B&O System Speaker Upgrade Options - Back to basics and keeping stock amplifiers and subwoofer

[mdube72]

Let’s get back to basics: This post is somewhat of broader response to the simple question: “I have the B&O system, I don’t want to replace or add amps, but I would like to get more out of my system. How can I achieve this ?"

This post covers these goals and nothing else:

• Stage 1 - Upgrade front Dash and Center Speakers and factory rear pods
• Stage 2 - Upgrade rear Pods and rear speakers to 6.5 inch
• Stage 3 -Upgrade kick panels – (optional; not required - debatable improved sound)

A few assumptions/disclaimers before I start:

• Everything below assumes you are NOT adding any amplifiers. You are staying with your factory B&O because you are lookjng for a nice upgrade over stock. There are tons of other threads if you’re looking for something else.
• If you don’t have B&O –move on, as I don’t address ANYTHING here on the non-B&O system, although I would imagine having decent quality speakers with high sensitivity would be great for the Non-B&O owners too.
• There is NO mention in here on the factory B&O subwoofer as this is covered all over the forum and there are so many combinations and great threads, its not worth repeating, plus you might be an owner who enjoys the factory B&O subwoofer and has no intention of upgrading. Feel free to DM me if you want to discuss my subwoofer journey.
• Yes - you can go crazy with component system speakers that likely have high sensitivity as well, but I am addressing the owners that want to keep it simple and keep cost reasonable. If you want to read the countless threads of valuable insights and opinions, please do; they are very informative but can get overwhelming for some.
• I have no affiliation with Crutchfield, Hertz, Infinity or anyone else for the matter. Just trying to collate all of the great knowledge I have learned from many awesome members that have put in the time and effort to share with all of us. Lots of credit to members such as @Ksjrb03 , @RagnarKon , @Johnny Mo, and many others.
• Thread to help with removing/installing – (64) B&O sound system complete upgrade - Done | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

Let’s call this Stage 1 Upgrade

• Replace all of your 4 corner speakers with Hertz DCX 100.3 . If you get them at Crutchfield, you get the required harnesses for free too - Metra 72-5603
• Center Speaker - 2 options:
  • Add another Hertz DCX 100.3 and the same harness Metra 72-5603 or
  • Or use the well documented PRV - PRV Audio 4 Inch Midrange also use the same Metra harness

*you can source your speakers and Metra harnesses wherever you like – I gave Crutchfield as the option because of their great service and return policy. This is your most cost effective way to upgrade the factory B&O speakers. Please do note that Hertz DCX speakers have speaker terminals that are the same size, unlike most speakers that have a smaller connector for the negative terminal. You will need to replace the negative terminal on the Metra harness with a larger one to make it fit, or simply cut off the terminals from the harness and solder the wires directly to the speakers. (All my speakers are soldered) Alternative speakers to all the Hertz are the Infinity’s - Infinity Reference REF407F *
**important – I have provided listings to Hertz and Infinity for a reason. You can only get so much out of the B&O amp so you MUST use speakers with high sensitivity. Don’t go buy lower sensitivity speakers to save a few bucks as you will need to turn up your volume louder to push the cheaper speakers and the whole point of this is to get better sound at a reasonable cost. The replacement speakers should really be above 90dB on the sensitivity - higher the better ** Feel free to add Kilmat to the surface area of each speaker location as you see fit. - Kilmat on Amazon or you can go economy on Amazon Basics Car Sound Deadener

Stage 2 Upgrade: Larger Speaker Pods to replace the Factory 4 inch pods out back rather than upgrade the factory 4 inch speakers out back. You will still need (3) speakers for the dash and center from Stage 1 above. If you want to go bigger on the speaker pods - then you have 4 choices for 6.5 inch speaker pods *Make sure you get the right ones for 4Dr or 2Dr. I gave you listings just to get you to the right place. There are many member opinions on the value of upgrading to larger speaker pods on the factory B&O system. Feel free to read around if you are looking for other opinions

Select your Pods:

• Mabett Speaker Pods
• SSV Pods
• Metra Speaker Pods
• MTI Acoustics (Also fit Raptor)

Select your speakers:

• Hertz DCX 165.3
• Or Infinity Reference REF607F

*Probably not a bad idea to stay with 1 brand of speaker on these upgrades - go Hertz or go Infinity. This way you are showing the B&O amplifier as consistent as possible the same sensitivity dB with the speakers replacing the factory B&O's.

