Mercedes GLB help

[Zarra]

Hello,

I'm getting a new Mercedes GLB as my company car, to use for the next 3 years.

The car has no extras (basic version), and has the basic 110w sound system (6 speakers total - 1 tweeter and 1 woofer on each front door, and 1 woofer/full-range on the back doors).

I want to upgrade the sound quality (with a limited budget (~750USD) since the car is not mine), and three options were presented to me, by the several car audio shops I talked to:

A) Install a DSP amplifier (e.g. MATCH PP-62DSP or M5DSP MK2) and maintain the stock speakers

B) Install a "regular" amplifier (e.g. ESX QM400.4), and change only the front speakers (e.g. Morel Maximum), keeping the back speakers stock - I could also add a simple subwoofer for about ~100USD extra on my budget

C) Change all 6 speakers for a "good" set (e.g. Focal Performance) and maintain the stock amplifier - cheaper option

From what I read, the trend now is people to install DSP amplifiers.
However I feel I would get a better sound quality with option B than from option A.

Since I'm no expert, what should I go with the stock speakers and only a "new tech" DSP amplifier (option A), or put an "old tech" amplifier and new front and subwoofer speakers?

One of the shops gave me an alert about doing this hybrid solution (B), saying that the Mercedes car system would block the sound or event play it very low on the front/amplified speakers (since it would detect this power change has a "short circuit").

What do you think?
Should I go "new tech" or "old tech"? Option C? Or even a D one no one told me about?

PS: I am from Europe, I usually listen to vocals and accoustic/unplugged music (via CarPlay or USB flacs), and I usually drive alone.

Click to read more...

 

[CarAudio.com - Hal AI Bots]

Hello,

I'm getting a new Mercedes GLB as my company car, to use for the next 3 years.

The car has no extras (basic version), and has the basic 110w sound system (6 speakers total - 1 tweeter and 1 woofer on each front door, and 1 woofer/full-range on the back doors).

I want to upgrade the sound quality (with a limited budget (~750USD) since the car is not mine), and three options were presented to me, by the several car audio shops I talked to:

A) Install a DSP amplifier (e.g. MATCH PP-62DSP or M5DSP MK2) and maintain the stock speakers

B) Install a "regular" amplifier (e.g. ESX QM400.4), and change only the front speakers (e.g. Morel Maximum), keeping the back speakers stock - I could also add a simple subwoofer for about ~100USD extra on my budget

C) Change all 6 speakers for a "good" set (e.g. Focal Performance) and maintain the stock amplifier - cheaper option

From what I read, the trend now is people to install DSP amplifiers.
However I feel I would get a better sound quality with option B than from option A.

Since I'm no expert, what should I go with the stock speakers and only a "new tech" DSP amplifier (option A), or put an "old tech" amplifier and new front and subwoofer speakers?

One of the shops gave me an alert about doing this hybrid solution (B), saying that the Mercedes car system would block the sound or event play it very low on the front/amplified speakers (since it would detect this power change has a "short circuit").

What do you think?
Should I go "new tech" or "old tech"? Option C? Or even a D one no one told me about?

PS: I am from Europe, I usually listen to vocals and accoustic/unplugged music (via CarPlay or USB flacs), and I usually drive alone.

Upgrading the sound system in your car can significantly enhance your listening experience, especially for the type of music you enjoy. Let's analyze the options you've presented:

### Option A: DSP Amplifier with Stock Speakers
- **Pros:**
- The DSP (Digital Signal Processor) can optimize the sound quality and tailor it to the acoustics of your car.
- Maintains the warranty for your stock speakers.
- Easier to integrate with your car's existing system.
- **Cons:**
- You may not see a significant improvement in sound quality compared to upgrading the speakers, as the stock speakers may still limit performance.

### Option B: Regular Amplifier with New Front Speakers and Subwoofer
- **Pros:**
- Upgrading the front speakers and adding a subwoofer can provide a more noticeable improvement in sound quality.
- Regular amplifiers can offer good power and sound enhancement.
- **Cons:**
- There is a risk that the car's system may detect the changes and limit the sound output.
- Potential installation complexity due to the hybrid setup.

### Option C: Change All Speakers with Stock Amplifier
- **Pros:**
- A full speaker upgrade can lead to a significant improvement in sound quality across the board.
- More straightforward installation since you won't be dealing with an external amplifier.
- **Cons:**
- You may not achieve the same power and sound control that an amplifier could provide.
- Depending on the speakers chosen, it might still fall short of your expectations for sound quality.

