Stereo upgrade install

fleep · 08-03-2008

Hi all R171 Slk owners,

I have been planning an upgrade of the stereo in my 2005 SLK350 for a while now, and have prodded Dan a few times for his help in the usual Comand retrofit etc, and have now decided to go for a nice 'stealh' install of pretty much all of the audio system. I have an Audio 20 so not too much to remove - no AGW etc...

So, going into the SLK over the next few weeks is going to be

Alpine X100 Digital Media Reciever (I hate CDs now so this is only iPod and tuner). This will apparently interface with the SLK display so I still get the radio station etc shown in the cluster...
Dynaudio component speakers for the doors
13 inch sub in the cockpit
32 band parametric EQ (had it spare so why not)
600W 4 channel amp

plus a lot of dynamat and other sundries. Waiting for a decent bluetooth kit to be released for the Alpine so that will be phase 2...

I should be posting some pics of the work as it is done - can't wait.

Thanks for reading...

fleep

**MaKEuhigh** · 08-03-2008

Hey good luck, I been stocking up on audio items.
Let me know how it goes, I may need your tips.
BTW, Which *Dynaudio component speakers for the doors* did you get?
My biggest problem on the *Upgrade is replacing the 3 1/2 inch midranges.

**ghostdunks** · 08-03-2008

ooh...another audio install. Awesome, I love reading about this. Pics please and as much info as you can get!

**Dang** · 08-04-2008

I'm pondering a change as well. I plan to keep the stock head unit, amps and the like, but upgrade the speakers.

I'm curous where you plan to put a 13" sub "in the cockpit"???????

Thanks!

Dang

DansSlk · 08-04-2008

I hope i answered you before, hate it when i miss people.

**Dang** · 08-04-2008

DanSLK....

Me?
You've always been great about responding!

Has anyone tried these?
http://www.hub-car.com/slk_lautsprecher_subwoofer/?L=1

The translation is terrible. There's something about the concept of a 6.5" subwoofer that doesn't sounds like it would work, but you never know. They "claim" the link I posted is for cars with the HK system, but it sure seems like it would take a fair bit of foot room to put this over the AGW.

Cheers!

Dang

**etyu** · 08-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghostdunks

ooh...another audio install. Awesome, I love reading about this. Pics please and as much info as you can get!

Ditto on this.

fleep · 08-04-2008

Hi guys,

The speakers which will be going in the doors are the Sysem 240 Mk2 (essentially the same as the Esotec 242). I had these from my previous install in my SL320. The installers are going to make up new builds inside the door to replace the standard speakers. The tweeter should be placed in the door where the mid bass used to be, next to the Dynaudio 7" mid bass. The only problem could be the lack of room and my knee being in the way - in which case the tweeter will be moved to the stock location.

The 13 inch sub in the cockpit is going to be a 'fun' project. It is going to go in the passenger footwell, angled so that you will hopefully not even know it is there (until the bass kicks in). We took the carpet up and there is lots of room when the metal foot rest is removed (The box needs to be about 1 cubic foot).

I have asked for plenty of pictures so we should be able to show what happens when you take an SLK to bits and fit stuff which shouldn't be there...

Thanks to Dan for his previous help (and I may need some more help!)

Any questions, let me know...

fleep

**dsb** · 08-04-2008

I've had the intentions of installing an amp/sub but never got around to it. I think one could fabricate a small enclosure behind the driver's seat. Make it out of fiberglass and the magnet could rest inside the cavity that normally holds the first aid kit. The sub would have to be small. A 6" or 8" would be ideal. It would also have to rest at a 45 degree angle to stay out of the seats way. Anyways, I like the idea of that over an enclosure that takes away from the passenger footwell. It's already shallow enough as is.

Oh, and I wouldn't install a sub in the trunk. First, I don't like boomy bass and I can't imagine it would sound good especially with the top down. Second, the trunk is small and I wouldn't want to eat up space. I know you can utilize the spare tire area but then you would place groceries/cargo on top of the sub. I can't imagine that sounding good.

fleep · 08-04-2008

We looked at the space behind the seats, but I don't think that there is enough space to create a sensible volume within a box once the magnet is in there. On my previous SLK 32 AMG there was a Bose sub there, but I the seats would be right back against the sub, and there is a big risk of damaging sub/seat if the seat moves back and fouls the box.

If you have not got Comand (and the AGW) then there is actually a serious amount of space in the passenger footwell when the foam and foot bracket is removed (like 10x the space behind the seats). If all goes to plan, the 13" sub will sit in place and be completely invisble to the passenger, and no room will have been stolen from the footwell. That is the plan, we will have to see how it goes when the box is offered up. The 13" sub is only about 2.5 inches deep so there should be enough room for a .8 cubic ft box, grill and carpet to cover.

