04 MB ML350 radio recommendations

[Bob Kontak]

Daughter's head unit/rear CD rack is crapping out.

She wants a refresh. Big ol' thing right now. Double DIN.

Anybody with recommendations on a non "light show" set up?

Simple but functional.

[Bob Kontak]

Been looking at Crutchfield. Although, a touch more expensive they have a good website.

Alpine and Kenwood ()from a few forum discussions) seem to have all the connections down to where they are not show stoppers for install.

If both were $250 which would you buy? Really just looking for a brand I can trust the more I research.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I've read that Alpine quality has gone downhill in recent years, back in the day when I used to install big stereo systems they were the big thing. I've had multiple Kenwoods and always had good luck. My boat has the original Kenwood HU from 2009 and it still works great, which was a surprise.

Crutchfield is a great company, and they do a good job of providing instructions and everything you need for install.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Been looking at Crutchfield. Although, a touch more expensive they have a good website.

Alpine and Kenwood ()from a few forum discussions) seem to have all the connections down to where they are not show stoppers for install.

If both were $250 which would you buy? Really just looking for a brand I can trust the more I research.

I'd probably add Pioneer to the mix as well. First I'd narrow it down to those with features that she would consider must-haves.
For example, if she wants the latest compatibility/usability options with her phone, some models are more Apple-friendly (Apple Carplay) and some are more Android-friendly (Android Auto). Some have both features, and some have neither.
Some can play CDs/DVDs, while others are HDD based only. Some have built-in HD-radio tuners (free) in addition to XM/satellite radio tuners (subscription-based). Some have either or neither.
There are also several models with in-dash sat-nav for a few bucks more, back-up camera compatible, touch-screen, etc., etc.

I know you said "simple" but there is a sea of different feature-sets out there with these things.
So it's probably worth finding the right mix vs. wishing you (she) would've gotten something else after the fact and/or paying for a feature you don't need/won't use.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Eric Coffey

I'd probably add Pioneer to the mix as well. First I'd narrow it down to those with features that she would consider must-haves.
For example, if she wants the latest compatibility/usability options with her phone, some models are more Apple-friendly (Apple Carplay) and some are more Android-friendly (Android Auto). Some have both features, and some have neither.
Some can play CDs/DVDs, while others are HDD based only. Some have built-in HD-radio tuners (free) in addition to XM/satellite radio tuners (subscription-based). Some have either or neither.
There are also several models with in-dash sat-nav for a few bucks more, back-up camera compatible, touch-screen, etc., etc.

I know you said "simple" but there is a sea of different feature-sets out there with these things.
So it's probably worth finding the right mix vs. wishing you (she) would've gotten something else after the fact and/or paying for a feature you don't need/won't use.

Thank you for this information.

Crutchfield says that if it is a Bose system (which this one is from factory) you need to change out the entire system so I am starting from scratch as of learning this today.

Just texted your info to her and she's got a "stiffy" per her response. She works for Apple and her primary music source is her newer IPhone. Spoiled she is but she paid for it.

Right now she is connected via one of those cassette thingies cabled into her IPhone.

With Bluetooth she would be in heaven.

I have to think a refresh of 14 year old speakers with decent ones would demonstrate improvement. Surprising how affordable they are these days. $200 will go a long way for a gaggle of speakers.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Typically with a factory Bose system you can either get an interface box or find another way to adapt a standard HU to work. My RX7 has the factory Bose system, I have the RCA 4V preamp outputs off of a high end Pioneer HU hooked up to the factory inputs to the Bose amps. It sounds fantastic. Basically the only trick is getting a HU to work with the factory Bose amps and you are golden. If it's a fiber optic interface it is possible but gets pricey, at that point it's easier to just pull new wire from the HU to the factory speakers or tap into the factory speaker wiring to bypass the Bose amps.

Based on what you said about your daughter, find something with Apple Carplay. It is a great interface for an iPhone user, basically emulates your phone on your HU.

[RKDinOKC]

Would go to a good stereo shop and tell them what you are looking for. Bet they recommend something they have a good deal on, they can install cheaply (use what you have that still works), that you and the daughter are happy with. That is what I've done on several of my cars.

Just be careful. One of the stereo shops here in OKC, your car gets stolen a couple of weeks after a new stereo gets installed. Don't use them.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

Thank you for this information.

Crutchfield says that if it is a Bose system (which this one is from factory) you need to change out the entire system so I am starting from scratch as of learning this today.

Just texted your info to her and she's got a "stiffy" per her response. She works for Apple and her primary music source is her newer IPhone. Spoiled she is but she paid for it.

Right now she is connected via one of those cassette thingies cabled into her IPhone.

With Bluetooth she would be in heaven.

I have to think a refresh of 14 year old speakers with decent ones would demonstrate improvement. Surprising how affordable they are these days. $200 will go a long way for a gaggle of speakers.

No prob. Sounds like you can narrow it down to something with Apple Carplay and Bluetooth for starters. That should still give you a bunch of brands/models/options to consider.
And you are correct about the Bose system. It looks like the one in that car is the later version that uses fiber-optic connections for everything.
So using the existing Bose amp/changer with an aftermarket head-unit is a no-go (at least not without being cost-prohibitive).

At minimum it would be a new head-unit and a decent (2Ω-stable) 5-ch. amplifier if you want to use the stock speakers/sub (or 4-ch. amp w/ a separate sub amp).

