Upgrade From Meridian Sound System to Meridian Surround
Mudding
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 238
Likes: 112
I struggled with the same issue since I enjoyed the 700 watt system in our 2021 Defender until my wife "stole" it from me and I had to order another one for myself. I ordered the 700 watt Meridian and got stuck with the 400 watt. My dealer told me that the 400 watt system has a different wiring harness from the 700 watt due to the additional speakers and they would not even attempt to do that upgrade. I do have 2 excellent car audio shops here in the Boston area and quotes on a custom sound system replacement ranged from $8K to $15K. I decided that was a lot of money I would never get back at trade-in. So I decided to just do a front woofer and tweeter speaker upgrade myself along with adding some sound deadening. Bought these: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_091165...a-165W-XP.html
Tweeters were fairly easy to install. Panel easily pries off, need to trim 3 plastic tabs with a multi-tool to create a flat mounting surface. Remove the tweeters from their metal mounting cradle. Then JB Weld the tweeters, add some extra wiring and connectors and you are done. Takes about 20 hours for these tweeters to come to full life and they sound fantastic. Far better treble and voices. Even bluetooth phone calls sound better. No more "tinny" sound that you noted.
Woofers were unusable. Sounded worse than OEM and I determined it's because both black wires that connect to the OEM woofer have positive power. Not the usual positive and negative wires that connect to typical speakers. So the woofers are now in my daughter's Honda and sound great there.
You can buy just the tweeters separately but they are the same price as the whole kit I bought: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_091TBM/Focal-TBM.html
In conclusion, for $2K, the 400 watt system now sounds far better and I can live with it.
Tweeters were fairly easy to install. Panel easily pries off, need to trim 3 plastic tabs with a multi-tool to create a flat mounting surface. Remove the tweeters from their metal mounting cradle. Then JB Weld the tweeters, add some extra wiring and connectors and you are done. Takes about 20 hours for these tweeters to come to full life and they sound fantastic. Far better treble and voices. Even bluetooth phone calls sound better. No more "tinny" sound that you noted.
Woofers were unusable. Sounded worse than OEM and I determined it's because both black wires that connect to the OEM woofer have positive power. Not the usual positive and negative wires that connect to typical speakers. So the woofers are now in my daughter's Honda and sound great there.
You can buy just the tweeters separately but they are the same price as the whole kit I bought: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_091TBM/Focal-TBM.html
In conclusion, for $2K, the 400 watt system now sounds far better and I can live with it.
Mudding
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 238
Likes: 112
I went to my local car audio shop and listen together and asked for suggestions for reasonable budget.
(I did audio upgrade on my 2015 Mini in mid level and 2018 911 in higher level and they did good jobs on both cars).
And this is what they said:
Overall amp is doing ok job (not the worst) and he's suspecting lacking top end and low ends are due to physical limitation of speakers just can't produce. So recommend to start with front speakers only (and complete front door sound deadening) as long as I have no issue in volume level of stock system.
He suggested Helix Compose speakers. i3 is their budget friendly, Chinese made and i7 is their higher-end, German made speakers.
He believes that these speakers will produce some of missing high and low frequencies and produce more delicate/detailed sound.
https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/h...eakers/compose
These are 3 ohms speakers to work with factory amps (2 ohms) and has JLR specific mounting brackets and wires so no cutting/modification needed. I heard i3 and i7 speakers in person (but with their demo room's 100w rms per channel amp) and it's pretty promising. So I'm most likely go with this direction. Then think of rear speakers (i3 for filling use) + DSP amp (Match Up 10DSP - reasonably priced, compact decent amp) as it will be easy staging upgrade.
Just want to share this suggestions from my shop and hear some of you guys feedback. Let me know if this seems like a decent idea.
(I did audio upgrade on my 2015 Mini in mid level and 2018 911 in higher level and they did good jobs on both cars).
