Subwoofer Wattage

[2021FordBronco2]

I was wondering what the wattage is on the base audio system subwoofer. Other question is if I upgrade the sub to something else while keeping the factory amp would it improve the low-end frequencies while keeping the sound of the factory sub. Mainly just curious if the factory amp can produce lower frequencies just the sub doesn't produce those sounds.

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[Y2KFirehawk]

I've read a few threads of those who replaced the subwoofer speaker only and the results were meh at best. My understanding of frequencies and subwoofers is at some point the diameter is a barrier.

 

[Brian_B]

OEM amp: 55W x2 channels - 110W total.

For most people - upgrading just the speaker is pretty underwhelming, but upgrading amp + speaker can be very impactful.

 

[Area51BS]

And I’m certain Ford still rolls off the bass below 50hz like the base system to prevent blowing the weak sub. Some type of DSP is needed to truly restore deep bass.

 

[FreddieLee]

I was wondering what the wattage is on the base audio system subwoofer. Other question is if I upgrade the sub to something else while keeping the factory amp would it improve the low-end frequencies while keeping the sound of the factory sub. Mainly just curious if the factory amp can produce lower frequencies just the sub doesn't produce those sounds.

Nothing is going to improve until the factory EQ is disabled.

 

[2021FordBronco2]

Nothing is going to improve until the factory EQ is disabled.

Would that make a sub replacement end up producing lower frequencies? Could you remove the factory EQ without blowing the factory speakers?

 

[Brian_B]

Would that make a sub replacement end up producing lower frequencies? Could you remove the factory EQ without blowing the factory speakers?

You can remove the EQ, you do run the risk of blowing the speaker if you crank it up to 31 - but really that's true even without changing anything. All it will really do is make it sound muddier if you don't change anything else, since the OEM components can't handle frequencies well outside of what the EQ cuts them off at.

 

[2021FordBronco2]

OEM amp: 55W x2 channels - 110W total.

For most people - upgrading just the speaker is pretty underwhelming, but upgrading amp + speaker can be very impactful.

True but typically that cost a lot of money, in my car I replaced my factory sub with an amp for under $300 and somehow while I had more low end, the bass wasn't loud enough to hear over road noise. I thought having a 250w sub with a dedicated amp would be better, but I guess not for some reason.

 

[2021FordBronco2]

You can remove the EQ, you do run the risk of blowing the speaker if you crank it up to 31 - but really that's true even without changing anything. All it will really do is make it sound muddier if you don't change anything else, since the OEM components can't handle frequencies well outside of what the EQ cuts them off at.

The loudest I have turned it up is 16, do you think that the speakers would blow at that volume with bass and treble turned up on the head unit if the EQ would be removed

 

[Brian_B]

The loudest I have turned it up is 16, do you think that the speakers would blow at that volume with bass and treble turned up on the head unit if the EQ would be removed

My guess - probably not. But I would also guess (just a guess, mind you) that it would probably sound worse with the EQ removed than better, if you are still running all factory equipment.

 

[Brian_B]

True but typically that cost a lot of money, in my car I replaced my factory sub with an amp for under $300 and somehow while I had more low end, the bass wasn't loud enough to hear over road noise. I thought having a 250w sub with a dedicated amp would be better, but I guess not for some reason.

I won't discount your experience here - I can definitely see cases where that happens.

The most common subwoofer upgrade around these forums is a Kicker 500.1 with a Kicker 6.75" CompRT subwoofer.

Which, yes, bought from Crutchfield with all new parts - yeah, around $300.

Mind you, this isn't the ~best~ upgrade, but it has extremely good "boom for the buck" and it's been tested by dozens of folks around here. It won't rattle your neighbors windows, but it's a definite upgrade over stock, and leaves some room for future upgrades to the sub if you wanted to do something else later on - like jump to an 8", or a tailgate or floor mounted enclosure.

You can find used around these forums and others pretty readily too. I have a 6.75" CompRT sitting in the closet that I could be convinced into parting with if anyone were interested, along with bits and pieces of other audio gear.

The biggest issue - it's kind of a pain to get into that rear enclosure quarter panel. If I were going in there again, I'd go with the mindset of doing it once and being done with it. But yeah, I totally get that budget is also a thing. All in, I've probably had mine apart 10 times by now, and I break something new every single time I go back there and monkey with it.

 

[2021FordBronco2]

My guess - probably not. But I would also guess (just a guess, mind you) that it would probably sound worse with the EQ removed than better, if you are still running all factory equipment.

Gotcha, I may end up trying it just to see and revert it back if it sounds like crap, no harm no foul. If it leaves more to desire, I may upgrade the sub and hope it ends up being worth the money unlike on my car. Removing the EQ is done with Forscan correct?

 

[Brian_B]

I know this guy has the B&O package, which is a bit different, but I think it's a decent read regardless.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/b-o-audio-system-scientific-incremental-upgrade-what-really-improved-things.104667

 

[Brian_B]

Gotcha, I may end up trying it just to see and revert it back if it sounds like crap, no harm no foul. If it leaves more to desire, I may upgrade the sub and hope it ends up being worth the money unlike on my car. Removing the EQ is done with Forscan correct?

Yup, easy switch with Forscan.

 

[2021FordBronco2]

Yup, easy switch with Forscan.

Awesome thanks for the info, I really appreciate it!

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