770 Meridian Sound System - Speaker Question
#241
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Peter,
Thanks for the post. I'd like to report on my 2016 F-Type AWD S. It comes with the 770w Meridian and I have to say, the subwoofers are simply awful. At any volume from the subwoofer under audio settings and with any of the DSP modes. The distortion and worblliness happen mainly on "punchy" bass notes for me. Sadly, the subs are literally the worst I have ever heard on any "luxury" car.
Yes, the child seat latch cover buzzed, so I removed that and it worked... but the horrible distortion remains.
Thanks for the post. I'd like to report on my 2016 F-Type AWD S. It comes with the 770w Meridian and I have to say, the subwoofers are simply awful. At any volume from the subwoofer under audio settings and with any of the DSP modes. The distortion and worblliness happen mainly on "punchy" bass notes for me. Sadly, the subs are literally the worst I have ever heard on any "luxury" car.
Yes, the child seat latch cover buzzed, so I removed that and it worked... but the horrible distortion remains.
#242
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If limiting the frequencies sent to the tweeters can resolve the buzzing, I would think one of the electrical engineers on this forum should be able to design a simple 2 or 3 component crossover circuit to put in-line at the tweeter. I know I studied crossover circuits, but not much of my brain cells left from the early '70s.
3 Way Crossover
3 Way Crossover
#243
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I had considered changing speakers, but read a Jaguar description, which mentioned active crossovers. Could be hard to work around, so I didn't persue it. (I have some excellent MB Quart component speakers I removed from my previous car.) But inexpensive speakers often have a passive crossover right on the speaker. I can't believe that there isn't a crossover somewhere, unless they let a 5-year old design the system.
Which is starting to sound like a possibility.
Which is starting to sound like a possibility.
#245
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Thanks for your useful post.
However, it is not correct to say that ALL 2014 cars have problems with trim vibrations and rattling. There are none on my 2014 car, and there never have been.
I've tried all types of music at very high volumes, I have no rattles of any kind, and no detectable distortion at volumes that aren't painful to my ears.
Perhaps I just got lucky, but I'm not the only one who has reported no issues. Having said all of the above, I do agree it is a problem on far too many cars, and it is very unfortunate that JLR has not done a good job tracking and fixing the root cause.
The people with no problems aren't posting on this subject because quite frankly, many of us are tired of reading about it here and happy we're happy.
However, it is not correct to say that ALL 2014 cars have problems with trim vibrations and rattling. There are none on my 2014 car, and there never have been.
I've tried all types of music at very high volumes, I have no rattles of any kind, and no detectable distortion at volumes that aren't painful to my ears.
Perhaps I just got lucky, but I'm not the only one who has reported no issues. Having said all of the above, I do agree it is a problem on far too many cars, and it is very unfortunate that JLR has not done a good job tracking and fixing the root cause.
The people with no problems aren't posting on this subject because quite frankly, many of us are tired of reading about it here and happy we're happy.
#246
#248
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I'm also with Foosh,no problems and what I expected for a $1200 upgrade in today's market. I hate to say this as it evokes a nasty discussion but I think a lot of these radio complaints are bs coming from unreasonable expectations. Is HK Logic 7 better? Yes, but it is not B&O or B&W, but those are all $5k plus options and not in too many 2 seaters! Ferrari has an 8k option that is good but not great in a 2 seater. Go listen to the Meridian in a Range Rover, basically same system from same company and it sounds much better. In big open suv!
#249
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I experimented today with the audio options and found a solution for me for now.
I've moved the Fader 80-85% to the back, Bass one tick above middle, Treble one tick below middle, and Subwoofer about 30%. I can still increase the sub with little distortion. Apparently, fading the sound to the back was the key, and I'm able to dial down the distortion coming out of the rear.
Since it's faded to the rear, I might've expected the subs to sound worse, but that's not the case. I guess it really means it's not the fault of the subs alone and probably something to do with the crossovers or poor wiring.
I now get the best soundstage by avoiding the DSP modes completely (Meridian, Dolby, or DTS) and using plain Stereo mode.
This isn't optimal since the soundstage is a bit farther back than I'd like and it's still disappointing for a 770w "high end" Meridian, but it's now at least acceptable. The "cheaper" B&O system in my old Audi S4 was better, but oh well... the rest of the car makes up for it!
I've moved the Fader 80-85% to the back, Bass one tick above middle, Treble one tick below middle, and Subwoofer about 30%. I can still increase the sub with little distortion. Apparently, fading the sound to the back was the key, and I'm able to dial down the distortion coming out of the rear.
