At MC Audio, we specialize in resolving complex sound system issues without compromising the aesthetics or functionality of high-end vehicles.
One of our most recent cases involved Emily, the owner of a Mercedes-Benz CLA250 with a Harman Kardon sound system. Although she was happy with the original audio quality, a persistent noise in the front speakers every 20 to 30 seconds made her driving experience frustrating.
This issue occurred even when the audio system was turned off, leading Emily to consider a drastic solution: replacing the entire sound system.
Initial Diagnosis: What Was Causing the Issue?
The first step was a detailed inspection of the key components:
✅ Head unit
✅ Factory amplifier
✅ Wiring and connections
In luxury vehicles, problems like this are often caused by amplifier corrosion due to water leaks. However, in this case, all components appeared to be in good physical and electrical condition.
Since the issue was intermittent, we suspected that the original amplifier had an internal failure, possibly a processing signal error.
Solution Options
After diagnosing the issue, we presented Emily with two options:
🔹 Option 1: Replacing the original amplifier
This would have been a straightforward solution but at a high cost, with no guarantee that the problem wouldn’t return in the future.
🔹 Option 2: Installing a MATCH DSP amplifier
This option would allow us to process and correct the signals without replacing the entire system. For this solution, we needed:
🔹 A fiber optic decoder to interpret the original audio signal.
🔹 A compatible amplifier with optical signal reading, capable of receiving and processing digital signals without distortion.
Emily chose the second solution, as it offered a better cost-benefit ratio and the opportunity to improve the sound quality of the original system.
Solution Implementation
For this installation, we used:
✅ MATCH PP-MB 1.9BUR wiring harness, designed to connect the MATCH UP 10DSP amplifier in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with a Burmester system.
✅ MATCH UP 10DSP amplifier, which allowed us to fully customize the audio system’s configuration.
The main challenge was that this harness did not include connections for the bass speakers or the center channel, so we had to manually integrate them, applying our expertise in OEM sound systems.
Testing & Final Adjustments
✅ First test: After installing the new amplifier, we powered up the system and conducted a static test.
✅ Road test: To ensure the issue was fully resolved, we tested the system under different driving conditions.
Thanks to the flexibility of the MATCH DSP, we were able to customize the inputs and outputs, even recreating some signals virtually to maintain the original system’s fidelity.
Results: Better Quality, Lower Cost
The final outcome was a total success:
✅ Problem solved: The intermittent noise was completely eliminated.
✅ Enhanced sound quality: With the new amplifier, Emily now enjoys clearer audio, better frequency separation, and a wider soundstage.
✅ Significant savings: This solution reduced the total cost by approximately $1,200 AUD, compared to purchasing a new factory amplifier and fiber optic decoder.
A week later, Emily returned to pick up her vehicle and was amazed by the improvement in sound quality. Not only did we eliminate the issue, but now her system sounds better than ever.
Experiencing a Similar Issue with Your Car’s Audio?
At MC Audio, we provide custom solutions to upgrade and repair OEM audio systems in high-end vehicles without altering aesthetics or factory functions.
📍 Location: Unit 10 / 5-7 Bermill St, Rockdale, NSW, Australia
🌐 Website: www.mcaudio.com.au
🛒 E-commerce: www.mcaudio.shop
📞 Contact: 0415 072 361
