AE's Custom Mercedes SL500 Orion Sound System

In an industry where shops regularly rise and fall, Audio Excellence (AE) in Orlando, Florida, has been constant, producing one cool custom ride after another. Several years ago, this magazine featured some of their cars with the characteristic high levels of fabrication and design concepts. This SL500 is no different. Given the space issues inherent to this vehicle, it's amazing how much the team at AE was able to tastefully install within the cabin and trunk.

As AE explained to us, they used to be big fans of Orion products. And after all these years, they say they're fans again. It's no wonder; cosmetically, the amps and subwoofers are a fine match for this luxury car. More importantly, the performance matches the quality of the aesthetics.

After the car was taken apart for sound damping (covering the entire interior), the biggest problem confronting the fabrication technicians at the shop was figuring out how to utilize the minimal interior space without sacrificing any cockpit features or taking over too much room. It was no small feat to get two C12 Orion 1,000-watt woofers behind the seat of this convertible. The fit was difficult enough, but it's the way the team accomplished this stint that makes it so amazing. The subwoofer system looks like it could be a factory option, given the upholstery work that keeps the look uniform. Made of MDF, fleece, fiberglass, and Duraglas, the box has the required enclosure airspace (1.5 cubic feet) to allow for a fabulous transient response.

The Orion HCCA D2400 Class D sub amplifier mounted next to the HP 4800 four-channel is located in the trunk, along with the two nitrous tanks. The total system rating is 3,200 watts at 4 ohms. Because of the space required to house the convertible top, it was a difficult fit getting the amp rack and nitrous display together. (There are two NOS 10-gallon bottles in the back and consequently the car has a custom dual exhaust to help the engine breathe when it's under boost.) This aspect of the build alone took almost a full day to sort the logistics. Everything the owner wanted, however, was accomplished, including the working convertible top, naturally.

The front speakers in the doors, like the subwoofer system, are also well designed, resembling some high-end option. An 8-inch midbass driver sits next to a coax speaker with an acrylic grille to set off the speaker combination.

The source unit for this highly conceptual-looking system is Kenwood's DNX7100. In addition to navigation, it also serves as the video player, delivering a signal to the two DEI headrest monitors as well as the rearview mirror with a built-in 3.5-inch screen. The 7100 is one of the easiest-to-use double-DIN nav/source units and no doubt that was one of the chief attributes that made it the choice of the vehicle's owner.

With a car like this you need protection. AE went with another DEI product, the Clifford Matrix 50.5 X. In addition to security, it also provides remote start and is programmed to give the owner full control of the Wheel Glow and Hot Glow special effects lighting.

AE upgraded the batteries to Optima. In addition, they utilized a 2-farad stiffening cap and a 200-amp power supply for shows. All the factory wiring was upgraded to deal with the increased current flow.

On the cosmetic side, the SL500 was fitted with gray ostrich skin and the "Lambo" door conversion finished off the show car look. Those custom touches combined with the audio performance make this car worthy enough to be featured in rap videos and good enough to win trophies at show car competitions. Look for it at an event near you.