Many Mercedes-Benz owners appreciate the luxury and performance of their vehicles, but the standard audio systems can sometimes fall short of delivering a truly immersive listening experience. If you’re looking to elevate your car audio without completely overhauling your system, upgrading your Mercedes-Benz speakers can be a game-changer. This article explores a speaker upgrade journey in a Mercedes-Benz CLS 500, focusing on enhancing sound quality while working within the constraints of the existing system.
Choosing the Right Component Speakers: Infinity Kappa 60.7cs
When it comes to speaker upgrades, efficiency and compatibility with the existing amplifier are key considerations. In this upgrade, the Infinity Kappa 60.7cs 6 1/2 inch component speaker sets were chosen for both the front and rear doors. These speakers are particularly well-suited for Mercedes-Benz systems for a few crucial reasons. Firstly, their 2-ohm impedance allows them to draw more power from the stock Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 COMAND audio system compared to standard 4-ohm speakers. Secondly, their high sensitivity rating of 95dB at 1 watt of power means they can produce a significant volume level even with the relatively modest power output of the factory amplifier. This combination ensures that the new speakers are a noticeable improvement over the originals without requiring extensive modifications to the car’s electrical system.
Enhancing Bass with a Pioneer Premier Shallow Mount Subwoofer
To complement the upgraded component speakers and address the shortcomings of the factory subwoofer, a Pioneer Premier TS-SW1041D 10-inch shallow mount subwoofer was installed in the rear deck. The original 12-inch subwoofer was criticized for its “boomy” sound, likely due to the lack of a proper enclosure and insufficient sound dampening in the rear deck. The Pioneer subwoofer, being a shallow mount design, allowed for installation in the stock location without sacrificing valuable trunk space. Furthermore, its 4-ohm impedance matches the original subwoofer, ensuring electrical compatibility with the factory amplifier. With a sensitivity of 87dB at 1 watt, it is designed to produce deeper and more controlled bass even with limited power. While not intended for extreme bass enthusiasts, this subwoofer provides a significant improvement in bass clarity and musicality, perfectly complementing a wide range of music genres. The custom low-profile enclosure was crucial for ensuring proper subwoofer performance within the limited space of the rear deck.
The Crucial Role of Sound Dampening with Dynamat
An often-overlooked aspect of speaker upgrades is sound dampening. To maximize the performance of the new speakers and subwoofer, Dynamat sound dampening material was installed in both the doors and the rear deck. Sound dampening is essential for reducing unwanted vibrations and road noise, which can muddy the sound and detract from the listening experience. By applying Dynamat to these areas, the speaker installation becomes more effective, allowing the speakers to produce cleaner, more accurate sound. Investing in sound dampening alongside speaker upgrades is highly recommended to realize the full potential of your new audio components.
Noticeable Improvement in Audio Quality
The result of this speaker and subwoofer upgrade, combined with sound dampening, is a car audio system that delivers a significantly enhanced listening experience. Even with the stock COMAND head unit, the improvement is immediately noticeable across various audio sources, including FM radio, satellite radio, CDs, and iPod. The upgraded system handles a wide range of musical genres, from rock and jazz to classical, with improved clarity, detail, and a more balanced soundstage. While the limitations of the stock head unit are still present, the speaker upgrade brings the audio quality closer to what one would expect in a high-end luxury vehicle.
Cost Considerations for a Mercedes-Benz Speaker Upgrade
For Mercedes-Benz owners considering a similar audio upgrade, understanding the cost is important. The Infinity speakers were sourced online for approximately $150 per pair, and the Pioneer Premier subwoofer for around $110. However, the total cost of the upgrade also includes sound dampening material (Dynamat), the custom subwoofer enclosure, and professional installation. In this case, the total investment amounted to around $1,300. While this is a significant investment, the improvement in audio quality justifies the expense for those seeking a premium listening experience in their Mercedes-Benz.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Mercedes-Benz Audio with Speaker Upgrades
Upgrading your Mercedes-Benz speakers and adding a quality subwoofer, along with sound dampening, can dramatically improve your in-car audio experience. By carefully selecting efficient and compatible components like the Infinity Kappa speakers and Pioneer Premier subwoofer, and addressing sound dampening, you can achieve a high-fidelity sound that rivals premium factory audio systems. While a head unit upgrade might be considered in the future for further enhancements, focusing on speakers first provides a substantial and worthwhile improvement for any Mercedes-Benz owner seeking better sound quality.
