A client from Abbotsford recently contacted the team at Certified Autosound and Security to inquire about improving the stereo system in his 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA AMG with a subwoofer. The client was content with most aspects of the Burmester audio system but, as with almost all factory-installed solutions, felt it lacked the ability to produce deep and authoritative bass. After inspecting the vehicle, we designed a custom subwoofer upgrade that would work with the aesthetics of the vehicle and deliver the performance he wanted.
Custom Mercedes-Benz Subwoofer Upgrade
The plan for the GLC AMG was to add a pair of JL Audio 10TW3-D8 10-inch, shallow-mount subwoofers to a custom enclosure that would be installed under the floor of the cargo area. Our fabrication team set to work creating the enclosure so that it would fit perfectly while providing ample air volume to allow the subwoofers to play the deep bass the client wanted.
The enclosure is finished in a durable black carpet that matches the trim in this under-floor cargo area nicely.
Subwoofer Amplifier and Radio Integration
Once the enclosure construction was complete, our team turned to the task of extracting an audio signal from the factory entertainment system. After testing signals coming from the factory amplifier, they installed an AudioControl LC2i signal processor to convert the voltage into something that would be accepted by the subwoofer amplifier.
They installed the LC2i and a JL Audio JX1000/1D amplifier on a carpeted panel just behind the subwoofer enclosure. As you can see, all the wiring is wrapped neatly in automotive-grade cloth tape to keep it bundled nicely. This amplifier will produce as much as 1,000 watts of power into the pair of subwoofers and is compatible with the optional RBC-1 remote level control. The client wanted to be able to fine-tune the subwoofer output, so we mounted the RBC-1 in the center console storage compartment, right beside the USB input jacks for the factory infotainment system.
Audio System Upgrades by Certified Autosound and Security
With the equipment installed and each component tuned for optimum performance, it was time for the client to return to Certified Autosound and Security to pick up his vehicle. He was not only thrilled with the way the system sounds but loved that everything was concealed under the floor, so he didn’t lose any cargo space. If you’re tired of wimpy sound from your stereo, drop by one of our locations in Abbotsford, Maple Ridge or Chilliwack today. You can also reach us by phone or by e-mail using our online contact page.
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