For owners of a Mercedes Benz Cls 2006, the allure of refined luxury extends beyond just the drive. The in-cabin audio experience is a crucial part of that luxury. While the stock Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 system is respectable, many audiophiles and everyday listeners alike find themselves wanting more. This was certainly the case for me, prompting a significant yet worthwhile upgrade to the audio system in my CLS 500 without sacrificing the car’s inherent elegance or practicality.
The primary goal was to enhance the musicality and overall clarity of the sound, addressing the shortcomings of the original setup, particularly the boomy and undefined bass from the factory subwoofer. My approach focused on speaker and subwoofer replacement, combined with sound dampening to create a listening environment worthy of the Mercedes Benz badge.
I opted for Infinity Kappa 60.7cs component speaker sets for both the front and rear doors. These 6.5-inch speakers stood out due to their 2-ohm impedance and high sensitivity rating of 95dB at 1 watt. This efficiency is paramount when working with the stock Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 audio system, ensuring the speakers draw optimal power from the existing Harman/Kardon amplifier without requiring additional amplification. Choosing 2-ohm speakers maximizes the output from the factory amplifier, delivering a noticeable increase in volume and dynamic range.
Image of Infinity Kappa 60.7cs component speakers
Alt text: Infinity Kappa 60.7cs component car speakers, showcasing tweeter and woofer, highlighting upgrade option for Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 audio.
For the low-end frequencies, I selected a Pioneer Premier TS-SW1041D 10-inch shallow mount subwoofer. Similar to the Infinity speakers, efficiency was a key consideration. This Pioneer subwoofer, with its 4-ohm impedance matching the original subwoofer and a sensitivity of 87dB at 1 watt, is designed to produce deeper, more controlled bass even with modest power. The shallow mount design was crucial for maintaining the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006‘s trunk space, allowing it to fit in the stock subwoofer location. A custom, low-profile enclosure was fabricated to ensure optimal performance within the limited space of the rear deck, a typical challenge in upgrading Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 audio systems.
Image of Pioneer Premier TS-SW1041D shallow mount subwoofer
Alt text: Pioneer Premier TS-SW1041D shallow subwoofer, illustrating slim profile and design for space-saving car audio installations in vehicles like Mercedes Benz CLS 2006.
The original 12-inch subwoofer, lacking a proper enclosure and any sound deadening, produced a boomy and muddy bass response. The downsize to a 10-inch, coupled with a custom enclosure, resulted in a significantly tighter and more musical bass. As a musician, this improvement in musicality and coherence was immediately apparent and highly satisfying. The new subwoofer integrates seamlessly with the Infinity component speakers, creating a balanced and refined soundstage within the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 cabin.
To further enhance the audio experience and eliminate unwanted rattles and road noise, Dynamat sound dampening material was installed in both doors and the rear deck. This is a highly recommended step for anyone upgrading their car audio system, especially in a Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 where the goal is to preserve the luxury feel while improving sound quality. Sound dampening ensures that the speakers perform optimally by reducing vibrations and external noise interference, allowing for clearer and more impactful sound reproduction.
Image of Dynamat sound dampening material being installed in a car door
Alt text: Installation of Dynamat sound dampening material inside a car door panel, demonstrating a step in upgrading Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 audio systems for improved sound quality and noise reduction.
The outcome of this upgrade is a Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 audio system that delivers a significantly improved listening experience across various music genres. From the nuances of classical music and jazz to the energy of rock, the enhanced clarity and balanced sound are immediately noticeable. Whether listening to FM radio, satellite radio, CDs, or an iPod, the upgrade has transformed the in-car audio environment to a level befitting a luxury automobile.
While the stock COMAND head unit remains for now, its limitations are acknowledged. Future plans include exploring aftermarket head units that offer advanced features like DVD playback, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, iPod integration, satellite and HD radio, while crucially maintaining compatibility with the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 vehicle management systems, steering wheel controls, and fiber optic wiring. Finding a unit that seamlessly integrates these features without compromising the car’s electronics is the next step in perfecting the audio system.
For those considering a similar upgrade for their Mercedes Benz CLS 2006, the Infinity speakers are typically priced around $150 per pair online, and the Pioneer Premier subwoofer around $110. Including the speakers, subwoofer, Dynamat, custom subwoofer enclosure, and professional installation, the total investment for this audio overhaul was approximately $1,300. This represents a worthwhile expenditure for audiophiles and Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 owners seeking a truly premium in-car audio experience.