And this is what they said:
Overall amp is doing ok job (not the worst) and he's suspecting lacking top end and low ends are due to physical limitation of speakers just can't produce. So recommend to start with front speakers only (and complete front door sound deadening) as long as I have no issue in volume level of stock system.
He suggested Helix Compose speakers. i3 is their budget friendly, Chinese made and i7 is their higher-end, German made speakers.
He believes that these speakers will produce some of missing high and low frequencies and produce more delicate/detailed sound.
https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/h...eakers/compose
These are 3 ohms speakers to work with factory amps (2 ohms) and has JLR specific mounting brackets and wires so no cutting/modification needed. I heard i3 and i7 speakers in person (but with their demo room's 100w rms per channel amp) and it's pretty promising. So I'm most likely go with this direction. Then think of rear speakers (i3 for filling use) + DSP amp (Match Up 10DSP - reasonably priced, compact decent amp) as it will be easy staging upgrade.
Just want to share this suggestions from my shop and hear some of you guys feedback. Let me know if this seems like a decent idea.
Mudding
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 117
Likes: 56
How can one identify which meridian system he has ??
Mine isn’t suppose to have the big 700W surround one, but the sound is so darn amazing, that I suspect I have the 700W one. The bass is pure and deep and you can actually feel it deep in your body, the treble is clear and crisp and I never have any distortion or bad vibes.
Not sure I have the 700w, but I sure as heck do not have the crappy one you guys are talking about.
Mine isn’t suppose to have the big 700W surround one, but the sound is so darn amazing, that I suspect I have the 700W one. The bass is pure and deep and you can actually feel it deep in your body, the treble is clear and crisp and I never have any distortion or bad vibes.
Not sure I have the 700w, but I sure as heck do not have the crappy one you guys are talking about.
Last edited by Darover2; Apr 11, 2025 at 12:16 PM.
How can one identify which meridian system he has ??
Mine isn’t suppose to have the big 700W surround one, but the sound is so darn amazing, that I suspect I have the 700W one. The bass is pure and deep and you can actually feel it deep in your body, the treble is clear and crisp and I never have any distortion or bad vibes.
Not sure I have the 700w, but I sure as heck do not have the crappy one you guys are talking about.
Mine isn’t suppose to have the big 700W surround one, but the sound is so darn amazing, that I suspect I have the 700W one. The bass is pure and deep and you can actually feel it deep in your body, the treble is clear and crisp and I never have any distortion or bad vibes.
Not sure I have the 700w, but I sure as heck do not have the crappy one you guys are talking about.
I have the standard 400w Meridian (only because I couldn't get the 700w on the S) and I think it is pretty good. Not amazing, but more than adequate. Bass response is excellent and highs are crystal clear, but can occaionally sound a little harsh. Midrange is the weakest point, as it only has two dedicated midrange speakers that are located halfway down on the doors, which gives it a lower soundstage than I'd like. Overall, I think its more than good enough, and I might retrofit the 700w system in the future if I can get the OEM parts at a good price.
Winching
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 607
Likes: 176
it all comes down to budget and what level of improvement you are looking for.
replacing just speakers with marginally improve sound quality. the oem amps are ok at best and won’t drive higher powered speakers correctly.
ideally you would want to add new amps and more importantly a dsp with a direct digital source input. sound quality is greatly dependent on your source and how it’s transmitted to the system.
i use Tidal which is one of the few high res streaming services. Everything streams at CD quality. it’s makes a drastic difference to the point where my 10 year kids can hear the difference.
