Extremely disappointed in the 770 Meridian sound system
#21
05-09-2018, 04:46 PM
Veteran Member
Sure do! Is your's a manual? I got my daughter the TCT which isnt great at low speed, but it is still fun to drive and my daughter wouldnt want anything else. Sure as an Alfa bits of the interior fall off from time to time, but we like to think that as an Italian car they arent falling off, they are retreating or deserting!
#22
05-09-2018, 05:10 PM
Veteran Member
First, make sure if your car needs the TSB reprogram posted by DJS, have it done.
Even with that the system could be better. There is an upgrading your stereo thread that has a plug and play option using Meridian signature speakers for the front doors and dash coaxial (770w) only. Cost probably under $1k depending on who does it. I and others have posted to that thread if you want the details. Cambo has also posted an option to replace rear speakers on same thread and another recent thread. Speakers are about $400, but more labor intensive.
Even with that the system could be better. There is an upgrading your stereo thread that has a plug and play option using Meridian signature speakers for the front doors and dash coaxial (770w) only. Cost probably under $1k depending on who does it. I and others have posted to that thread if you want the details. Cambo has also posted an option to replace rear speakers on same thread and another recent thread. Speakers are about $400, but more labor intensive.
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PBBarb (05-09-2018)
#24
05-09-2018, 05:48 PM
#25
05-09-2018, 06:08 PM
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Sure do! Is your's a manual? I got my daughter the TCT which isnt great at low speed, but it is still fun to drive and my daughter wouldnt want anything else. Sure as an Alfa bits of the interior fall off from
time to time, but we like to think that as an Italian car they arent falling off, they are retreating or deserting!
time to time, but we like to think that as an Italian car they arent falling off, they are retreating or deserting!
I have two daughters and a son. They wanted the MiTo because the headlights make it look like a sad puppy.. And its one of few cars [2nd is the UP],in which I can sit as well..
We have a 1.4T MultiAir, which is the same principle as the Ingenium [2L] UniAir , a system that allows control of the valves independant from the camshaft. The car sticks together pretty well, we had no issues in a year.
But is a vintage 2011 Centenario model..
Last edited by Dan_NL; 05-09-2018 at 06:28 PM.
#26
05-09-2018, 06:27 PM
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Ahh yes, I meant did you have a manual in the MiTo. We had trouble with the TCT in it but used an autoflash that improved it. Someone on this site mentioned that they can ruin the box, but the improvement to the low speed changes is worth the risk. Ours is the 1.4 multiair as well, the engine is pretty good I think. I tend to think the car looks like a Koala but we call it Veejay because of the license plate and also the grille reminds me of a vag...
#27
05-09-2018, 06:35 PM
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Ahh yes, I meant did you have a manual in the MiTo. We had trouble with the TCT in it but used an autoflash that improved it. Someone on this site mentioned that they can ruin the box, but the improvement to the low speed changes is worth the risk. Ours is the 1.4 multiair as well, the engine is pretty good I think. I tend to think the car looks like a Koala but we call it Veejay because of the license plate and also the grille reminds me of a vag...
Repairs are € 1000 for replacing the cylinder head which is a unit...
Well, a Koala, yes I see some resemblance as well ! The name is MiTo [ Milano Torino ]. But since it suffers a lot of abuse [ my youngest daugter thinks its a rallyecar..] we decided she falls under #MeToo...
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BruceTheQuail (05-09-2018)
#28
05-09-2018, 06:36 PM
Agreed, My BMW 5 series (F10) had the 12 Speakers 600 Watt Harman Kardon system and it sounded so much better than the Meridian. But then BMW actually uses a bunch of sound engineers to get every speaker placement correctly and there is an actual division inside BMW to get every sound right. But I rarely use my sound system anymore, the exhaust takes care of everything. Its like an orchestra behind. 
On some higher models BMW even consults an external sound engineering company. Not sure if Jag goes to such lengths.
On some higher models BMW even consults an external sound engineering company. Not sure if Jag goes to such lengths.
