For owners of a Mercedes Cls 2006 looking to elevate their in-car audio without a complete system overhaul, upgrading the speakers and subwoofer can deliver a significant improvement. This article details a practical upgrade journey, focusing on enhancing sound quality while working within the constraints of the existing Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 COMAND audio system in a Mercedes CLS 2006.
Many Mercedes CLS 2006 models come equipped with the Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 system, which, while decent, can leave audiophiles wanting more, especially in terms of clarity and bass response. The original system in this Mercedes CLS 2006 featured component speakers in the front and rear doors and a subwoofer in the rear deck. To improve upon this setup, a strategic upgrade was implemented, keeping the stock head unit to maintain vehicle integration and aesthetics.
The speaker upgrade focused on efficiency and sound quality. Two sets of Infinity Kappa 60.7cs 6.5-inch component speakers were chosen for both the front and rear doors of the Mercedes CLS 2006. These speakers are 2-ohm, maximizing power from the factory amplifier, and boast a high sensitivity of 95dB. This high sensitivity is crucial when working with the stock amplifier in a Mercedes CLS 2006, ensuring the speakers perform optimally even with the existing power output. The Infinity Kappa series is well-regarded for its clarity and dynamic range, making them a suitable choice for a Mercedes CLS 2006 audio enhancement.
For the low-end frequencies in this Mercedes CLS 2006, a Pioneer Premier TS-SW1041D 10-inch shallow mount subwoofer was selected. Shallow mount subwoofers are ideal for installations where space is limited, such as in the rear deck of a Mercedes CLS 2006. This Pioneer subwoofer, with a 4-ohm impedance matching the original subwoofer, and an 87dB sensitivity, provides deeper and tighter bass compared to the factory unit. While not designed for extreme bass-heavy music genres, it offers a significant improvement in musicality and complements a wide range of music styles, perfect for enhancing the audio experience in a Mercedes CLS 2006. A custom low-profile enclosure was fabricated to ensure the new subwoofer fit seamlessly into the original location in the Mercedes CLS 2006, preserving valuable trunk space.
Addressing sound quality goes beyond just speaker selection. To combat unwanted vibrations and road noise in the Mercedes CLS 2006, Dynamat sound dampening material was installed in both the doors and the rear deck. This is a critical step in any car audio upgrade. Sound dampening minimizes resonance and external noise, allowing the speakers to perform at their best and ensuring that the sound you hear is clean and focused. For any Mercedes CLS 2006 owner considering speaker upgrades, sound dampening is a highly recommended investment to maximize the impact of new speakers.
The result of these upgrades in the Mercedes CLS 2006 is a car audio system that sounds significantly more refined and enjoyable. The improved clarity from the Infinity component speakers and the tighter, more musical bass from the Pioneer subwoofer create a listening experience that is closer to what one would expect in a luxury vehicle. Whether listening to FM radio, satellite radio, CDs, or digital music players in the Mercedes CLS 2006, the enhanced audio quality is immediately noticeable across various music genres, from rock and jazz to classical.
While the stock COMAND head unit was retained in this Mercedes CLS 2006 upgrade to maintain factory integration, further enhancements could be considered in the future. Exploring aftermarket head units that offer expanded features like DVD playback, Bluetooth connectivity, GPS navigation, and compatibility with modern media sources, while retaining steering wheel controls and fiber optic wiring compatibility for the Mercedes CLS 2006, could be a future step for even greater audio and infotainment capabilities.
For Mercedes CLS 2006 owners interested in replicating this audio upgrade, the Infinity Kappa speakers are readily available online for approximately $150 per pair, and the Pioneer Premier subwoofer can be found for around $110. Including the cost of the speakers, subwoofer, sound dampening materials, custom enclosure, and professional installation, the total investment for this comprehensive audio upgrade in the Mercedes CLS 2006 was approximately $1,300. This represents a worthwhile expenditure for those seeking a substantial improvement in their Mercedes CLS 2006’s audio system without extensive modifications.
