Just Upgraded My Comand NTG1 to Kenwood DNN991HD Aftermarket Headunit
#51
Just got back from my favorite car stereo shop, and he suggested the Kenwood DDX9902S. I only got an estimate for new HU, new amp (Mosconi), new front speakers and subwoofer (Focal), and a back-up cam... $4.2k OUCH. Now thinking just the HU and MOST adapter based on the good reviews here of how good the sound is after replacing the head unit only.
Last edited by Minty Fresh; 01-19-2016 at 11:28 PM.
The following users liked this post:
BoostedAero (08-16-2016)
#53
I believe you, but taking car interiors apart and messing with wiring is not something I feel comfortable doing. The few times I've done it I was so relieved when the final piece went back into place.
#54
I asked my stereo shop how much to do just the HU and MOST converter, and he said he could replace the stock amp with a Kenwood 5 ch. amp for the same price as the MOST conversion. Is this a better idea?
#55
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 790
Likes: 182
From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
I'm just a lurker here from the feeble E350 crowd but I'm looing to do an upgrade similar to the OP, but with the Kenwood DNN992 HU. I have been researching this for the past several weeks and ultimately decided to go with preserving the factory amp/speaker system. Some of the components are still en route, but I'm hoping to do the upgrade in about a week.
With regard to the NAV-TV interface, it's the same as the Opti-1 which I purchased for $400 shipped here. Look up jbondox who is the guru on the interface (I think he either invented it or was largely involved in its development). He's been giving me pointers in this thread
At his suggestion, I went with the Metra Axxes SWC-1, but now I'm very curious about the idatalink maestro. Anyone have any experience with it? What are its advantages? I looked it up, but haven't found any info on its compatibility with the W211. Any input helps.
Last edited by EuroDriverSD; 01-20-2016 at 08:12 PM.
#56
#58
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 790
Likes: 182
From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
Just to update: I had the DNN992 installed using the Opti-1. I'm quite happy with the results. The audio (especially the sub) have really come to life and now I'm technologically up-to-date (especially with navigation) without hacking up my car
The following users liked this post:
Minty Fresh (04-03-2016)
#59
Good to hear. Do you think the system still needs another aftermarket sub after the change over?
Any pics of the head unit installed? I'm not sure if I should go with the DNN991 or 992?
Any pics of the head unit installed? I'm not sure if I should go with the DNN991 or 992?
#60
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 790
Likes: 182
From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
I don't think so, at least not for me. My friends thought I added a sub box after the upgrade. It doesn't boom hard or anything but it did sound much more robust
#61
Does your clock still work with the aftermarket headunit? What steering wheel control adapter are you using?
#62
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 790
Likes: 182
From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
I used the Metra ASWC-1 SWC adapter. Everything worked for me, except the telephone buttons on the steering wheel. I have read it worked for many others but in my case, I couldn't program them even after replacing the SWC. I kind of don't mind it because the hang-up button works as a mute button. Perfect for me, since my head unit does not have a dedicated mute button.
Here's a link on what I needed & what I did: https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...ions-w211.html
#63
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 725
Likes: 129
14 E63, 05 E55, 03 Evo 8, 08 F250, 06 R6R, 92 Talon TSI, and instability
I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a kenwood myself. But I'm also curious as to the nav antenna situation.
AM I going to have to drill a hole in my dash or rear shelf? Can it be under the dash? Does it integrate with the existing antenna? ETC...
AM I going to have to drill a hole in my dash or rear shelf? Can it be under the dash? Does it integrate with the existing antenna? ETC...