EWR

Have 2005 w/ standard sound - would like to update speakers using FOCAL or upgrade to HK entertainment system - anyone know if possible, results? Thanks

captainDG

hello
If you find some good advise to change the speaker / sound system please let me know..I have 2005 slk200 with standart Audio20 system and I am not happy with this sound and looking to upgrade..

thanks
Derya
dgunacan@e-kolay.net

miroj

The upgrade is most certainly possible to HK. Just depends on how good you feel about pulling the entire trim out, the seats and door panels.

I would do it but most wouldnt.

wil_sutton

Upgrading to the MB upgraded sound system (HK) isn't that big of a deal, but like miroj said it's a big production, probably best left to the dealership. The question you have to ask yourself is "Is it worth the better sound for the money?"

Upgrading to aftermarket equipment is a HUGE deal because of the fiber-optic signal. Every single component, as well as all of the wiring has to be ripped out and replaced. I worked in automotive electronics retail management for 9 years, and I've only seen it done once, in an S600. The customer had a $150,000 home theater and wanted the best possible quality audio.

I have never seen a bigger pain in the *** car in my life. Further, I really just wouldn't recommend it. It is incredibly invasive to the car, not to mention incredibly expensive. If you do it, make sure you get the very, very best aftermarket integrater available. There are only about a dozen shops I know of in the country I would let do it. Further, be ready to pay for it. The system they install would definitely be better than the HK system, but off the top of my head I would expect to pay roughly $15k for the best of the best, and about $5k of that will be in labor. You might look at:

Eclipse In-dash audio, CD, Nav $3500
Eclipse CD Changer $500
MB Quart Q-series 3-way audio (Door) $2200 set
MB Quart Q Series tweeters (Dash/center) $800
MB Quart Q Series 3.5 Midranges (I Think, Rear) $850
2 Alpine V12 4 x 250W Amplifiers $650 Each
Installation Equipment $400
Labor $5000

Total: $14550

And then count on an additional $500-1000 in incidental stuff. I will say this, this would be a mean, mean system. With the Q-series components in the doors you shouldn't need a sub unless you're really a bass head. If you must have one, then count on another $1200-$1500 and a lot of lost trunk space.

Oh, and I'm not at all trying to start a conversation or controversy over selection of audio equipment. Please don't start a whole thing about which equipment is better... I'm just saying you couldn't go wrong with this stuff... I know there's other equally good stuff out there... I'm just throwing out what I have the most experience with...

EWR

Just came from MB - they said can not upgrade as wiring harness (factory installed) is different. Does anyone know where the '9th' speaker is in the standard radio - I would think the under the grill be the center vents - but I was told by MB that it was not.

miroj

Speakers 1-6 are in the doors

Speaker 7 is woofer

Speaker 8 is mid dash

Speaker 9 and 10 are right and left main rear.

Speakers 11 and 12 are those small ones near the headrest.

Numbering isnt really that important ... its just an indication.

bmwnomore

I am not sure that speaker placement is correct. It was my understanding that the standard setup has nine speakers. Three in each door, two to the left and right rear and one in the front center vent. The upgraded system has eleven speakers. The other two are tweeters located in the rear console between the seats (everybody has the grills, but the standard setup has no speakers in there).

bmwnomore

Also, you could upgrade the audio to HK with a company called MBenzNL.com. They do it using genuine MB parts. Only problem is it's real expensive, in the neighborhood of $3800.00 US. Not sure if it jusifies that kind of price.

wil_sutton

It's my understanding that there are 12, not 11... no sub anywere that I can find... you have three in each door (6), one in the dash (7), one behind each door (9), and two in the rear of the center console (11, upgraded system only).

I could be wrong... haven't gone digging into any of the body paneling... not the best idea in my opinion...

bmwnomore

From the SLK-class brochure:

"ENTERTAINMENT PACKAGE: 380-watt harmon/kardon LOGIC 7 digital surround sound system with 11 speakers and 7.1 channel amplifier."

There is no sub, just eleven speakers.

miroj

You are right.

wil_sutton

By the way, I think it's clear that i meant "there are 11, not 12" even though I got it backwards in the post... I counted to eleven... dunno where that extra one came from!

miroj

Clearly I was expecting to see a subwoofer that wasnt there.