Opinions on Rainbow Dash Speakers.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

placo1 · #1 01-07-2004, 01:54 AM

So I've been toying with the idea of cleaning up the sound in my 500E. I'm considering buying new OE Speakers for the Doors and the Rainbow Speakers for the Dashboard.

For those that have purchased and compared the Rainbows, how do they compare. I am interested in Crisp Bright Sound that doesn't distort. Would love to hear some opinions.

Also anyone know if there are any modifications which can be made to the stock Becker Headunit to improve the sound. I'm happy with the system overall but I'm open to minor tweaks.

Thanks in advance for your input.

#2 01-07-2004, 02:00 AM

I'm interested in the same opinions. Just put back in an orig Becker (to keep car as close to oem as possible) instead of PO installed Kenwood. Are Rainbows worth the expense, especially when using a Becker casette HU?

placo1 · #3 01-10-2004, 12:17 PM

I know a few of you guys have installed them, you can PM me your opinion if you prefer.

suginami · #4 01-10-2004, 12:47 PM

Afshin,

I'm pretty sure John (JCE) has rainbow speakers that he put in the dash of his 300E.

He bought them from La Jolla.

rmasteller · #5 01-29-2004, 10:45 AM

I'm interested, too......

placo1 · #6 01-29-2004, 11:58 AM

Paul,

Thank you for the lead on JCE, I've emailed him and I'm going to have a chance to listen to his setup in the coming weeks. I'll post my opinion when I've listed to them for the benefit of everyone else interested. Stay tuned...........

Holeshot · #7 01-30-2004, 11:28 AM

Awesome. The speakers in my 300e sounds like they are filled with sand..

I like he OEM look of the becker but I want a CD as well (without some cheesy FM modulation BS). Did they ever make a CD Becker and how many thousands would it cost me to get one... ?

Hm.. I think I still have the Becker out of my '89 300 I should look it over and see what sort of connections it has on the back (CD changer capable maybe??)

- David

placo1 · #8 01-30-2004, 11:55 AM

Becker did make a 6 Disc CD Changer which worked with a few of their headunits. My car has a Becker H/U with MB CD Changer made by Alpine. I've also seen the same H/U used with the Becker 6 Disc Changer.

I'm sure the H/U that had CD Changer controls also included ports to install a changer. My changer is hardwired from the H/U to the trunk. Talk to Scott at La Jolla Audio, I'm sure he can offer the entire setup necessary. He's also well versed on MB systems and Becker H/U's so you can't go wrong.

Stay tuned for my review on the speakers in the coming weeks.

Holeshot · #9 01-30-2004, 03:31 PM

I know this is still steering off course a bit but I'm thinking mine does not have the capabilities to manage a CD. If I recall the HU's that can do that had a round (DIN) on the back that the changer cables plugged into (I could be wrong).

Our '99 has a re-branded Alpine changer in the back but the HU is marked Bose (I'm pretty sure anway).

anthonyb · #10 01-30-2004, 10:29 PM

Nope, the only way to get a CD to interface with one of those is with an FM modulator changer or a player plugged into a cassette adapter (what I did for years before my head unit died).

Holeshot · #11 01-30-2004, 10:57 PM

Thanx. OK. looking forward to that speaker review (remember pictures are GOOD!)

SCLJA · #12 01-31-2004, 08:44 AM

Any of the becker decks can be internally tapped for aux input for either xm or cd changer or both. The only down side is you still will need a controller to operate the cd changer with. If anyone is in need of this service we can handle it in our repair shop. We can also handle the sale of the product and do a full function set up and ship anywhere. We would just need your radio to be shipped to us. The other consideration is the condition of the unit
as we usually need to do an overhaul before modifyiing. Check in with Cleeve @ www.lajollaaudiorepair.com and he will help you...(becker decks with cdc control started in 1991 with the 1432)

Scott