Yet Another Sound Question

1. The amp is in the back, RH side, right next to the Sub.
2. No help here, sorry.

The B&O system has a pair of amplifiers. One of the built into the Audio Control Module (ACM), which is basically the equivalent of an old-school head unit. The rear two pod speakers and the center dash speakers are fed from the ACM. The other is part of the the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) module. The remaining speakers (left/right dash, subwoofer, kick panels) are fed from the DSP.

But I'm a bit confused. I guess the question I have is what the end-goal would be. The amplifier you have selected in that link (CXA1200.1T) is a mono amplifier. But the B&O system has 9 channels total... so... I'm guessing you are only looking to amplify one of the 9 channels?

RagnarKon

The B&O system has a pair of amplifiers. One of the built into the Audio Control Module (ACM), which is basically the equivalent of an old-school head unit. The rear two pod speakers and the center dash speakers are fed from the ACM. The other is part of the the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) module. The remaining speakers (left/right dash, subwoofer, kick panels) are fed from the DSP.

But I'm a bit confused. I guess the question I have is what the end-goal would be. The amplifier you have selected in that link (CXA1200.1T) is a mono amplifier. But the B&O system has 9 channels total... so... I'm guessing you are only looking to amplify one of the 9 channels?

Actually it’s more that I’m ignorant on all the factors that go into upgrading a system. Definitely I’d want to amplify all channels, which might be why other videos show mounting the Kicker behind the head unit.

I’d like to improve overall sound while maintaining a relatively stock appearance (so, hidden amp, no subs, etc)

Dadmented

Actually it’s more that I’m ignorant on all the factors that go into upgrading a system. Definitely I’d want to amplify all channels, which might be why other videos show mounting the Kicker behind the head unit.

I’d like to improve overall sound while maintaining a relatively stock appearance (so, hidden amp, no subs, etc)

Ah, okay. I’m going to check out some wiring diagrams tomorrow to see if I can figure out where the harnesses go. But you’ll probably need two separate amps, just thinking about it logically.

If I had the B&O system, I’d probably start out doing speaker upgrades first… particularly the 4” speakers on the dash. If that doesn’t improve it enough for you… upgrade the sub (and probably buy an amp for the sub while you’re at it). And if that still isn’t to your liking buy amps for the rest of the speakers.

I'm in the midst of upgrading my B&O system - I've replaced all the speakers with the exception of the Sub - so far...

For the dash speakers (4"), and kick panel speakers (6.5"), I went with Kicker, for the rear roll bar speakers (4"), I went with Focal - I'm mounted the Stinger 12" tailgate sub enclosure with the Phoenix Gold sub in it, and am working on figuring out what I need to do to remove the the stock sub enclosure, keeping the stock amp, and adding the aftermarket Phoenix Gold 500.1 amp to power the new sub - I'll likely be cutting a mounting board to go where the factory sub is currently located, so I can mount the stock amp, new amp and LOC to the board to run the new sub. The problem I'm currently running into, is that I found out the factory amp will likely need load resistors in the signal wires going from the factory amp and the LOC so it "thinks" there are speakers hooked up - the LOC I bought (LC2i) does not have built in resistors, but the LC2i Pro does - I just need to find out if they're adequate.. then I can run the speaker signal from the stock amp to the new LC2i Pro, then to the new amp, then to the new sub. For reference, just replacing all the other speakers - has made a HUGE improvement in sound quality.

Here I am again reading the forums and finding another way to spend money on the Bronco. I've been looking at speakers and was wondering if everyone is replacing the lower speakers and what brands/ style you went with? (Water resistant versus standard). I have the Black Diamond so wondering if that should be a concern

Sdakotabronco

Here I am again reading the forums and finding another way to spend money on the Bronco. I've been looking at speakers and was wondering if everyone is replacing the lower speakers and what brands/ style you went with? (Water resistant versus standard). I have the Black Diamond so wondering if that should be a concern

It crossed my mind that I might want to consider marine speakers. I don’t intend for the inside to get that wet, but of course surprises can arise when you’re rolling with the roof off.

RagnarKon

Ah, okay. I’m going to check out some wiring diagrams tomorrow to see if I can figure out where the harnesses go. But you’ll probably need two separate amps, just thinking about it logically.

If I had the B&O system, I’d probably start out doing speaker upgrades first… particularly the 4” speakers on the dash. If that doesn’t improve it enough for you… upgrade the sub (and probably buy an amp for the sub while you’re at it). And if that still isn’t to your liking buy amps for the rest of the speakers.

Initially I was planning on doing everything together, but I might just do speakers until I get a good grasp on how I want to handle the amp. I’d be curious to hear your thoughts after you review the wiring diagram. The last time I did speakers, Crutchfield included factory connectors, but it appears they don’t have any for the Bronco yet.

Sdakotabronco

Here I am again reading the forums and finding another way to spend money on the Bronco. I've been looking at speakers and was wondering if everyone is replacing the lower speakers and what brands/ style you went with? (Water resistant versus standard). I have the Black Diamond so wondering if that should be a concern

Luckily for you, you have the base audio which is substantially easier to upgrade than the B&O package that @Dadmented is dealing with.

If I was somewhat new to car audio... I would follow the upgrade path below. Basically just keep upgrading until you're happy with the audio.

1. Upgrade front dash 4" speakers.
2. Upgrade the rear pod 4" speakers. You have a few options here
   1. Just replace the 4" speakers with new speakers. Easy.
   2. Upgrade to 6.5" speakers & new pods—requires Forscan or FDRS changes
   3. Install a sound bar—requires Forscan or FDRS changes, can be done at dealer if you use the official Ford accessory.
3. Upgrade 6.5" kick panel speakers. (Honestly you could probably skip this one, the factory speakers are decent.)
4. Install an amp
5. Install a subwoofer
6. Rip/replace everything.

