Audio Recommendations Sought

[corbitt]

I am hoping to improve the sound fidelity in my 1981 SL380. The vehicle has a MB Becker receiver/cassette tape player, but it is not the original Becker deck. I have replaced the speakers, but that can only do so much. Overall, the car is in beautiful, original condition.

My intent has been to retain the old MB Becker deck, partly for appearance (historical integrity), and partly to discourage criminal interest. However, I am of weakening fortitude as I want good audio when cruising with the top down. A deck with a detachable face-plate could discourage criminal interest.

Your suggestions are requested! Thank you!

[okyoureabeast]

Pedantic, bit it's a 380SL. The letters, numbering, and vehicle quality didn't change until the 90s.

Honestly, I would worry too much about radio theft anymore. It's not the 80s

You have a few options. To be honest, if you want an OE look but with features, there's a Continental head unit floating around that matches the look without annoying disco lights.

You could also spend cash on a period correct Becker unit and replace the speakers. However, these radios absolutely suck in quality. Becker Auto Sound has a service where they will supposedly "upgrade" the unit with Bluetooth and an amp output. I don't know how good they are and it's really costly ($500).

I went el cheapo with a Bluetooth CD player head unit and 2 drop in 4.5inch speakers I got from Walmart on clearance.

Anything you get over stock is an upgrade even if you cheap out. The quality difference is immense. Top down driving and music blaring is great.

Guess the better question Is what is your budget?

[corbitt]

I will look into the Contintental products. I guess since you also own an early 80's 380SL, you have some standing to cast shade on this model. My SL is close to pristine and I know I won't be going the elcheapo, Walmart route. Your referral to Contintental may give me a place to start and is appreciated.

[okyoureabeast]

Originally Posted by corbitt

I will look into the Contintental products. I guess since you also own an early 80's 380SL, you have some standing to cast shade on this model. My SL is close to pristine and I know I won't be going the elcheapo, Walmart route. Your referral to Contintental may give me a place to start and is appreciated.

Nah, just being my hooliganistic self. Don't sully the good name of our cars with the likes of those 1990s+ monsters

Since cost isn't a concern, definitely check out https://www.beckerautosound.com/

They also sell period correct Beckers which you can have modified for bluetooth and an amplifier upgrade.

Speaker wise, there are a lot of options. Like I said, even cheapo speakers from walmart are an upgrade over stock so the sky is the limit in what you can spend.

There's a thread over on Benzworld where a member Nobby put in a very advanced speaker system that audiophiles would drool at.

I'd start with the headunit (deciding features and needs) and then working backwards.

Good luck!