Value Oriented Sound System Upgrade(s) for 2025 Big Bend

[nc-hiker]

I recently purchased a 2025 Big Bend which has the base sound system. It sounds okay. It can't get loud enough with the top off. I listen to mostly blue grass, rock, and even some classical when the mood strikes. I don't need a ton of base. I don't want to spend several thousand dollars. I just want some solid improvements for a reasonable price and even better if I can install it myself. Appreciate any advice ya'll may have.

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[GA2Dr]

I just got the Alpine 6 speaker kit from Trail Seven with the 6.5" SSV pods. With the memorial day sale was about $650 shipped. Will probably install on father's day - they are plug and play.

I know there's a plug and play kit for a kicker amp but I really didn't want to get into that, particularly running a lead from the battery and finding a spot to mount it inside the dash. Hoping that with the speakers upgraded and the ForScan mods it'll be enough. I'll report back once these are installed.

 

[nc-hiker]

So we still don't get a subwoofer in the 25 base system? The Trail Seven kit seems like a good way to go.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

So we still don't get a subwoofer in the 25 base system? The Trail Seven kit seems like a good way to go.

Why do you say you don't get a sub? I thought subs have been standard on all trim levels starting in '23 (albeit with supply issues that had some factory sub-deletes with faux amp/spkr, like mine). Looking at Ford's build site the '25 base has listed under standard interior features "AM/FM Stereo with 7 Speakers including Subwoofer". Wouldn't be the first time build & price has been wrong, of course.

 

[Beach_Bum]

Best bang for the buck is to just replace the front speakers. 2 speakers and no ForScan changes.

 

[GA2Dr]

I'm a '24 so not sure about what comes in the '25 but I do not have a sub.

 

[Jakethesnake]

I replaced all my speakers with focal fronts and kicker rears and lower fronts.
for a sub I mounted this little JVC unit. Not gonna be thumping bolts loose but it definitely rounds out the sound nicely.

 

[nc-hiker]

I replaced all my speakers with focal fronts and kicker rears and lower fronts.
for a sub I mounted this little JVC unit. Not gonna be thumping bolts loose but it definitely rounds out the sound nicely.

What about an amp? Stick with stock?

 

[Techun]

Best bang for the buck is to just replace the front speakers. 2 speakers and no ForScan changes.

Yup. $80, 20 minutes, and significant improvement

 

[BlueWaffle]

Yup. $80, 20 minutes, and significant improvement

Is there an objectively 'best' speaker to go with for the fronts? I listen to everything from Westside connection to Slayer to Hank jr.. all of them could benefit from more low end lol.

Eventually I'll go with one of the 8" self powered subs and stick it under the seat to help down low but id still like a little more out of the fronts if possible..

 

[jcarbs]

Have you thought about adding a small amp that can mount in/under the dashboard. Kicker makes such an amp. Had it put into my previous Jeep and it helped with the punching the volume so I could here my music with the top off and windows down. From previous experience I would avoid Alpine's similar unit, had issues with it.

KICKER - CX 360W Class AB Bridgeable Multichannel Amplifier with Variable Crossovers

 

[FreddieLee]

Is there an objectively 'best' speaker to go with for the fronts?

Yep, there sure is.

If the speaker is being powered by the OEM radio, you want speakers that play efficiently (louder) with less power. In short, that's going to be a speaker with a sensitivity rating of 90dB and above. Anything below that, you need an amplifier (IMO).

 

[Techun]

Is there an objectively 'best' speaker to go with for the fronts? I listen to everything from Westside connection to Slayer to Hank jr.. all of them could benefit from more low end lol.

Eventually I'll go with one of the 8" self powered subs and stick it under the seat to help down low but id still like a little more out of the fronts if possible..

You're not getting low frequencies from those tiny speakers. You can just hope for less distortion. You'll have to get larger rear pods and a subwoofer for that.

BUT I still say for under $100 it is noticably improved. Think I got Klipsch ones, a search around here will find them.

 

[Jakethesnake]

What about an amp? Stick with stock?

I kept it stock. I’m sure it would give me more power but I haven’t felt the need for it. Top off at highway speeds and I’m rarely over 14-15 on volume. If you like it real loud with big bass I could see maybe adding an amp. For me this is perfect.

 

[Brian_B]

Is there an objectively 'best' speaker to go with for the fronts? I listen to everything from Westside connection to Slayer to Hank jr.. all of them could benefit from more low end lol.

Eventually I'll go with one of the 8" self powered subs and stick it under the seat to help down low but id still like a little more out of the fronts if possible..

Hertz and Infinity are decent choices that have good >90db efficiencies for working with the stock amplifier. Both have good reviews around these forums. They are hardly the only choice though

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