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Is the B&O really that bad?

bradcd

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I didn’t want all of the bells and whistles beyond the standard package and didn’t feel like spending $5K for the Bose.
The base stereo is ok for quick jaunts around town, but pretty marginal when on the highway, even with a hardtop.
Next week I’m having a Fosgate amp and JL 2-way speakers installed(two 6” in the kick panels and four 4” in the dash and rear). I’m not adding a sub since that’s not necessary for my listening enjoyment.
Installation and equipment, including wiring harnesses, etc are just under $2000.
I’m guessing that this will still outperform the Bose system, even without a sub.
Which Bronco has a Bose system?
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jbellousux

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My bad. Meant B&O.
Bose would be nice though.
 

CarGuy

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It's not a Burmester, but it's not that bad. I listen to podcasts and talk radio M-F and music on the weekends. I find it to be fine.
 

bradcd

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I have the B&O and I don't think it's the worst system. Also understandably it's not the best. I came from a Lexicon system in a Genesis G70 that was really very good at a flat EQ. The B&O is hollow when turned up to or over level 18 for me. I have the B&O's treble set at 1 mark negative which helps reduce some of the harsh tinny high notes.
 

Aman

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Yes, yes! I'm adding some Kilmat to my subwoofer enclosure this weekend to combat the "rattle". Will report back with the results.
Added a sheet of Kilmat to the interior of the enclosure and it still rattles like crazy! 😭

Next step will be removing the enclosure and adding Kilmat behind it. I haven't had the rear panels in my rig for a while, so no place to jam paper towels like others have.

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jehines3

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I have no issues whatsoever with the LUX's B&O sound system.
I'm no expert, but I have been an audio engineer, Musician and Music Lover for many years. lol
Unless you have the B&O system and can comment on what exactly the problem you have with the system, please just keep your opinions to yourself, no ones needs to know your uninformed, useless and time wasting thoughts.
The problem with the B&O system is mainly those that run soft top or take their hard top off. Most people will find it good with a hard top in place.

There was not enough consideration of reflective surface density and wave propagation to occupants. Speaker volumes are small and produce shallow tinny results. The dynomat and polyfill mildly help with sound dimensions. I'm sure designing a system with so much variance is problematic, but top off, this system is poor. Also, the MidWoofer and its enclosure rattle like crazy at any volume which is just being parts and design lazy/cheap.

B&O touts itself as a high-end producer of audiophile products. They partnered with Ford who set the price bar too low to succeed in final execution. It should have been a legitimate amplifier and subwoofer in this application. Noting new that can't be fixed, but the B&O system is anything but premium sounding with the top or doors off.

Honestly, I've heard better Harley bagger systems. Ford, get in touch with the Harley audio designers, they can make an open-air rumble machine sound great at 70MPH.
 

Heelabaloo

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I don't think it's that bad, but I'm installing some Focal ACX 4" 2-ways and Kilmat in the rear pods today. Interested to see how much difference only that makes.
If you’ve installed them, what are your thoughts on the Focal ACX?
 

bradcd

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I think it sounds pretty good even with a blown speaker.
You know, I think I'm getting some crackles out of my middle dash speaker. If it is busted I'm taking back my defense of this B&O system...
 

MidnightSpecial

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I have the B&O and I am not impressed at all. I have never heard so much rattle come from an OEM speaker system. Its tinny on the high end and muddy everywhere else. I came from a Gen 3 F-150 Raptor which is also oddly awful. Ford's audio design relies heavily on reflection off of the windshield. It makes the sound stage super narrow and limits range with all of the audio crossing over from the 3 speakers hitting the windshield (this could be incorrect but its my assessment). The audio gets way better in the Bronco with the windows down IMO.

I will say that Im an audio guy. I buy fancy headphones and HiFi speakers for home use. Take my complaining with a grain of salt.
 

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rcbickle

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Full disclosure - 25 years in the military did some serious harm to my ability to hear all I would like to hear, so I will use my wife's opinions as well. Overall, I think the B&O is adequate. Once you upgrade the speakers, add base blockers, and upgrade the rear pods (4" to 6 3/4") it is good. Not great, but with Apple Music or Sirrus XM, not bad. Was it worth it? Well, mine came with it as part of the First Edition, so I really did not have a choice. I love my Bronco, so in total, I am glad I got it and very happy with a FE.

Now, let's talk about what could be done. If I were Ford, I would continue to expand the idea that the Bronco can be what you want to be. That it is a customizable experience. I would extend this to the stereo as well. The latest, radio delete, is a good start, but could you imagine a line of plug-and-play Amplifiers that you could order for the factory or your dealer? Plug-and-play speaker upgrades? Rear pod upgrades? Subwoofer upgrades? Pre-wired for powered subwoofers in the obvious locations? Want a sub under the seat. Ok. Want a box on the back cargo deck, ok. Want a larger one in the current location, ok. See your dealer and they can sell it to you and install it or you can buy bits that fit and do it yourself.

So if you are a serious off-road king, you can set up something that can take a beating. If you are a trail runner and use it on and off-road, you can get something you like. If you are a mall crawler and want everyone else to know you have a stereo in your Bronco, you can make it that as well. Or, if you want to do all three, you can add and delete at will to match what you are getting ready to do.

WHY? Well, Ford gets more money (In reality, they do this for PROFIT). We get more options (Yeah!). And the market gets more competitive (So even Jeep and Toyota owners win).
 

zone23

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You know, I think I'm getting some crackles out of my middle dash speaker. If it is busted I'm taking back my defense of this B&O system...
mine was basically toast when I got the bronco I thought it was the sub but it’s not. New one gets installed Friday.
 

bradcd

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mine was basically toast when I got the bronco I thought it was the sub but it’s not. New one gets installed Friday.
So that's your middle dash speaker? What brand/model speaker are you going to put in?
 

zone23

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So that's your middle dash speaker? What brand/model speaker are you going to put in?
No mine is the passenger side bar mounted, dealer is replacing it with OEM.
 

Norm A.

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Yes, yes! I'm adding some Kilmat to my subwoofer enclosure this weekend to combat the "rattle". Will report back with the results.
Let me know how it works out 😎
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