Base Sound System Upgrade/Build

[Bronc-itis]

Came here to find or start a thread like this.
My process will be similar to others. But I’m going to dynamat the doors, quarters, and the surrounding sheet metal and speaker enclosures. If the MIC top wasn’t insulated I’d do that too. For me, creating the best space for sound is a huge part of this. Just a replacement of stock speakers is going to be a huge improvement.
I won’t be adding any subs. I don’t want to lose any storage space with a big box. One thing I’m thinking about adding that may be controversial, is a pair of those little bass seat shakers that simulate bass, mounted under each seat. I know it’s not the same. But quality sound, less NVH due to dynamat should be a good combo without losing cabin room.

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[JeebusCripes]

It took about 10 years of wrangler being in existence before aftermarket created the sound bars similar to what is factory today.

The great thing about Jeep doing so well with wrangler is that the aftermarket trail has been blazed. Manufacturers just need to refine it for bronco.

I’m excited to see what sort of cool sound improvements are created that don’t rely on a B-pillar. Maybe some sort of modified speaker pod that’s weatherproof? That way the awesome open view stays unobstructed and we keep that advantage over Jeep.

That someone was all in a lot of opened up vehicles sound system isn’t always the best on the top of stone matter what system. I found speakers near your head allow you to at least hear something when you’re on the freeway but a lot of the detail in the music gets drawn it out by the wind and road.

 

[dgorsett]

I'm not an audio guy and have no skin in this game but FWIW page 204 of the Owners Manual states that adding speakers may adversely affect Stability Control...

 

[Bronco-ocnorB]

Here to watch this thread. Very interested to see what other come up with. My knowledge in this area is very low, so looking to learn something new!

 

[Tricky Dick]

I'm not an audio guy and have no skin in this game but FWIW page 204 of the Owners Manual states that adding speakers may adversely affect Stability Control...

It sounds bizzare, but this is the same company that had F-Series that wouldn't shift right if the 3rd brake light was out.

 

[Berwolf]

Got my Bronco and will be watching this thread closely. Usually not an upgrade guy but getting the itch with the Bronco and the sound system could use some help. It makes sound but is very front heavy. Subscribed.

 

[Spooled]

Got my Bronco and will be watching this thread closely. Usually not an upgrade guy but getting the itch with the Bronco and the sound system could use some help. It makes sound but is very front heavy. Subscribed.

Have you have a chance to drive 60-70mph with the top down yet? I'm really curious if it's adequate enough for that or if it's going to immediately need an upgrade.

 

[Berwolf]

Have you have a chance to drive 60-70mph with the top down yet? I'm really curious if it's adequate enough for that or if it's going to immediately need an upgrade.

Is there any other way to drive other than top down? Haha. I have, but I do put the windows up at that those speeds. No problem with volume, usually run it about 50% at that speed. Just lacks depth and is very front biased. Maybe something I won't be able to change as far as the bias.

 

[JGee]

I am getting the base audio system. I am fully expecting to be underwhelmed by it, due to the speaker sizes and locations. I was also a former Ford Audio System engineering manager, so I do have some ideas on how to improve it. Ford got rid of dash panel speakers over 20 years ago in favor of door panel mounting to dramatically improve balance and imaging performance, but I fully get why this won't work with the removeable doors. I am thinking a small subwoofer and amp combo can address the weak low end that will be in the system, and either upgrading the 4 inch speakers with two way aftermarket speakers, or alternatively some surface mounted tweeters if possible on the a pillar. The downside to this is the fact that the even the base system has some EQ built in and it is likely not user modifiable without some Sync 4 SW tool, so the speaker upgrades may not be as effective. In any event, when I receive the Bronco next week I can start experimenting with what is feasible. It will be fun!

 

[R11]

I am getting the base audio system. I am fully expecting to be underwhelmed by it, due to the speaker sizes and locations. I was also a former Ford Audio System engineering manager, so I do have some ideas on how to improve it. Ford got rid of dash panel speakers over 20 years ago in favor of door panel mounting to dramatically improve balance and imaging performance, but I fully get why this won't work with the removeable doors. I am thinking a small subwoofer and amp combo can address the weak low end that will be in the system, and either upgrading the 4 inch speakers with two way aftermarket speakers, or alternatively some surface mounted tweeters if possible on the a pillar. The downside to this is the fact that the even the base system has some EQ built in and it is likely not user modifiable without some Sync 4 SW tool, so the speaker upgrades may not be as effective. In any event, when I receive the Bronco next week I can start experimenting with what is feasible. It will be fun!

Wow. Hey everyone, @JGee has the answer key to the test!

Have you drawn any conclusions on the Ford JBL Soundbar with the limited info available? It seems like it could be smothering decent ketchup on mediocre fries.

Very much looking forward to your thoughts once you start tinkering!

 

[PecOBX]

I am getting the base audio system. I am fully expecting to be underwhelmed by it, due to the speaker sizes and locations. I was also a former Ford Audio System engineering manager, so I do have some ideas on how to improve it. Ford got rid of dash panel speakers over 20 years ago in favor of door panel mounting to dramatically improve balance and imaging performance, but I fully get why this won't work with the removeable doors. I am thinking a small subwoofer and amp combo can address the weak low end that will be in the system, and either upgrading the 4 inch speakers with two way aftermarket speakers, or alternatively some surface mounted tweeters if possible on the a pillar. The downside to this is the fact that the even the base system has some EQ built in and it is likely not user modifiable without some Sync 4 SW tool, so the speaker upgrades may not be as effective. In any event, when I receive the Bronco next week I can start experimenting with what is feasible. It will be fun!

Good luck and please provide updates on what you do and its results. Your background as an audio engineer is great. My plan is to wait about a year to let the aftermarket catch up and refine what their current products. I do not need perfection but want a quality upgrade that allows the open air driving experience to be good and so everyone else can hear our music blaring (why else do we crank up our sound when the top and doors are off)!!

 

[frogier]

A good friend weaponized the sound system in his Wrangler with about 1500 watts and new speakers. He's a mechanical engineer and a serious audiophile, and I've already put him on retainer for when my BD arrives. Also following.

Let us know what he comes up with.

 

[kencantrell]

Let us know what he comes up with.

Will do. There's also a brief discussion here starting around post #35: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...le-is-the-new-bronco.18946/page-3#post-682189
@PREMiERdrum is a musician and he and others have some good thoughts on replacement speakers.

 

[JGee]

Good luck and please provide updates on what you do and its results. Your background as an audio engineer is great. My plan is to wait about a year to let the aftermarket catch up and refine what their current products. I do not need perfection but want a quality upgrade that allows the open air driving experience to be good and so everyone else can hear our music blaring (why else do we crank up our sound when the top and doors are off)!!

Will do! Thanks

 

[MacDonald_Photo]

Bouncing ideas around while surfing on Crutchfield and I think I have my preliminary build figured out. The product model number is a link to its page on Crutchfield.


Front Speakers: (Dash) Kicker 46CSC44 $60ish


Front Speakers: (Doors) Kicker 43DSC6504 $80ish


Rear Speakers: Kicker 47KSC404 $90ish


Subwoofer: Kicker 48TRTP122 $320ish


Amplifier (Main speakers) Kicker 46CXA360.4T $220ish


Amplifier (Subwoofer) Kicker 46CXA800.1T $270ish


Line Out Converter: AudioControl LC7i $200ish

All subject to change of course if my Altcoin investments ever turn more bullish LOL.

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