#29
05-09-2018, 06:43 PM
#30
05-09-2018, 06:57 PM
I agree that the upgraded Meridian is not good. But for those of you looking for more sound from the rear speakers, your understanding of an audio system is incorrect. You should NOT hear much from the rear, particularly in a 2-seater. Sound stages are meant to be front-biased. Ask yourself this: When is the last time you went to a concert and the band was behind you? In car audio, when building a system for sound quality, most times the rear speakers are thrown in the trash or replaced with something very basic.
Same with home audio. You shouldn't have much output from the rear surround speakers. The screen is in front of you, as are the people talking. My dad used to drive me nuts because he thought that with surround sound, you should have equal sound from all speakers, which just isn't the case. The rear should only provide sound for noises behind you, such as bullets and airplanes flying by.
Same with home audio. You shouldn't have much output from the rear surround speakers. The screen is in front of you, as are the people talking. My dad used to drive me nuts because he thought that with surround sound, you should have equal sound from all speakers, which just isn't the case. The rear should only provide sound for noises behind you, such as bullets and airplanes flying by.
#31
05-09-2018, 07:10 PM
Veteran Member
There are threads going back to release of first f type
Once TSB fixes came out, it was more or less about what settings, music and how much system or speaker replacement you want to undertake. Some have done total replacement. Cambo is working on 380 to 770 upgrade as well as other infotainment changes. Other threads address this.
Once TSB fixes came out, it was more or less about what settings, music and how much system or speaker replacement you want to undertake. Some have done total replacement. Cambo is working on 380 to 770 upgrade as well as other infotainment changes. Other threads address this.
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PBBarb (05-09-2018)
#32
05-09-2018, 07:48 PM
Barb, if you have problems with distortion on a 2014, I'm pretty sure that you need the TSB JTB00537NAS2 to be applied to get the system to a reasonable level. See https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/f...-201335/page1/
After that, you have to adjust the system to your taste. Just take five minutes and play with the settings. Listen to a song that you know well. Toggle between the Dolby, Meridian and other settings to find the one you like best. Then do the same for the tone controls. Turn up the bass until it's too much, then down to where you like it, then treble, then subwoofers. Then adjust the sound stage left and right and from and rear. (I used "The Boys Are Back In Town" for the left-right adjustment. Find a song that ping-pongs.). Done.
The important thing is to adjust it to what sounds best to YOU!
After that, you have to adjust the system to your taste. Just take five minutes and play with the settings. Listen to a song that you know well. Toggle between the Dolby, Meridian and other settings to find the one you like best. Then do the same for the tone controls. Turn up the bass until it's too much, then down to where you like it, then treble, then subwoofers. Then adjust the sound stage left and right and from and rear. (I used "The Boys Are Back In Town" for the left-right adjustment. Find a song that ping-pongs.). Done.
The important thing is to adjust it to what sounds best to YOU!
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PBBarb (05-09-2018)
#33
05-09-2018, 08:23 PM
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jaguny (05-09-2018)
#34
05-09-2018, 09:30 PM
Coming from a Porsche with their Becker sound system, my F sounds like a symphony hall. :-)
Kidding aside, no complaints here. To my ears, somewhat of an audiophile, this is easily the best sounding system I’ve ever had. Also better than the Bose system in my Infiniti. The bulk of my source formatting are bought CDs, followed by XM, and on a rare day, MP3.
Kidding aside, no complaints here. To my ears, somewhat of an audiophile, this is easily the best sounding system I’ve ever had. Also better than the Bose system in my Infiniti. The bulk of my source formatting are bought CDs, followed by XM, and on a rare day, MP3.
#35
05-10-2018, 09:50 AM
Hello
Sorry can not believe this comment, I have the 380 Meridian system and sounds great ..
Trust me I make valve amplifiers for a living so know something about audio production, at the end of the day its a small metal box that we are listening music to.
For example what music files are you using ? I use FLAC lossless and WAV uncompressed not MP3 compressed.
