Poor sound quality

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RichM

RichM

Well-Known Member
Posts
1,841
Location
UK
I'm unable to get the sound quality (CD/MP3) to a decent standard in my Freelander. When I bought my Freelander, it had a default setup and I was surprised anyone could listen to it as it sounded almost as bad as an airport PA system, just a little less annoying. Even so, I'm surprised it didn't make the previous owner want to crash it into a brick wall, it was that bad.

My setup:

Speakers:

JBL GTO628

4x 6.5'' Speakers (door mounted)
180 watts max power
60 watts RMS

JBL - GTO628 - 6-1/2" 2-Way Loudspeaker

Headunit:

Sony MEXBT3800U

EQ set to Xplod preset
52W x4 High Power
7 watts per channel
minimum continuous average power into 4 Ohms
4 channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 5% total harmonic distortion.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs...&productId=8198552921666040163#specifications

Any idea what the problem is? I haven't put a subwoofer in because I need the space and I know that a subwoofer isn't needed to get an acceptable sound setup.

When I had a BMW, I never had much trouble getting the sound quality to a decent standard. Could it be related to insulation and the volume of the cabin area?

Cheers
 
Last edited:
First of all, set all your tone controls and faders / balance to zero and then turn off the EQ3. Then you're just hearing the basic sound - best to get this as right as possible first before messing with EQs etc.

Secondly, refer to Page 26 of your users manual and check that your HPF (High Pass Filter) if off...

Adjusting setup items — SET
1 Press and hold the select button.
The setup display appears.
2 Press the select button repeatedly
until the desired item appears.
3 Rotate the control dial to select the
setting (example “ON” or “OFF”).
4 Press and hold the select button.
The setup is complete and the display returns
to normal reception/play mode.

HPF (High Pass Filter)
Selects the front/rear speaker cut-off frequency:
“OFF,” “80Hz,” “100Hz,” “120Hz,” “140Hz,”
“160Hz.”

Is it wired in using the original Land Rover wiring or have you put in new speaker cables?
 
I'd be happy if I could hear the radio at all .
If you get around to reading this post N.Islander , I still want that radio at that price .
If you can find the cheapest way of getting it to me I will buy it gladly .
If not I will be up that way via Cookstown - Portrush maybe over to Donegal sometime early summer .

J.C.G.
 
RichM said:
I'm unable to get the sound quality (CD/MP3) to a decent standard in my Freelander. When I bought my Freelander, it had a default setup and I was surprised anyone could listen to it as it sounded almost as bad as an airport PA system, just a little less annoying. Even so, I'm surprised it didn't make the previous owner want to crash it into a brick wall, it was that bad.

My setup:

Speakers:

JBL GTO628

4x 6.5'' Speakers (door mounted)
180 watts max power
60 watts RMS

JBL - GTO628 - 6-1/2" 2-Way Loudspeaker

Headunit:

Sony MEXBT3800U

EQ set to Xplod preset
52W x4 High Power
7 watts per channel
minimum continuous average power into 4 Ohms
4 channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 5% total harmonic distortion.

MEX-BT3800U | Xplōd™ Bluetooth® CD Receiver | Sony | Sony Style USA

Any idea what the problem is? I haven't put a subwoofer in because I need the space and I know that a subwoofer isn't needed to get an acceptable sound setup.

When I had a BMW, I never had much trouble getting the sound quality to a decent standard. Could it be related to insulation and the volume of the cabin area?

Cheers
Click to expand...
Why do you call it a freelander in here ?
You usually refer to it as a gaylander ;), and that sounds like a question/queery that a poncey bmuu driver would submit .:eek:
 
RichM said:
I'm unable to get the sound quality (CD/MP3) to a decent standard in my Freelander. When I bought my Freelander, it had a default setup and I was surprised anyone could listen to it as it sounded almost as bad as an airport PA system, just a little less annoying. Even so, I'm surprised it didn't make the previous owner want to crash it into a brick wall, it was that bad.

My setup:

Speakers:

JBL GTO628

4x 6.5'' Speakers (door mounted)
180 watts max power
60 watts RMS

JBL - GTO628 - 6-1/2" 2-Way Loudspeaker

Headunit:

Sony MEXBT3800U

EQ set to Xplod preset
52W x4 High Power
7 watts per channel
minimum continuous average power into 4 Ohms
4 channels driven from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with no more than 5% total harmonic distortion.

MEX-BT3800U | Xplōd™ Bluetooth® CD Receiver | Sony | Sony Style USA

Any idea what the problem is? I haven't put a subwoofer in because I need the space and I know that a subwoofer isn't needed to get an acceptable sound setup.

When I had a BMW, I never had much trouble getting the sound quality to a decent standard. Could it be related to insulation and the volume of the cabin area?

Cheers
Click to expand...

Strange one, I am using an almost identical Sony unit in both Freelanders using standard speakers and am getting a good sound output, even when the volume is quite high :)
 
I have the oem set up in my 02 ES. My old Disco was treated to a full Sony X-Plod transplant, 4 3-way speakers, replacing the poor originals but keeping the original sub woofer. The Sony kit was removed with every intention of using as much as possible in the Freelander. 4 months on and its still not been done. I think the ES models came with higher spec components, 6 disc changer as standard etc. The Sony kit was definately louder, it had to be in the Disco, with good bass. The freelanders kit is down a bit in bass and volume before distortions and rattles become noticable, but far from poor.
If setting up from flat response, no effects or boost/cut filters etc, then making subtle adjustments doesnt help ,I suggest checking speaker wiring carefully for correct phase, airtight sealing of speaker chassis to door panels and good power and earth connections.
Home system is Linn/Naim high end, no ICE will ever get near it!!!!
 
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