Helix makes excellent amps and DSP but not really known for their speakers.
i am probably on the other spectrum on what must would invest in their car audio.
i went with a full Morel speaker upgrade front and back driven by new amps and two 10’s built into the rear trunk area. all doors sound deadened and trunk. completely seamless install
the car sounds amazing and probably the best aftermarket system i have had. the large square interior cabin is a perfect environment for good sound
but it wasn’t cheap. my total bill was over 10k but i dont regret any of it.
replacing just speakers with marginally improve sound quality. the oem amps are ok at best and won’t drive higher powered speakers correctly.
ideally you would want to add new amps and more importantly a dsp with a direct digital source input. sound quality is greatly dependent on your source and how it’s transmitted to the system.
i use Tidal which is one of the few high res streaming services. Everything streams at CD quality. it’s makes a drastic difference to the point where my 10 year kids can hear the difference.
Helix makes excellent amps and DSP but not really known for their speakers.
i am probably on the other spectrum on what must would invest in their car audio.
i went with a full Morel speaker upgrade front and back driven by new amps and two 10’s built into the rear trunk area. all doors sound deadened and trunk. completely seamless install
the car sounds amazing and probably the best aftermarket system i have had. the large square interior cabin is a perfect environment for good sound
but it wasn’t cheap. my total bill was over 10k but i dont regret any of it.
I went to my local car audio shop and listen together and asked for suggestions for reasonable budget.
(I did audio upgrade on my 2015 Mini in mid level and 2018 911 in higher level and they did good jobs on both cars).
And this is what they said:
Overall amp is doing ok job (not the worst) and he's suspecting lacking top end and low ends are due to physical limitation of speakers just can't produce. So recommend to start with front speakers only (and complete front door sound deadening) as long as I have no issue in volume level of stock system.
He suggested Helix Compose speakers. i3 is their budget friendly, Chinese made and i7 is their higher-end, German made speakers.
He believes that these speakers will produce some of missing high and low frequencies and produce more delicate/detailed sound.
https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/h...eakers/compose
These are 3 ohms speakers to work with factory amps (2 ohms) and has JLR specific mounting brackets and wires so no cutting/modification needed. I heard i3 and i7 speakers in person (but with their demo room's 100w rms per channel amp) and it's pretty promising. So I'm most likely go with this direction. Then think of rear speakers (i3 for filling use) + DSP amp (Match Up 10DSP - reasonably priced, compact decent amp) as it will be easy staging upgrade.
Just want to share this suggestions from my shop and hear some of you guys feedback. Let me know if this seems like a decent idea.
(I did audio upgrade on my 2015 Mini in mid level and 2018 911 in higher level and they did good jobs on both cars).
And this is what they said:
Overall amp is doing ok job (not the worst) and he's suspecting lacking top end and low ends are due to physical limitation of speakers just can't produce. So recommend to start with front speakers only (and complete front door sound deadening) as long as I have no issue in volume level of stock system.
He suggested Helix Compose speakers. i3 is their budget friendly, Chinese made and i7 is their higher-end, German made speakers.
He believes that these speakers will produce some of missing high and low frequencies and produce more delicate/detailed sound.
https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/h...eakers/compose
These are 3 ohms speakers to work with factory amps (2 ohms) and has JLR specific mounting brackets and wires so no cutting/modification needed. I heard i3 and i7 speakers in person (but with their demo room's 100w rms per channel amp) and it's pretty promising. So I'm most likely go with this direction. Then think of rear speakers (i3 for filling use) + DSP amp (Match Up 10DSP - reasonably priced, compact decent amp) as it will be easy staging upgrade.
Just want to share this suggestions from my shop and hear some of you guys feedback. Let me know if this seems like a decent idea.
Mudding
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 238
Likes: 112
it all comes down to budget and what level of improvement you are looking for.
replacing just speakers with marginally improve sound quality. the oem amps are ok at best and won’t drive higher powered speakers correctly.
ideally you would want to add new amps and more importantly a dsp with a direct digital source input. sound quality is greatly dependent on your source and how it’s transmitted to the system.
i use Tidal which is one of the few high res streaming services. Everything streams at CD quality. it’s makes a drastic difference to the point where my 10 year kids can hear the difference.
