Member Since: 12 Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 120
Aftermarket Sound system installation - 2013 Disco 4 HSE
Made a mistake when I got my Disco 4 HSE and just went for the standard sound system.
In a sentence it's very, very, mediocre for a car of this value. Has anyone upgraded the in car stereo system (I think this is Harmon Kardon) for anything else? I note that Meridian is the preferred system now and wondered if I can retro fit this to the car (17 speakers 825W)?
Either way, my problem is that I don't listen to music very loud and low levels with the current Harmon Kardon system are dire. I might has well be listening to my mum's mono wireless....So to get any feeling at all of good sound I have to go loud...
I have had systems in other cars which were far more enveloping and detailed - including when listened to quietly so I desperately want to change out what is currently in there to something much, much better.
Any suggestions?
9th Nov 2014 6:12 pm
D4MY2014
Member Since: 15 Jun 2014
Location: London
Posts: 71
I would not bother with the Meridian 825w. Not much better than the standard system and not worth the money unless you have really good source music. If you do go for upgrade go for a third party sound system.
9th Nov 2014 6:15 pm
Rich_S
Member Since: 12 Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 120
Yes, I kind of guessed the same but not being a HiFi buff for cars, I'm not too sure where to start....
A few years ago I got talking to the guy who was contracted by Naim Audio to develop the premium sound systems for Bentley.
I understood they would be about a £40K option
Now THAT'S a sound system Morris Dancers: Drinkers with A Dance Problem
9th Nov 2014 7:31 pm
Rich_S
Member Since: 12 Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 120
40K??????
pfffff....I was planning on spending twice as much!
9th Nov 2014 10:09 pm
caverD3
Member Since: 03 Jul 2006
Location: Oberon, NSW
Posts: 6922
The weakness in OEM systems is the speakers. Replace them, you will be amazed at the improvement.
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10th Nov 2014 2:31 am
Rich_S
Member Since: 12 Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 120
definitely going to go down that route as a starter. Not sure that changing the head unit is possible considering how linked in it is to every other aspect of the car, so speakers seem to be the best way forward. Thanks for confirming my thoughts.
10th Nov 2014 8:59 am
christyler
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: Cork, Ireland
Posts: 1168
Speakers
Check out "Focal" SpeakersCLUB "Ah Shor it'll be grand"
First D3 in the World with a Hydraulic Winch.
2006 Disco 3 TDV6 S Auto,
Diff Locks, Turbochipped, Raised Air Intake, 220volts Onboard, Onboard Compressor, Large Bore Exahust, Underbody Protection, One or two Other Mods as well.
Other toys include, Argo Avenger 8x8, Tatra 6x6 Motorhome (Being Built)
10th Nov 2014 10:53 am
Mambosasa
Member Since: 31 May 2013
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 226
I would love to upgrade my speakers and in the process get rid of some buzzing I am getting.
Does anyone have a full list of speakers refs? There must a ready to install kit out there?D4 HSE all the way
10th Nov 2014 2:45 pm
Rich_S
Member Since: 12 Mar 2013
Location: London
Posts: 120
Just been on to two local car audio garages;
First advise was - "don't bother about the speakers - add a sub" - but is there not one in the car already?
Second garage suggest putting in a digital processor/amp after the head unit - from Audison
As both correctly identified that the HK system is fibre optic and it was not an option to change the head unit. Neither felt it was that good an option to change the speakers.
thoughts?
10th Nov 2014 2:54 pm
Mambosasa
Member Since: 31 May 2013
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 226
I fancy a couple of slim whoopers under the front seats.
Not sure how I would connect them though.D4 HSE all the way
10th Nov 2014 9:03 pm
LT
Member Since: 31 Dec 2005
Location: South West
Posts: 23391
I've always thought that the audio systems in the 3 HSE's that I've owned was/is superb. An advantage of not being an audiophile I suppose. 2006 D3 HSE (Original & still the best)-GONE
2010 D4 HSE (A bit bling)-GONE
2014 D4 HSE (Almost too bling)-GONE
2015 D4 HSE (A heated what?)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Written Off)-GONE
2016 D4 Landmark (Surely the last!) PD1881 rims-GONE
2017 FFRR SDV8 Autobiography
10th Nov 2014 11:18 pm
pagoda
Member Since: 13 Aug 2009
Location: Not London Anymore (or the US for that matter)
Posts: 1923
caverD3 wrote:
The weakness in OEM systems is the speakers. Replace them, you will be amazed at the improvement.
Couldn't agree more! Do some research and listen to some speakers. See what kind of sound you like, and start there. It makes a colossal difference. Wouldn't bother with subs until you've exhausted decent speakers. Good ones can handle a lot of bass.PAGODA
10th Nov 2014 11:38 pm
Mambosasa
Member Since: 31 May 2013
Location: Birmingham
Posts: 226
Has anyone actually done it? There must be a firm out there who offer a full kit. Plenty out there for BMW for sure.D4 HSE all the way
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