[discoShse]

I am looking at a particular Disco Sport that is configured ALMOST perfectly, an HSE with Climate pack, driver assistance pack, and black pack, but is NOT equipped with the upgraded audio package. Can anybody report what the actual difference is in the upgraded package? I noticed that it is 11 speakers instead of 10 with a subwoofer being the difference, but is that the only difference, or is there some more advanced audio processing or some other features that I don't know about? I would ask the retailer, but they don't seem too informed about the options on the Disco for some reason. Thanks in advance for your help. I'm happy I found your site.
I suppose I should also ask if this is an option that can be installed at the dealer?

 

[4sallypat]

Welcome to the forum!

Very good question.

The $800 Audio upgrade package was also a question when I was looking.

At first I thought I did not need it since most of the time I listen to AM radio ( or HD AM in my BMW) but then I also have satellite XM service which I pay for on 2 vehicles and have gotten used to when taking long drives.

I got the same equipped HSE as you are looking at but with the $800 upgrade - it was definitely worth it!

For $800 you get the subwoofer which helps with the overall sound tonal quality, 60W more power for the sub, XM satellite radio (3 month trial included), better audio controls, and much smoother mid to high tones.

Without having to really spend a ton on a high end Meridian system, I am very pleased with the $800 upgrade - well worth it - noticed the sound quality was superior when playing XM: classical, jazz and instrumental channels.....

The Discovery has the USB input which makes it really easy to plug and play MP3, AAC, WAV, and other audio files...

Comparatively, I also have a BMW X5 and I paid for "Premium Audio system upgrade" which does not sound as nice as the LR - just FYI comparison....

 

[petcha]

Welcome to the forum!

Very good question.

The $800 Audio upgrade package was also a question when I was looking.

At first I thought I did not need it since most of the time I listen to AM radio ( or HD AM in my BMW) but then I also have satellite XM service which I pay for on 2 vehicles and have gotten used to when taking long drives.

I got the same equipped HSE as you are looking at but with the $800 upgrade - it was definitely worth it!

For $800 you get the subwoofer which helps with the overall sound tonal quality, 60W more power for the sub, XM satellite radio (3 month trial included), better audio controls, and much smoother mid to high tones.

Without having to really spend a ton on a high end Meridian system, I am very pleased with the $800 upgrade - well worth it - noticed the sound quality was superior when playing XM: classical, jazz and instrumental channels.....

The Discovery has the USB input which makes it really easy to plug and play MP3, AAC, WAV, and other audio files...

Comparatively, I also have a BMW X5 and I paid for "Premium Audio system upgrade" which does not sound as nice as the LR - just FYI comparison....

+1

I have the upgrade as well and it sounds great. But listening to music is an absolutely essential part of driving for me. So I think it depends on your preferences.

My guess is the non subwoofer system will still sound better than most standard audio systems in luxury cars simply due to the number of speakers.

 

[davez26]

I suppose I should also ask if this is an option that can be installed at the dealer?

Unfortunately this is NOT Dealer installable. With the component differences come body harness differences. Between harness, components and labor, the factory fit is a steal.
Sorry to be a downer.

 

[LRD]

Would anyone here consider going aftermarket for audio?

 

[discoShse]

Thanks for the help, all. Turns out the Disco I was looking at sold Wed, so I'm starting my search again. I think I will insist on finding one with the upgrade.

 

[jaytee0401]

I'm guessing the audio upgrade is *not* a Meridian Sound upgrade? I also recently picked up my DS and have the audio upgrade package. I guess I was under the impression it was the Meridian upgrade from the information I read online. :/ Does anyone know where the sub is located?

~J

 

[4sallypat]

Thanks for the help, all. Turns out the Disco I was looking at sold Wed, so I'm starting my search again. I think I will insist on finding one with the upgrade.

Yes do continue searching for the audio upgrade - it's well worth it.

As for the top of the line Meridian audio option - that's a lot of money - thousands of dollars!

If you are a musician or other audiophile, then the Meridian might make sense.

With my hearing down 15%, I love my $800 upgraded audio system...>

 

[[email protected]]

We just had a Evoque with the Meridian upgrade yesterday as a loaner. I didn't notice a difference between that and my Disco with the 11 speaker upgrade.

But then again, I have always questioned the ability to take advantage of a really high end sound system in a car with all the ambient noise of driving. Might be great parked in your driveway though.

 

[rcbjr2]

We just had a Evoque with the Meridian upgrade yesterday as a loaner. I didn't notice a difference between that and my Disco with the 11 speaker upgrade.

But then again, I have always questioned the ability to take advantage of a really high end sound system in a car with all the ambient noise of driving. Might be great parked in your driveway though.

I don't know about the 11 speaker system vs Meridian, but when I had my Q5, the upgraded Bang & Olufsen stereo was phenomenal, even when driving. It was only an $800 upgrade and not thousands, though. Well worth it. I don't think the 11 speaker DS system is quite the same as the Q5, but it works fine. It's just not "surround sound" like the Q5 (or at least it doesn't sound like it is). Just my two cents worth. ;-)

 

[discoShse]

I ended up getting a Lux anyhow. Problem solved!

 

[sergk]

So did someone managed to find the elusive subwoofer in the US configuration?

According to the US brochure it mus be somewhere (infotainment options, page 27):
* Land Rover Audio System with 10-speakers (190w)
* Land Rover Audio System with 11-speakers including subwoofer (250w)