I agree on the sub in boot/trunk theory. In a single box (i.e. hatchback) car, the sub can be in the boot/trunk as there is no firewall etc in the way and it will sound fine. However, in the SLK there is so much stuff in the way that it would be very muffled before it got to your ears, especially with the lid down.

**Gabus** · 08-04-2008

There's already made a sub for the footwell in the R171.....

http://www.hub-car.com/index.php?id=71&L=1

Sid · 08-04-2008

Don't think DynAudio will fit in the doors without modifications. I went with Hertz speakers. They sound really good and are closest to OEM size. You can find the specs on their website:

http://www.hertzaudiovideo.com/default_en.htm

DansSlk · 08-04-2008

If i could just suggest that anything going in the pass footwell keeps that metal support bracket in place.

Its not structural or anything but it does keep the carpet up and is meant to protect your feet from cabin penetration/deformation damage in an accident.

fleep · 08-04-2008

Hmmm, the Hub Audio stuff does looks very nice. Some of the prices are quite steep (€500 for a fascia adaptor?). Do they sell the speaker brackets seperately from the drivers? I don't need the drivers but the mounts may be useful... Also is the sub box handed for RHD as the photos are LHD?

The Dynaudios will fit no worries, although there is a load of fabrication to be done to replicate the factory mounts in MDF and Dynamat etc. It will all fit, but the cost of fabricating the speaker mounts will be high. I already have the Dynaudios and have never heard Hertz (and I know of no dealers nearby who sell them) so will be going Danish for now

.

I did think of the footwell bracket being needed for intrusion, but it may to go. I am the only one in the car 90% of the time so will have to keep my fingers crossed. The box will be securely fixed in and should be more recessed than the Hub Audio if all goes to plan. The carpet should be flat against the floor and the new sub enclosure on top of it.

**Dang** · 08-05-2008

fleep...

Do keep us all posted. It sounds very interesting.

Am I correct in assuming you don't have the AGW (Audio Gateway)? I would think that would free up a huge amount of space in the footwell.

I am curious that the Hub guys claim their sub will fit even if you have the HK audio system (which means you have the AGW right?) I don't quite understand what protects their sub from dirty feet though!

Cheers!

Dang

fleep · 08-05-2008

Hi Dang,

I have the rather limited Audio 20, so no AGW for me. So the footwell is pretty huge for an enclosure (certainly compared to the space elsewhere in the car). The Hub subs look like they intrude a fair way into the footwell, so if the AGW is in place I guess short passengers will be required. My installer took a look at the Hub stuff and thinks it looks OK, but very expensive compared to other options.

The amp I ordered has arrived and hopefully it is small enough to hide in the cabin somewhere rather than taking up space in the trunk/boot. I have decided to ditch the 32 band Phoenix Gold EQ, and have ordered the Alpine Audissey EQ instead (since it is about 1/8 the size of the PG EQ 232 and should be decent enough compared to the 'proper' EQ).

Cheers,

fleep

fleep · 08-06-2008

Dan,

Can this thread be moved to the R171 thread?

Thanks,

fleep

fleep · 08-14-2008

Hi everyone,

Been a while but the install is now underway. I haven't seen the work yet and the car has been away from me for 2 weeks now (delay in getting some parts for the fascia etc), but the installers have sent me some piccies to keep me happy.

So far the ground work is done with all the wiring, and Dynamat of doors is done. I have asked them to keep this as stock as possible in order to minimise the aeshetic changes to the car. I like the Crossovers and Imprint EQ hidden in the back.

More posts when I get the next load from the guys with the screwdrivers.

Cheers

DansSlk · 08-14-2008

Very nice install, looks real clean.

Make sure they re-torque those bolts.

**MaKEuhigh** · 08-15-2008

May I ask, Who is doing the work, Location?

08-03-2008	#1 (permalink)
fleep SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Vehicle: 2005 SLK350 7G Posts: 32 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	Stereo upgrade install Hi all R171 Slk owners, I have been planning an upgrade of the stereo in my 2005 SLK350 for a while now, and have prodded Dan a few times for his help in the usual Comand retrofit etc, and have now decided to go for a nice 'stealh' install of pretty much all of the audio system. I have an Audio 20 so not too much to remove - no AGW etc... So, going into the SLK over the next few weeks is going to be Alpine X100 Digital Media Reciever (I hate CDs now so this is only iPod and tuner). This will apparently interface with the SLK display so I still get the radio station etc shown in the cluster... Dynaudio component speakers for the doors 13 inch sub in the cockpit 32 band parametric EQ (had it spare so why not) 600W 4 channel amp plus a lot of dynamat and other sundries. Waiting for a decent bluetooth kit to be released for the Alpine so that will be phase 2... I should be posting some pics of the work as it is done - can't wait. Thanks for reading... fleep

