For owners of a 2006 Mercedes Benz CLS 500 looking to enhance their in-car audio experience without a complete system overhaul, upgrading the speakers and subwoofer can make a significant difference. This guide explores a practical approach to improving sound quality while retaining the factory head unit and minimizing modifications to your Mercedes Benz Cls 2006.
Many enthusiasts find the standard audio system in the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 lacking in certain areas, particularly in clarity and bass response. One straightforward solution is to replace the factory speakers with higher-quality aftermarket components. In this case, Infinity Kappa 60.7cs 6 1/2 inch component speakers were selected for both the front and rear doors of the CLS 500. These speakers are notable for their 2-ohm impedance and high sensitivity (95db), making them an efficient match for the power output of the stock Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 COMAND audio system in the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006. This efficiency ensures that the new speakers can deliver improved sound without requiring additional amplification, keeping the upgrade process relatively simple.
To address the bass frequencies, a Pioneer Premier TS-SW1041D 10 inch shallow mount subwoofer was chosen as a replacement for the original unit in the rear deck of the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006. This subwoofer, with its 4-ohm impedance matching the stock subwoofer, and a sensitivity of 87 db, is designed to provide deeper and tighter bass without consuming excessive power. A custom, low-profile enclosure was fabricated to ensure the new Pioneer subwoofer fit seamlessly into the existing location, preserving valuable trunk space in the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006. While not intended for extreme bass enthusiasts, this subwoofer offers a significant improvement for most music genres, complementing the clarity of the Infinity component speakers.
Beyond just speaker replacement, addressing sound dampening is crucial for maximizing audio quality in the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006. Dynamat was installed in both doors and the rear deck to minimize road noise and unwanted vibrations. This sound dampening material creates a more acoustically favorable environment for the speakers, allowing for clearer and more impactful sound reproduction. For anyone upgrading speakers in their Mercedes Benz CLS 2006, incorporating sound dampening is highly recommended for achieving the best possible audio results.
The result of this speaker and subwoofer upgrade in the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 is a significantly enhanced audio experience. The improved clarity from the Infinity speakers and the tighter, more musical bass from the Pioneer subwoofer elevate the sound quality across various audio sources, including FM radio, satellite radio, CDs, and portable music players. The overall sound now more closely resembles what one would expect in a luxury vehicle, making music enjoyment in the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 a much more satisfying experience.
While the stock COMAND head unit was retained in this upgrade, the owner expresses interest in future replacement options. The ideal aftermarket head unit for the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006 would offer features like DVD, Bluetooth, GPS, iPod integration, satellite radio, and HD radio, while maintaining compatibility with the car’s vehicle management systems, steering wheel controls, and fiber optic wiring. For now, the speaker and subwoofer upgrade provides a substantial audio improvement for the Mercedes Benz CLS 2006, demonstrating that significant enhancements can be achieved without a complete system overhaul.
