For owners of a 2006 Mercedes-benz Cls 500 looking to enhance their in-car audio experience, upgrading the factory speaker system can make a significant difference. While the stock Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 system is respectable, it can be improved upon for a more immersive and higher-quality sound. This article explores a practical speaker and subwoofer upgrade journey undertaken on a 2006 CLS 500, focusing on component selection, installation insights, and the resulting audio enhancement.
Enhancing the Sound System in a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500
Many enthusiasts find the standard audio in luxury vehicles like the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 adequate but lacking in certain aspects. The goal of an audio upgrade is often to achieve richer tones, clearer highs, and more impactful bass without drastically altering the car’s aesthetics or functionality. This upgrade story highlights how to achieve a noticeable improvement while working within the existing framework of the CLS 500’s audio setup.
Assessing the Stock Audio System
The 2006 CLS 500 often comes equipped with the Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 sound system. While considered premium for its time, advancements in audio technology mean there’s room for improvement. Owners might find the bass response somewhat lacking or “boomy,” and the overall clarity could be enhanced. Understanding these limitations is the first step toward a targeted and effective upgrade.
Choosing Replacement Speakers and Subwoofer
For this upgrade, the focus was on replacing the door speakers and subwoofer while retaining the factory head unit. Infinity Kappa 60.7cs component speakers were chosen for both the front and rear doors. These 6 1/2 inch speakers are 2-ohm, which is a key factor when working with the stock Harman/Kardon amplifier. Their high sensitivity rating of 95dB (at 1 watt) means they efficiently utilize the power from the existing amplifier, resulting in louder and clearer sound even at lower volumes.
For the low-frequency enhancement, a Pioneer Premier TS-SW1041D 10-inch shallow mount subwoofer was selected. This subwoofer, being a 4-ohm unit (matching the impedance of the original subwoofer), and with a sensitivity of 87dB (at 1 watt), is designed to deliver solid bass without requiring excessive power. Its shallow mount design is crucial for fitting into the CLS 500’s rear deck without sacrificing valuable trunk space. Unlike the original 12-inch subwoofer which reportedly sounded “boomy” due to lack of proper enclosure and dampening, the 10-inch Pioneer aims for tighter, more musical bass response.
Sound Dampening with Dynamat
A critical element of any car audio upgrade, especially in a vehicle like the CLS 500, is sound dampening. Dynamat was installed in both the doors and the rear deck. This material effectively reduces road noise and minimizes vibrations, which can muddy the sound quality and cause unwanted rattles. Investing in sound dampening is highly recommended as it maximizes the performance of new speakers by creating a cleaner and quieter acoustic environment within the car.
Installation and Results
The installation process involved custom fabrication of a low-profile subwoofer enclosure to accommodate the Pioneer subwoofer in the factory location. This ensured a seamless integration without encroaching on trunk space. The result of this speaker and subwoofer upgrade, coupled with sound dampening, was a significant improvement in audio quality. The system now delivers music with greater clarity, tighter bass, and a more refined overall sound signature. Whether listening to rock, jazz, classical, or anything in between, the enhanced audio system provides a more enjoyable listening experience, closer to what one might expect in a high-end luxury car.
Considering a Head Unit Upgrade
While this upgrade focused on speakers and the subwoofer, the original author also expressed interest in replacing the stock COMAND head unit in the future. The limitations of the factory head unit, even in a premium system, can become apparent when aiming for top-tier audio quality. Aftermarket head units can offer expanded features such as DVD playback, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, iPod integration, satellite radio, and HD radio. The challenge lies in finding a unit that seamlessly integrates with the CLS 500’s vehicle management systems, retains steering wheel controls, and is compatible with the fiber optic wiring often found in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Conclusion
Upgrading the speakers and subwoofer in a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 is a worthwhile endeavor for audiophiles seeking enhanced sound quality. By carefully selecting efficient components like Infinity Kappa speakers and a Pioneer Premier shallow mount subwoofer, and crucially incorporating sound dampening, a noticeable improvement can be achieved while retaining the factory head unit. This approach offers a balanced upgrade path, improving audio fidelity without requiring a complete system overhaul, and delivering a more premium listening experience within the CLS 500.
