Listening to music is one of life’s simple pleasures. It puts us in a good mood, relaxes us, and transports us to a place where we can completely disconnect from our daily routine. A beautiful side-by-side ride is so much better with some music! Whether it’s for long days on the trails, leisurely drives to the cottage, or simply working around the property, having an audio system on board really adds something to the experience.
That’s exactly why we decided to install a BOSS MGV520B audio system with BOSS MR50B marine speakers in our 2026 Can-Am Defender Limited.
Honestly, the result surprised us more than we expected.
DIY Installation, Demolition Phase!
Like many Defender owners, we wanted to avoid big, complicated installations or overpriced systems. The main idea was to get something simple, clean, and effective.
So we started by removing the interior panels to find the best possible location for the speakers. After taking some measurements — and hesitating a bit before drilling — we used a hole saw to cut out the necessary openings.
Of course, it’s never perfect on the first try when working with molded plastic. A few adjustments were necessary to ensure the speakers fit properly and remained secure once everything was reassembled.
We also added fasteners behind the panels to ensure everything stays securely in place even when the vehicle is bouncing around on rougher trails. We wanted to avoid the vibrations and annoying little noises that often come with some quicker installations.
In the end, the result is really clean. Once installed, the system integrates very well into the interior of the Defender Limited and retains an almost factory-original look.
Installation, Wiring Section
Thanks to the bus bar already present in the 2026 Defender Limited, wiring the system was much simpler than anticipated. We were able to connect the system directly to a clean power source without having to improvise with wires everywhere.
The best approach is to assemble the entire unit on a workbench and then bring that section into the vehicle for connection. We also took the time to route the wires carefully to keep the installation discreet and prevent them from being exposed to wear or friction.
Then place the unit on the dashboard and connect the terminals located at the top of the windshield
The result
The system starts up automatically when the vehicle is started, which is really convenient for everyday use. No need to remember to turn off the radio or worry about draining the battery after a day of riding.
What about the sound?
This is probably the question we’ve been asked most since the start of the project.
Honestly, for such a compact system, the sound is really better than you’d think. The BOSS MR50B speakers are designed for marine use. As such, they’re built to withstand humidity, dust, and harsh conditions—exactly what you’ll find in a side-by-side.
Even with the engine running and the windows open at normal speeds, the volume remains more than sufficient to hear the music clearly.
Obviously, we’re not talking about a competition-grade audio system with a giant subwoofer and amplifiers throughout the vehicle. But for listening to music on a road trip, podcasts, or simply setting a nice mood during an outing with friends, it does the job perfectly.
Bluetooth pairs quickly, and connecting to your phone is simple. In just a few seconds, our playlist was already playing in the Defender.
Verdict After the First Tests
After a few outings, it’s easy to say that this upgrade adds a lot to the driving experience.
It’s the kind of accessory you don’t always consider essential at first—until you try it. Then you quickly wonder why you didn’t install it sooner.
What we particularly like about the BOSS MGV520B system is that it remains simple and accessible. You don’t need to be a professional installer to get a great result, and it integrates very well with the 2026 Defender Limited.
For those who like to customize their vehicle without getting bogged down in overly complicated projects, this is definitely an interesting modification to consider.
And between us, listening to your favorite music during a sunset drive really does add something to the experience!
Available at Kimpex;
- Boss Speaker Product Number: 707508 Price: $79.99
- BOSS AUDIO MULTIMEDIA RECEIVER Product Number: 749079 Price: $489.99
