Lady Wolf

Hello all,
I have a question about the stereo in the 2005 E55. We have the 2005 SLK55 with the upgraded Harman Kardan sound system and it is by far the best stereo set up I've ever listened to in a car. Not sure if this is because the cabin is so small on the SLK or what but it's great. My question is, how is the sound system on the E55?
Kim

Ray J

Personally, not overly impressed. May be because the cabin is that much bigger. Bass response not too great. And a little tinny sounding..

MBH

I agree it is a good stereo, but could use a little more bass.

Best Wishes,
MBH 2005 E55 Delivered 01/07/05, Silver/Charcoal/Charcoal

vitaman

The sound of the Stereo is somewhat subjective and very relative. The E55's is far better than any I've heard in stock form. It is significantly better sounding than the HK in the C55. However, if you compared it to gmdebruyn's or others that have been upgraded, it would probably sound thin and unimpressive.

FThornton666

The E55 uses an HK system right? We have the upgraded HK 12 speaker surround system in the 320. the bass is actually very good with the windows up , but when the windows come down it takes away alittle bit. Also it cannot be heard outside the car at all. The best music to play is Classical, blues, and rock.

MBE55AMG

As far as quality, crystal clear in my '55.

W211 Ryda

For a stock system, it's not that bad...I just think it lacks in the bass dept. I wish we had something that's comparable to the Mark Levinson systems found in the newer Lexus models.

BoBcanada

Not satisfied, Even tho it is LOGIC 7, I had a better logic 7 in a 745i! Might upgrade speakers and put an extra amp for it.

FThornton666

how do the mark levinsons sound? Ive never actually heard a levinson system.

W211 Ryda

Mark Levinson = cleaner, crisper highs, and deeper bass.

HK = sounds okay at lower volumes but starts to sound flatter when you turn it up higher. I also noticed distortion with my HK sub at higher volumes. So I just have to lower the bass at higher volumes. Honestly, I think the HK sub sounds like an 8" mid bass.


It's ironic that Harmon International is the parent company for Mark Levinson as well as JBL, Infinity and Revel. Too bad MB didn't outsource with Alpine, MB Quarts, and JL for a stock system. Oh well, I have my truck for that.

FThornton666

I think a bose system would of been the best option, with two 8s or 1 12 out back. Its still a 320 watt sound system so its not bad. Just needs some more kick in it, although i guess that it was really designed for a different sort of customer, than us.

amdeutsch

Some here seem to be talking about the Mark Levinson system in the Lexus. But I have as yet to see a post that they would be willing to pay for it or pay for a price increase in their vehicle to get something similar.

Noredline

Yes, it needs a bit of a kick. All around, very clean sounding system, but it lacks good bass response probably due to the large cabin size. I upgraded mine, and am extremely pleased.

MB Fanatic

I am very pleased with the HK Logic 7. For me its perfect since I dont listen to much loud music and I never have to crank it up that loud. It is clean, has good bass, and doesnt distort the clarity of any songs regardless of medium whether it be FM/AM, CD, Sirius or what not. By far one of the best sound systems right after the TL.

eagleeye

The system needs bass. Add a sub or two. Mine now sounds really really good, much better than the Mark Levinson in my wife's RX330

JAY55

I listen to a lot of music with bass. Loud level, sometime my right front speaker would pop at a certain mid range frequency. Any of you guys experiencing this same problem? But I do agree, HK could use a little more bass.

AMGfan

Eagleeye...what is the amp and sub combo you have in the trunk...I'm thinking of going with a single JL 13W7 and JL 500W or 1000W mono amp w/ a separate bass control wired to somewhere in the front of the E55.

One of the JL bad boys is enough and I still have room for my golf clubs.

Peace.

DRCrowder

I bought every option but the side sun shades, I think that makes me an automatic candidate for any reasonable upgrade

Griffin337

What are you guys using to connect the sub amp to the stock deck?? Just a normal line level adapter? How does it sound??

Thanks

Noredline

My .02----You will need two good sized subs to get through all the insulation to get some good sound in the cabin. I had a 4-Runner a while back with two tens and only 300 watts, and the bass response blew away the 2-12's I have now in the 55 with 800 watts. Go with more than you think you need for the trunk. Eagleeye would agree, along with anyone else who likes "hitting" bass. I have to crank up the control to get it to almost "hit". If I open my trunk at only half volume, you can tell the huge difference with what is in the trunk vs. what makes it into the cabin.

AMGfan

I'd love to get 2 subs in but I like to pack at least 2 golf sets in the trunk and I don't think I can do that with a 2 sub system. Anyway, the 13W7 is a beast...I looked up the recommended power needed for the sub and it STARTED at 500W...

http://www.jlaudio.com/subwoofers/RP_Chart.html

I haven't checked thoroughly, but is there a way to "port" the sound through the rear deck?

Noredline

AMGfan; Yes, you can do a two sub system and get 2 sets of clubs in the trunk. And the sound ports through the factory opening where the stock sub sits. Check out my link. There is a photo of the enclosure, that did not need to be ported itself. I went with this design specifically to maximize space. They angled it from smaller at the bottom, to larger at the top, with the subs facing up at the rear deck. I still have total use of the hinged opening for access to the spare and battery.

wiz357

I agree with Ryda, the Levinson systems in Lexus is better. The HK Logic 7 lacks bass.

Raymond

AMGfan

Sweet...you have nice setup! Thanks for the input...