Upgrading the audio system in a 2006 Mercedes Cls can dramatically improve your driving experience. Many owners of the 06 Mercedes CLS, while appreciating the car’s luxury and performance, often find the standard sound system lacking. This was certainly the case for me, prompting an audio overhaul that retained the factory head unit but significantly enhanced sound quality.
Initially, the goal was to achieve richer, more detailed sound without sacrificing trunk space. The solution involved replacing the factory speakers and subwoofer while keeping the original Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 COMAND system. For the front and rear doors, I opted for two sets of Infinity Kappa 60.7cs 6.5-inch component speakers. These speakers are known for their clarity and efficiency, making them an excellent choice for upgrading car audio systems.
The Infinity Kappa series speakers stood out due to their 2-ohm impedance and high sensitivity rating of 95dB at 1 watt. This high sensitivity is crucial when working with the stock Harman/Kardon amplifier, as it ensures the speakers get the most power, resulting in louder and clearer sound even at lower volumes. This efficiency is a key factor in maximizing the performance of the existing system in the ’06 Mercedes CLS.
To address the bass response, a Pioneer Premier TS-SW1041D 10-inch shallow mount subwoofer was installed in the rear deck. The original factory subwoofer, a 12-inch unit, suffered from boomy and undefined bass, partly due to the lack of a proper enclosure and sound dampening. The Pioneer Premier subwoofer, being a 10-inch shallow mount, provided a tighter, more musical bass response without encroaching on valuable trunk space in the 2006 Mercedes CLS. A custom, low-profile enclosure was fabricated to ensure the new subwoofer fit seamlessly in the original location.
Like the Infinity speakers, the Pioneer subwoofer was chosen for its efficiency. Its 4-ohm impedance matches the original subwoofer, and its 87dB sensitivity at 1 watt ensures deep bass reproduction even with the stock amplifier power. While not designed for extreme bass enthusiasts, this subwoofer delivers a solid and musical low-end that complements a wide range of music genres, perfectly pairing with the Infinity component speakers. As a musician myself, focusing on drums and percussion, the musicality and coherence of the sound were paramount, and this combination delivered a significant improvement in these areas within the ’06 Mercedes CLS.
To further enhance the audio upgrade, Dynamat sound dampening material was applied to both the doors and the rear deck of the 2006 Mercedes CLS. This step is crucial for minimizing road noise and eliminating unwanted vibrations, ensuring the new speakers can perform optimally. Investing in sound dampening during a speaker upgrade is highly recommended to fully realize the potential of your new components.
The final outcome of this audio upgrade in the 06 Mercedes CLS is a system that sounds significantly more refined and high-end than the factory setup, even while retaining the original COMAND head unit. Whether listening to FM radio, satellite radio, CDs, or an iPod, the improvement in overall sound quality is immediately noticeable. The enhanced clarity, tighter bass, and reduced distortion make listening to a variety of musical genres, from rock to jazz to classical, a much more enjoyable experience in the 2006 Mercedes CLS.
While satisfied with the speaker and subwoofer upgrade, future plans include replacing the stock COMAND head unit to further modernize the system and add features like Bluetooth, GPS, and HD radio. Finding an aftermarket head unit that seamlessly integrates with the CLS 500‘s vehicle management systems, retains steering wheel controls, and is compatible with fiber optic wiring remains a consideration for future enhancements.
For those considering a similar upgrade for their ’06 Mercedes CLS, the Infinity speakers are typically available online for around $150 per pair, and the Pioneer Premier subwoofer for approximately $110. Including the speakers, subwoofer, sound dampening material, custom enclosure, and professional installation, the total cost for this comprehensive audio upgrade was approximately $1,300. This investment provides a substantial improvement in audio quality, transforming the listening experience within the 2006 Mercedes CLS.
