Thank you for posting this!

I never got around to taking everything apart to figure out what would fit and none of the custom shops near me had done one yet.

 

Here's an amazing full custom build in a Defender. Built in a P400 MHEV. Doors are 6.5" speakers for anyone wondering what size the door speakers are.

 

Apparently this forum doesn't allow Facebook links. For anyone wondering, do a search for Simplicity in Sound Facebook page.

 

Update, got a very good deal on even an higher series from BLAM ( Signature ) for the same money.
The coaxial set will be in the rear.

 

i swapped my meridians for audisons. sound has improved but I would love to know what your experience with the BLAM’s is like 😎

 

Hi blvkcode - Which model audisons did you use? Did you keep it three-way in the front?

 

yup, i have to find the itemized print out, but i’ll update you this evening.

 

i was content with the meridian system it now have the itch to modify.

i would love to run to 10’s is a proper box but don’t want to mess with the cargo space.

has anyone messed with the oem sub location. i believe it would only allow a shallow sub. i am seeing many more higher end options now

 

Did some more sound deadening inside door and panels. The deadening is the most time consuming part of your front speaker upgrade.
Spend arround $/€ 100,- on the deadening materials




Bought some 6,5" speaker rings, ( Ford C max/S max ≥2006, EAN 4026724336818 / arround $/€ 20,- ) applied inside and outside the ring also dampening material.
Connected the new woofer for now to the existing speaker cable.
( Tested the provided crossover, but it did not add any extra sound improvement for now, Future mod new cables direct to DSP )



Glued in the new tweeters, connected with the existing tweeter cable with inline resistor . ( Future mod new cables)


So with the stock amplifying the sound seriously improved, it's a full warm rich sound with smooth deep bass.
But first they need to run in ( 40hrs) to perform optimum.

​​​​​​Future upgrades will involve adding midrange speakers front, subwoofer, DSP 10ch and amplifier.

So my write-up for now, any questions let me know.

 

i have been extensively researching my build and upgrade to my Meridian 700 system.

i wanted to say first off the 700 surround might sound good enough for most. but once you hear a aftermarket system and able to compare it’s night and day

i have a very addictive personality and once something grabs my attention i am all in. i have not started or purchased anything butting getting close. Difficult to choose components as local shops just recommend what they sell

the meridian surround is a 14 speaker + sub with a 700 watt amp. two of the speakers are center channel, 8 inch sun under the center counsel, 3 way speaker in the front, 3 way speaker in the rear but the mid range sits on the roof in the boot.

as i planned the build with various shops the need for that many speakers is redundant if you have higher end speakers. most of the listening would be concentrated for the front, everything behind just to fill in.

its been more than 20 years since i have had a aftermarket car audio system.

a lot has changed and more importantly cost

for those considering.

a basic speaker upgrade using oem amp and adding subwoofers will cost you around 5k usd. you will achieve much better results

i thought i could get a full system completed at 5k but was way off.

a full system with higher end speaker replacement, amplification for the speakers, subs, DSP and tuning is going to be 10k

i am most likely going with a 10k build but expecting a huge difference.

current build

- 3 way speaker upgrade in the front. Looking at some Focal K2 series which will be active. amps driving directly by passing the cross over included.

- 2 way rear passive. amp will connect to the cross over. not the ideal settup but saves cost on amp as i don’t need as many channels and the tuning. as mentioned the rears are there just to fill in. will end up going with a slightly lower speaker model. will disconnect the rear mid range in the boot roof

- 2 10 inch subs in custom sealed enclosure. will be fitted in rear boot area under cargo load lid. i only have two rows and there is a huge space below the load gate.
- Helix V8 amp- 8 channels with dsp. 6 channels will be dedicated to the front speakers and 2 for the rear
-Helix Mono sun amp
-helix modules that allow volume control and separate source for a hi-res player. it will bypass the factory system and go straight into the dsp amp. i can switch back and forth depending on the situation

a whole bunch of sound deadening. speakers will sound much better but overall greatly reduce road noise

the goal is try to get the highest end build with the 10k budget.

more to come