Since it's faded to the rear, I might've expected the subs to sound worse, but that's not the case. I guess it really means it's not the fault of the subs alone and probably something to do with the crossovers or poor wiring.
I now get the best soundstage by avoiding the DSP modes completely (Meridian, Dolby, or DTS) and using plain Stereo mode.
This isn't optimal since the soundstage is a bit farther back than I'd like and it's still disappointing for a 770w "high end" Meridian, but it's now at least acceptable. The "cheaper" B&O system in my old Audi S4 was better, but oh well... the rest of the car makes up for it!
![Icon Wub](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_wub.gif)
#250
#251
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Thanks for your opinion on our opinion.
#252
#253
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I'm also with Foosh,no problems and what I expected for a $1200 upgrade in today's market. I hate to say this as it evokes a nasty discussion but I think a lot of these radio complaints are bs coming from unreasonable expectations. Is HK Logic 7 better? Yes, but it is not B&O or B&W, but those are all $5k plus options and not in too many 2 seaters! Ferrari has an 8k option that is good but not great in a 2 seater. Go listen to the Meridian in a Range Rover, basically same system from same company and it sounds much better. In big open suv!
Trying to keep it real here guys....., work with JLR and they will work with you, but remain professionally poised and diligent. They are trying to rectify it with you, but find the right way to communicate with them (if you haven't already). They pulled through eventually.
My system is now a 9 out of 10, brilliant highs always in this stereo, and all of this came up from a 4 out of 10, maybe low 5 out of 10. Material difference, and now I am pleased with my F-Type S totally!
Good Luck all...
Last edited by slojotaa; 06-27-2015 at 06:39 AM.
#254
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Working on a fix for the tweeters now with a crossover system.. I will be detailing the install, parts and setting used.. I will be using a crossover in line with the Meridian tweeters. Found the OHM's and Cutoff frequency from the Meridian site and will apply their settings (even though I feel they should be different than 3K and above to the tweeters) but to be consistent with the original tune I will leave it this way. Waiting for the gear to arrive then will post back. Stay tuned
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DuhCar (07-02-2015)
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anonymousjagman (07-02-2015)
#256
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I was out for a pure joyride in my car yesterday, and got stuck in trafic.
Spent some time playing with the Meridian 770W system (have not done much of that since I got the car, as I have enjoyed lissening to the sound the V8 makes instead).
My impression is that the sound-system works very well in my car. My sources were DAB radio and MP3 music on USB-stick.
DTS mode sounded (subjectively) best, and my settings ended up with Bass +2 (over middle), Treble in the middle, Sub +1 (over middle) and fader in center. ps: some of the radiostations could need minor adjustments, as they might be heavy on the bass - specially if I played (very) loud.
No rattles, no distortions - just good clean sound with a good punch to it.
The system sounds better than the "top of the line" Dynaudio system I had in my previous Touareg, and for the (minor) extra cost I think it is good.
I don't mean that those of you that complain are wrong. There are clearly issues on some (many?) cars, but for the ballanse I just want to say that some of us have gotten a system that seems to work rather well.
The only problem I have got is the center went that does not always retract, but that will be taken care of by the dealer on warranty as soon as they receive some parts.
All in all I could not be happier with the car!
Spent some time playing with the Meridian 770W system (have not done much of that since I got the car, as I have enjoyed lissening to the sound the V8 makes instead).
My impression is that the sound-system works very well in my car. My sources were DAB radio and MP3 music on USB-stick.
DTS mode sounded (subjectively) best, and my settings ended up with Bass +2 (over middle), Treble in the middle, Sub +1 (over middle) and fader in center. ps: some of the radiostations could need minor adjustments, as they might be heavy on the bass - specially if I played (very) loud.
No rattles, no distortions - just good clean sound with a good punch to it.
The system sounds better than the "top of the line" Dynaudio system I had in my previous Touareg, and for the (minor) extra cost I think it is good.
I don't mean that those of you that complain are wrong. There are clearly issues on some (many?) cars, but for the ballanse I just want to say that some of us have gotten a system that seems to work rather well.
The only problem I have got is the center went that does not always retract, but that will be taken care of by the dealer on warranty as soon as they receive some parts.
All in all I could not be happier with the car!