Helix makes excellent amps and DSP but not really known for their speakers.
i am probably on the other spectrum on what must would invest in their car audio.
i went with a full Morel speaker upgrade front and back driven by new amps and two 10’s built into the rear trunk area. all doors sound deadened and trunk. completely seamless install
the car sounds amazing and probably the best aftermarket system i have had. the large square interior cabin is a perfect environment for good sound
but it wasn’t cheap. my total bill was over 10k but i dont regret any of it.
replacing just speakers with marginally improve sound quality. the oem amps are ok at best and won’t drive higher powered speakers correctly.
ideally you would want to add new amps and more importantly a dsp with a direct digital source input. sound quality is greatly dependent on your source and how it’s transmitted to the system.
i use Tidal which is one of the few high res streaming services. Everything streams at CD quality. it’s makes a drastic difference to the point where my 10 year kids can hear the difference.
Helix makes excellent amps and DSP but not really known for their speakers.
i am probably on the other spectrum on what must would invest in their car audio.
i went with a full Morel speaker upgrade front and back driven by new amps and two 10’s built into the rear trunk area. all doors sound deadened and trunk. completely seamless install
the car sounds amazing and probably the best aftermarket system i have had. the large square interior cabin is a perfect environment for good sound
but it wasn’t cheap. my total bill was over 10k but i dont regret any of it.
Volume level seems ok as my max volume from stock system is about 70-80 level. And I hope this 3 ohm speakers + deadening could bring me at least Bose level on my Macan then I'll be able to enjoy minimum level. As this is all plug & play (adapters, harnesses), I decided to go with it. If this does not meet minimum requirements, I'll prob. add inexpensive, Match Up 10DSP amp along with rear speakers.
As subwoofer really brings up lows, I really like to add but just can't find any space on my Defender 90 that does not sacrifices usable/visible space.
My goal for Defender sound system is really getting rid of muddy sounds that all stuck in the middle and bring a bit of clear high, bit more low + cleaner voice in mid. Let's see if this sound only will work or not. Total cost for this is 2500 including deadening/install.
Mudding
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 238
Likes: 112
it all comes down to budget and what level of improvement you are looking for.
replacing just speakers with marginally improve sound quality. the oem amps are ok at best and won’t drive higher powered speakers correctly.
ideally you would want to add new amps and more importantly a dsp with a direct digital source input. sound quality is greatly dependent on your source and how it’s transmitted to the system.
i use Tidal which is one of the few high res streaming services. Everything streams at CD quality. it’s makes a drastic difference to the point where my 10 year kids can hear the difference.
Helix makes excellent amps and DSP but not really known for their speakers.
i am probably on the other spectrum on what must would invest in their car audio.
i went with a full Morel speaker upgrade front and back driven by new amps and two 10’s built into the rear trunk area. all doors sound deadened and trunk. completely seamless install
the car sounds amazing and probably the best aftermarket system i have had. the large square interior cabin is a perfect environment for good sound
but it wasn’t cheap. my total bill was over 10k but i dont regret any of it.
replacing just speakers with marginally improve sound quality. the oem amps are ok at best and won’t drive higher powered speakers correctly.
ideally you would want to add new amps and more importantly a dsp with a direct digital source input. sound quality is greatly dependent on your source and how it’s transmitted to the system.
i use Tidal which is one of the few high res streaming services. Everything streams at CD quality. it’s makes a drastic difference to the point where my 10 year kids can hear the difference.
Helix makes excellent amps and DSP but not really known for their speakers.
i am probably on the other spectrum on what must would invest in their car audio.
i went with a full Morel speaker upgrade front and back driven by new amps and two 10’s built into the rear trunk area. all doors sound deadened and trunk. completely seamless install
the car sounds amazing and probably the best aftermarket system i have had. the large square interior cabin is a perfect environment for good sound
but it wasn’t cheap. my total bill was over 10k but i dont regret any of it.