You can keep a factory-like appearance up until you get to step 5. After that you're ripping out a lot of trim panels, running wiring, drilling holes in plastic, etc. etc. Unfortunately (or fortunately? depending on your opinion) the biggest bang for your buck will be to install a subwoofer. So if the budget is somewhat tight and you are comfortable ripping stuff apart... I'd go that route that first and effectively ignore what I wrote above. 😉

As far as which speakers... there are many good options. JBL Infinity Reference is probably my favorite speakers, but there are also Focals, Kicker CS series, Alpine, etc. etc. Polk Audio has some solid marine speakers that are decently priced if you wanted something weather-resistant. I personally bought Kicker KS speakers for my Bronco because the price was right at the time.

RagnarKon

Luckily for you, you have the base audio which is substantially easier to upgrade than the B&O package that @Dadmented is dealing with.

If I was somewhat new to car audio... I would follow the upgrade path below. Basically just keep upgrading until you're happy with the audio.

1. Upgrade front dash 4" speakers.
2. Upgrade the rear pod 4" speakers. You have a few options here
   1. Just replace the 4" speakers with new speakers. Easy.
   2. Upgrade to 6.5" speakers & new pods—requires Forscan or FDRS changes
   3. Install a sound bar—requires Forscan or FDRS changes, can be done at dealer if you use the official Ford accessory.
3. Upgrade 6.5" kick panel speakers are decent. (Honestly you could probably skip this one, the factory speakers are decent.)
4. Install an amp
5. Install a subwoofer
6. Rip/replace everything.

You can keep a factory-like appearance up until you get to step 5. After that you're ripping out a lot of trim panels, running wiring, drilling holes in plastic, etc. etc. Unfortunately (or fortunately? depending on your opinion) the biggest bang for your buck will be to install a subwoofer. So if the budget is somewhat tight and you are comfortable ripping stuff apart... I'd go that route and effectively ignore what I wrote above. 😉

As far as which speakers... there are many good options. JBL Infinity Reference is probably my favorite speakers, but there are also Focals, Kicker CS series, Alpine, etc. etc. Polk Audio has some solid marine speakers that are decently priced if you wanted something weather-resistant. I personally bought Kicker KS speakers for my Bronco because the price was right at the time.

Not looking to spend a ton, but do like the Focals. Thanks For the suggestions! Really didn't want to replace the kick panel speakers unless it was making a huge difference. I've watched the videos of others doing it, and just looked like a lot of trouble!😁

Dadmented

Initially I was planning on doing everything together, but I might just do speakers until I get a good grasp on how I want to handle the amp. I’d be curious to hear your thoughts after you review the wiring diagram. The last time I did speakers, Crutchfield included factory connectors, but it appears they don’t have any for the Bronco yet.

Yeah so it's either going to be multiple amps, or you are going to have to run a bunch of cables all over the vehicle. The connection between the ACM and the DSP is a digital connection, so you can't just splice into the harness and add your amp.

Sdakotabronco

Here I am again reading the forums and finding another way to spend money on the Bronco. I've been looking at speakers and was wondering if everyone is replacing the lower speakers and what brands/ style you went with? (Water resistant versus standard). I have the Black Diamond so wondering if that should be a concern

I used the FOCAL 165AC in my Outerbanks with the B&O

RagnarKon

Luckily for you, you have the base audio which is substantially easier to upgrade than the B&O package that @Dadmented is dealing with.

If I was somewhat new to car audio... I would follow the upgrade path below. Basically just keep upgrading until you're happy with the audio.

1. Upgrade front dash 4" speakers.
2. Upgrade the rear pod 4" speakers. You have a few options here
   1. Just replace the 4" speakers with new speakers. Easy.
   2. Upgrade to 6.5" speakers & new pods—requires Forscan or FDRS changes
   3. Install a sound bar—requires Forscan or FDRS changes, can be done at dealer if you use the official Ford accessory.
3. Upgrade 6.5" kick panel speakers. (Honestly you could probably skip this one, the factory speakers are decent.)
4. Install an amp
5. Install a subwoofer
6. Rip/replace everything.

You can keep a factory-like appearance up until you get to step 5. After that you're ripping out a lot of trim panels, running wiring, drilling holes in plastic, etc. etc. Unfortunately (or fortunately? depending on your opinion) the biggest bang for your buck will be to install a subwoofer. So if the budget is somewhat tight and you are comfortable ripping stuff apart... I'd go that route that first and effectively ignore what I wrote above. 😉

As far as which speakers... there are many good options. JBL Infinity Reference is probably my favorite speakers, but there are also Focals, Kicker CS series, Alpine, etc. etc. Polk Audio has some solid marine speakers that are decently priced if you wanted something weather-resistant. I personally bought Kicker KS speakers for my Bronco because the price was right at the time.

Regarding step 2.3: you could, but have you seen these installed? They are cumbersome and greatly reduce visibility. I've heard from folks with those soundbars that they don't sound good.

OrangecrushBronco

Regarding step 2.3: you could, but have you seen these installed? They are cumbersome and greatly reduce visibility. I've heard from folks with those soundbars that they don't sound good.

Yeah my dealership was selling a used 2-door Badlands that had one installed when I went to go pick up my Bronco.

It definitely reduces visibility, and it'll be a personal preference sorta thing if that visibility matters to you or not. Some people will want that rear-view mirror, others won't care.

The official Ford Accessories sound bar is a non-powered JBL bar. It is okay and much better than the stock 4" pods, but definitely not worth $800. If you had a bunch of FordPass points with nothing to spend it on... then it's a decent upgrade especially if you pair it with an amplifier. If you didn't have the FordPass points, your money is better spent on a powered soundbar like those made for Marine and Powersports applications.