Stage 3 Upgrade: There is a lot of evidence to support the B&O factory kick panel woofers are adequate. I am not here to judge. However, there are lots of opinions to support moderate improvements to midbass by upgrading them so I am providing what I have collected. Again the theme is the same – you need to go with a high sensitive speaker here too because you are keeping the B&O amp. Updated 10/16/2025 Some members have installed coaxial speakers in kick panel location and state they sound better than stock. YMMV so I included the matching Hertz as an option. Please note I have not done this myself so I am unable to verify or offer an opinion on the sound quality of the kicks.

• Hertz DCX 165.3 - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_301DCX1653/Hertz-DCX-165-3.html?tp=78072. Matching the speaker line of the dash speakers.
• There is a model called the Hertz C 165L – they are a step up over the C 165 – Crutchfield can’t sell them – Amazon does - Amazon.com: HERTZ Cento Series C165L 6.5" Woofers with Extended Low-Frequency Response - Pair : Electronics They run at a lower frequency than the standard C165 and also have a high sensitivity rating.
• Hertz C 165 Cento Series 6-1/2" component woofers at Crutchfield Please ignore what Crutchfield’s webpage tells you – these DO fit in the kick panels but they have not fixed their fitment engine to indicate they do. I have spoken to them about this. I have not heard anything great about the Hertx C165 F model – I would avoid.
• All these speakers above require the spacer ring and the Metra Harness
  • Metra 82-5605 Speaker Mounting Brackets
  • Metra 72-5602 Speaker Wiring Harness

COSTS - the fun stuff

Stage 1 Cost ~$390 - $260

• To order (5) of the Hertz DCX 100.3 and get all the install harnesses from Crutchfield the cost is $389.97. You will have 1 speaker left over b/c of the center channel. I am sure you can sell it on the forum or keep one in the event you pop one down the road.
• To order 4 of the Hertz DCX 100.3 and get all the install harnesses from Crutchfield the cost is $259.98 and then you need (1) PRV Midrange for the center channel through Amazon and 1 Metra 72-5603 harness - $28.89 for both. So $288.87 total.

You just need to decide - do you want all 3 front speakers to be co-axial or have the center channel be a midrange only - comes down to taste and if you want to save $100.
I provided all listings for Hertz speakers because they are all HIGH sensitivity speakers at above 92db. You can easily swap them all to all Infinity’s if you choose. Install and enjoy - you could be done right here.


Stage 2 Cost - ~ $350 - $380 (plus you need your 3 speakers for Stage 1 Above for the dash corners and center)

• Pods $199 - $250 depending on what you buy and shipping
• 6.5 coaxial speakers $120 - $130
• Metra Adapters 72-5603 -

Grand Total (Stage 1 + Stage 2) ~$640

Optional
Stage 3 Cost ~ $200 - $220

Pick the set you would want. *You may find lose some low end mid-bass by replacing the factory B&O Kick panel speakers and gain clarity of midrange and midbass* YMMV

• Hertx DCX 165.3 Matches the Hertz for the dash)
• HERTZ Cento Series C165L 6.5" Woofers
• Hertz C 165 Cento Series 6-1/2" component woofers

Needed Stage 3 parts for install: Free if ordered through Crutchfield. Many links on the forum to replacing the Kick Panels

• Metra 82-5605 Brackets
• Metra 72-5602 Speaker Wiring Harness
• Metra HWP-0001 10 black pan head screws and 10 speed clips at Crutchfield

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[Johnny Mo]

Let’s get back to basics: This post is somewhat of broader response to the simple question: “I have the B&O system, I don’t want to replace or add amps, but I would like to get more out of my system. How can I achieve this ?"