08-04-2008	#4 (permalink)
Dang SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada Vehicle: 2005 SLK 350 Posts: 50 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 13 Times in 10 Posts	I'm pondering a change as well. I plan to keep the stock head unit, amps and the like, but upgrade the speakers. I'm curous where you plan to put a 13" sub "in the cockpit"??????? Thanks! Dang __________________ 2005 SLK350 6 Speed Manual, Air Scarf, Comand, Nav. OEM Bluetooth Phone, iPod interface and Sat Radio. Orion Blue Metallic

08-04-2008	#5 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	I hope i answered you before, hate it when i miss people. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-04-2008	#6 (permalink)
Dang SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada Vehicle: 2005 SLK 350 Posts: 50 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 13 Times in 10 Posts	DanSLK.... Me? You've always been great about responding! Has anyone tried these? http://www.hub-car.com/slk_lautsprecher_subwoofer/?L=1 The translation is terrible. There's something about the concept of a 6.5" subwoofer that doesn't sounds like it would work, but you never know. They "claim" the link I posted is for cars with the HK system, but it sure seems like it would take a fair bit of foot room to put this over the AGW. Cheers! Dang __________________ 2005 SLK350 6 Speed Manual, Air Scarf, Comand, Nav. OEM Bluetooth Phone, iPod interface and Sat Radio. Orion Blue Metallic

08-04-2008	#9 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 120 Times in 42 Posts	I've had the intentions of installing an amp/sub but never got around to it. I think one could fabricate a small enclosure behind the driver's seat. Make it out of fiberglass and the magnet could rest inside the cavity that normally holds the first aid kit. The sub would have to be small. A 6" or 8" would be ideal. It would also have to rest at a 45 degree angle to stay out of the seats way. Anyways, I like the idea of that over an enclosure that takes away from the passenger footwell. It's already shallow enough as is. Oh, and I wouldn't install a sub in the trunk. First, I don't like boomy bass and I can't imagine it would sound good especially with the top down. Second, the trunk is small and I wouldn't want to eat up space. I know you can utilize the spare tire area but then you would place groceries/cargo on top of the sub. I can't imagine that sounding good. __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

08-03-2008	#2 (permalink)
MaKEuhigh SLK World Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: New York City Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Other Toys: *Nismo, 120 Lbs. American Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier Posts: 75 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	Hey good luck, I been stocking up on audio items. Let me know how it goes, I may need your tips. BTW, Which Dynaudio component speakers for the doors did you get? My biggest problem on the *Upgrade is replacing the 3 1/2 inch midranges.

08-03-2008	#3 (permalink)
ghostdunks Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Vehicle: SLK280 Posts: 211 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	ooh...another audio install. Awesome, I love reading about this. Pics please and as much info as you can get!

08-04-2008	#8 (permalink)
fleep SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Vehicle: 2005 SLK350 7G Posts: 32 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	Hi guys, The speakers which will be going in the doors are the Sysem 240 Mk2 (essentially the same as the Esotec 242). I had these from my previous install in my SL320. The installers are going to make up new builds inside the door to replace the standard speakers. The tweeter should be placed in the door where the mid bass used to be, next to the Dynaudio 7" mid bass. The only problem could be the lack of room and my knee being in the way - in which case the tweeter will be moved to the stock location. The 13 inch sub in the cockpit is going to be a 'fun' project. It is going to go in the passenger footwell, angled so that you will hopefully not even know it is there (until the bass kicks in). We took the carpet up and there is lots of room when the metal foot rest is removed (The box needs to be about 1 cubic foot). I have asked for plenty of pictures so we should be able to show what happens when you take an SLK to bits and fit stuff which shouldn't be there... Thanks to Dan for his previous help (and I may need some more help!) Any questions, let me know... fleep

08-04-2008	#10 (permalink)
fleep SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Vehicle: 2005 SLK350 7G Posts: 32 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	We looked at the space behind the seats, but I don't think that there is enough space to create a sensible volume within a box once the magnet is in there. On my previous SLK 32 AMG there was a Bose sub there, but I the seats would be right back against the sub, and there is a big risk of damaging sub/seat if the seat moves back and fouls the box. If you have not got Comand (and the AGW) then there is actually a serious amount of space in the passenger footwell when the foam and foot bracket is removed (like 10x the space behind the seats). If all goes to plan, the 13" sub will sit in place and be completely invisble to the passenger, and no room will have been stolen from the footwell. That is the plan, we will have to see how it goes when the box is offered up. The 13" sub is only about 2.5 inches deep so there should be enough room for a .8 cubic ft box, grill and carpet to cover. I agree on the sub in boot/trunk theory. In a single box (i.e. hatchback) car, the sub can be in the boot/trunk as there is no firewall etc in the way and it will sound fine. However, in the SLK there is so much stuff in the way that it would be very muffled before it got to your ears, especially with the lid down.

