Thread: Defender 300TDi New Stereo

Originally Posted by Mickman

Hi all

I have just installed a new Pioneer SPH-10BT single DIN head unit in my 300TDi. This is a unit which has a built phone cradle and a "Dashboard" disply which gives time, GPS speed, Altimeter and media playback information. I purchased thinking that I would not be able to use the cradle (my stereo is recessed and I thought the top dash would protrude too much) however I pleased to find the fit perfect.

I also have a later Puma cubby with the built in Alpine subwoofer however this is not connected and I am not sure I will connect it. I am now thinking of upgrading the front speakers with perhaps some tweeters also but would like to maintain the original mounts (4"?). Does anyone have any experience with Defender stereos that could advise me whether a new pair of aftermarket speakers will improve the sound, and also if it is worth my while connecting the subwoofer (a cable from the UK is required for about $140). I mainly listed to audiobooks/podcasts but do like to listed to music occasionally.

Thanks for any advice.
Ty

I went with 4.5" pioneer speakers, they were just middle of the road so not too expensive and defs worth the money. 6" fit with spacers, I had that in another defender. Better to get smaller better quality speakers rather than cheaper bigger speakers. 6" component speakers with separate tweeter would be the best I reckon if you aren't putting bigger speakers in the back. Definitely yes to the sub (not sure about that sub in particular though), that would be the easiest way to make better sound as the smaller speakers don't need to do all the work. Surely that sub could be wired up normally to a head unit without some expensive wiring loom??

Thanks, so the 4.5" are just a straight swap out?

The sub has a loom but it is designed to connect to the factory loom in the Puma. THIS would be a direct replacement loom which is terminated with RCA's at the head unit end.

Originally Posted by Mickman

Thanks, so the 4.5" are just a straight swap out?

The sub has a loom but it is designed to connect to the factory loom in the Puma. THIS would be a direct replacement loom which is terminated with RCA's at the head unit end.

Yeah the pair I bought just fit straight in, not sure about other models though. Measure the hole diameter and then look on the box before you buy them, it should show how big the speakers are. 5 1/4" might fit but I haven't tried them. Otherwise 4" component speakers would be better than just 4" 2-way, then you can have the tweeter up higher.

I'm not familiar with the sub out of a puma but is it possible to work out positive/negative and which are the signal wires and just run new wires to your head unit?

I bought the focal Focal 100KRS 4" (French handmade) with separate twiters ,and a subwoofer,one of the best investment, gives the full dynamic range of sound, awsome quality and really helps drown out the road noise,
I found not a lot of choices in 4" to suit the existing hole

I ended up with a set of Pioneer 4". Not a huge improvement, and perhaps even a little less bass so now I think connecting my sub is going to have to happen.