Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?

I also have 380 system and having driven an RS5 with the B&O system I must say the I prefer the system on the evoque more. To me it has more volume and doesnt sound flat, where I found B&O sounding a bit "metalic" good overall system, but nothing particular to point out. Im happy with my 380 system, so in my view no need to upgrade

I upgraded the sound system and I have to say that it's immense. Makes me like music again.
Haven't spent any time with the standard system so cannot compare.
I don't regret the upgrade at all.

(13-03-2012 03:09pm)stiggy Wrote:  Given that I won't be upgrading to dual view or watching DVD's in the car (so don't need the fancy surround features) is the upgrade to the stereo really worth it?
I'm coming from an S5 with B&O sound by the way and I do love my music!

I asked this question to myself & the dealer so took a CD into the showroom & tried it into an Evoque with the standard 380W system against my 825W system & yes there is a difference & if you like decent music pay the extra. I am thinking of getting another Evoque & the 825W system is one of the first thing being ticked on the options list.

(19-12-2012 08:11pm)The Valeter Wrote:  I asked this question to myself & the dealer so took a CD into the showroom & tried it into an Evoque with the standard 380W system against my 825W system & yes there is a difference & if you like decent music pay the extra. I am thinking of getting another Evoque & the 825W system is one of the first thing being ticked on the options list.

Before I ordered my MY2013 Freelander I did the exact same test on the same day in two Evoques. One had the 380w system the other had the 825w option. With R&B, dance, club etc the 825w is definitely better on the surround sound setting. It is basically louder and the sound envelopes you more. On classical however I hated the surround option and 2CH stereo was the only way to listen to this type of music. Then the difference became less obvious. I opted for the 380w system as I think it is totally unnecessary having that extra dB. My family will be deaf within a year. Used the cash on other meaningful options such as a rear spoiler and heated seats. Glad I got to test both systems. If you had the money and wanted the 'best' then go for the 825w system. It really is awesome but it depends on what type of music you also listen to.

I think my 380 is fantastic and I really dont think that I would notice any difference for the extra wonga.

My music is more R&B than pop, and the bass in the system brings out the best. Agree with what others have said, use your money wisely, if you are going to listen to radio or TV or listen to classical, then go for the 380. If you crave for a digital hearing aid in time, then the 825 will do you good.
I love the bass once in a while... Hence, I went for the 825, but I use it more conservatively now....
I feel the 825 is more for when you are driving with open windows as it dissipates the sound.....
Your choice though...

My car had the 380 and the loan car I'm currently using has the 825 so I've spent time with both. In my opinion and being a fan of good quality audio the 825 is 20-30% better but not enough to justify the pricetag LR put on the upgrade. If it was a £300 upgrade I'd take it.

(13-03-2012 10:44pm)tetstb Wrote:  I have the 825w system and I wouldn't say it was as good as the Bose in my A6 but its pretty good. I think its worth the extra if you intend to use it in the special DSP mode which is great for passengers as they always have a good stereo effect but if you are in the car on your own most of the time then i wouldn't bother.

Besides, anything above 22 volume and the door panels vibrate too much anyway.

I've got the 825w system and can't recommend it enough. I had the same problem with the doors rattling but my dealership & LR came up with a fix that now stops that meaning you can turn up the music past 30 and fully enjoy the benefits of the system. If you enjoy your music loud & bassy then go for it, if your more of an easy music listener then the 325w would probably suit your purposes.

Gotta agree with DynamicDRS here, and I can't recommended it enough.

I have had 'premium' sound systems in all of my last 4 cars. The last one was the amazing B&W system in my Jaguar. Also tested the standard 380w against the 825w during test drives and IMHO, the 825w is the best I have ever heard in any car (and beats many I have heard outside!). As others have said it is down to how you will use the system in car to determine if 825w is worth it. I often have family with me in the car and so the dual zone screen comes in very handy. For me it was a no brainer.

Separately does anyone know why JLR moved from B&W to Meridian or was it B&W moved to Maserati and JLR had to find an alternative? Either way pleased they stuck to home grown talent... can you imagine paying £3000 for a B&O sound system as is the case in the BMW 5 series - that to me is a ridiculously priced option!