08-04-2008	#11 (permalink)
Gabus Elite SLK World Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Søgne Vehicle: 96 SLK 230K Other Toys: Volvo L3314N Posts: 427 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 62 Times in 43 Posts	There's already made a sub for the footwell in the R171..... http://www.hub-car.com/index.php?id=71&L=1 __________________ Gabus The Rolls Royce is the Mercedes amongst cars To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-04-2008	#12 (permalink)
Sid Founding Member #5 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 155 Country: Thanks: 34 Thanked 9 Times in 4 Posts	Don't think DynAudio will fit in the doors without modifications. I went with Hertz speakers. They sound really good and are closest to OEM size. You can find the specs on their website: http://www.hertzaudiovideo.com/default_en.htm

08-04-2008	#13 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	If i could just suggest that anything going in the pass footwell keeps that metal support bracket in place. Its not structural or anything but it does keep the carpet up and is meant to protect your feet from cabin penetration/deformation damage in an accident. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-04-2008	#14 (permalink)
fleep SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Vehicle: 2005 SLK350 7G Posts: 32 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	Hmmm, the Hub Audio stuff does looks very nice. Some of the prices are quite steep (€500 for a fascia adaptor?). Do they sell the speaker brackets seperately from the drivers? I don't need the drivers but the mounts may be useful... Also is the sub box handed for RHD as the photos are LHD? The Dynaudios will fit no worries, although there is a load of fabrication to be done to replicate the factory mounts in MDF and Dynamat etc. It will all fit, but the cost of fabricating the speaker mounts will be high. I already have the Dynaudios and have never heard Hertz (and I know of no dealers nearby who sell them) so will be going Danish for now . I did think of the footwell bracket being needed for intrusion, but it may to go. I am the only one in the car 90% of the time so will have to keep my fingers crossed. The box will be securely fixed in and should be more recessed than the Hub Audio if all goes to plan. The carpet should be flat against the floor and the new sub enclosure on top of it.

08-05-2008	#15 (permalink)
Dang SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada Vehicle: 2005 SLK 350 Posts: 50 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 13 Times in 10 Posts	fleep... Do keep us all posted. It sounds very interesting. Am I correct in assuming you don't have the AGW (Audio Gateway)? I would think that would free up a huge amount of space in the footwell. I am curious that the Hub guys claim their sub will fit even if you have the HK audio system (which means you have the AGW right?) I don't quite understand what protects their sub from dirty feet though! Cheers! Dang __________________ 2005 SLK350 6 Speed Manual, Air Scarf, Comand, Nav. OEM Bluetooth Phone, iPod interface and Sat Radio. Orion Blue Metallic

08-05-2008	#16 (permalink)
fleep SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Vehicle: 2005 SLK350 7G Posts: 32 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	Hi Dang, I have the rather limited Audio 20, so no AGW for me. So the footwell is pretty huge for an enclosure (certainly compared to the space elsewhere in the car). The Hub subs look like they intrude a fair way into the footwell, so if the AGW is in place I guess short passengers will be required. My installer took a look at the Hub stuff and thinks it looks OK, but very expensive compared to other options. The amp I ordered has arrived and hopefully it is small enough to hide in the cabin somewhere rather than taking up space in the trunk/boot. I have decided to ditch the 32 band Phoenix Gold EQ, and have ordered the Alpine Audissey EQ instead (since it is about 1/8 the size of the PG EQ 232 and should be decent enough compared to the 'proper' EQ). Cheers, fleep

08-06-2008	#17 (permalink)
fleep SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Vehicle: 2005 SLK350 7G Posts: 32 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	Dan, Can this thread be moved to the R171 thread? Thanks, fleep

08-14-2008	#18 (permalink)
fleep SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Vehicle: 2005 SLK350 7G Posts: 32 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	Hi everyone, Been a while but the install is now underway. I haven't seen the work yet and the car has been away from me for 2 weeks now (delay in getting some parts for the fascia etc), but the installers have sent me some piccies to keep me happy. So far the ground work is done with all the wiring, and Dynamat of doors is done. I have asked them to keep this as stock as possible in order to minimise the aeshetic changes to the car. I like the Crossovers and Imprint EQ hidden in the back. More posts when I get the next load from the guys with the screwdrivers. Cheers

08-14-2008	#19 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Very nice install, looks real clean. Make sure they re-torque those bolts. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-15-2008	#20 (permalink)
MaKEuhigh SLK World Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: New York City Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Other Toys: *Nismo, 120 Lbs. American Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier Posts: 75 Country: Thanks: 20 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	May I ask, Who is doing the work, Location?