W124 audio upgrade (update)

[dieseldude]

Well, finally got the time last night to install the new front dash speakers in the 420, and thought I'd comment on the 'speaker only upgrade' and my impressions.

First, I chose only to replace the front dash units for now. Since they are the most repsonsible for setting the soundstage and being closest to the driver and passenger, I though I'd wait to see how replacing just these sounded.
The speakers are Rainbow Soundline models (made in germany specially for the front dash locations in the W124's). Thanks Scot at LaJolla Audio for the recomendation. They're not cheap at $120 pair, but they are high quality, and plug right into the factory harness, and 'drop-in' to the factory locations with no modification. I should note that they are more like 'push-really-hard-in' units They secure very firmly in the factory holes - with clips almost identical to the factory units. There will be no unwanted vibrations from these puppies!

My friend and I listened to a combination of music before the install to have a reference point. The Braveheart Soundtrack, and Dave Matthews Band Crash disks. Both have very high production quality and great frequency range for their respective genres.

The Rainbows, being a two-way setup immediately sounded brighter, in the highs, and with much improved definition. The imaging really came alive and the sighing violins and whistling Scottish flutes of Braveheart had a spaciousness they previously lacked.

Mid bass was also better defined, I assume from a more rigid cone material. A sub in the future will round out the bass perfectly and I think that for about $500-600 I will have a very pleasurable system to listen to.

People talk to no end at how crappy the stock systems are, but mine is easily as good as the 'premium' Bose system in my Brother-in-law's '99 E320, probably better imo.

Neither my buddy who helped with the install, or myself are true audiophiles, but he has installed many high end stereos in friends' cars (who have competed and won in SCAA events), and his observation was the the speaker placement in my late W124 was quite good, and the overall sound even before the upgrade was impressive for a stock systems. I tend to agree. He hopes to get his restored 83 ur Quattro's sound sytem to equal that of mine.

Anyway, there's my very anectdotal experience for you all to chew on I'll report more when I get around to adding a sub, though that's probably a couple months away yet. Another thanks to all who contributed to my first inquisitive posts before starting this project.

Regards,
- Ryan

Where did you get the Rainbow Soundline speakers? Is there someplace on the web? I'm looking to upgrade the system in my 95 E320.

Brent

[dieseldude]

While I found Rainbow's home site after some searching, you can't purchase online from what I saw.

A forum member of ours Scott, from LaJolla Audio (San Diego area) www.lajollaaudio.com turned me on to them and handled the transaction for me. He is a great guy and answered all the questions I had in a timely manner.

Good luck!
- Ryan

[jsmith]

haven't seen a car audio issue that Scott hasn't fielded. i'm really glad he's on this forum..

Maybe Scott will reply to my "W124 with Alpine CDA-7894 and CHA-S634?" thread...! wink wink...nudge nudge

[SCLJA]

As I have worked on the cars for over 20 years I am happy to share knowledge with people that appreciate it! It makes me feel good that I can help you guys! I feel sorry that there are not enough shops out there that have the experience and confidence to be able to work on your cars and answer your questions. I have been fortunate to be exposed to a lot more than most as I not only sell and install but also handle trouble shooting even for the local dealers when asked.

Scott@lajollaaudio

[czwbkx]

Ryan,

How did you remove the front dash speaker grilles? I'll contact your source for Rainbows once I'm sure I can get them in!

Ray

[Ashman]

you have to pry off the screw covering strip. start at the front, and go slowly as to not break it.

once out, you remove a screw at the front and back, then remove the grill by pulling it towards the center of the dash and towards yourself.

Once out, you can pry the old speaker out fairly easily.

Let me know if you want me to post the pdf fromt he cdrom manual on it.

Alon