This post covers these goals and nothing else:

• Stage 1 - Upgrade front Dash and Center Speakers and factory rear pods
• Stage 2 - Upgrade rear Pods and rear speakers to 6.5 inch
• Stage 3 -Upgrade kick panels – (optional; not required to get much improved sound)

A few assumptions/disclaimers before I start:

• Everything below assumes you are NOT adding any amplifiers. You are staying with your factory B&O because you are lookjng for a nice upgrade over stock. There are tons of other threads if you’re looking for something else.
• If you don’t have B&O –move on, as I don’t address ANYTHING here on the non-B&O system, although I would imagine having decent quality speakers with high sensitivity would be great for the Non-B&O owners too.
• There is NO mention in here on the factory B&O subwoofer as this is covered all over the forum and there are so many combinations and great threads, its not worth repeating, plus you might be an owner who enjoys the factory B&O subwoofer and has no intention of upgrading. Feel free to DM me if you want to discuss my subwoofer journey.
• Yes - you can go crazy with component system speakers that likely have high sensitivity as well, but I am addressing the owners that want to keep it simple and keep cost reasonable. If you want to read the countless threads of valuable insights and opinions, please do; they are very informative but can get overwhelming for some.
• I have no affiliation with Crutchfield, Hertz, Infinity or anyone else for the matter. Just trying to collate all of the great knowledge I have learned from many awesome members that have put in the time and effort to share with all of us. Lots of credit to members such as @Ksjrb03 , @RagnarKon , @Johnny Mo, and many others.
• Thread to help with removing/installing – (64) B&O sound system complete upgrade - Done | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

Let’s call this Stage 1 Upgrade

• Replace all of your 4 corner speakers with Hertz DCX 100.3 - Hertz DCX 100.3 Dieci Series 4" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield . If you get them at Crutchfield, you get the required harnesses too - Metra 72-5603 Speaker Wiring Harnesses For select 2021-up Ford Bronco vehicles — connect new speakers to the factory wiring plugs at Crutchfield
• Center Speaker - 2 options:
  • Add another Hertz DCX 100.3 and the same harness Metra 72-5603 or
  • Or use the well documented PRV - Amazon.com: PRV AUDIO 4 Inch Midrange Speaker 4MR60-4, 60 Watts Program Power, 4 Ohm, 30 Watts RMS Power Pro Audio Loudspeaker (Single) : Electronics also use the same Metra harness

*you can source your speakers and Metra harnesses wherever you like – I gave Crutchfield as the option because of their great service and return policy. This is your most cost effective way to upgrade the factory B&O speakers. Alternative speakers to all the Hertz are the Infinity’s - Infinity Reference REF407F Reference Series 4" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield *
**important – I have provided listings to Hertz and Infinity for a reason. You can only get so much out of the B&O amp so you MUST use speakers with high sensitivity. Don’t go buy lower sensitivity speakers to save a few bucks as you will need to turn up your volume louder to push the cheaper speakers and the whole point of this is to get better sound at a reasonable cost. The replacement speakers should really be above 90dB on the sensitivity - higher the better **

Stage 2 Upgrade: Larger Speaker Pods to replace the Factory 4 inch pods out back rather than upgrade the factory 4 inch speakers out back. You will still need (3) speakers for the dash and center from Stage 1 above. If you want to go bigger on the speaker pods - then you have 3 choices for 6.5 inch speaker pods *Make sure you get the right ones for 4Dr or 2Dr. I gave you listings just to get you to the right place. There are many member opinions on the value of upgrading to larger speaker pods on the factory B&O system. Feel free to read around if you are looking for other opinions

Select your Pods:

• Mabett Speaker Pods - Amazon.com: Mabett Rear Speaker Pods Compatible with Ford Bronco 4-Door 2024 2023 2022 2021, Upgrade 6.5" Pods for Bronco Accessories, Interior Accessories Black : Automotive
• SSV Pods - Bronco – SSV Works
• Metra Speaker Pods - Metra FD-BROPOD1 Ford Bronco Rear Speaker Pods 2021-Up (soundoftristate.com)

Select your speakers:

• Hertz DCX 165.3 - Hertz DCX 165.3 Dieci Series 6-1/2" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield
• Or Infinity Reference REF607F Reference Series 6-1/2" 2-way car speakers at Crutchfield

*Probably not a bad idea to stay with 1 brand of speaker on these upgrades - go Hertz or go Infinity. This way you are showing the B&O amplifier as consistent as possible the same sensitivity dB with the speakers replacing the factory B&O's.