### Considerations
- **Sound Quality Preference:** Since you listen to vocals and acoustic music, clarity and detail are important. Upgrading to high-quality speakers (like Focal) may provide a more satisfying experience.
- **Budget:** Your budget is a significant factor. If you opt for a full speaker upgrade (Option C), ensure you're getting good quality for the price.
- **Integration Issues:** The warning about the hybrid setup (Option B) is valid. Some car systems can be finicky with changes in power, which might lead to issues with sound output.

### Recommendation
If you prioritize sound quality and are willing to take the risk of potential integration issues, **Option B** with a regular amplifier, new front speakers, and a subwoofer is likely to give you the best sound for your musical preferences. If you want to play it safe and ensure everything works seamlessly, **Option C** is a solid choice, especially with high-quality speakers.

### Alternative Option D
If possible, consider a combination of upgrading the front speakers and using a DSP amplifier. It may provide good sound quality without the integration issues of a regular amplifier, giving you the best of both worlds.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific preferences, how much risk you’re willing to take with the installation, and your priorities for sound quality versus system integrity.

 

[RobGMN Premium Member]

Have you listened to that system in another car yet? Kind of hard to make suggestions on what you need, without knowing what you need.

Not uncommon for a factory system to sound pretty poor, until you simply add some bottom end to it. That can actually make even the crappiest speakers sound more than passable.

If the stock setup sounds reasonably decent, putting in a DSP-capable amp in place of stock, adding a sub, and dialing it all in might be all you'd ever need. But...doing all that with even better speakers might be what you WANT.

Some people are happy with an FM transmitter connected to an iPod, some are only happy with a TOTL system.
Where do you place yourself in that range?

 

[1aespinoza Premium Member]

What do you think?
Should I go "new tech" or "old tech"? Option C? Or even a D one no one told me about?

There is an option F that some may not like. I have "upgraded" a few peoples audio with the addition of just a brighter tweeter. I noticed most OEM radios have a balanced midrange but subdued highs. Just that addition of piezo tweeters makes an noticable improvement. The tweeters I use only cost about $25 so not a big loss if it is not what you are looking for.

 

[Old_Slapper]

Hello,

I'm getting a new Mercedes GLB as my company car, to use for the next 3 years.

The car has no extras (basic version), and has the basic 110w sound system (6 speakers total - 1 tweeter and 1 woofer on each front door, and 1 woofer/full-range on the back doors).

I want to upgrade the sound quality (with a limited budget (~750USD) since the car is not mine), and three options were presented to me, by the several car audio shops I talked to:

A) Install a DSP amplifier (e.g. MATCH PP-62DSP or M5DSP MK2) and maintain the stock speakers

B) Install a "regular" amplifier (e.g. ESX QM400.4), and change only the front speakers (e.g. Morel Maximum), keeping the back speakers stock - I could also add a simple subwoofer for about ~100USD extra on my budget

C) Change all 6 speakers for a "good" set (e.g. Focal Performance) and maintain the stock amplifier - cheaper option

From what I read, the trend now is people to install DSP amplifiers.
However I feel I would get a better sound quality with option B than from option A.

Since I'm no expert, what should I go with the stock speakers and only a "new tech" DSP amplifier (option A), or put an "old tech" amplifier and new front and subwoofer speakers?

One of the shops gave me an alert about doing this hybrid solution (B), saying that the Mercedes car system would block the sound or event play it very low on the front/amplified speakers (since it would detect this power change has a "short circuit").

What do you think?
Should I go "new tech" or "old tech"? Option C? Or even a D one no one told me about?

PS: I am from Europe, I usually listen to vocals and accoustic/unplugged music (via CarPlay or USB flacs), and I usually drive alone.

It is possible that your Factory amps will not work without seeing the proper speaker load. Mercedes have had this problem, along with other luxury vehicles. So, adding an aftermarket amp might not work. I would hate to tell you it will work, but then you end up having this issue.

However, if you are able to add and amp, I would add a DSP and a good 4-ch amp. The factory speakers are not bad. They are actually pretty decent. It's just the head unit that is putting out crappy sound. Especially when it comes to the midrange.

 

[slater]

If you insist on doing something...
Due to the fact that its not yours, you def dont want to go all in...
Think you would get most out of dsp / amp combo on the stock speakers, & add the sub.
Some stock speakers can sound good if you dial them in & give them some more power.