I have had Bose systems / Harmon Kardon / etc etc and sound just as good if not better then my recent Z4 35is system, trust me if the system was no good I would be the first to complain .. there is a software upgrade I believe mentioned in topix
You most have a fault .. sorry just saying also as just mentioned I have Z4 E89 35is and it is not better in anyway
regards
Sorry can not believe this comment, I have the 380 Meridian system and sounds great ..
Trust me I make valve amplifiers for a living so know something about audio production, at the end of the day its a small metal box that we are listening music to.
For example what music files are you using ? I use FLAC lossless and WAV uncompressed not MP3 compressed.
I have had Bose systems / Harmon Kardon / etc etc and sound just as good if not better then my recent Z4 35is system, trust me if the system was no good I would be the first to complain .. there is a software upgrade I believe mentioned in topix
You most have a fault .. sorry just saying also as just mentioned I have Z4 E89 35is and it is not better in anyway
regards
Last edited by Roadstergal; 05-10-2018 at 01:17 PM.
#36
05-10-2018, 09:52 AM
Coming from a Porsche with their Becker sound system, my F sounds like a symphony hall. :-)
Kidding aside, no complaints here. To my ears, somewhat of an audiophile, this is easily the best sounding system I’ve ever had. Also better than the Bose system in my Infiniti. The bulk of my source formatting are bought CDs, followed by XM, and on a rare day, MP3.
Kidding aside, no complaints here. To my ears, somewhat of an audiophile, this is easily the best sounding system I’ve ever had. Also better than the Bose system in my Infiniti. The bulk of my source formatting are bought CDs, followed by XM, and on a rare day, MP3.
#37
05-10-2018, 11:05 AM
Veteran Member
Your first post was at 8:41 yesterday morning and you've already had 800+ views and 30-something posts. I'm sure if you do a search here you'll find at least one thread with LOTS more views and posts.
My point is you are not alone.
While any automobile is less than ideal when it comes to audio, and our exhausts notes are the real stars, you'd think that between the price of our cars and the name brands behind them, you'd get better quality sound.
Unfortunately and as I have written here several times before, my wife's 12 year old BMW 325xi has a much better sound system - and that includes SIRIUS radio which sucks in my Jag - so go figure?
I do stream music but often just pop a CD into the changer - old timer that I am - which provides the best quality sounds in a system which is, as you've stated, seriously lacking and...well...disappointing.
Good luck!
My point is you are not alone.
While any automobile is less than ideal when it comes to audio, and our exhausts notes are the real stars, you'd think that between the price of our cars and the name brands behind them, you'd get better quality sound.
Unfortunately and as I have written here several times before, my wife's 12 year old BMW 325xi has a much better sound system - and that includes SIRIUS radio which sucks in my Jag - so go figure?
I do stream music but often just pop a CD into the changer - old timer that I am - which provides the best quality sounds in a system which is, as you've stated, seriously lacking and...well...disappointing.
Good luck!
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Roadstergal (05-10-2018)
#39
05-10-2018, 02:20 PM
Kaspa, Really!!! The z4's had two stereo systems as well. Did you have the upgraded system? Maybe, I do need a software upgrade. I feel I know quite a bit about car stereo sound, particularly in a two seater. I have had many fine 2 seaters since 1998 and I have always opted for the upgraded stereo if it was not standard. I know that this is by far the most mediocre of all of my car stereos. Well I certainly did not buy this car for stereo. I am just stating fact. I will have them check mine out when I bring it to the dealer at a later date and time.
Maybe I'm just missing out having not driven luxury cars my whole life, but I have nowhere to complain. The fact that I can get chest-rattling bass with crystal clear, undistorted mids and treble at 60mph on the highway with the top down is just incredible. I'm a happy camper.
#40
05-10-2018, 02:52 PM
Veteran Member
I've gotten the impression over the years that these systems are highly inconsistent - some have issues, others not so much.
That's my explanation as to why some folks love them, and some say 'worst ever.' I think it's more than just music preference and one's ear. A surprising number of people have taken them in for service, and reported that the rear subs were 'blown.'
That's my explanation as to why some folks love them, and some say 'worst ever.' I think it's more than just music preference and one's ear. A surprising number of people have taken them in for service, and reported that the rear subs were 'blown.'