Stage 3 Upgrade: There is a lot of evidence to support the B&O factory kick panel woofers are adequate. I am not here to judge. However, there are lots of opinions to support moderate improvements to midbass by upgrading them so I am providing what I have collected. Again the theme is the same – you need to go with a high sensitivity woofer because you are keeping the B&O amp. Please don’t spend money on putting a coaxial speaker down here – your wasting your time and it will likely sound awful. All research shows these speakers are driven by the B&O system as a midbass/woofer driver. The best reviews and member opinions I have heard support the best speaker to use down here are the following – in this order

• Memphis Audio MJP6 MOJO Pro Series 6-1/2" 4-ohm component woofer at Crutchfield The Memphis has an incredibly high 100db sensitivity which is why it does so well utilizing the factory amp. I have not heard of anyone who has gone this path regret this decision.
• There is a model called the Hertz C 165L – they are a step up over the C 165 – Crutchfield can’t sell them – Amazon does - Amazon.com: HERTZ Cento Series C165L 6.5" Woofers with Extended Low-Frequency Response - Pair : Electronics They run at a lower frequency than the standard C165 and also have a high sensitivity rating.
• Hertz C 165 Cento Series 6-1/2" component woofers at Crutchfield Please ignore what Crutchfield’s webpage tells you – these DO fit in the kick panels but they have not fixed their fitment engine to indicate they do. I have spoken to them about this. I have not heard anything great about the Hertx C165 F model – I would avoid.
• All these speakers above require the spacer ring and the Metra Harness
  • Metra 82-5605 Speaker Mounting Brackets
  • Metra 72-5602 Speaker Wiring Harness

COSTS - the fun stuff

Stage 1 Cost ~$390 - $260

• To order (5) of the Hertz DCX 100.3 and get all the install harnesses from Crutchfield the cost is $389.97. You will have 1 speaker left over b/c of the center channel. I am sure you can sell it on the forum or keep one in the event you pop one down the road.
• To order 4 of the Hertz DCX 100.3 and get all the install harnesses from Crutchfield the cost is $259.98 and then you need (1) PRV Midrange for the center channel through Amazon and 1 Metra 72-5603 harness - $28.89 for both. So $288.87 total.

You just need to decide - do you want all 3 front speakers to be co-axial or have the center channel be a midrange only - comes down to taste and if you want to save $100.
I gave you all listings for Hertz speakers because they are all HIGH sensitivity speakers at above 92db. You can easily swap them all to all Infinity’s if you choose. Install and enjoy - you could be done right here.


Stage 2 Cost - ~ $350 - $380 (plus you need your 3 speakers for Stage 1 Above for the dash corners and center)

• Pods $199 - $250 depending on what you buy and shipping
• 6.5 coaxial speakers $120 - $130
• Metra Adapters - Metra 72-5603 Speaker Wiring Harnesses For select 2021-up Ford Bronco vehicles — connect new speakers to the factory wiring plugs at Crutchfield

Grand Total (Stage 1 + Stage 2) ~$640

Optional
Stage 3 Cost ~ $200 - $220

Pick the set you would want. I have these in a list from 1 to 3 – I would personally go with the Memphis – the choice is yours. *disclosure – I have not replaced mine yet, but will be going Memphis.*

• Memphis Audio MJP6 MOJO Pro Series 6-1/2" 4-ohm component woofer at Crutchfield
• Amazon.com: HERTZ Cento Series C165L 6.5" Woofers with Extended Low-Frequency Response - Pair : Electronics
• Hertz C 165 Cento Series 6-1/2" component woofers at Crutchfield

Needed Stage 3 parts for install: Free if ordered through Crutchfield. Many links on the forum to replacing the Kick Panels

• Metra 82-5605 Speaker Mounting Brackets Install 6-1/2" or 6-3/4" speakers in select 2015-up Ford vehicles at Crutchfield
• Metra 72-5602 Speaker Wiring Harness For select 2011-up Ford and Mazda vehicles at Crutchfield
• Metra HWP-0001 10 black pan head screws and 10 speed clips at Crutchfield

Awesome writeup and summarization!

