Hi everyone,

Been scouring everywhere for some info but coming up blank. I have the 8" Harman Meridian 380w system as stock. Bass roll off and sound quality disappointed me so I have decided to upgrade. I've got focal 3 way components in the front doors now and I'm running an Audison AFP8.9 DSP/Amp using speaker inputs from the stock amp. I would love a clear optical signal to use but I'm struggling to get my head around it. I've seen MOST25 and Ethernet decoders but I appear to be stuck in a black hole between.

I've looked behind the HU, I don't have a MOST connector but I do appear to have a purple Ethernet connector. Everything I've read says JLR went to Ethernet 2017+. Also the Ethernet decoders available say take the Ethernet plug from the amp. My amp doesn't have Ethernet or MOST connectors. Has anyone done or attempted this to shed some light?

Thanks

 

Edit: On further inspection and looking at the topix service manual, the purple connector looks like the input/output from the touchscreen. So I'm stumped. If I have the OEM amp and Meridian 380w system, sure I have to have either MOST or Ethernet???

 

You might wander over to the F-type forum, I’m assuming the systems are the same or similar. There are a lot of audio upgrade threads there, including the Ethernet decoder.

 

Hi. I had earlier Jag XE with 8" infotainment and Meridian, audio was really really good and only complain was low bass amount. Now I bought same year model XE with same infotainment and Meridian, and it sounds like 70's Opel Kadett. Hardware is exactly the same between these cars. There is lot's of information about software update which ruined Meridian and in software version K451 may fix this problem.

I*ve been tinkering my car with SDD and based on CFF and GWM configuration hints that audio is low line. With 8" ICT audio control is in same module and difference is how DSP in tuned, Median is done HW level with analogic amp and more speakers, which DSP tune is supporting. If DSP configuration is wrong, audio will sound like crap. I saw some thread were was mentioned that update which caused problems, actually tweaked configuration...

There can be tons of Meridian owners which has no clue how is should sound when in "factory settings".

 

I gave up looking for a way to decode the signal. I cut the +/- L and R going into the amp along with the +/- Nav and chime. That gave me a perfectly flat signal full range signal although with no volume control. Fed these signals into a line driver with high level outouts as the output voltage was very low and then into a MatchUp 10dsp I got for a steal. Volume control is through a Helix Conductor fitted. Customised the door panels to fit Helix components and put matching tweeters in the dash. Active sub is running from the MatchUp line out. I dead matted and closed foamed the doors and boot and finally fitted an android auto MMI box. A lot of effort. I've tuned it myself with Room EQ and have different set ups depending on whether I have passengers or not. Max volume is beyond loud but absolutely crystal clear. The sound stage is unbelievable and I've since heard the 'premium' Meridian system and it's like comparing a home stereo to a concert. I can't ever imagine having a factory system again, premium or otherwise.

 

I dynamatted my doors with the Meridian system, planned on upgrading when I bought the car but the sound was so much better after I did the dynamat that I never bothered