I have a 2000 c230 with the stock head unit (non-bose) i would like to ad a subwoofer (2 10-inch subs) and a 600watt amp to the system. I would like to know if anyone knows if i will have to get a new head unit or how this will sound in my car. The stock system is pretty bad and i would like to add some bass to help out the speakers some.

What the heck are all those 600 watts going to drive? The subs? Are you looking for a bass pounder, or quality of sound? Hooking 600 watts to some subs to the stock system will create overwhelming bass with little clarity on the front end.

If you're unhappy with the stock system, but want to keep the stock Alpine head unit, you should replace the front speakers with some high quality units. Think about replacing the rear door speakers with a some mid bass units, and build a nice sealed enclosure for the trunk. 600 watts (from a good quality amp) costs more than all the goodies you need for a nice system. If you're looking at 600 "cheap" watts, the amp will never get near that output, and will probably clip itself to death in short order anyway. A really good 100 watt amp will provide more real power and 100X better sound. Don't look at watts, but at getting the best sound quality you can afford.

Keeping the stock system requires using high-level imputs to your sub driver amp, which is a compromise, but can be done with good results. If I remember correctly, PPI has some decent gear that accepts high level inputs.

Adding bass will not "help" the stock speakers. Swapping them out will. Keep it simple, and buy good quality gear, and you'll come out ahead. And hey, running your main power line for your amp will be a snap, as the battery is in the trunk. Just make sure you put a fuse on that line. I've seen a few kids burn their rides down cheapening out and not fusing their main power line.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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Okay,

What about this set up.

Sony 50Watt Head unit (XM ready)
Infinity 6" separates in front
Infinity 6" x 9" in rear
Alpine 100 watt (4 channel) to push inside speakers
Rockford Fosgate 1200 watt amplifier
Focal 13" partially enclosed sub pushed by Rockford

Is this too much power?