B&O System - Looking to Upgrade

[thenewjs]

I was very satisfied with audio in the Badlands with the lux package and soft top, after 3 whole days.

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[akturbo]

Curious if the below email response from them makes sense, if something seems like they're trying to upsell me something I don't need, or if something is missing.

Their info makes sense based on what seems like an educated guess on what it will take to integrate. How much $$ are we talking?? For my soft top I don't plan to do any upgrades since the acoustics are possibly the worst case scenario. Once I found audio settings that I liked I'm happy with it.

 

[Jhuff]

I have done this and I can safely say that just about any speaker is going to sound way better than the factory speakers.

The factory left/right/center 4" dash speakers and 4" rear pod speakers are rated for 25w RMS, the 6.5" kick panel speakers are an unknown rating. Only the left and right dash speakers are 2 way speakers in the factory B&O system.

I replaced ALL of the speakers except the sub-woofers, and was significantly rewarded for my efforts. The 4" speakers were all replaced with 50w RMS rated 2 way speakers (the rear pods get signal all the way down to 150Hz in the B&O system). The 6.5" speakers were replaced with 80w RMS 2 way speakers.

On the whole, it sounds like a totally different (and way better) system. I leave the EQ flat and in "stereo" mode. The factory EQ and "surround mode" is generally useless to me; however that may be reflective of speaker choice as well. As the Focal speakers may be better than my Morell speakers (Maximo 402 MkII and Maximo 602 MkII).

This is good info. I've been asking around but haven't seen much on known watts-per-channel of the B&O. The fact that you are happy with these RMS numbers is a great starting point!

 

[604Bronco]

Their info makes sense based on what seems like an educated guess on what it will take to integrate. How much $$ are we talking?? For my soft top I don't plan to do any upgrades since the acoustics are possibly the worst case scenario. Once I found audio settings that I liked I'm happy with it.

Not sure. I asked them last night and waiting to hear back. I suspect this will be expensive - I'm willing to spend the money for a good system, but I'm not looking at spending $5,000+ (CDN) either. I'll have to weigh it out once they get back to me.

 

[Rayder]

Just getting some better speakers will still make a difference. From the pics I've seen the "B&O" speakers are just cheap off the shelf crap. You will still gain a lot of clarity and better frequency response by swapping the speakers. They will s
fall on their face though at higher volumes and you won't be getting the best out of the speakers you do choose. For that you will really need to start from the ground up, but I think just a speaker swap would be well worth it, and then maybe see if you want to invest further.

 

[Vtfakie]

From the pics I've seen the "B&O" speakers are just cheap off the shelf crap.

Here are the B&O speakers. Only thing special at all would be the bottom left in my pic, which is the dash corner (2-ways)

 

[Ksjrb03]

Here are the B&O speakers. Only thing special at all would be the bottom left in my pic, which is the dash corner (2-ways)

Yes, the rear pods and kick panel speakers are the same in the base and B&O systems. Crap paper cones.

 

[Hellion10]

FWIW….I’ve had my Badlands/Lux/B&O for about 2 months now. Initially was put off with the BO sound using XM, it seemed like a “non-premium” system compared to my wife’s BO system in her ‘19 Audi A7, and even my JBL system in my 2015 Tundra. I was digging and reading all audio threads desperate for an proven upgrade roadmap For the Bronco BO system.

After a couple weeks owning it, I got around to streaming music from Apple Music from my IPhone to the BO and the sound was night and day, actually acceptable and felt like it was mostly a ”premium“ sound.

After listening to music pretty loud since, and now recently going back to XM, the systems sounds better, like maybe the speakers “broke-in” or something. I could be wrong, but it does seem to sound way better now.

With that said, if there are some easy plug and play upgrades that are truly upgrades to the BO I will be on board. But as-is it’s not a pressing issue anymore for me.

 

[mpeugeot]

Definitely going to be a personal choice and change based on speakers, bit ai definitely fealt the sound was brighter in surround, while stereo leaves some of the the issues that caused me to replace the speakers to begin with. I need to replace my center channel but don't want to pay the focal prices for 1 speaker. I may drop my rears down a grade and move one to the center. They don't really fit properly back there anyway.

I have an extra Morel Maximo (for free) if you want it. I had to pay for a pair - and have no use for just the one speaker. Don't know if you are nearby, DM me if you want it.

 

[Ksjrb03]

FWIW….I’ve had my Badlands/Lux/B&O for about 2 months now. Initially was put off with the BO sound using XM, it seemed like a “non-premium” system compared to my wife’s BO system in her ‘19 Audi A7, and even my JBL system in my 2015 Tundra. I was digging and reading all audio threads desperate for an proven upgrade roadmap For the Bronco BO system.

After a couple weeks owning it, I got around to streaming music from Apple Music from my IPhone to the BO and the sound was night and day, actually acceptable and felt like it was mostly a ”premium“ sound.

After listening to music pretty loud since, and now recently going back to XM, the systems sounds better, like maybe the speakers “broke-in” or something. I could be wrong, but it does seem to sound way better now.

With that said, if there are some easy plug and play upgrades that are truly upgrades to the BO I will be on board. But as-is it’s not a pressing issue anymore for me.

Ya I thought it was commonly known XM radio is highly compressed and sounds like ass. Nobody should judge any audio system on XM radio. That said, the B&O is pretty craptacular for a premium audio experience. I will be doing speaker swaps, waiting on someone to find a sub that fits and works. Total speaker swap with premium speakers is as far as I will go personally.