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anonymousjagman (07-02-2015)
#257
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I couldnt find one for the F-type (of course) but meridian seems to be using all of the same components based on diameter and outputs. The different wattage around brand and models comes from adding additional speakers for the extra space in the other cars. If you look at the XJ and XF they obviously needed to add rear seat and deck speakers. Using this guide I will tune according to Meridian spec and not my ear so we can have a standardized test and who knows maybe then it will actually sound like we all expect it to ![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
#258
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I run nearly the exact tune you are running.. everyone has different ears and music quality is subjective so its tough to really know whats wrong unless you have a trained ear or know what youre looking for.. to see if youre car fits the "buzz" issue scenario, download the tone generator on the app store and run through the lower frequencies and you will then be able to detect if the wrong frequencies are being sent to your tweeters. test it and let us know your results! you will hear a buzz, start at 10 hz and work your way up.. your tweeters should NEVER be playing the same frequency as your subs and vice versa.. if you get to 1Khz (1000hz) and you never hear anything come out of the tweeters (in all digital settings and set everything to the middle on your settings for this test) then its safe to assume you do not have this issue in your car
I was out for a pure joyride in my car yesterday, and got stuck in trafic.
Spent some time playing with the Meridian 770W system (have not done much of that since I got the car, as I have enjoyed lissening to the sound the V8 makes instead).
My impression is that the sound-system works very well in my car. My sources were DAB radio and MP3 music on USB-stick.
DTS mode sounded (subjectively) best, and my settings ended up with Bass +2 (over middle), Treble in the middle, Sub +1 (over middle) and fader in center. ps: some of the radiostations could need minor adjustments, as they might be heavy on the bass - specially if I played (very) loud.
No rattles, no distortions - just good clean sound with a good punch to it.
The system sounds better than the "top of the line" Dynaudio system I had in my previous Touareg, and for the (minor) extra cost I think it is good.
I don't mean that those of you that complain are wrong. There are clearly issues on some (many?) cars, but for the ballanse I just want to say that some of us have gotten a system that seems to work rather well.
The only problem I have got is the center went that does not always retract, but that will be taken care of by the dealer on warranty as soon as they receive some parts.
All in all I could not be happier with the car!
Spent some time playing with the Meridian 770W system (have not done much of that since I got the car, as I have enjoyed lissening to the sound the V8 makes instead).
My impression is that the sound-system works very well in my car. My sources were DAB radio and MP3 music on USB-stick.
DTS mode sounded (subjectively) best, and my settings ended up with Bass +2 (over middle), Treble in the middle, Sub +1 (over middle) and fader in center. ps: some of the radiostations could need minor adjustments, as they might be heavy on the bass - specially if I played (very) loud.
No rattles, no distortions - just good clean sound with a good punch to it.
The system sounds better than the "top of the line" Dynaudio system I had in my previous Touareg, and for the (minor) extra cost I think it is good.
I don't mean that those of you that complain are wrong. There are clearly issues on some (many?) cars, but for the ballanse I just want to say that some of us have gotten a system that seems to work rather well.
The only problem I have got is the center went that does not always retract, but that will be taken care of by the dealer on warranty as soon as they receive some parts.
All in all I could not be happier with the car!
#259
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I couldnt find one for the F-type (of course) but meridian seems to be using all of the same components based on diameter and outputs. The different wattage around brand and models comes from adding additional speakers for the extra space in the other cars. If you look at the XJ and XF they obviously needed to add rear seat and deck speakers. Using this guide I will tune according to Meridian spec and not my ear so we can have a standardized test and who knows maybe then it will actually sound like we all expect it to ![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Smile](https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
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anonymousjagman (07-02-2015)
#260
![Default](/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I run nearly the exact tune you are running.. everyone has different ears and music quality is subjective so its tough to really know whats wrong unless you have a trained ear or know what youre looking for.. to see if youre car fits the "buzz" issue scenario, download the tone generator on the app store and run through the lower frequencies and you will then be able to detect if the wrong frequencies are being sent to your tweeters. test it and let us know your results! you will hear a buzz, start at 10 hz and work your way up.. your tweeters should NEVER be playing the same frequency as your subs and vice versa.. if you get to 1Khz (1000hz) and you never hear anything come out of the tweeters (in all digital settings and set everything to the middle on your settings for this test) then its safe to assume you do not have this issue in your car
I then tried several of the music I have on a memory stick + several good quality DAB+ radio chanels, but even though I now know what to lissen for, I was not able to hear the buzzing no matter how hard I tried.
I do agree that this is not how it should be, but I do not think it is worth it for me to try to find a fix - as my ears clearly are not able to hear it anyway.
I also think that the "buzz" is the result of something that resonate. Might be the speaker grill/fasterners, or something loose close to (or touching) the speaker.
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anonymousjagman (07-02-2015)