B&O System - Looking to Upgrade

[2Jeeps&PatriotX1]

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.

Well you’re not getting an underseat sub under the bronco seats and unfortunately JL doesnt have immediate plans for their stealthbox. So for those of us who refuse to lose rear cargo room, kind of screwed for the moment.

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[Daktari]

I'm relatively happy with the B&O, but I also don't crank it up like I used to anymore, got enough ringing in my ears from too many concerts, LOL.
Some music sounds great like Bob Marley channel, some can sound great or crappy depending on the song on like the Hair Metal channel or Ozzy's Boneyard. I figured it's just the sat signal and compression, so just switch to an other channel. My daily drive is also just about 10 min, so haven't fiddled with streaming from the phone much, but that's also compressed and I think blutooth adds even more compression. Unfortunately we don't have a CD player or even an AUX in anymore in cars nowadays, so trying something uncompressed is getting tricky. I guess I could load my phone or a memory stick with some tunes.

I figured I'll wait and see what develops, I'm in no hurry and in a couple months there should be some custom offerings with ratings available. I'd not mind switching the speakers for a reasonable price or even replacing the rear pods with a different nicely integrated pod, but not adding soundbars or taking up cargo/dog space with big woofers. My days of waking up the neighbors are long gone.

I'll keep an eye on this thread and see what develops, for now I can live with what could be better, but is far from terrible to my ears.

 

[skater777]

Any aftermarket speaker is going to sound better, much better, especially the tweeters.

Having puchased Ford's "premium" speakers for the past 20 years (and immediately replacing them), I can confirm that premium speakers are absolute garbage with cheap paper woofers and tweeters. The B&O system looks like slightly better garbage, but still nothing compared to a good quality aftermarket speaker.

The factory amp should be fine for aftermarket speakers, and the volume should be the same as long as you match the speaker impedence. Where you won't likely see a big difference is in the subwoofer since you'd still be using the factory amp.

 

[Migs1313]

Well you’re not getting an underseat sub under the bronco seats and unfortunately JL doesnt have immediate plans for their stealthbox. So for those of us who refuse to lose rear cargo room, kind of screwed for the moment.

This post says a Kenwood under seat sub does fit

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/chonky-broncy-build-4-door-badlands-on-37s-updated.29410/

 

[2Jeeps&PatriotX1]

This post says a Kenwood under seat sub does fit

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/chonky-broncy-build-4-door-badlands-on-37s-updated.29410/

Dont see how with the vent underneath and Id be skeptical as to it really improving the sound when the top is down.

 

[Migs1313]

Dont see how with the vent underneath and Id be skeptical as to it really improving the sound when the top is down.

I just bought one I will install it soon and let you know I already have the B&O system

 

[Dirty Bronco]

Anyone here familiar with OEM Audio Plus? They design speaker upgrades around the car's acoustics. I've read and watched positive reviews on the systems but haven't experienced one myself. They are pricy however..

Here is their setup for the JL Wrangler.

https://oemaudioplus.com/jeep/jl-se/

 

[VictoryLights]

I’m not understanding the part where he says it’s all digital coming from the head unit. I don’t have the B&O, but that would certainly be surprising. Perhaps a digital out straight to the amp? If so, I’m glad I didn’t get the b&o because that would make the upgrade more different as he said.

 

[Ksjrb03]

I’m not understanding the part where he says it’s all digital coming from the head unit. I don’t have the B&O, but that would certainly be surprising. Perhaps a digital out straight to the amp? If so, I’m glad I didn’t get the b&o because that would make the upgrade more different as he said.

It’s just fancy words for the DSP signal. The head unit talks to the amp/DSP in a digital form. Digital Signal Processing. It’s common.

 

[VictoryLights]

It’s just fancy words for the DSP signal. The head unit talks to the amp/DSP in a digital form. Digital Signal Processing. It’s common.

The DSP is internal to either the head unit or the amplifier. The actual output signal is still analog, right?

 

[EquusBronsis]

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.

Did you figure out how to remove center speaker? Previous posts indicated you were having a tough time.

 

[mbagne]

Well you’re not getting an underseat sub under the bronco seats and unfortunately JL doesnt have immediate plans for their stealthbox. So for those of us who refuse to lose rear cargo room, kind of screwed for the moment.

I hear ya . . . and I was wondering about clearance under the Bronco seats . . . here I am more than 18 months after reserving mine and I have never even been in one!

 

[MrGreen55]

Anyone here familiar with OEM Audio Plus? The design speaker upgrades around the car's acoustics. I've read and watched positive reviews on the systems but haven't experienced one myself. They are pricing however..

Here is their setup for the JL Wrangler.

https://oemaudioplus.com/jeep/jl-se/

Looks like there making one for the bronco. For 3k looks like the average price ill pick one up to try it way cheaper then most of the speaker upgrades. Thank you for the info
https://oemaudioplus.com/ford_/bronco/

Edit Look like they ship to Canada @604Bronco

 

[Ksjrb03]

The DSP is internal to either the head unit or the amplifier. The actual output signal is still analog, right?

The DSP/amp are one unit. Digital from head unit to DSP, then yes regular analog audio signal to sub/speakers.

 

[VictoryLights]

The DSP/amp are one unit. Digital from head unit to DSP, then yes regular analog audio signal to sub/speakers.

Okay thank you. That adds another layer of complexity to the upgrade process.

Back to the OPs question then it does sound like this shop knows their shit. They sound familiar with modern ford systems.

It’s a shame that the B&O is so bad. Where is the value in the lux package?

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