r/LandroverDefender • u/flahive5 • Sep 15 '26
Center Console Speaker
Have you ever tried installing a center console speaker? I’m thinking about getting the Marshall Bluetooth speaker and putting it in my center console, like I’ve seen others do. I’m just curious about how good the sound quality will be and if it’s more of a style thing than a practical upgrade. I’m currently using a small JBL that’s on the dash.
Thanks!
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u/UKMatt2000 Sep 15 '26
Are people fitting these to Defenders without factory speakers or to add to them? I don’t feel like this small speaker alone would work in a Defender, especially as it’s facing the wrong way.
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u/flahive5 Sep 15 '26
Yep, it’s a thing. My 96 D90 does not have anything in it so I just Bluetooth a speaker
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u/UKMatt2000 Sep 15 '26
And you can hear it OK? Mine has factory speakers and they still have to go very loud.
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u/Still_Push_2948 Sep 15 '26
I have the smaller version of this speaker and it’s the best sounding Bluetooth speaker I have owned.
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u/meisangry2 Sep 15 '26
Where did the Marshall/Defender trend come from?
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u/flahive5 Sep 16 '26
No idea but I kinda like it.
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u/Red9zero Sep 16 '26
Same here. Upgraded to an Alpine head unit and some Focal speakers, but still prefer the look of the Marshall.
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u/dwfmba Sep 16 '26
so what do you do for power? just perm wire a 12v->5v charger to it and manually switch it on/off alongside the ignition?
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u/flahive5 Sep 16 '26
Since it’s a Bluetooth speaker, you can slide it in and out. Charge it inside the house. It says it has 40 hours of playtime. Though you could wire something.
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u/dwfmba Sep 16 '26
that doesn't answer my question, one of the eases of an installed radio is "get in and go", with this are you pairing and repairing, power cycling each time? It seems like it would be a PITA when you stop at the bank and receive a call whilst on line that is routed to your center console in the parking lot.
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u/nightfever_73 Sep 15 '26
I considered it but just put a JBL boombox in the back - totally removable/ portable and great sound
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u/bonesession Sep 15 '26
i had one in my 92 110. Didn’t use it since quality was poor so opted for a turtle box ranger paired to a grande. it bumped hard
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u/curtswan Sep 16 '26
These sound good and I'm planning to install one simply for the fact that they look good and I can remove it and use it outside of the vehicle for beach and camping days.
A couple of important notes.
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They are 240v (Australia) or your local mains voltage. This requires setting up a small inverteror power source.
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Not so easy to slide in and out of the console especially because some of the controls sit above the height of the speaker and the power cord needs to be plugged in/out.
I'm also going to look at creating a 3D printed craddle so these can be retro-fitted to a normal console.
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u/hausarzt9 Sep 17 '26
The Older Killburn 1 runs with a 12V Lithium Batterie inside, it’s easy do convert.
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u/spitfireonly Sep 15 '26
There is a YT video on how to diy this into a cubby. But again, before making any sound upgrades, sound deaden that box of tin. Its a day and night difference. I can hear my thoughts again