Adding an After Market Amplifier & Sub - Benzworld.org

olivengco · 01-26-2005, 12:57 AM

I have a 2000 E320. Here's what I want to do; add an amplifier to the exsisting stock stereo, disconnect the rear dash Bose speakers and add two 10 inch JL Audio speakers in a sub box in the trunk is it possible to add an after-market amp to the stock stereo? I know there are no RCA outputs from the stock stereo, but I was planning to get the wires from the Bose rear speakers and hook it up to the High Input of the Amp. Will this work? Or do I have to purchase an after-market stereo?

bob richards · 01-26-2005, 07:02 AM

You can do it that way. Make sure that the amp you purchase will accept high level inputs. The higher the input voltage the lower the watts the amp will produce however. About a 50% reduction with the amps that I have.

Storm. · 01-26-2005, 09:41 AM

This is exactly what I'll be doing on my E280 because a bose setup (ideal in my mind) costs almost $4000 here in the UK!!!

Fast55 · 01-26-2005, 11:15 AM

I have a single JL Audio 12" W3 in an enclosure with a JL amp that works very well. I had two 10's for a short time, but they over power the rest of the system and I went back to the single 12. There is supposed to be an optical interface available soon that will allow after market speakers and amps for the fronts. That and the dual 10's will be my plan when it's available.

olivengco · 01-26-2005, 02:39 PM

Thanks for the info guys. Here's a picture the amp I'm planning to install. This one has the High Level Input. Hope it sounds good. Fast55, thanks for the info about the subs, I'll just purchase one 12' JL Audio Sub.

E Wagon · 01-26-2005, 03:01 PM

Quote:

There is supposed to be an optical interface available soon that will allow after market speakers and amps for the fronts.

What year did MB switch to an optical interface on the stock amplifier? Just my own curiousity. My '99 has a copper interface and optical only for the CD changer.

Storm, I don't care for the Bose, its not all that its cracked up to be. Which is why mine is on the way out.

Fast55 · 01-26-2005, 04:50 PM

I believe it was 2000, but Storm could probably confirm. Talked to my audio dealer today, and it's probably still 2 months out. I'm stopping in to see them on Saturday to get some prelim. info. It should be a world of difference. The stock Bose speakers really aren't all that good.

viatech · 01-27-2005, 09:55 PM

thinking of replacing my stock speakers with aftermarkets in a 2001 e430, any recommendations??

e320mule · 02-11-2005, 08:15 PM

I like MB Quart. German quality. You can get them brand new for 40% off retail on ebay. I know fronts are 6.5"; rears not sure.

E Wagon · 02-11-2005, 09:56 PM

You can get 5.25 in the rear doors with adapters from caraudiosecruity.com in the UK (they also have adapters for the front doors). At last check the British pound was about $2. I had to cough up 15 pounds (~$25 us at the time) for the shipping.

I have Boston Pro Series 6.5 front and Boston Pro Series 5.5 rear (actually 5.25 inches). My car may be euthanized shortly and depending on my decision to get another Benz some speakers may be available. I'll post my parts list on the forum before eBay should I get something else than a 210.