Audio System Enhancement Options?
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From: California
E63 AMG
Audio System Enhancement Options?
I'm sorry but the Harmon Kardon sound quality (SQ) is sub par. Additionally, the factory iPod connector SQ is even worse.
Anyone know of any options on upgrading the SQ without replacing the factory head unit or making any modifications to the car? At most, I'd have no problem with replacing all the factory speakers and the factory amplifier as long as it doesn't require any significant modifications to the vehicle itself.
Anyone know of any options on upgrading the SQ without replacing the factory head unit or making any modifications to the car? At most, I'd have no problem with replacing all the factory speakers and the factory amplifier as long as it doesn't require any significant modifications to the vehicle itself.
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From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
Would love some info on this too.. Was thinking of replacing a few speakers and maybe sub, but dont want to replace any amps or anything like that..
Can anyone help?
Can anyone help?
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From: SOCAL
2004 E55
I'm sorry but the Harmon Kardon sound quality (SQ) is sub par. Additionally, the factory iPod connector SQ is even worse.
Anyone know of any options on upgrading the SQ without replacing the factory head unit or making any modifications to the car? At most, I'd have no problem with replacing all the factory speakers and the factory amplifier as long as it doesn't require any significant modifications to the vehicle itself.
Anyone know of any options on upgrading the SQ without replacing the factory head unit or making any modifications to the car? At most, I'd have no problem with replacing all the factory speakers and the factory amplifier as long as it doesn't require any significant modifications to the vehicle itself.
HUGE improvement, now it sounds like it should
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From: Sacramento, CA
Ducati
I'm looking at retaining the OEM stereo and running it into an Alpine PxA. I don't want to mess with with the bus systems and integration into the car. :/
Looking to replace all the speakers with Focal speakers and run them with some oldschool soundstream amps I have.
Looking to replace all the speakers with Focal speakers and run them with some oldschool soundstream amps I have.
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From: SOCAL
2004 E55
Depends on what you do and if you resell your old components. Don't' forget that to rip out the existing Comand, amps CD Changer, nav, sat radio and speakers and replace them with aftermarket is going to cost a helluva lot more than $4K
At Minimum you need the Comand NTG 2.5 Headunit which includes bluetooth support for the phone, linguatronic, a 6 disc CD/DCD Changer, SD card reader for MP3 files and a MUCH Better navigation system. The Harmon Kardon Amp and subwoofer amp. You will also need a conversion wiring harness.
If you want to go all out and do it totally right you will want to add the Sat radio receiver which also get's you live traffic updates and HD FM and AM radio, and The UCI iPod interface and the Media Interface Plus (Streaming music via bluetooth off the iPhone so you never take the phone out of your pocket and Pandora Support) and an Antenna amp (There is some additional wiring that has to be done mainly an antenna lead has to be added and routed.)
In the end you remove the Old Comand, 6 disk changer, Audio Gateway, any bluetooth puck, iPod interface, sat radio receiver, cell phone/onstar/sos box, Nav processor and old antenna amp. All of that has to come out since those components are not compatible with the NTG 2.5 system. The speakers are very very good and they stay (Including the sub) as does all their wiring and crossovers. You will be able to resell everything but the CTEL and Antenna amp for just under $2K to offset the purchase price of everything else needed.
There is some star coding that needs to be done and that get's tricky (The amp needs to be told that it's in an e-class for the proper EQ Curve to be applied)
is it worth it? Hell yes
At Minimum you need the Comand NTG 2.5 Headunit which includes bluetooth support for the phone, linguatronic, a 6 disc CD/DCD Changer, SD card reader for MP3 files and a MUCH Better navigation system. The Harmon Kardon Amp and subwoofer amp. You will also need a conversion wiring harness.
If you want to go all out and do it totally right you will want to add the Sat radio receiver which also get's you live traffic updates and HD FM and AM radio, and The UCI iPod interface and the Media Interface Plus (Streaming music via bluetooth off the iPhone so you never take the phone out of your pocket and Pandora Support) and an Antenna amp (There is some additional wiring that has to be done mainly an antenna lead has to be added and routed.)
In the end you remove the Old Comand, 6 disk changer, Audio Gateway, any bluetooth puck, iPod interface, sat radio receiver, cell phone/onstar/sos box, Nav processor and old antenna amp. All of that has to come out since those components are not compatible with the NTG 2.5 system. The speakers are very very good and they stay (Including the sub) as does all their wiring and crossovers. You will be able to resell everything but the CTEL and Antenna amp for just under $2K to offset the purchase price of everything else needed.
There is some star coding that needs to be done and that get's tricky (The amp needs to be told that it's in an e-class for the proper EQ Curve to be applied)
is it worth it? Hell yes
Last edited by AMGPilot; Dec 24, 2011 at 10:33 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: SOCAL
2004 E55
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From: A to the Z (the state)
'06 E55
I should be finished with the go-fast goodies pretty soon, so I might focus on this part next. If it's as good as you say it is and worth the coin, I'm down for doing it.
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From: SOCAL
2004 E55
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2004 E55
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: SOCAL
2004 E55
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,046
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From: SOCAL
2004 E55
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E class
Carefull!!!
I just got my car back from respected audio shop and now my keyless start doesn't work. I had amps and focal speakers installed.
The dash says " key not recognized"
I've tried everything to fix
I just got my car back from respected audio shop and now my keyless start doesn't work. I had amps and focal speakers installed.
The dash says " key not recognized"
I've tried everything to fix
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
So Im wondering if anyone has just replaced the factory speaker with aftermarket and run them off the factory amp? Or is that even possible? I know to get the best sound I would need to replace the amps, but I don't want to spend a lot Andy hack up the factory system. Thanks for any help
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,046
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From: SOCAL
2004 E55
So Im wondering if anyone has just replaced the factory speaker with aftermarket and run them off the factory amp? Or is that even possible? I know to get the best sound I would need to replace the amps, but I don't want to spend a lot Andy hack up the factory system. Thanks for any help
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C63 Coupe 507, CLK55 Convertible, X1 35i, 70 GTO convertible, motorcycles
A Mobridge ipod and Bluetooth system is a pretty good starting point if you want to retain factory head unit, and it allows for the use of the factory steering wheel buttons, integrates with MOST, etc. Then I bought a JL audio 500/5 amp which has 100x2 for the front, 25x2 for the rear, and 250x1 for the sub, used new front speakers, and left the fatory rear speakers and sub. Oh, and an Audsion Bit Ten EQ-type-thing that allows for the removal of the factory settings. It actually sounds pretty good, is a clean design and cost $2800 installed with Dynamat in the doors, etc.
