I know that Mercedes produced a sub enclosure that fitted under the drivers seat for the Vito, so they might do one for the Sprinter too. Just give your local Mercedes-Benz Commercial dealer a call. As for the amp question, obviously the better the amp the better the quality of sound or output, I’ve got a Phoenix Gold amp in my Vito that powers a Focal sub and it really is the mutts nuts! Wasn’t cheap, but well worth it. The trick for good quality sound – so I’ve been told - is to raise you ‘sound stage’, (the height of your speakers in other words) with that in mind you could try putting some tweeters in the B-pillar, then have a door build constructed for you mid range speakers. I don’t know where you are from, but I had my install done by a company called Ultimate Audio, in Bromsgrove (the Midlands) 01527 837847 Ultimate Audio. They really are fantastic at what they do.
Vehicle: 1996 312D merceds Sprinter mwb hi roof 3.55t
Location: Sw London
Posts: 75
im based in london so a trip to ultimate audio is out! I'm not looking to spend lots just something that sound nice! Also it must be discreet, I have enough interest in my van as it is (from the wrong kind of people).
Is there any chance of a couple of photos of your door build to give me an idea?
I have noticed that when i use the 'loud' setting on my cd player, although the sound is much improved, no matter what speakers i have on there, they cannot cope with the base even at comfortable listening volumes. Would that be sorted by using an amp?
on that "loud" setting, its a common fault that seems to happen, it seems to be a kinda artificial bass boost but badly done or something and all the speakers just freak out. I have a good Sony deck (that might incite flaming from an audiophile) and it does the same. An amp will make it waaayyyy worse.
An option for semi-decent bass, if you dont want to have huge boy racer bass box with dinner plate speakers in a dustbin sized box, is go for a shallow mount sub. I did not want a big bass box in the rear of my vito and elected to buy some Earthquake shallow mount subs about 6.5" in diameter (they do come in larger diameters but are expensive), this is a great option imho. Just make sure that if u mount them in a door panel that the door panel can handle it, if the panel is flimsy, it will vibrate and not only annoy you but rob you of power.
Invest in the best speakers u can, this is where the best bang for buck exists.
I haven't got door builds myself yet, that's the next project! LOL. I'll see if I can find a couple of pics off the 'net for you though.
As for the point about your speakers not being able to handle the bass, what type of speakers have you got? Do they mach with the output of the head unit?
If they do, then try some Dynamat. It is a thin, flexible, easy to cut and mold sheet that actually stops noise causing resonance and vibration, by using visco-elastic qualities that promote vibro-acoustic energy conversion. In short, that means noise becomes silent energy. There are many different applications for roof lining, behind door cards etc. But they do a speaker specific application too, I've included the link for you below. The speaker specific Dynamat isn't very expensive. I've also included a link to the UK importer of Dynamat.
An amp would not cure the problem, it would make it worse, because you would be amplifying the output.
I would certainly try the Dynamat option though, I have some in mine and I can definitely vouch for it. Obviously the aftermarket speakers you are using will probably give more punch than the stock Merc ones and therefore it could be that they are vibrating in the speaker housing, thus causing vibration/distortion.
One other thing, if you decide against an amp don't bother buying speakers over £100 as it would be a waste of your money. Speakers over £100 usually need an amp for you to get the best out of them.
Vehicle: 1996 312D merceds Sprinter mwb hi roof 3.55t
Location: Sw London
Posts: 75
I doubt that i will be buying any speakers £100+ so thats not an issue! Will an amp generally improve the sound of any speakers?
Do any of you have any experience with drivers seat sub? I do want extra bass but dont want to feel like im sitting on a vibrator every time i turn the radio on!
@ Benz Bling: what system have you got set up in your vito? what model amp do you have and what are they powering? (Hope you don't mind me asking!)
My van has a full bulkhead so there is limited space for speakers unless i decide you cut into it.... what about a set of 6x9 and a set of 6 1/2" in the bulk head?
what speakers do you recomend? Not wanting to spend much!
I doubt that i will be buying any speakers £100+ so thats not an issue! Will an amp generally improve the sound of any speakers?
Do any of you have any experience with drivers seat sub? I do want extra bass but dont want to feel like im sitting on a vibrator every time i turn the radio on!
@ Benz Bling: what system have you got set up in your vito? what model amp do you have and what are they powering? (Hope you don't mind me asking!)
My van has a full bulkhead so there is limited space for speakers unless i decide you cut into it.... what about a set of 6x9 and a set of 6 1/2" in the bulk head?
what speakers do you recomend? Not wanting to spend much!
cheers
Hey Jay,
My setup is as follows: -
Sony MDXM690 Mini-disc head unit
Sony 6 Disc CD changer
6.5" In-Phase XT 62 speakers in the front doors (I don't use the factory holes in the dashboard)
Clarion SRS1725 6.5" speakers in the rear
Focal 27 V2 10" subwoofer
Phoenix Gold OCTANE-R 2.0:1 200W Amp - just powering the sub.
Autoleads PC4-27 Amp wiring kit
As for your speakers I would recommend that you go for a known brand like Clarion, JBL, Alpine, Sony etc, and go for component type speakers if you can. You can get a good set for under £100. Have a look at the Pioneer TSE 176C (around £80 from Car Audio Centre) or Alpine SPS 171A (around £65 from car Audio Centre).
I wouldn't worry too much about getting loads of vibration from having a sub under the drivers seat; if it’s done properly it shouldn't be a problem. You must make sure your head unit has at least 1 pre-out though, this allows you to connect the amp or other peripherals.
An amp won't improve crap speakers; it will just show them up! Just remember you get what you pay for! You will only need an amp if you go for a subwoofer, if you don't have a sub your head unit will be able to power your speakers without a problem. Do you know the output of your head unit? i.e. 2 x 25, 4 x 25 or 4 x 45 etc.
If you start cutting in to the bulk head of your van you may start to get some vibration from the speakers if they are not fixed really securely, I would really have a good look at having custom door builds, it will give you the best quality sound.
If you need anymore help, just give me a shout!
Regards,
Benz Bling
Last edited by Benz Bling : 01-26-2007 at 04:31 AM.
I don't do ICE but I have installed and set up quite a few boardroom AV systems that have included surround and a sub. The aim is always to get a good, full range sound and only know that the sub is missing when its turned off, not to walk into the room and be instantly aware of a pounding base line. What I am trying to say is set up the crossover and bass level to suit you and you will enjoy better quality audio without sounding like a kid in a Vauxhall Nova / Corsa etc.
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