ESX Qe120 Speakers for W124 and others - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bengoshi2000 · #1 01-20-2018, 08:36 AM

I picked up this 4 speaker kit on Amazon for a mere $150 shipped (drop shipped from Germany).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MX404SO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8

It arrived in 4 days via FedEx. It was reasonably well packaged. Shipping box had some damage but the product boxes themselves were unscathed. Here are some pics and my impressions...

Comparing the stockers to the Qe120's:

The rear deck speaker thrown in for comparison...

The rear deck mounting rings and speaker terminal adapters...

The rings allow these new 120mm speakers to fit into the rear deck. They lined up well, and installing the rings was a breeze.

The first snag: When I popped the speaker into the ring, it was loose. There was about a 1/16th inch gap which would allow the speaker to flop around. I tried bending the metal mounting tabs to no avail. So I had some gasket material I had leftover from a subwoofer build. I put that around the edge and the speaker fit perfectly. I wish it wasn't white, but I had it on hand.

I hit the second snag installing the front dash speakers. The metal mounting tabs on the new speakers were slightly different. I had to do some bending of the tabs to get them to engage properly. A minor frustration considering they fit perfectly.

I'll be back soon with my SQ impressions...

Bengoshi2000 · #2 01-22-2018, 06:48 AM

Note: I installed a Kenwood KMM-BT322U head unit and ran new wires from that hu to the speakers. Initially, I tried hooking into the stock speakers... they sounded thin and muffled. If they were hitting 150hz-10khz, I'd be surprised.

No doubt, these ESX speakers are a distinct improvement over stock. To my ear, they sound like they are getting down to 80 or 90 hz and up to 20khz. I doubt that's flat... probably down 4-5 db at 80hz. The tweeters are harsh. (I had a pair of Energy speakers on my home theater system that I got rid of due to the harsh tweeters... these ESX were about as painful.) I eq'd the high end down a couple notches... MUCH better. I also had to tone down the 150hz range to prevent NPR from sounding like Charlie Brown's teachers.

Now this is without any play in/break in time. I expect as these loosen up the SQ will improve. They will never have the bottom end that I want, so I'm thinking about getting a small 2ch amp to run a set of woofers in the doors... but that's a project for another day.

If you want/need to replace your stock 120mm speakers without breaking the bank, this ESX kit provides drop in convenience with much improved sound over stock.

Maxbumpo · #3 03-07-2019, 09:01 AM

Thanks, just what I think I need. My '95 124 sedan has six speakers, any thoughts about replacements for the middle set (in the front doors)?

Maxbumpo · #4 03-07-2019, 09:05 AM

Well bummer, Amazon doesn't have that available anymore.

Ian White · #5 03-04-2021, 05:47 PM

Source for the adapters, for posterity:

https://www.tme.com/us/en-us/details/ram-20.422_k/plastic-mounting-accessories/acv/271190-03-0/

back-seat-driver · #6 03-23-2021, 07:08 PM

I installed a pair of these in my wagon (euro import with only 2 front speakers) and a powered Blaupunkt subwoofer that sits in the hatch. Powered by a Continental/ VDO TR7412- UB head unit.

Sounds fantastic!!! For being just two speakers.