[olivengco]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[e320mule]

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]

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.

 

[dn54168]

viatech - 1/27/2005 11:55 PM

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

I like Focal Utopia or Dyaudio speakers better than MB Quarts. I think MB Quarts is a sounded a little in low and mid range and it is a little too sharp on the high. I have MB-Quarts right now on my other car and plan to switch them out. But again, the best speaker is the one that sounded best to you. Speaker is a very personal choice.

 

[dn54168]

Fast55 - 1/26/2005 1:15 PM

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

Hello Fast55,

Do you have any update info. in this? I'd love to find out more about this product.

Thank you for the help.

 

[Mayor Bloom]

I have chaged out the entire bose system in my 01 e320. There is a saying "No highs, No Lows......It must be a Bose". I went with MB Quarts: 5.25 components in the front doors, 4" mids in the back doors, 2 10" Cadence subs in the trunk & removed the back dash speakers. I also changed the head unit to a Kenwood double din dvd player with the music keg in the trunk. The system is rockin'. The only issue is that I have the smallest subbox in the trunk and you still lose half the trunk. If anyone has any questions.. drop me a line.

 

[Fast55]

Not an option for those that want to keep COMAND and voice control. I was mis-informed about the optical interface. However, the digital solution is still pretty impressive. Here is a link to the "clean sweep" interface by JL Audio. This is what we're looking for short of a true optical interface:
http://www.jlaudio.com/press/CleanSweep05.html

 

[mjhawkins2346]

Anyone tried Diamond Audio speakers?

A few local audiophiles were suggesting them as a better choice compared to the MB Quart's.

 

[Fast55]

Never heard them but they rate pretty well. I like the Quarts because the highs are so clear and defined. Some people say they have too much high end, but with my crispy hearing, they sound good to me. My local installer who has done several cars and trucks of mine suggest the component Focals with the Clean Sweep when it becomes available. I'll be running a 400/4 for the fronts and 500/1 for the 2 10" subs. I have heard essentially this setup in a S class with a different head unit (obviously), and it absolutely rocked. The shop owner is convinced that by using the Clean Sweep (he has witnessed a demo that according to him was very impressive) the results will be the same or better even keeping the factory HU. Really looking forward to this.

 

[Mr. Pie]

This might be a stupid question, so please pardon my ignorance. The two speakers in the back shelf that are visible from the trunk, are those the subs, or just more speakers?

 

[Mayor Bloom]

I believe that they are 6.5" subwoofers. There are two ways to remove these speakers. The easier way you can do damage it not careful, remove the grill and lift speaker out. The second, I have not done, involves removing the back dash and headliner, I have heard it is a lot more grunt work, but less likely to damage parts.

 

[Sandro N]

Hey MJ, I have diamond audio component set in mine, all I can say is that they are extremly loud with very crisp highs. My hearing has not been the same since. If we ever do a meet in southern california i'll let you hear them.

mjhawkins2346 - 2/14/2005 9:29 AM

Anyone tried Diamond Audio speakers?

A few local audiophiles were suggesting them as a better choice compared to the MB Quart's.

 

[mjhawkins2346]

Sandro, that's funny. In my '83 300D I had added an amplifier and some nice speakers. I think the speakers were Boston Acoustics Plates and I don't recall the amps. The stereo shop suggested the set and I didn't know how to say "no" - no matter the cost.

Well, after about 6 months I started complaining to my doctor that my ears were always hurting. After discussion, he suggested I take out the amp and speakers or get ready for hearing aids and tinntinus.

With great reluctance I did the deed.