To upgrade B&O system......or not??

[JdH23OBX]

Been a while since I've done anything to my 23 OBX so I've recently been thinking about upgrading my headlights, tail lights and speakers. My Bronco has the B&O 10 speaker sound system. Been searching the forum and have seen a lot of very helpful information on speaker upgrades which seem overwhelming at times. My question is is it really worth it? Will a speaker upgrade really make a noticeable difference in the sound quality? I played around with the sound settings a little this morning while the vehicle wasn't moving and after the adjustments it didn't sound terrible.....probably could still sound a lot better but it wasn't that bad. Will have to see what it sounds like while driving. In my forum searches I've seen things that said upgrading the kicker speakers really wasn't worth it....upgrading the center dash speaker doesn't really make much of a noticeable difference, got good results by just changing the front 2 dash speakers and the 2 rear speakers. Just when I think I found the way to go I see something where someone recommends adding an amp.....and to get the most out of the speakers adjustments in Forscan are needed. If I do move forward with a speaker upgrade I'm really looking for something plug and play. And if I just went with something that is plug and play will I really get a noticeable difference in sound? My budget is around $600-800....maybe a little more depending on if I change my lights or not.

My questions are:
-Has anyone done a simple plug and play speaker replacement that you are happy with? If so what speakers did you go with and did you change all of your speakers or just some of them?
-Did you add an amp when you replaced the speakers?
-Did you also swap out your subwoofer?
-If you swapped out the subwoofer did you do so without adding and amp? Or did you add an amp?
-If you did swap out your subwoofer which one did you swap it out with?
-Did you have success by just changing the speakers or did you have to use Forscan to fine tune the sound?

I'm fairly handy and can probably do all the work myself by collecting all of the info on the forum but my time to do things like this is fairly limited which is why I'm kinda looking for something fairly straigthforward that will give me decent results. I'm not opposed to adding amps, attempting to use Forscan, etc and am open to any and all suggestions.

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[WheresMyBronco]

I had done a lot of research on this in the past and ended up swapping out my corner dash speakers and rear speakers with Hertz DCX 100.3, and my center dash speaker with a PRV speaker that I can't remember the name of right now. I wanted something that was just plug in play, and these fit right in (with the included Crutchfield connectors - which btw I highly recommend their website for their customer service and pricing), and worked right off the bat.

They sound much better compared to the OEM speakers, especially when sweeping the sound back and forth between them when I was mid install. They're much clearer and provide a wider range of frequencies. The only downside (which is only specific to rap/hiphop) is that they can sometimes be too "bright" if there's a song with a loud snare that wasn't mixed right by the artist/producer. There aren't many songs that have this issue, and if you don't even listen to that genre, this won't be a problem at all for you.

Easily worth the ~$300 or so that I spent on all of it, and I haven't felt the need to upgrade anything else after that

 

[JdH23OBX]

I had done a lot of research on this in the past and ended up swapping out my corner dash speakers and rear speakers with Hertz DCX 100.3, and my center dash speaker with a PRV speaker that I can't remember the name of right now. I wanted something that was just plug in play, and these fit right in (with the included Crutchfield connectors - which btw I highly recommend their website for their customer service and pricing), and worked right off the bat.

They sound much better compared to the OEM speakers, especially when sweeping the sound back and forth between them when I was mid install. They're much clearer and provide a wider range of frequencies. The only downside (which is only specific to rap/hiphop) is that they can sometimes be too "bright" if there's a song with a loud snare that wasn't mixed right by the artist/producer. There aren't many songs that have this issue, and if you don't even listen to that genre, this won't be a problem at all for you.

Easily worth the ~$300 or so that I spent on all of it, and I haven't felt the need to upgrade anything else after that

Thanks for the info. I just checked Crutchfields website and it said that the Hertz DCX 100.3 does not fit my bronco. I have a 23 and it looks like you do as well. Did you have to make any modifications to the speakers to make them fit? If you do remember the name/model of the PRV speaker please let me know.

Thanks again.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

Thanks for the info. I just checked Crutchfields website and it said that the Hertz DCX 100.3 does not fit my bronco. I have a 23 and it looks like you do as well. Did you have to make any modifications to the speakers to make them fit? If you do remember the name/model of the PRV speaker please let me know.

Thanks again.

Weird, it says they don't fit mine either. Maybe it's because it's not "directly" plug and play without a couple add ons.