 

[RowsKing]

MTI acoustics makes rear speaker pods as well. They also fit the BRaptor unlike those others you mentioned.

 

[mdube72]

MTI acoustics makes rear speaker pods as well. They also fit the BRaptor unlike those others you mentioned.

I will add them ASAP - Not sure how I forgot about these ;-) Doh !

 

[braddavis2017]

Thanks for sharing the Sound of Tri-State Rear Speaker pod option! I had never heard of them before, and they’ve never appeared on any internet search in the past.

It’s welcoming to see more options in the space. I always thought I would purchase the Mabett ones, but it always bugged me that they had extra greeblies molded into the plastic.

It’s refreshing to see a take that’s clean and OEM looking. A shame that it’s way more expensive than the Mabett one.

Price at the time of post:
*pods only; no speakers included

Sound of Tri-State: $241.99​

Mabett: $139.99​

OEM 4”:

Sound of Tri-State 6.5”:

Mabett 6.5”:

 

[mdube72]

Thanks for sharing the Sound of Tri-State Rear Speaker pod option! I had never heard of them before, and they’ve never appeared on any internet search in the past.

It’s welcoming to see more options in the space. I always thought I would purchase the Mabett ones, but it always bugged me that they had extra greeblies molded into the plastic.

It’s refreshing to see a take that’s clean and OEM looking. A shame that it’s way more expensive than the Mabett one.

Price at the time of post:

Sound of Tri-State: $241.99​

Mabett: $139.99​

Sound of Tri-State:

Mabett:

Yes frustrating the cost difference - you can Google around for the part - they are made by Metra - Metra FD-BROPOD1 They are going to need to come down in price to compete. Funny they have been listed on Amazon for $145 but never in stock..... here is the link to the Metra site Metra Online

 

[Blitz]

Just wanted to make sure everyone knows... you don't have to get 6.5' speakers for those pods. 6.75s work just fine.

 

[hamburgler46]

Thanks for this very detailed summary!!!!

This is exactly what I needed

 

[TerryB]

Great write-up.

 

[TerryB]

Ant forscan changes or a base blocker for the dash speakers recommended with any of these setups?
I know this was a no amp upgrade approach, but from what I’ve read the rear pods are driven by the stock amp rather than the B&O.
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/new-b-o-upgrade-kits.92813/
Any thoughts?

 

[mdube72]

I have no bass blockers on any of my speakers including the rear pods. They all sound great. There are no Forscan changes available for the B&O that I’m aware of at this time. At some point in the future, if they become available for the rear pods on the B&O then maybe that may be a consideration for bass blockers only on the rear pods

 

[WIDirtFishing]

I can’t thank you enough for this write up. Like we talked about in the other thread I don’t wanna mess with amps or rewiring etc so this is perfect!!

 

[Ibuprofen3293]

I've mentioned on other threads, but I think the change to 6.5" rear pods is a waste of money on the B&O units unless you're going all in (like the Mobridge A2B amp). The signal to the rear pods is severely hampered by the B&O DSP. On base stereo units you can tweak some settings via Forscan to get full range to them (and likely see a great improvement to sound quality), but not on the Lux units.

I swapped to the Mabett 6.5" pods as soon as they were available for 2 doors. First I tried Hertz CX 165s, but found that the Mabett grille didn't clear the tweeter. Then I swapped to Hertz K 165 component speakers, and added modified the grille anyway to accommodate the tweeter.