 

[mpeugeot]

Just getting some better speakers will still make a difference. From the pics I've seen the "B&O" speakers are just cheap off the shelf crap. You will still gain a lot of clarity and better frequency response by swapping the speakers. They will s
fall on their face though at higher volumes and you won't be getting the best out of the speakers you do choose. For that you will really need to start from the ground up, but I think just a speaker swap would be well worth it, and then maybe see if you want to invest further.

Actually, it's clear and pretty crisp up to Vol 30 (max volume with the new speakers). I could have probably picked better speakers, but I went by review/price point ratio essentially. I am pleased with what I have achieved, but I think that I could have done slightly better quality and still spent slightly less (with the Kickers perhaps). I toy with swapping the sub-woofer, but really, the base response is pretty good as is... Although, maybe I will try getting a good dual channel bass speaker and trying it out - what could go wrong?!?

 

[bytheway]

Holding out for a full write up to upgrade mine. I’m happy with it at low volume but it falls apart above 15-20 volume.

 

[goalie]

FWIW….I’ve had my Badlands/Lux/B&O for about 2 months now. Initially was put off with the BO sound using XM, it seemed like a “non-premium” system compared to my wife’s BO system in her ‘19 Audi A7, and even my JBL system in my 2015 Tundra. I was digging and reading all audio threads desperate for an proven upgrade roadmap For the Bronco BO system.

After a couple weeks owning it, I got around to streaming music from Apple Music from my IPhone to the BO and the sound was night and day, actually acceptable and felt like it was mostly a ”premium“ sound.

After listening to music pretty loud since, and now recently going back to XM, the systems sounds better, like maybe the speakers “broke-in” or something. I could be wrong, but it does seem to sound way better now.

With that said, if there are some easy plug and play upgrades that are truly upgrades to the BO I will be on board. But as-is it’s not a pressing issue anymore for me.

This scans with my experience on my Volvo (daily driver). I got the upgraded sound and both the dealer and the manual said it take 20+ hours of playing to "break in" the speakers. I was suspicious, but whatever. I have to say there was some truth to that. I didnt track the time of it, but compairing the sound from day 1 to a year later was a very different experience. All that said, I dont have my B&O yet, and maybe that wont help enough to make that particular one sound good, but who knows. I'm fully open to a speaker swap if thats whats needed, but I have to wait till they decide I can have a bronco first.

 

[mbagne]

I have installed dozens of stereos over the years and consider myself to be an audiophile and "expert" compared to someone who has never installed a stereo, but I am not a professional installer. Full declaimer that I have not yet taken delivery of my Bronco and do not know enough about the B&O system to make any final prognostications, however . . .

In all cases in which I have performed an install, merely replacing factory speakers with quality aftermarket speakers makes a noticeable difference in sound. Many folks make the mistake of conflating "power" with "sound" . . . don't be fooled, replacing speakers does not add power to the signal . . . just better acoustic properties for "better sound" . . . but with good aftermarket speakers it will be a noticeable and positive change. In recent years I have almost exclusively used Focal speakers and I am always happy with the outcome.

Next best option for improving sound would be to add an aftermarket subwoofer and amp. There are MANY choices for subwoofer solutions, and I might add that woofer and design technologies have allowed the proliferation of very decent "under seat" models that are compact and provide great bass (not necessarily "boomy" bass, but still great low extension that will substantially improve the overall soundstage). The Cerwin-Vega VPAS10, the Alpine PWB S-8, or even the Infinity Basslink Mini (6x8) are all great choices depending on how much space you have. Alternatively you can go with a "tube style" or full-on box enclosure with a 10" or 12" woofer for a boom effect.

Here is a thread from someone who installed a tube style subwoofer into their B&O system, it is a good example. https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...uterbanks-lux-sasq-b-o-4dr-writeup-diy.26296/

I would not advise tinkering with the factory head unit or amp . . . a mere speaker replacement and/or addition of aftermarket subwoofer w/amp are the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve sound without major surgery and expense. Finally, unless you are VERY handy and have performed other types of stereo and/or electronics installation, I recommend having it done by a professional installer and not try to go it alone.

 

[604Bronco]

FWIW….I’ve had my Badlands/Lux/B&O for about 2 months now. Initially was put off with the BO sound using XM, it seemed like a “non-premium” system compared to my wife’s BO system in her ‘19 Audi A7, and even my JBL system in my 2015 Tundra. I was digging and reading all audio threads desperate for an proven upgrade roadmap For the Bronco BO system.

After a couple weeks owning it, I got around to streaming music from Apple Music from my IPhone to the BO and the sound was night and day, actually acceptable and felt like it was mostly a ”premium“ sound.

After listening to music pretty loud since, and now recently going back to XM, the systems sounds better, like maybe the speakers “broke-in” or something. I could be wrong, but it does seem to sound way better now.

With that said, if there are some easy plug and play upgrades that are truly upgrades to the BO I will be on board. But as-is it’s not a pressing issue anymore for me.

Funny enough, I listen to mostly XM satellite and it is terrible. When I use CarPlay it's better for sure. It's interesting seeing the various opinions on this thread - Definitely varies!

I may end up just waiting until I drive with the top down and see what it's like, with the volume cranked up and go from there.

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