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Wheel



Member Since: 28 May 2014
Location: Essex
Posts: 233

United Kingdom 
New XS Defender Audio System and amp upgrade
Hi All,
I'm after some info re: the audio system fitted to a new XS.
I'm going to place an order for a new 90 and am thinking of having the audio upgrade but the dealers, and I've spoken to a few, don't seem to know what you actually get in the audio upgrade apart from the Amp.
I wanted to know if the head unit and/or speakers are also upgraded.
Can anyone please shed some light on this or know from experience if it's worth having ?

Thanks
Mark
Post #357880 14th Sep 2014 9:17pm
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jomara



Member Since: 26 Oct 2009
Location: Lanarkshire
Posts: 1790

Scotland 2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
Hi Mark

From JLR press release

Upgraded In-Car Entertainment System
The base audio system for the Defender has a single-slot CD player, USB, Aux jack and 4x50W amplification with an optional audio upgrade available for Bluetooth connectivity with remote microphone. This can be enhanced further with the optional, Alpine-branded Hi Line 150W low profile subwoofer system with 10cm coaxial speakers replacing the standard units.

Cheers
John 2014 110 2.2TDCi XS Station wagon
1971 Bowler Tomcat 88 4.2 V8 Auto
2022 110 D250 XS Edition - Gone
2024 110 D250 X-Dynamic HSE
Post #357881 14th Sep 2014 9:24pm
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RobKeay



Member Since: 19 Jul 2009
Location: Stafford
Posts: 1583

United Kingdom 2014 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Corris Grey
It's well worth ticking that box. I have it on mine and find it pretty good. The only bad thing is the Bluetooth people just can't hear what your saying.
Post #357885 14th Sep 2014 9:45pm
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Pickles



Member Since: 26 May 2013
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 3785

Australia 2013 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Keswick Green
This upgrade comes standard with Aussie 90s,...and, considering the fairly basic nature of a Defender, I reckon it's a pretty good system.
Pickles.
Post #357886 14th Sep 2014 9:54pm
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Go Beyond



Member Since: 30 Jan 2012
Location: Headcorn, Kent
Posts: 6678

United Kingdom 
It's just an Alpine powered sub fitted to the rear of the cubby box, an easy (cheaper) aftermarket upgrade
Post #357898 15th Sep 2014 5:54am
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couplands



Member Since: 31 Aug 2011
Location: Peak District & Cornwall
Posts: 1826

United Kingdom 2001 Defender 90 Td5 HT Oslo Blue
I think the cubby box is shorter to accommodate the sub.

As with most things, buying from Land Rover is going to be much more expensive than buying the upgrade from Alpine/reseller direct.

Cheers

Simon
Post #357905 15th Sep 2014 7:36am
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SupraAyf



Member Since: 08 Sep 2014
Location: Durham
Posts: 142

United Kingdom 2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 HT Orkney Grey
Hi Mark,

I have a Kenwood (Bluetooth) single DIN unit with a Hertz 800W Amp HE 4 fitted under the passenger seat, right next to the battery. The spec of the Hertz unit is listed below in the link.

My sub is located in the rear of my 90 and the sound is out of this world. The Bluetooth is perfect and has a directional mic fitted too.

The Amp is not that expensive but if you can't fit it yourself then that will obviously add a few bob to the bill.

I would look at the various different options available to you before requesting the dealer upgrade.

EDIT- This is the tech-spec link:

http://winauto.ua/manuals/en/Manual-Car-am...hannel.pdf - Andrew -
Post #357915 15th Sep 2014 8:37am
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Go Beyond



Member Since: 30 Jan 2012
Location: Headcorn, Kent
Posts: 6678

United Kingdom 
You are right, the cubby is a little shorter Thumbs Up
Post #357923 15th Sep 2014 9:05am
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Wheel



Member Since: 28 May 2014
Location: Essex
Posts: 233

United Kingdom 
Thanks All for your replies,

My thoughts on it were that if the speakers are upgraded and people thought it a marked improvement over the std XS fit set-up then i'll order it.
If at a later date i decide to upgrade the amp and speakers at least the wirings already in place.
The info i had from the dealers made it out to be just the addition of an Amp for £180 which wasn't overly a good deal but with the upgraded speakers sounds more attractive.
Doesn't it ??
Is the head unit any good and does anyone know the actual model No. for this and the Amp ?
On that note, I am aware of manufacturers pricing and how expensive bits can be and really don't want to throw money at them for no added benefit as i already have a list of bits i want to get after market once i have the vehicle.

Thanks,
Mark
Post #357939 15th Sep 2014 9:41am
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Go Beyond



Member Since: 30 Jan 2012
Location: Headcorn, Kent
Posts: 6678

United Kingdom 
Hi Mark,

The speakers are NOT upgraded, the only addition is the Alpine powered sub and a different head unit

Regards,


Matt
Post #357942 15th Sep 2014 9:46am
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OldhamLandy



Member Since: 17 Oct 2013
Location: somewhere
Posts: 164

United Kingdom 2016 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Santorini Black
I had the upgrade option fitted to my 2014 90xs and I think that the upgrade is worth the minimal additional outlay - it was an extra £150 when I placed my order. Having lived with the system for a few months and having come from Audi's with Bose systems and a BMW with a Harman Kardon system, I think that the upgrade kit is worth it as the sound it delivers is pretty good. At the end of the day you are driving a Defender and there is some noise intrusion and some vibration if you crank up the base a bit too much, but for a basic audio upgrade I think it is well worth the extra dosh and if you are not happy with it, you can always add on an amp, uprated speakers etc - I think you will be surprised how good the audio system is compared to the older type installations, I was / still am. 2016 Defender 90xs SW - Santorini Black with Silver Pack
2014 Defender 90xs SW - Corris Grey with Santorini Black Roof
Post #357957 15th Sep 2014 10:55am
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Wheel



Member Since: 28 May 2014
Location: Essex
Posts: 233

United Kingdom 
After just speaking to LR cust services to try and find out which actual models the head unit and Amp are, which i must confess is actually a SUB and NOT an Amp (i must pay more attention) I think the decision has been made for me already as the upgrade which the dealer offered isn't available on 2015 MY Defenders.
I now have to talk to the dealer again to confirm if it is or not available.
All very confusing, not to mention misleading !!!
But once again, thank you all for your input.

Thanks,
Mark
Post #357962 15th Sep 2014 11:07am
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Go Beyond



Member Since: 30 Jan 2012
Location: Headcorn, Kent
Posts: 6678

United Kingdom 
Is it a hardtop 90 you are ordering ?
Post #357969 15th Sep 2014 11:17am
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Wheel



Member Since: 28 May 2014
Location: Essex
Posts: 233

United Kingdom 
Sorry, i didn't mention it earlier. Its a Station Wagon.
I've found the Head unit and its an Alpine CDE 137 BTi and am now looking at which sub if any would be compatable or whether i need to start from scratch and change the head unit and speakers if i want to fit a sub.

Thanks,
Mark
Post #357985 15th Sep 2014 11:55am
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Macpaul



Member Since: 25 Mar 2013
Location: SW Surrey
Posts: 439

United Kingdom 2013 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Loire Blue
Does anyone have experience of upgrading the standard 10cm speakers on their LR Alpine system?

Is it worth it? 2003 Td5 110 Hardtop
Now a 2013 110 USW too.
Post #357986 15th Sep 2014 12:06pm
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