I have no problems with the fader in my car. I have the original Becker with new Pioneers all around under the factory covers (even in the back). The problem with splicing into the front wires as I found with the SL is that the smaller front speakers tended to drown out the larger rears the required more power to equal the volume. The fader will balance the power. The stock system does have plenty of power from the 2 channel head unit for 4 moderate size speakers, provided you don't listen to that noise called rap and have a passion for trying to blow out speakers.

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Adam Lumsden
(83) 300D
Vice-President of the MBCA International Stars Section