[W126 Coupe] Stereo upgrade

[Shayegan, Richard]

While the website doesn't show it, didn't Nak close up their car audio
stuff in the US? 

-----Original Message-----
From: mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com
[mailto:mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com] On Behalf Of Vance Rowley
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 8:43 PM
To: Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists
Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Stereo upgrade

Nakamichi.com, nice stuff...


Depends on what you are going to be satisfied with. Most head units
don't have powerful enough amplifiers in them to drive a good set of
speakers (which of course you should also change). Ideally you will need
some sort of external amplifier which of course usually fits neatly into
the trunk along with a decent sub unit. 

There are some half decent head units with reasonable power, but nothing
like having an external amp. Also don't fall into the "salesman trap" of
quoted power output of these head units. Most of the time the power
quoted will be the peak to peak value. So some salesman might tell you
"this particular head unit is 200W" as an example. This could be a 4
channel system quoted at peak to peak value. So you would firstly half
that to 100W then multiply by 0.7071 which gives you 70.7W. Then of
course divided by 4 which would give you only 17W per channel RMS which
is pretty miserable to say the least and would more than likely become
quite distorted at a reasonable listening volume. Always make sure when
someone is quoting the power rating, that it is in RMS (root mean
square) value and nothing else. Also take note of the THD (Total
Harmonic Distortion level quoted)

Saying all that though, you could get a half decent sound by using the
amps in a good head unit and decent speakers providing you add a
separate powered sub unit though. As sound is a very personal taste, I
would advise going around a few car audio places that can demonstrate
their units and see (or I should say hear) what you are satisfied with
at the price.

Good luck
Vance.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Rattie S" <mbcoupe126 at hotmail.com>
To: <mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com>
Sent: Monday, January 30, 2006 10:01 PM
Subject: [W126 Coupe] Stereo upgrade


> Hello,
> 
> Hope all is well. As you know the factory Becker stereo system is a
piece of 
> junk. I am looking to upgrade my stereo system (head unit and the
speakers). 
> I want to do it with minimal messing around with the interior of the
car and 
> without having to put a big unit in the trunk. I've seen some postings

> recommending Reus Audio. Their base package starts at $1,650. Does
anyone 
> have that? Does that involve a unit in the trunk?
> 
> My mechanic has been pushing some Blaupunkt units that he has in his
shop.
> 
> Any insight would be much appreciated.
> 
> Itrat
> '87 560 SEC
> 
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Postings remain property of MB Coupes, L.L.C.