[Parsifal]

I bought a 1988 Euro spec 560 SEC...however, the stereo leaves much to be desired. What components (changers, subs, amps, in-dash receivers) do you guys recommend? They should all be compatible with a minimum of fuss. I don't want to cut any parts out of my doors or anything to preserve the integrity of the vehicle. So it would basically be two front and two rear speakers (high quality, however). Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I am a complete newb when it comes to these things (just barely got my license and spent life savings on a 560 SEC).


Many thanks,

Paul R. from Longwood FL

 

[Merc600sec]

Chech out the Becker website.. or try on ebay.. all the plugs are the same till command system..or so I belive..

 

[alexnatt]

Congratulations on your purchase. If you want a stock "look" you are going to have a hard time choosing between new headunits. I bought a sony cdxr3000 for about $100 on ebay. It fit my TE with no mods. I like it because it is basic black and has a minimum of flashing lights, etc. I also got some matching sony speakers. On my car the dash speakers are 4" and the rears 5 1/4. You should go to crutchfield's website to see what fits your sweet SEC.

 

[55Gullwing]

Here is what I think you have:

Radio -
Locations: Fitment
DIN: PERFECT

Speakers -
Locations: Size
Dash: 4
Front Door: 7
Rear Deck: 6 1/2

These instalation instructions should help:
http://www.sonymetc.com/fitguide/MERCEDES/1988/S_CLASS/MS021.pdf

 

[jhodg5ck]

Hey there,
My first question to you is, how serious to you want to get? Do you want competition grade bits in your car, or just some thing that sounds 'better'..?

Let me know, I've been planning/working on a stereo for my 91 for a Long time now..!

Jonathan

 

[Parsifal]

Well, I want something that sounds excellent. I listen only to classical music (with a few exceptions) so clarity, not volume is the most desired trait to have. I don't want lots of flashing lights or LCD screens or anything of that nature (thanks to the recommendations of other forum members, I know what receiver to get). But it is CLARITY that is most important, quality over sheer volume.

Oh yeah...nothing TOO expensive, but It should be of high quality and sound good.Any suggestions?

 

[jhodg5ck]

Well, I'm partial to MB Quart Q series. You can have a plate machined for the front speakers that will enable you to install a component 4 inch set up. I would also recomend JL or the new Mb Quart amps.

Out of curiosity what head unit are you purchasing??

Jonathan

 

[Gert]

Parsifal - 1/28/2005 7:33 PM

I bought a 1988 Euro spec 560 SEC...however, the stereo leaves much to be desired. What components (changers, subs, amps, in-dash receivers) do you guys recommend? They should all be compatible with a minimum of fuss. I don't want to cut any parts out of my doors or anything to preserve the integrity of the vehicle. So it would basically be two front and two rear speakers (high quality, however). Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I am a complete newb when it comes to these things (just barely got my license and spent life savings on a 560 SEC).


Many thanks,

Paul R. from Longwood FL

Go for the Becker Mexico 2330 radio/cassette combined with a Becker Silverstone 2630 cd/changer. These are excellent item's ans can be found on E-Bay almost new and for around 150 - 200 $/peace. This is excellent value and it doesn't clash with the interior of your w-126 coupé, I know because I had 2 of them and one 420 se. Loved these cars and so do many others I believe [^]

 

[jhodg5ck]

Beckers??? Really now, I've pulled so many Becker units out of MB's.. I know people who have 'upgraded' to later becker units.. One fellow has sent his back 2X in the 3 years he has owned it.. Once for a main board and another time for an LCD Screen. And he bought the bits new, spent about a grand for the head unit and CD changer.[xx(]

Jonathan

 

[Gert]

I have a Becker Mexico 2330 and a Becker Silverstone 2630 cd-changer in my G-class. I received them from my grandfather who had them in his Porsche 928 and they have always performed perfectly. My wife has a Becker Monte Carlo in her 190 since new (1992) and it never malfunctioned. I firmly believe that Becker audio equipment is only upstaged by 2 competitors, being Nakamichi an MacIntosh but you can't call on them if you wan't to keep the budget to normal levels. Of course, anything mechanical or electronical can malfunction at some point and when the thing is build with first class components when it was new it will always be expensive to replace those items in order to make it work again. That you can still find these components when your radio is over 5 years old is something most Pioneer or Sony owners can only dream of...[}]

 

[jhodg5ck]

I've heard quite a few becker set ups, both stock and those that have been upgraded. None of the Becker set up's have ever impressed me w/ their sound quality.

People who buy lower/middle end pioneer's and sony's I would expect to toss their head units after a few years anyway.. Usually when they die, it would cost more for the parts then to purchase a newer, updated head unit.

Now for my CDX C90 Mobile ES from Sony, they do make parts readily available and have been doing so for some time.

Jonathan

 

[Gert]

A Becker simply looks the part in a classic Mercedes dash, a Sony doesn't and some people are willing to pay for that.

 

[jhodg5ck]

For what I have invested in my head unit/amp/changer set up I could have at least 4 new becker head units and changers in my car..:-/ take a look at the CDXC90 it is a Very understated deck...this isn't you're standard sony crap that's all over the market.


Jonathan

 

[JR_Rider]

jhodg5ck - 2/8/2005 3:15 PM

Well, I'm partial to MB Quart Q series. You can have a plate machined for the front speakers that will enable you to install a component 4 inch set up. I would also recomend JL or the new Mb Quart amps.

Out of curiosity what head unit are you purchasing??

Jonathan

Wow Q-Line, you have some expensive tastes!!! How much are those again?? I remember last time I was inquiring about some MB Quarts and the line below the Q series was like six something for the speakers tweeter, and crossover!!

 

[jhodg5ck]

Go on Ebay, you can get the 6.5 seperate Q's for about 5 and change. Pricey, yes, but they sound Sweet and hold up very nicely.

Jonathan