I was not aware of Helix's compose speakers before but doing some research, it won 2023-24 In-Car Integration EISA award and requires 0 modifications with its plug&play mounts and harnesses. So I wanted to try this 3 ohms speakers + sound deadening bring some of sound back. Volume level should be ok as most of time I'm at 50-60% level.
I would love to add a small sub to bring true low back to life but having a Defender 90, it really lacking any space to hide subwoofers.
My goal is meeting my bottomline requirement (2024 Macan Bose is something I can live with, not loving it). this front 3-way + sound deadening upgrade will cost me $2,500 so I'm hoping this works. If not, I'll prob. add Match Up 10DSP (inexpensive, super small amp) + i3 rear speakers.
I'll report back if these 3 ohms speakers with vehicle specific mounts/harnesses could be our lower end solution or not.
Mudding
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 238
Likes: 112
@Ehloo I tried to reply but somehow the forum is not letting me post for some reason.
I only use Apple Music and that's enough quality while I'm driving. I had my 911 full audio upgrade using Helix amp and Dynaudio Esotar/Esotec + JL sub and sound deadening and I love it.
But with my Defender, my goad is to spend minimal reasonable money to get a bit more clarity high, better voice and bit get a bit more missing mid bass with i7.
I didn't know Helix make speakers but apparently, their 3 ohms Compose line won Best In-Car Integration award from Eisa in 2023-2024 year. And with car specific 3D printed adapters and plug & play harnesses would make it easy to go back if I have to. And I hope sound deadening brings up some missing bass and clear up the sound. I'll be happy with Bose sound level from 2024 Macan (acceptable baseline of sound system to me for driving).
I would love to add a subwoofer but with Defender 90, I just couldn't find any space to hide it and the web really didn't have much info for adding a sub in Defender 90 (unless it's commercial versions in UK). So i pretty much gave up.
Front 3-way 3 ohm speakers (max listening volume level is about 70-75% so I really hope it's ok with volume level), sensitivity at 88 dB (1W / 1m), no drilling required adapters and plug & play harnesses with full front door sound pretty good on the paper. So I'm giving a try.
If this does not work out, my next step would be finding a space and add reasonably priced Match Up 10DSP amp + i3 setup (lower level from Helix Compose line) on the rear mid bass and tweeters to gain better power and DSP.
I hope this works then we'll have inexpensive audio upgrade solution to get by. I'll report back t you guys.
I only use Apple Music and that's enough quality while I'm driving. I had my 911 full audio upgrade using Helix amp and Dynaudio Esotar/Esotec + JL sub and sound deadening and I love it.
But with my Defender, my goad is to spend minimal reasonable money to get a bit more clarity high, better voice and bit get a bit more missing mid bass with i7.
I didn't know Helix make speakers but apparently, their 3 ohms Compose line won Best In-Car Integration award from Eisa in 2023-2024 year. And with car specific 3D printed adapters and plug & play harnesses would make it easy to go back if I have to. And I hope sound deadening brings up some missing bass and clear up the sound. I'll be happy with Bose sound level from 2024 Macan (acceptable baseline of sound system to me for driving).
I would love to add a subwoofer but with Defender 90, I just couldn't find any space to hide it and the web really didn't have much info for adding a sub in Defender 90 (unless it's commercial versions in UK). So i pretty much gave up.
Front 3-way 3 ohm speakers (max listening volume level is about 70-75% so I really hope it's ok with volume level), sensitivity at 88 dB (1W / 1m), no drilling required adapters and plug & play harnesses with full front door sound pretty good on the paper. So I'm giving a try.
If this does not work out, my next step would be finding a space and add reasonably priced Match Up 10DSP amp + i3 setup (lower level from Helix Compose line) on the rear mid bass and tweeters to gain better power and DSP.
I hope this works then we'll have inexpensive audio upgrade solution to get by. I'll report back t you guys.
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driccio
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Jul 29, 2022 02:06 PM