A repeat client from Gaithersburg, Maryland, came back to Westminster Speed & Sound with his 2005 Mercedes SLK55 AMG, looking for a second round of upgrades to his vehicle. We had previously done a full SLK55 audio system integrated with the stock navigation system for him. That included a set of component speakers mounted in the factory locations in the front doors, and a JL Audio 8W1 8” subwoofer mounted in a custom enclosure in the passenger footwell. We used a DSP processor to tune the audio system for the best sound quality and imaging, and powered the system with a JL Audio HD600/4 amplifier. We hid the processor under one seat and the amplifier under the other one. When these upgrades were completed, the music came alive, giving him pinpoint imaging coupled with a large gain in output.
Pioneer Radio Completes The Audio Package
The client came back to us to upgrade the technology in his dash and add a backup camera. We added a Pioneer AVH-4100NEX unit in the dash using a special install kit made specifically for this vehicle in Europe. As you can see in the pictures, the finished product looks factory-installed. We flushed a USB port into the lower dash, again keeping with the factory-looking theme. Our team integrated the Mercedes steering wheel-mounted audio controls into the Pioneer, giving him easy access to popular controls while driving.
Satellite Radio Upgrade
We also added SiriusXM added to the vehicle and, as you can see in the pictures, we were able to hide the antenna inside the hood gills, making it completely invisible to the naked eye.
Backup Camera
We mounted a backup camera at the top of the rear license plate using the factory mounting locations, eliminating the need to drill holes into the bumper.
Technology Boost For This SLK55 Audio System
The client gained Bluetooth for hands-free calling and wireless music streaming, along with Apple CarPlay and Google’s AndroidAuto software. These are two exciting technologies that allow a person with an iPhone or Android phone to safely access many of the popular applications on the phone safely. Some of the popular features are Navigation, Music, Pandora, Spotify, text messages, phone book access and reminders. All of these features are done almost exclusively via voice control, making them a perfect fit for an automobile.
Final Tuning
When the installation was completed, we retuned the audio system to maximize the sound quality for the Pioneer unit.
At the end of the day, we aren’t happy unless the client is happy. Fortunately, this client loved the fit and finish of the installation, and the modern technology upgrades made his day.
If you own a vehicle that has some age on it and would love for it to have technology that you thought only came in new vehicles, come see us at Westminster Speed & Sound in Westminster, Maryland. Our team of specialists will work with you to design and build the solution that best fits your needs. Let us show you why Mobile Electronics magazine consistently names us one of the Top Retailers in the Nation year after year.
You can also contact us here for more information about any of our products and services.
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