Today, we're presenting a 2016 Mercedes CLA 220 transformed into a true show car. The goal of this installation was clear: to highlight sound quality (SQ) while maintaining the vehicle's original ergonomics and aesthetics.
🎶 Signal Source and Management
We chose to keep the original car radio for perfect integration.
The audio signal from the car radio is recovered and sent to a Musway tune12 12-channel DSP.
➡️ The advantage:
-
Sound can still be used via the original car radio.
-
Possibility to listen to music via a Bluetooth dongle directly on the DSP.
-
Everything is controlled by a compact remote control for volume adjustment and preset selection.
🔊 Amplification: 4 Ground Zero Amplifiers
For this installation, we used 4 Ground Zero amplifiers:
-
Subwoofers: 2 Ground Zero GZUA2SQ 2-channel amplifiers, one subwoofer per channel connected at 1 ohm, leaving one channel free for future upgrades.
-
Speakers (woofers, mid-range, and tweeters): 2 Ground Zero GZUA4SQ 4-channel amplifiers.
Why this choice?
Above all, we were looking for faithful and warm sound reproduction.
These amplifiers operate in Class AB, offering a richer and more natural sound than a Class D digital amplifier, according to our personal preference.
⚡ Power Supply
To power this entire system, we opted for 2 GS Audio 20Ah lithium batteries.
With a total power consumption approaching 3000 watts, this solution ensures stability, power, and autonomy.
🔌 Wiring and Connectors
For RCA connectors, power cables, terminals, and all accessories, we trusted FOUR4CONNECT from the stage2 and stage 3 ranges, available in our store.
🔊 Front Installation: Active 3-Way Kit
At the front, we installed a Ground Zero GZUC 165.3SQ actively.
-
Mid-highs and tweeters: integrated into custom enclosures oriented towards the driver, for optimal sound staging.
-
Woofers: mounted in the original location, with complete door insulation.
🔊 Rear Installation: Passive 2-Way Kit
At the rear, a Ground Zero GZUC 165.2SQ passively was installed in the original locations.
-
The rear doors were treated with CTK Damping products to improve acoustics and reduce parasitic vibrations.
🔊 Bass: Custom Sealed Enclosure
To complete the sound spectrum and reproduce the deep bass that woofers in the doors cannot provide, we built a custom sealed enclosure housing 3 Ground Zero GZUW12SQ-D2 (25 cm) subwoofers.
➡️ Why a sealed enclosure?
-
To obtain a wideband response without frequency peaks, unlike bass-reflex enclosures.
➡️ Why 3 subwoofers?
-
To have a large dynamic reserve and ensure powerful yet controlled bass.
🔧 Adjustments and Calibration
To achieve an optimal soundstage, we created several presets depending on the listening position:
-
Use of an RTA (Real Time Analyzer) to establish a reliable measurement baseline (especially for EQ).
-
Determination of crossover frequencies (Hz) and slopes (dB/octave) for each speaker.
-
Phasing and delay calculated to ensure perfect alignment of all diaphragms in the cabin.
These steps allow you to enjoy precise, balanced, and immersive sound,
Please note that the RTA gives you a basic adjustment to be refined according to your taste!
🛠️ Equipment Used – Available in Our Store
Speakers and Subwoofers
-
Ground Zero GZUC 165.3SQ – Active 3-way front kit
-
Ground Zero GZUC 165.2SQ – Passive 2-way rear kit
-
Ground Zero GZUW12SQ-D2 (25 cm) – 3 subwoofers for sealed enclosure
Amplification
-
Ground Zero GZUA2SQ – 2 x 2-channel amplifiers for subwoofers
-
Ground Zero GZUA4SQ – 2 x 4-channel amplifiers for mid-range and tweeters
Signal Management / DSP
-
Musway TUNE 12 DSP 12 channels
-
Musway DRC1 remote control
- Musway BTS-HD DONGLE
Power Supply
-
GS Audio 20Ah lithium batteries – 2 batteries
Cabling and Accessories
-
FOUR4CONNECT – RCA cables, power cables, terminals, and accessories
Acoustic Treatment and Insulation
-
CTK Damping – front and rear door insulation
📍 Available for Listening in Our Shop
This vehicle is always available for listening in our shop in Pézenas, in the South of France, near Montpellier and Béziers.
Come enjoy a demonstration and discover our expertise in Car audio.
