94 E500 - McIntosh Head Unit out - Becker 4602 in

[AMG5PT4]

Well, I knew the McIntosh MX-401 head unit experiment probably wouldn't give good results. I was right. I am no stereo expert by any means, but I figured the McIntosh would have compatibility issues with the stock amps and speakers. Unit worked fine (the display garbled up a couple times after pressing the HU into the cage to seat it), just the sound output was too low - max volume was barely adequate while driving at speed.

I was smart and used a wire harness adapter and antenna adapter to keep the stock wiring and connectors original. Bit the bullet and bought (at full price of $550) the Mercedes Becker 4602 from Becker Sound. They included the 3.5mm adapter cable for the HU (not yet run to the the center console). Beauty of a stock MB system - plug and play and fits right into the center console with no cage.

Figured out how to adjust the display brightness and the HU works and sounds fine. Now I have the CD capability, 3.5mm connector and looks I wanted. Was very close to asking Becker to sell me the Porsche Travel Pro HU, but the extra couple hundred for the "Porsche" name on the front was too much.

Have to say that I wish the Mac would have worked better - that unmistakable green McIntosh logo is very nice.

Al

 

[Glen]

Cool. I have a Porsche CR-220 in my car...which is similar but has a cassette player instead of CD behind the flip down LCD. I have an iSimple bluetooth interface connected to the aux-in for streaming music and hands free calling. Works very well. Anyway, very nice!

 

[gsxr]

I have a 4602 as well. Great unit, shame they are almost impossible to find used. I usually turn off the 'loudness' function and turn up the bass a few notches (experiment to find what sounds good to your ears), and I also shut off the annoying speed-dependent volume control (GAL). Bummer the Mac unit was a washout!

This unit is a close relative of the H-K Traffic Pro... the TP adds an antique sat nav system (not very useful) and lacks the 'Mercedes' logo, but you can occasionally find them used for <$150 in the USA. Excellent upgrade for any 1994-95 W124 (also 1986-1990 with an adapter harness from Becker).

 

[AMG5PT4]

Dave - how did you route your 3.5mm cable? Did you drill a hole in the bottom of the center console for the lead?

Al

 

[gsxr]

Dave - how did you route your 3.5mm cable? Did you drill a hole in the bottom of the center console for the lead?

Al

Yes - I cut a hole in the bottom/front of the center console roll-top box, so the iPod/MP3 player can be completely tucked away out of sight while in use. I also used a BlitzSafe adapter which provides power and level matching. I have photos of the install which I need to re-size and upload!