I've got a 2005 LR3 SE V8, which I've owned since 2008.

I've been noticing recently that the sound quality of my stereo has gotten really poor. Radio (XM, FM) sounds hollow, and sound played through the auxiliary jack doesn't get very loud. Vocals are often tough to make out, and there is often buzzing.

It still has the factory Harmon Kardon system (head, amp, speakers) in it.

I think one of the speakers in the right rear door may be blown, b/c the speaker vibrates when I isolate it.

I'm considering trying to change the right rear door speakers, and according to Land Rover the two speakers cost $100. Is this something that is relatively easy to do?

Should I be changing all speakers since it is 10 years old? I'm wondering whether other people commonly complain about poor sound in the LR3?

Open to any suggestions

 

I think I have a busted speaker in my passenger side front door too. I found a replacement on Ebay for about $45. I still have to go through the hassle of taking the inside door panel off just to change it.

Your culprit might be your amp, especially if the sound is hollow and not very loud.

 

You might check with Nigel's car place. They have an LR3 sitting in their parts lot, that might have a speaker for you. I don't know if they sell that kind of thing or not, it might not be worth the effort.

 

Also, if you can get the part number for it, these people have great prices on new parts: Land Rover Parts and Accessories | LandRoverMerriamParts.com

Me personally, I'd replace just the speakers that are bad, or maybe in pairs, on a system like this. Unless I was trying to rip the entire stock system out and go with a complete aftermarket... which isn't really how I roll. I don't even have a stereo in my 90.

Also, I cannot remember for sure, but I thought I heard someone say something about the stock subwoofers going bad on the LR3.... if they SE even has one. Maybe that's an HSE thing only? Not sure.

 

The SE I just parted out has a sub in the rear tailgate.

 

My SE has the subwoofer. If you got the upgraded Head Unit I think you got the sub. I would still look at the amp first. The sub, if bad, is basically going to drop out the low base and you said you're getting a buzz and a hollow sound.

 

Thanks for all of the feedback. Jafir, I'll check out Nigel's as a resource. I didn't even know they existed until now.

I got a quote on the two right rear door speakers (mid and tweeter I think) from the local dealership, and it was about $100 combined. Not terrible, but I didn't get a labor quote. If someone has seen a link on how to remove rear door panel, I'd really appreciate a link to that.

uoflcardinal77, do you happen to know how to verify whether the amp is blown or not? I don't listen to loud music, so it would have to have just gone bad with age or something. Also, is your sub in the tailgate visible? There's no speaker cover on mine and no sound comes from there, so I assume there isn't one.

 

Brian the sub is tucked away in the lower tailgate, if you have it open its on the left side, its covered by the carpet so there is nothing that shows there is a sub there, best bet is to put on some music and put your hand or butt on it, you will feel some good vibrations.

 

Sub is not visible. See Taylor's suggestion. Not sure how to determine if the amp is bad.