You know, out of the entire FAQ "Car installation questions" section, that's the one article that I didn't read. Since every installer I called refused to touch it, I assumed that article didn't apply. Thanks for the link.

I've been searching the Benz forums, alt.auto.mercedes and rec.audio.car. Like everything in life, if there isn't already a solution, it's probably because it can't be done.

I hoped to drop the empeg into the stock amp/speakers to save time and money. But with all the time I've spent researching, I could have learned how to design a proper full replacement system and done so. Time to switch my focus.