Thread: Improving stereo sound in a Defender

I currently use a Jaycar Radio/MP3 player. It plays MP3s from USB or SD Card (or Aux input from smart phone). It saves on destroying and losing so many CDs like I used to in my old Disco.

Anyway, can anyone tell me how much room there is between the roof lining and the roof in the defender?

Yours might be different from mine, given mine is a 130. Also I'd stripped the headlining off as it was falling off anyway. Having said all that, I borrowed a fine skewer from the kitchen and stuck it through where I wanted the speakers to go. once through, you can feel around for obstacles and measure the space available. I understand you may not want to do that if you've got good headlining. I could measure the position of my front speakers from the side and the windscreen for you if you like. At least that position should be the same in both vehicles. That way a skewer test would be less risky.
Don.

Originally Posted by Don 130

I could measure the position of my front speakers from the side and the windscreen for you if you like. At least that position should be the same in both vehicles. That way a skewer test would be less risky.
Don.

That would be really useful of you could do that for me.

I was going to do a skewer test but wanted to avoid it is possible. The headlining is actually in fairly good nick.

Originally Posted by sam_d

Anyway, can anyone tell me how much room there is between the roof lining and the roof in the defender?

Not much. Enough to run cables but not enough for speakers or anything else. Not even for a cross over.

I have 6x9 infinity speakers in the rear and Polk audio marine 6.5 splits up front. They are mounted in a cradle that the old 4" ones were in. I put an amp under the rear seat and the head unit in the roof console with a 12" sub in the back.

Sounds ok, but I want more mid - I listen to a lot of metal and like the guitar to be big and dirty.

Originally Posted by sam_d

Anyway, can anyone tell me how much room there is between the roof lining and the roof in the defender?

There is about 55mm in the spot where I've mounted the speaker above the front seats, but there is also an internal rib to avoid. I've made mounting rings which add another 19 mm.
Don.

I fitted a digital radio head unit from Jaycar - sounds great and so much better choice of stations. Also they are a good source of good quality speakers at a reasonable price - I fitted 6 x 9 in boxes I mounted to the rear of the cargo barrier (making sure they don't go flying and hit me in the back of the head in an accident! I used some pioneer splits that I had, mounting the tweeters at the top of the front screen pillar and speakers in the standard hole. Amp I put under the center console/arm rest by modifiying the mounts and only raises it ever so slightly - that was an amp I had but they come in different sizes so might be able to shop around for one that doesnt' require mod of mounts - but thought it was a good out of the way place with good ventilation. And then I did a small jaycar built in amp sub under the back seat because I figure I could unplug it easily if I wanted to load up etc. Sounds great and didn't cost big dollars.

I just had an idea but have no way of checking it out as I don't have my defender yet.

Has anyone tried using the new 'soundbars' being offered with home theatre systems?

I don't know how easily they might fit up , but from my observation they can sure pump out some quality sound.

Originally Posted by ramblingboy42

I just had an idea but have no way of checking it out as I don't have my defender yet.

Has anyone tried using the new 'soundbars' being offered with home theatre systems?

I don't know how easily they might fit up , but from my observation they can sure pump out some quality sound.

Now you just got me thinking and searching. I wonder if one of these could fit across the back door.

NEW 6 Speaker Soundbar Jeep Wrangler Sound BAR Black With MAP Lights | eBay