Base Sound System Upgrade/Build

[Pressurized]

There is an "IF" in my thought process... If I decide to add a small amp, I might consider the Focal ISN 100 set for the front. I like the idea of that 4" trying to reach just a little lower to fill out the midbass that seems inherently missing from the speaker sizes and locations. Plus that surface mount tweeter would be a massive improvement for the front placement.

And actually, with a 90db efficiency, it's not that bad to start with.

https://www.focal-america.com/product/isn-100/

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[redone17]

I am installing the Infinity Ref-4032CFX today - realizing they are 3 ohm and stock is 4...I didn't catch that until just now. Will that matter much?

 

[redone17]

Be careful removing the dash covers. Even using the correct trim tools - one of the tabs broke off with minimal force. Bummer. Super thin plastic. The rest of the tabs are a bit more reinforced H shape - the one closest to the pillar has shortened “legs” and has zero leverage. See below.

Assuming this is going to rattle like hell now.

 

[Erock]

The 3ohm should work fine. If you experience any clipping, it would likely be because of the ohms... but I’ve never had a 3ohm cause it on a factory stereo.

 

[Pressurized]

I am installing the Infinity Ref-4032CFX today - realizing they are 3 ohm and stock is 4...I didn't catch that until just now. Will that matter much?

No, modern amp will have no problem with that. It will just pull a little more power out of it, which is a good thing.

 

[Pressurized]

I am installing the Infinity Ref-4032CFX today - realizing they are 3 ohm and stock is 4...I didn't catch that until just now. Will that matter much?

So, what's your impression? Did you do only the dash?

 

[redone17]

So, what's your impression? Did you do only the dash?

I’m doing all 4. Pods in the back are even easier to swap. Though, honestly I would love to get rid of them one day when someone hopefully makes a bar that’s the same profile as the roll bar and mounts in front of it or behind it. But, who knows if that will ever be a thing.


It’s been a while since I’ve done any sort of car audio. I setup gold connectors to 6” of speaker wire and plan on reinstalling tomorrow. I quick run to the auto store after I realized they didn’t come with any wiring (should have realized) and all they had was 24 gauge. Think that will be ok? Seems like the factory wire isn’t much thicker if at all.

I’m torn on whether I will cut the factory harness out and use butt connectors or insert the speaker wire into the harness and tape it for now.

Assuming you can just splice back in the harness once the Molex connectors are available. But, I’d prefer to not cut them out.

 

[Erock]

@redone17 can you draw up what you’re referring to (the bar) as a pod replacement? And what material are you wanting it made of?

 

[Erock]

Also, Metra and probably a few other companies make connectors that will likely plug into the factory speaker connector, then you can add your own terminals to the other end. Just gotta know what style connector you have.

 

[buzpro]

Its very likely the aftermarket will come up with a "T Harness" eventually, companies like Metra have made ones that plug into the factory head units for years, but it will probably be a while before Bronco is added to their catalog.

so how is that front stage coming along? you went MIA on us

 

[redone17]

@Erock - I don’t think Metra has caught up yet. The connector looks like it’s new to the market and discussed in other threads. This is the speaker end:

I’ll draw something up for the soundbar idea I have. I just don’t see the need to block precious cargo space/view when there is a roll bar that practically 4x8”. Honestly don’t get why they’re not just IN the roll bar to the left and right of the light.

 

[Pressurized]

@Erock - I don’t think Metra has caught up yet. The connector looks like it’s new to the market and discussed in other threads. This is the speaker end:

I’ll draw something up for the soundbar idea I have. I just don’t see the need to block precious cargo space/view when there is a roll bar that practically 4x8”. Honestly don’t get why they’re not just IN the roll bar to the left and right of the light.

I agree, I've looked at that connector and don't know that I've seen that configuration before. It might be a few months before the proper speaker harness is available.

 

[philjmatt]

Happy to report after 4 late nights working away in the driveway the Bronco now has a great sound system!!

I didn't go crazy with my speaker selection, using kicker CS Series for the 4" and 6.5". There are better speakers out there for sure, but for a sound stage that in my case is open air as often as I can have the top off and the windows down, they provide a plenty accurate and full listening experience!

For the rear speakers I took a page out of the Wrangler/UTV owners playbook and went with a pair of 6.5" marine wake tower speakers. Went back and forth on this one for a while because I'm someone that likes to keep things looking factory, but in the end I'm so happy I went this route! They are more than powerful enough to break through the wind noise and push crisp clear audio up to the front seats!

I 3D printed some mounting adapters so I could still take advantage of the factory brackets and so far it's working great. Working on finding a thread locker that plays nice with PLA for the bolts and then they'll be good for hopefully years to come.

Lastly I was going to mount the two amps where the factory B&O sub and DSP would be, but ended up going with the much easier to access cargo area. It was easy to mount everything and using some spacers for the "load floor" that's held down by the tie down points in the rear I had plenty of room to run my wiring.

 

[buzpro]

Happy to report after 4 late nights working away in the driveway the Bronco now has a great sound system!!

I didn't go crazy with my speaker selection, using kicker CS Series for the 4" and 6.5". There are better speakers out there for sure, but for a sound stage that in my case is open air as often as I can have the top off and the windows down, they provide a plenty accurate and full listening experience!

For the rear speakers I took a page out of the Wrangler/UTV owners playbook and went with a pair of 6.5" marine wake tower speakers. Went back and forth on this one for a while because I'm someone that likes to keep things looking factory, but in the end I'm so happy I went this route! They are more than powerful enough to break through the wind noise and push crisp clear audio up to the front seats!

I 3D printed some mounting adapters so I could still take advantage of the factory brackets and so far it's working great. Working on finding a thread locker that plays nice with PLA for the bolts and then they'll be good for hopefully years to come.

Lastly I was going to mount the two amps where the factory B&O sub and DSP would be, but ended up going with the much easier to access cargo area. It was easy to mount everything and using some spacers for the "load floor" that's held down by the tie down points in the rear I had plants of room to run my wiring.

I'm a little confused .... you installed an amp under the steering column for the front speakers and 2 amps in the back area? why 2 amps in the back?

 

[philjmatt]

I'm a little confused .... you installed an amp under the steering column for the front speakers and 2 amps in the back area? why 2 amps in the back?

So one 4 channel amp for the front 4 speakers, then another 4 channel for the rear pods, and then the mono amp for the sub which I forgot to mention in the updated build! It's a 10" ported kicker that is nice and compact but still puts out a great low end performance, even with the top down!

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