Basically, I had to also order the "Metra Female Quick Slides" and "Metra 72-5603 Speaker Wiring Harness" (which Crutchfield will include both for free with your order) in order to get them to connect to the Ford harness. On the rear speakers, I had to cut 2 of the 4 mounting ears to get it to fit into the pods, which seems to be common with most speaker replacements back there.

Also, I bought a set of 300Hz bass blockers to pair with only the front corner Hertz speakers, but this isn't necessary/needed for the install.

This is the PRV speaker I got, and I think I needed to order an extra set of the speaker wiring harnesses for it.
https://a.co/d/aCNIyBG

 

[JdH23OBX]

Weird, it says they don't fit mine either. Maybe it's because it's not "directly" plug and play without a couple add ons.

Basically, I had to also order the "Metra Female Quick Slides" and "Metra 72-5603 Speaker Wiring Harness" (which Crutchfield will include both for free with your order) in order to get them to connect to the Ford harness. On the rear speakers, I had to cut 2 of the 4 mounting ears to get it to fit into the pods, which seems to be common with most speaker replacements back there.

Also, I bought a set of 300Hz bass blockers to pair with only the front corner Hertz speakers, but this isn't necessary/needed for the install.

This is the PRV speaker I got, and I think I needed to order an extra set of the speaker wiring harnesses for it.
https://a.co/d/aCNIyBG

I assume you got the 300Hz base blockers from Crutchfield? And as I'm fairly new to the whole stereo thing are the bass blockers connected directly to the 2 front speakers inside the speaker cavity?

Do you know what extra speaker wiring harnesses you got for the center channel? Were they from amazon?

 

[Area51BS]

If a speaker is said not to fit dash. It’s usually because of a protruding tweeter. Look for speakers with tweeter flush with woofer surround.

 

[Hemisfear]

You can't always trust Crutchfield, they are in the business to make money not offer free info! lol
The Deci's will fit just fine, also the Cento's will fit the front and fit the rear with a little heat gun work to slightly convex the grill to fit the tweeter.
I went with (4) CX100, (2) C135L & (1) Infinity REF407F (1) JL8W1-V2-4.
I was patient enough while installing to try many different set ups, B&O stock, B&O with upgraded speakers, B&O with upgraded speakers and Sub, MoBridge DSP/Amp with stock B&O speakers and finally with upgraded speakers and sub.
My finding was there was an improvement in clarity changing just the speakers, but the mids and low end seemed to disappear a bit. To me it's all personable whether it would be worth it or not, but I didn't mind the stock B&O sound, I just wanted more!
Changing the sub without adding power didn't impress me, I wouldn't recommend changing this unless you are adding power, but again, personal choice.
I think it very important to know where you want to go with sound or it could be a deep and expensive rabbit hole.

 

[WheresMyBronco]

I assume you got the 300Hz base blockers from Crutchfield? And as I'm fairly new to the whole stereo thing are the bass blockers connected directly to the 2 front speakers inside the speaker cavity?

Do you know what extra speaker wiring harnesses you got for the center channel? Were they from amazon?

The bass blockers connect somewhere between the Ford connector and the speaker, I just don't remember which side of the Metra harness I put them on. Both the bass blockers and the wiring harnesses were from Crutchfield as well.

Also, the tweeters on these have plenty of clearance between them and the speaker grill, so you don't have to worry about finding one that's shorter/more flush. Plenty of people on here run those speakers in the same locations and haven't had any issues

 

[JdH23OBX]

You can't always trust Crutchfield, they are in the business to make money not offer free info! lol
The Deci's will fit just fine, also the Cento's will fit the front and fit 6the re4ar with a little heat gun work to slightly convex the grill to fit the tweeter.
I went with (4) CX100, (2) C135L & (1) Infinity REF407F (1) JL8W1-V2-4.
I was patient enough while installing to try many different set ups, B&O stock, B&O with upgraded speakers, B&O with upgraded speakers and Sub, MoBridge DSP/Amp with stock B&O speakers and finally with upgraded speakers and sub.
My finding was there was an improvement in clarity changing just the speakers, but the mids and low end seemed to disappear a bit. To me it's all personable whether it would be worth it or not, but I didn't mind the stock B&O sound, I just wanted more!
Changing the sub without adding power didn't impress me, I wouldn't recommend changing this unless you are adding power, but again, personal choice.
I think it very important to know where you want to go with sound or it could be a deep and expensive rabbit hole.

