For owners of a Mercedes Cls 2007 looking to enhance their driving experience, upgrading the car’s audio system can make a significant difference. While the stock Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 system in the CLS is decent, there’s considerable room for improvement in clarity, bass, and overall sound quality. This article explores a practical upgrade path focusing on speaker and subwoofer replacement, while retaining the original head unit to maintain the car’s integrated systems and aesthetics.
One effective approach to dramatically improve the audio experience in a Mercedes CLS 2007 is to replace the factory speakers and subwoofer. In this instance, upgrading to Infinity Kappa 60.7cs component speakers in both the front and rear doors offered a marked enhancement. These 6.5-inch component speakers are known for their efficiency and clarity, making them an excellent choice for those wanting to maximize the output from the stock amplifier. Their 2-ohm impedance and high sensitivity rating of 95dB at 1 watt ensures they make the most of the existing power from the Harman/Kardon system in the Mercedes CLS 2007.
To complement the upgraded component speakers, replacing the factory subwoofer is crucial for a fuller sound spectrum. A Pioneer Premier TS-SW1041D 10-inch shallow mount subwoofer was chosen as an ideal solution for the Mercedes CLS 2007. Shallow mount subwoofers are particularly beneficial as they can often fit into the factory subwoofer location without sacrificing valuable trunk space. A custom, low-profile enclosure was fabricated to ensure the Pioneer subwoofer seamlessly integrated into the original subwoofer area in the rear deck of the Mercedes CLS 2007. This subwoofer, with its 4-ohm impedance matching the original and a sensitivity of 87dB at 1 watt, provides tighter and more musical bass compared to the boomy and less defined sound of the factory 12-inch subwoofer. It’s important to note that while this subwoofer delivers substantial bass improvement suitable for most music genres, those primarily listening to bass-heavy music like rap might seek even more powerful options.
Addressing sound quality in a Mercedes CLS 2007 goes beyond just speaker and subwoofer upgrades. Sound dampening is a critical step often overlooked. To minimize road noise and unwanted vibrations that can muddy the sound, Dynamat sound dampening material was installed in both doors and the rear deck of the Mercedes CLS 2007. Investing in sound dampening during a speaker upgrade is highly recommended as it ensures the new speakers perform optimally by reducing resonance and external noise interference. This allows for a cleaner, more focused sound reproduction within the cabin of the Mercedes CLS 2007.
The result of these upgrades in the Mercedes CLS 2007 is a significantly improved car audio system that retains the factory COMAND head unit’s integration with vehicle systems. The enhanced clarity from the Infinity speakers and the tighter, more musical bass from the Pioneer subwoofer transform the listening experience across various music genres, from rock and jazz to classical and everything in between. The overall sound quality now more closely resembles what one would expect in a high-end luxury vehicle. While the current setup provides a substantial improvement, the next planned upgrade for this Mercedes CLS 2007 is to replace the stock COMAND head unit with a more modern, feature-rich aftermarket unit that ideally maintains compatibility with steering wheel controls, vehicle management systems, and the fiber optic wiring of the car. Recommendations for high-quality, expandable COMAND-type head units are welcomed.
For those considering a similar audio upgrade for their Mercedes CLS 2007, the Infinity Kappa 60.7cs speakers are typically available online for around $150 per pair, and the Pioneer Premier TS-SW1041D subwoofer for approximately $110. The total cost of this comprehensive upgrade, including speakers, subwoofer, sound dampening material, custom subwoofer enclosure, and professional installation, amounted to approximately $1,300. This investment delivers a remarkable improvement in audio fidelity for the Mercedes CLS 2007, enhancing every drive with a richer and more immersive sound experience.
