biggest concern. My truck's kenwood excelon works ok with my iphone on bluetooth by my android drops out. If there is anything that pushes me toward the auris unit, its the dropout protection.

I will return it if it drops out according to their claims.
Old 06-08-2016, 10:44 PM
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I think i am going to skip bluetooth and go with this hifi option. It appears the only trick will be finding a way to keep it perma-charged interference-free. Apparently you cant charge it while using an android, but you can while using an iphone.

http://soundstagexperience.com/index.php/equipment-menu/679-oppo-digital-ha-2-headphone-dac-amplifier

I could either use my ipod and do a stealth install just running a lightning cable out from the paneling, or if i plan to use both ios and android audio sources, i can just run a usb car power converter to the glove box while in use.

Id prefer the stealth install but the literal only drawback on this little gadget is the separate usb ports for ios and android support. Wtf? Im surprised the reviewers downplay it so much. Probably because they dont use it in an installation and are never listening while plugged in?

Last edited by m-svt-amg; 06-08-2016 at 10:51 PM.
Old 06-09-2016, 06:46 AM
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Nice, I'm going to pick up my Clarion EQ today and then get the RF BT device and try to find some time to do the install.

For me, streaming using BT is a must.

/gustav
Old 06-09-2016, 05:26 PM
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Any answers yet as to how one gets 12v power to run the auris BluMe in the glove box?
Old 06-23-2016, 01:49 AM
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cal1, I do not, anyone else?

Finally my Clarion EQ has arrived and I will pick up a RF BT device today. Maybe I will have the time to do the install this weekend.

/gustav
Old 06-27-2016, 10:33 PM
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This is a great set up! What amp circuit needs to be tapped?
Old 06-28-2016, 07:36 PM
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In my 55 I had the aux jack like you do and it worked and sounded just fine. In my 65 however it doesn't have the aux jack so I picked up a dension gateway 500 off this forum and installed it in 30 minutes. Works AMAZING and charges the phone when plugged in but also has the bluetooth option.
Old 08-02-2016, 08:35 PM
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Going with the blume and clarion to 03 glove box jack. Still would like to hear where you get 12 v power please.
Thanks for the post and idea.
Old 08-03-2016, 12:25 AM
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Blume is a waste of money. Look up Rockrok bluetooth on Amazon = $16.00. I routed my ground and 12v leads through the right vent holes in the glove box (no hole drilling). There is a solid ground over by the console. I tapped into the cigarette lighter line because it is already a switched line off the ignition. It is only on when the ignition is on. Cheers!
Old 08-09-2016, 01:06 PM
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Robski80. Thx fior the reply. I got the rockroc. Question. Do you have to remove the rockroc to keep it charged w power? Seems like the blume would be better if i have to remove to charge the bt.
Coming out of bt into clarion inputs then out of clarion sub outlets into plug in glovebox correct?
Thx
Old 08-10-2016, 06:34 AM
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Yes. Must charge them. But they are so cheap I bought two and rotate them in and out. Dang things hold a charge forever! Yes on connections.
Old 08-10-2016, 11:40 AM
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Anyone have a answer on powering the auris blume on 12 v? Any help please thx in advance.
Old 08-11-2016, 10:00 AM
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Gotta ask a really dumb question. Actually it just shows what little I know about this stuff. If I buy a Rokrok and plug it into my aux port, will it work just fine with the glove box closed? I would use my android as the music source. Also, I notice Rokrok states 10 hours of music on the battery. Any idea about standby time? I don't really want to reach in the glove box every time I stop and turn off the unit. I definitely like the idea of having two unit.
Old 08-11-2016, 10:21 AM
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I suppose a small USB battery pack with the Rokrok could be an option as well. I would assume the Rokrok battery would not get fried if it was constantly plugged into a charger.
Old 08-30-2016, 02:03 PM
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Will this setup work on an 06 SL55 ?

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