W204 C63 - sound system

[bazzabear]

How much of an improvement is the Harmon/Kardon sound system? Am I right that it was an option, so not all cars will have it?

Thanks for any answers!

[Aquanaut]

Sounds good to me, an yes it was an option...much better than standard, well worth having

[bazzabear]

Thanks! Well worth knowing that.

[ZX10R NIN]

Don't make it a deal breaker a good audio specialist will be able to retrofit a better sounding system, the best part is when I removed the speakers my HK speakers they were the same as the none HK system, it seems the HK comprises of a better amp & subwoofer added.

[popeyewhite]

ZX10R NIN said:

Don't make it a deal breaker a good audio specialist will be able to retrofit a better sounding system, the best part is when I removed the speakers my HK speakers they were the same as the none HK system, it seems the HK comprises of a better amp & subwoofer added.

It's the sub and and amp that are the problem IMO. I left the speakers and had an Audison setup installed. I also had to leave the sub in the end because it's hard to replace without messing about and bass can be improved enough to rattle the rear windows. Just.

[petjam]

Yes was an option (£541.67 without the VAT for the fellow nerds).

I never heard one without but I was a fan of the HK setup.

[dougt]

My 2010 car has the standard system, I'm no expert but it sounds pretty reasonable to me. I thought it was an improvement over the standard system in my previous M92 M3.

[SwissJonese]

I had it in a C350 estate, was a lovely system, good bass. Yes you can get better aftermarket for the price but it was a nice option to have included in a 2nd hand car.

[irfan1712]

when picking my C63 last summer i sat in a Coupe with the HK, and a facelift saloon with the standard system.

im an audiophile and honestly, in the real world, i'd be disappointed if i bought that car new and spent the extra £500 on the HK. It sounded very very poor and most people on MBCLUB will say the same (which is what i learnt before going to see the car but needed to hear it in person!)

i think the standard system is still very good for a standard system. I did plan on a full Focal and Genesis Audio set up as i have in my Transporter, but honestly honestly, the noise of this car means the sound system is on low for a lot of the driving. i wouldn't mind a bit more Bass but i'd say an under the seat slimline sub would have to be installed in a saloon, as the cabin is so well insulated that installing subs in the boot wouldn't have a brilliant impact. unless it/they was a total monster.

[garylythgoe]

I honestly can't fault the standard system. I think it sounds pretty good.

[dnhc]

i thought the sound system on a c63 was the exhaust note.

[gizlaroc]

I think the Mercs standard systems are very good.

Plus with the standard system you can easily have a 4 channel amp fitted if you want better for around £150-300 depending if you install it yourself, at a later date.