Or you can just replace everything "while you're in there" and go with a new head-unit, amp(s), and new speakers/sub all around.
Or, you can replace the speakers with 4Ω units and run them off the internal amp in the new head-unit and just get a separate amp for the existing sub. Or...

Decisions, decisions!

[dan79brooklyn]

Just buy one of those cheap Bluetooth adapters. Can connect her phone through the radio signal.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F26 3019313196

I use this in my 2002 Benz. It works great.

[Eric Coffey]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

If it's a fiber optic interface it is possible but gets pricey, at that point it's easier to just pull new wire from the HU to the factory speakers or tap into the factory speaker wiring to bypass the Bose amps.

Yep, fiber-optic connections.
Also, going direct from the HU to the factory speaks is not advisable, as the OEM speaks are 2Ω (with OEM sub being a DVC @ 1Ω) and most HUs are rated @ 4Ω (with crappy internal amps). Wouldn't want to fry a brand new HU.

So, it's either:

A. HU direct to new aftermarket (4Ω) speaks (no more sub).
B. HU direct to new aftermarket (4Ω) speaks + new (1Ω-stable) amp to OEM sub.
C. HU to aftermarket (2Ω-stable) amp to OEM speaks + (1Ω-stable) amp to OEM sub.
D. Yank everything and go HU to new amp(s) to new speaks/sub.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by Eric Coffey

Yep, fiber-optic connections.
Also, going direct from the HU to the factory speaks is not advisable, as the OEM speaks are 2Ω (with OEM sub being a DVC @ 1Ω) and most HUs are rated @ 4Ω (with crappy internal amps). Wouldn't want to fry a brand new HU.

So, it's either:

A. HU direct to new aftermarket (4Ω) speaks (no more sub).
B. HU direct to new aftermarket (4Ω) speaks + new (1Ω-stable) amp to OEM sub.
C. HU to aftermarket (2Ω-stable) amp to OEM speaks + (1Ω-stable) amp to OEM sub.
D. Yank everything and go HU to new amp(s) to new speaks/sub.

Thank you.

I liked RKDinOKC's of having new installed so I called Best Buy for practice. Told him what I learned here and he looked it up. A pause then "Oh, Dude, this is so typically German."

He gave me info similar to yours except he did not want to replace the speakers. He did not think the ohms difference would matter but that is secondary. He said normal install is $100 but this will be about $300 for running new wire.

I have some data now. Thanks to all.

[onewhippedpuppy]

You risk burning up your amp with 2 ohm speakers, as they don't pose as much electrical resistance and will allow you to overdrive your amp. Some amps are designed to drive loads down to 1 ohm, particularly for subwoofers, but head units amps do not.

[RANDY P]

Easiest solution install an inexpensive Double din, bypass the factory Bose amp by pulling it out (likely in the rear panels), and tapping into the wiring on the output side of the amp- run the new wires to the dash. Slam new drivers in the front (6.5") if you're cheap, or in all 4 corners- rear doors (should be 5.25)

Don't even bother with the factory bose speakers. Sell the factory bose amp, it's garbage and even if you manage to get signal to it, it's gonna be rolled off (no bass) so it's gonna sound like poo.

Find the wires on the output side of the amp going to the speakers in question by measuring impedance with a VOM, then 'pop" them with a 9V battery. observe the speaker movement to verify polarity.

I repeat, don't waste your time trying to save teh Bose stuff.

You can DIY it yourself in a few hours.

rjp

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by RANDY P

I repeat, don't waste your time trying to save teh Bose stuff.

+1 Not even concerned with the Bose stuff.

I am amazed at the affordable cost of aftermarket HU's, amps and speakers. Including better quality stuff.

A couple of hours sounds optimistic given I have to run real wire but I am down with a full change out.

I say two weekends for this old man. But it will be the shizzle.

[RANDY P]

You'll need speaker adaptors to get rid of those god awful bose boxes, but once you get those done, and find that factory amp- unplug, snip snip and run your new wires up front.

You can likely tell the wire colors at the amp by opening the door, replacing the speakers- find them on the other end where teh Bose amp lives. IIRC my old Benz was like that. Literally took me 15 minutes to bypass that Bose POS.

rjp

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by RANDY P

You'll need speaker adaptors to get rid of those god awful bose boxes

What I get confused about is the general waffling on how peeps feel about Bose.

Do you think Bose is ok?

[astrochex]

Bose is overpriced.

http://diymobileaudio.com/ Is a great resource for car audio advice and info.

bcae1.com is a great technical site.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by astrochex

Bose is overpriced.

Heh heh. My comment is a touch silly.

Bose is fine, kinda. I got Series 1 901's in my shop with the equalizer. Not connected now - From early 70's. Cloth fabric on one squillion cones (maybe 16) which Series 2 does not have.

If you are old you can appreciate this.

I have Bose Acoustimass from the early 90's. The first version. In my shop. They rock with my computer and Sony EX amp.

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by Bob Kontak

What I get confused about is the general waffling on how peeps feel about Bose.

Do you think Bose is ok?

If you're happy with it, leave it alone, but if you are hoping to integrate it with more stuff, may God help you.

Bose is mostly proprietary, and the speakers are no better than what you get in a clock radio. Cheap. paper drivers with limited frequency response and volume.

Bose doesn't publish specs on their equipment because it's mostly marketing hype.

Then again, I was a mobile audio guy forever as well. My own car always had high end gear so I always rip my cars apart.

rjp

[Dansvan]

You can get a plug and play android based head unit and not have to cut replace anything. Built just for the ML.