Both of these left me feeling underwhelmed for the money and effort that went into the change. The change is a bit more noticeable on Surround mode than Stereo mode, but Surround sounds too unnatural and processed to my ears, so I stick with Stereo.

Swapping out the left and right dash speakers for quality ones (CX 100 in my case) has been the biggest bang-for-buck improvement to audio. I swapped the center speaker to the PRV mid-woofer, but I can't manage to tame a buzzing sound it creates in the high male/low female vocal register, so I may unplug it or swap back to stock.

The subwoofer modification to an 8" kicker + 500W kicker amp has been a huge improvement too, albeit at a higher cost.

Side note: the Mabett grill has very limited open space for a 6.5" speaker, which cannot be helping the sound.

 

[mdube72]

I've mentioned on other threads, but I think the change to 6.5" rear pods is a waste of money on the B&O units unless you're going all in (like the Mobridge A2B amp). The signal to the rear pods is severely hampered by the B&O DSP. On base stereo units you can tweak some settings via Forscan to get full range to them (and likely see a great improvement to sound quality), but not on the Lux units.

I swapped to the Mabett 6.5" pods as soon as they were available for 2 doors. First I tried Hertz CX 165s, but found that the Mabett grille didn't clear the tweeter. Then I swapped to Hertz K 165 component speakers, and added modified the grille anyway to accommodate the tweeter.

Both of these left me feeling underwhelmed for the money and effort that went into the change. The change is a bit more noticeable on Surround mode than Stereo mode, but Surround sounds too unnatural and processed to my ears, so I stick with Stereo.

Swapping out the left and right dash speakers for quality ones (CX 100 in my case) has been the biggest bang-for-buck improvement to audio. I swapped the center speaker to the PRV mid-woofer, but I can't manage to tame a buzzing sound it creates in the high male/low female vocal register, so I may unplug it or swap back to stock.

The subwoofer modification to an 8" kicker + 500W kicker amp has been a huge improvement too, albeit at a higher cost.

Side note: the Mabett grill has very limited open space for a 6.5" speaker, which cannot be helping the sound.

Good stuff @Ibuprofen3293 - sounds fairly consistent with all the feedback and threads regarding the best bang for the buck is the front speakers for sure. The rear pods are so weird on the B&O. Some songs they sound fine on and others they are pretty poor. I have only upgraded the original 4 inch pod speakers with the DCX 100.3, which are a step up from stock, but not "incredible". Will likely leave them alone for now. Are you going to try to swap the PRV for another Hertz coaxial in the center position ? Seems to be equally split with opinions I've read with adding another Hertz to the center channel versus the PRV. I personally have not swapped my center yet - still running the stock. I am inclined to go down the path of adding a coaxial and not doing the PRV due to the "buzz" feedback that other members have mentioned. I've also noticed in stereo mode, the center speaker is much more subdued than when running in surround mode.

 

[hilmerdm]

Good stuff @Ibuprofen3293 - sounds fairly consistent with all the feedback and threads regarding the best bang for the buck is the front speakers for sure. The rear pods are so weird on the B&O. Some songs they sound fine on and others they are pretty poor. I have only upgraded the original 4 inch pod speakers with the DCX 100.3, which are a step up from stock, but not "incredible". Will likely leave them alone for now. Are you going to try to swap the PRV for another Hertz coaxial in the center position ? Seems to be equally split with opinions I've read with adding another Hertz to the center channel versus the PRV. I personally have not swapped my center yet - still running the stock. I am inclined to go down the path of adding a coaxial and not doing the PRV due to the "buzz" feedback that other members have mentioned. I've also noticed in stereo mode, the center speaker is much more subdued than when running in surround mode.

Wondering if anyone else has any thoughts on the center channel debate - PRV vs what you are running in the L and R front - Hertz in my case w/ PRV center. I was initially impressed with the setup but certain songs were "tinnny" - but when I switched from surround to stereo I found it to be much better. Would switching to a Hertz in the center be worth it since I preferred stereo mode - reducing the center level output - and thus the PRV speaker is the problem? I also switched to SSV Works pods w/ SSV speakers initially - think this has any affect?

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