Hertz are the CX100? Who makes the C135L? What amp and setup did you add for the sub? If you wouldn't mind sharing exactly what you purchased for your final setup i.e. amp, connectors, etc.

and is your speaker placement as follows?
- CX100 in the left and right of the dash
-CX100 in the left and right in the rear pods
-C135L in the kick panels
-Infinity REF407F for the center of the dash
-JL8W1-V2-4 is the sub

 

[Hemisfear]

Hertz are the CX100? Who makes the C135L? What amp and setup did you add for the sub? If you wouldn't mind sharing exactly what you purchased for your final setup i.e. amp, connectors, etc.

and is your speaker placement as follows?
- CX100 in the left and right of the dash
-CX100 in the left and right in the rear pods
-C135L in the kick panels
-Infinity REF407F for the center of the dash
-JL8W1-V2-4 is the sub

Yes Hertz and Correct for the locations, C165L in the Kicks!
I went with the MoBridge DSP/Amp and modified the sub enclosure by adding a mounting ring and sealing the port.

 

[Jefhuf]

Mine is a '24 but with the Hertz in the dash I had to cut one of the mounting tabs off to make them fit. Doesn't affect performance in any way and I too really like them. Assuming this is why Crutchfield says they do not fit

 

[Hemisfear]

Mine is a '24 but with the Hertz in the dash I had to cut one of the mounting tabs off to make them fit. Doesn't affect performance in any way and I too really like them. Assuming this is why Crutchfield says they do not fit

I snapped 2 off...should have no bearing on Crutchfield's not fitting comment, they used to list the Deci's fitting and I believe any 4" aftermarket speaker will require the removal of 2 mounting tabs.

 

[JdH23OBX]

Mine is a '24 but with the Hertz in the dash I had to cut one of the mounting tabs off to make them fit. Doesn't affect performance in any way and I too really like them. Assuming this is why Crutchfield says they do not fit

wondering what speakers you changed? Just the front dash with the Hertz? or did you do all of yours? if you changed all of your speakers what brand/model did you install?

 

[JdH23OBX]

Yes Hertz and Correct for the locations, C165L in the Kicks!
I went with the MoBridge DSP/Amp and modified the sub enclosure by adding a mounting ring and sealing the port.

I am still contemplating changing the sub and adding an amp when changing the speakers. I just looked at crutchfield and the JL sub that you used is no longer available. Any suggestions on a replacement?

Just a beginner question....is that the factory amp between the mobridge and the sub? I am very unsure of myself when it comes to the wiring and hookups of stuff like this when it isn't just plug and play. I am up for a challenge and may really go through with it. Any suggestions on where to get in depth information and explanations on the actual wiring of the amp or amps? Does the factory amp give enough power for the other speakers and the mobridge is just for the sub? Or does the mobridge power everything? I know there is a ton of valuable information on the forum but I haven't come across anything that specifically gives step by step instructions on the wiring and connections of amps with the speakers and sub.

 

[hilmerdm]

I am still contemplating changing the sub and adding an amp when changing the speakers. I just looked at crutchfield and the JL sub that you used is no longer available. Any suggestions on a replacement?

Just a beginner question....is that the factory amp between the mobridge and the sub? I am very unsure of myself when it comes to the wiring and hookups of stuff like this when it isn't just plug and play. I am up for a challenge and may really go through with it. Any suggestions on where to get in depth information and explanations on the actual wiring of the amp or amps? Does the factory amp give enough power for the other speakers and the mobridge is just for the sub? Or does the mobridge power everything? I know there is a ton of valuable information on the forum but I haven't come across anything that specifically gives step by step instructions on the wiring and connections of amps with the speakers and sub.

Figured I’d chime in here since I just completed the install of the Mobridge DSP/ amp and a Stinger tailgate sub. I highly recommend both - especially the Mobridge. To answer some of your questions - it’s a pretty simple and straightforward installation- and I’ve never done anything like it before. You can find detailed instructions on the Mobridge website (look for the Bronco kit) and Fraiser at Mobridge is super helpful. The kit comes with everything needed, I mounted the Mobridge amp to where the OEM amp is as per the instructions. The amp powers all the speakers and the DSP allows you to tune each speaker. Honestly, the tuning is the most difficult part, but Fraiser and others have tuning files based on your speaker configuration that you can start with. Only thing I had difficulty with was wiring the sub…best way I found was to splice from the Mobridge wiring harness with 14 gauge speaker wire to the sub.

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