Speakers in kick panels - 300CE - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JSlabotsky · #1 07-25-2003, 02:13 AM

Is it in any way possible to put some 6.5" speakers in the kick panels of a W124 coupe? If not, what's the least intrusive way to mount some 6.5" midbass speakers in the front of a W124 coupe?

What I'm looking to do is install 6.5" midbass somewhere in front, keep my Rainbows in the dash, and subwoofer in the back. Ideally I'll use an electronic crossover and 5 amp channels to power it all.

Suggestions? Anything? I need inspiration for my system design..

gsxr · #2 07-28-2003, 08:26 PM

Jay,

Jehnert Sound Design has a killer system for your 124 coupe:

http://www.jehnert.de/en/

Select "Daimler Chrysler", then "W124 Cabrio/Coupe". They make custom doorboards that accept FOUR, count 'em FOUR, 6.5-inch midbass drivers for each door. They sell MB Quart drivers to go with them, but you can buy the panels bare and install whatever speakers you want (Focal, etc). The idea is you won't need a subwoofer with a total of eight 6.5's... or, you will get incredibly tight/punchy midbass with serious low-end extension if you also put a sub in the trunk.

I ordered the full Jehhert setup (with speakers) for my W124 sedan a few weeks ago, I expect it to arrive any day now. Can't wait! Couldn't find anything else on the market that even came close. Only downside is the cost, but if you get quotes from custom-fabricated setups from real pro shops, suddenly the Jehnert isn't so pricey...!

HTH,

JSlabotsky · #3 07-28-2003, 08:48 PM

I've come up with a new strategy to mount an 8" woofer in each door. It will require modifying the map pockets, but it should look pretty good. Initially I'll make the mounts out of MDF. If I decide I like them, I'll probably make a fiberglass version later.

Hmm.. If I could make some that look good, I wonder what folks on the message board would pay for them? I know I could make out pretty well and still sell them for way less than the Jenhert door boards.

gsxr · #4 07-28-2003, 08:51 PM

Problem is, fit & finish need to meet Mercedes quality standards, and that is very hard to attain without serious design & engineering time. Let us know how it works out though, & post photos too!

JSlabotsky · #5 07-29-2003, 10:20 AM

My only Benz experience is with my 1990 124 chassis. Meeting those "fit and finish standards" doesn't intimidate me. Make it a shape that fits in with the rest of the panel, then cover in MBTex and it should look just fine.

I know what snobs we Benz guys are, so I won't even bother trying to sell some unless they come out looking like an OEM part.

Will keep you posted....

gsxr · #6 07-29-2003, 11:42 AM

Sounds good, Jay! You should be able to buy MB Tex by the yard (?) at your dealer to cover the panels with. I can try to dig up part numbers from the EPC if you'd like...

Nash50 · #7 08-08-2003, 09:01 PM

If you are going to put speakers in the kick panels they need to be crossed over at about 170-250 hz because otherwise there will be no cavity to control the backpressure of the woofer unless you construct some sort of a fiberglass enclosure..If you don't do this you will get woofer doubling or as we affectionately call it woofer wap....

JSlabotsky · #8 08-10-2003, 08:53 PM

I have decided to use some Stillwater Designs 8" midbass speakers in the doors. They work just fine in a freeair setup. However, I'm considering making an aperiodic enclosure to control cone movement. If you're not familiar with the concept, you might find it interesting. Here's a link to a company that has some innovative products, including aperiodic membrane material:

http://www.usdaudio.com/