Did this mod yesterday with 330uF capacitors from Amazon/Parts Express. Can't imagine the stock stereo sounding any better than it does now. Yes, the improvement is shocking. I have the bass set at +7 now, and the treble at +2, and it just sounds GREAT for a stock stereo.

The 330uF capacitors left enough bass in the door to still have a touch of punch, but not enough to rattle the door panels or shake the speaker grills, so the doors are silent again, and the bass from the subs is surprisingly powerful and clean.

Couldn't be happier. I can now put off upgrading, and be very happy. Thanks so much for this mod.

 

You can add my name to the happy bunch that has performed this mod. It is amazing the difference in the audio quality. I used 220uF 100v caps from parts express.

Thanks pelked1.

My 10 cents, I don't like to solder any multi-strand wires because it creates a vibration weak point and can cause a break. Crimping is used to prevent this type of failure. I used wire nuts to connect the capacitors to “tail” wires and then “spade” crimp connectors for the tail wires to the crossfire wiring. This makes it easy to remove the capacitors.

Cheers,
mbd

 

Well pelked1, another happy customer. At first I wasn't getting it. Listening to the radio I was like hmmm, then I tried a little Genesis at about 30 on the volume and I thought a little better. But then...I popped in Dave Matthews, Ants Marching and HOLY CRAP, floored it and I am still in shock. Just got finished so thought I'd say thanks!

200ufs from Amazon in an '05 SRT.

 

I added 220uF capacitors for the large speakers in the doors. The whole process was pretty simple.

I have to say that the sound is much cleaner than it was. There isn't as much bass, but the improvement in clarity is worth the trade for me.

Thanks for all the advice provided on this thread.

 

OK I'm sold on adding the capacitors. I am debating on the 200 vs 330 uF. Am I correct that there will be more bass response with the 330 uF? There was a lot of contradictory information on this in the postings.

 

There should be more bass with 330 uf caps.

In fact, I am going to replace the 220 with 330 uf caps and see what the effect is. Regardless, I will go with either the 220uf or the 330 uf option as I like the cleaner sound the system delivers.

 

I just ordered two of the 320 uF from Parts Express. I wanted to err on the "more bass" side of things. How hard is it to remove the access door?

 

Very easy. Just use a very stiff credit card on the access door seam and pry open or a small screw driver (careful not to scratch).

 

Ummmm....does this mod. qualify as bling....lol

 

It's bling only if it says "Powered by Mercedes Benz" on the capacitor.

 

I finished adding 220uF capacitors to my Crossfire yesterday. I ended up soldering the caps into the wiring harness and using shrink tubing to insulate the leads and wiring. I also wrapped the whole assembly with packing foam and electrical tape in order to eliminate any possiblity of the capacitors rattling inside the doors. The Crossfire crossover conversion definitely reduced the bass coming from the doors and now I can finally fully appreciate the subwoofers. I still have to fiddle around with the bass setting to get it just right, but I am glad that the boominess is gone.

Thanks for the excellent instructions and the courage to go ahead with the modification.

 

Now that is bling

 

ok i too just finished this mod. had trouble finding caps locally - it appears car stereo installers set all crossovers inside the amps now. i bought 2 265uf caps off ebay for about $8.24 shipped. installed them last night and all i can say is WOW. someone earlier mentioned that listening to the stock system was tiring and i felt the same. this mod made my system come alive. the 265uf should block 150Hz @ 4 ohm and 75Hz @ 8 ohm. not sure what our speakers are but this really did the trick. thanks for this very useful post.

 

Captain Jack ... get a Dream Theater CD .. ANY CD ... I was amazed after I did my mod ... John's bass parts ... not only did they vibrate through my spine, but could I pick out notes.

adoni

 

Adoni -- it's good to see you posting on the forum again. Welcome back!

 

Can someone walk me through the removal of the access panel? I have tried just about every screwdriver I have and can't seem to get it to release. I'm really worried I will scratch it up if I pry any harder. I have also tried a credit card.

 

I used a thin blade screwdriver and pushed the point in at the bottom of the access panel and pried out. It was a little unnerving the first time, but the panel popped out without any trouble. My biggest fear was scratching the door panel when I applied pressure on the screwdriver to force the panel out. But it was unfounded as no damage occured.

Today, I changed out the 220 uf caps with 330uf caps. It seems to have more bass and still has great fidelity, so I am pleased and will stay with the 330uf caps. This is a great inexpensive mod that does enhance the sound system.

 

I have read this entire thread and my only question is regarding this statement.
Does it matter if your capacitor is a 100v ??

 

I used 220 uF, 35V electrolytic caps to do the mod. I have 100v in stock and they will work just fine, although just a bit bigger. After installing one side, I sat and listened to a bunch of songs and decided the this mod leaves a little gap in the upper mid-base. I finished the job and got a "thumbs up" from the wife. (The ultimate approval).
But, it sounds MUCH better!

 

Nope. The voltage rating doesn't really matter in this case. The more the merrier.

I just re-did my mod and switched from the 220 uf to the 330uf and I have to say I like the 330 better. There's more bass in the doors and it seems to compliment the subwoofers better. They dont' seem to have to work so hard. Vocals don't seem quite as tinny either.