PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

bjcsc · #9 02-08-2003, 12:04 AM

Sounds like you have a good plan. Although Bose satellite type systems may not be available for car audio, many others are close. The concept is the basis of component systems. However, these systems are high performance, and like anything else that is, require very specific installation, imaging, phasing, etc.. I think most audio manufacturers stay away from it because it is not going to be a "plug and play" experience for the customer. You really have to know what you're doing to set a component system up to where it will perform to the level of money you'll spend getting it. You can bet car manufacturers have engineered specific components to specific cars taking into account weird details like the cubic feet of the cabin and trunk, door cavity volumes and all that stuff. That performance would be a hard DIY duplication. If they tried to sell a "kit" promising high end results, they'd be more likely to end up with a customer service nightmare. However, when trying to get more bass in my 300CD (I play bass, both electric and upright so I miss it when I don't hear it) I had similar concerns as you. I wanted nothing in my trunk, no first aid kit augmentation/removal, no cutting into door panels or hat shelf. My factory speakers still work well, but fronts are 3.5" and only 4"s in the rear. After much research, I decided on a Blaupunkt Powered Sub. It is small enough to fit under the rear of the passenger seat (the usefulness or lack thereof you may be familiar with in the CD), totally out of view. It works absolutely great. Essentially, I have a satellite/sub system that sounds great and required zero modifications to my vehicle's originality. It's no boom car license plate rattler (who wants that anyway), but the sound is nice and full. I will be interested to see how it turns out for you.

As far as at home goes, I have an Aiwa NSX-V90 (bookshelf type system) that I've had since 1996. It has 5 speakers, all the Dolby Surround stuff, and an amplified subwoofer (that will rattle the windows) I think I only paid around $450 for the whole setup. Bose is nice, but so are Bentleys. Anyway have fun experimenting!