Meridian Surround System is Underwhelming
Mudding
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 180
Likes: 30
From: Northeastern USA
Other than the “Meridian Surround” label on the inside doors near speaker grills, is there some other way to verify/know that a vehicle has the Meridian Surround system installed? I am asking because as mentioned previously in this thread my system is underwhelming and doesn’t sound great. I bought this certified Preowned (2020 X), and the “Meridian Surround” is labeled on doors, and it is on the build sheet. But compared to the amazing Meridian Surround in my 2017 Disco V, this system sounds dime-store. Thanks all, grateful for all the info and smart people hear
Mudding
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 132
Likes: 77
From: Big Bear Lake and Venice, CA
Also I had a 4Runner rental a couple of weeks back and the sound system was awful.
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
The Meridian in my 2023.5 Discovery Metropolitan is pretty good for my taste. I keep the sound stage flat in the EQ and the sound is on par with what I would expect for a high end factory system. I can toggle between the Meridian and Surround Sound in the headhunt and hear quite a difference.
I'm not too interested in LOUD but want crisp and clear sound.
I'm not too interested in LOUD but want crisp and clear sound.
Mudding
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 180
Likes: 30
From: Northeastern USA
I agree totally. I own a 2017 Discovery and a 2020 Defender; both with Meridian Surround. For me, the Discovery sound system is still the best factory system I personally have ever heard. It still sounds awesome. The Defender on the other hand, not so much. Lacking bass, lacking mid-range, and just doesn’t move the senses nearly as much as the one in the Disco. I am relatively new to the Defender, but over the last few weeks I believe it has to do with the Defender just not being as quiet/sterile a listening environment - nor do I think it was intended to be. It is definitely not as streamlined, windshield is more vertical, and although very nice, isn’t quite as refined as the Discovery. So I think listening environment adds some challenges to the sound system to overcome. I have heard of others going to the trouble to add sound deadening (Dynamat) in doors and floors to deaden road noise and isolate rattles. Just my observations.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Tale of two systems
I leased a 2020 Discovery with MSS. Best system ever. So I bought a 2024 Discovery with MSS when the lease was up. Worst system ever. In addition to the description already provided, my volume fluctuates with the dynamics of the source. Whether using sat., CarPlay, cell phone, or FM radio, the sound will go from being loud and robust, just like the old system, to muted and flat, tinny sound. Dealer said they could not hear it. They said they did a software update that was identified in a technical bulletin. Did not fix the problem. In the old days, I would have characterized the sound problem as being an amplifier that is clipping. I’ll take it back again. Horrible situation. Makes driving it very unenjoyable.
Have had my 22' Disco for a little over a month, it came with the premium Meridian Surround System and I am pretty displeased with it. My base model 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a much better sounding stereo.
It seems others on facebook and on the Defender group feel the same way. I even checked every speaker by ear to see if it was working.
I think it in general sounds muffled, lacks a crisp sound, and the bass doesn't have much punch. I've messed around with the bass, treble, subwoofer a ton as well. Just not what I expect out of a luxury car brand.
I am curious if anyone has tinkered with the components of the system, ie replaced mid-range speakers ect. I am all for do-it-yourself but it looks like getting to some of the speakers requires dismantling the entire door trim. Not sure I want to mess around and snap a clip and I also don't know what components are lacking what I am looking for. Could be a speaker, could be an amplifier ect...
When my car was in for service I mentioned it to the service rep and he said he has heard it a lot from LR owners.
I tossed around whether there is a quality loss with CarPlay, but even when hardwiring into the system (and disabling carplay) it sounds the same.
It seems others on facebook and on the Defender group feel the same way. I even checked every speaker by ear to see if it was working.
I think it in general sounds muffled, lacks a crisp sound, and the bass doesn't have much punch. I've messed around with the bass, treble, subwoofer a ton as well. Just not what I expect out of a luxury car brand.
I am curious if anyone has tinkered with the components of the system, ie replaced mid-range speakers ect. I am all for do-it-yourself but it looks like getting to some of the speakers requires dismantling the entire door trim. Not sure I want to mess around and snap a clip and I also don't know what components are lacking what I am looking for. Could be a speaker, could be an amplifier ect...
When my car was in for service I mentioned it to the service rep and he said he has heard it a lot from LR owners.
I tossed around whether there is a quality loss with CarPlay, but even when hardwiring into the system (and disabling carplay) it sounds the same.
Other than the “Meridian Surround” label on the inside doors near speaker grills, is there some other way to verify/know that a vehicle has the Meridian Surround system installed? I am asking because as mentioned previously in this thread my system is underwhelming and doesn’t sound great. I bought this certified Preowned (2020 X), and the “Meridian Surround” is labeled on doors, and it is on the build sheet. But compared to the amazing Meridian Surround in my 2017 Disco V, this system sounds dime-store. Thanks all, grateful for all the info and smart people hear
Mudding
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 221
Likes: 51
From: San Diego
Factory Sound Systems
I have had a number of different vehicles and always get the "premium" sound system. While they all have been an improvement over the stock or lesser options, none have ever been what I would expect from the brand. I have learned that premium brand vehicle audio systems are generally either fully or partially licensed and are not actually the advertised brand's equipment. My Disco has the Meridian system and I think it's good. But certainly not Meridian quality. I keep all equalization and tone controls flat. It actually sounds a lot better when played loud than it does at my "normal" driving volume (which nis somewhat loud, but llow enough to hear what's going on around me.
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