jking05
Active Member
I was expecting a lot more from the system when i turned it up. I have sonos throughout my house and guess im used to that.
Bang & Olufsen
- Thread starter Bill Schell
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blakwing42
Member
This is the weak link in the Truck IMO.
Now.. Don't get me wrong. The audio is very clear across the band. The system performs well.
However Ford (like in the Lincoln THX systems) has erred on the side of "personal safety". This means that, while playing Disturbed, Indestructible at full volume I can have a clear conversation with my passenger by merely raising my voice a touch. Someone has decided that it's too dangerous to have loud music in a car. The lincoln would start out loud and then actually decrease in volume as the tracks became more intense. This was easily measurable with a SPL meter. The B&O system isn't as obvious with it's intrusive volume limiting, but it does it by never allowing the system to spool up in the first place. I'm an adult. I'm capable of making my own decisions. I don't need a corporate nanny deciding what's best for me.
And no.. This isn't a MyKey issue that is artificially limiting the volume or the speed limited volume being turned on.
Also. Bass. Or lack there-of. The bass is present and clear but has no presence or feel. For instance.. Playing the Spiderman, into the Spider-verse soundtrack there are 2 bass heavy tracks. Whats up Danger and Start a Riot. These songs have heavy, artificial bass that's meant to be of the window rattling variety. It's there for presence more than musical tone. And in the B&O system it's non-existent. It's there. you can hear it. But you absolutely can not "feel" it.
By comparison the stock stereo in my 2013 Ram Tradesman (base truck) is both far louder and has far more low bass presence. It's not as clear or musical but it jams.
This system will be one of the first things I'll replace when any kind of viable option is made available that won't interfere with the stock camera, climate and safety systems.
This is, of course, my personal opinion and is worth exactly what was paid for it.
Now.. Don't get me wrong. The audio is very clear across the band. The system performs well.
However Ford (like in the Lincoln THX systems) has erred on the side of "personal safety". This means that, while playing Disturbed, Indestructible at full volume I can have a clear conversation with my passenger by merely raising my voice a touch. Someone has decided that it's too dangerous to have loud music in a car. The lincoln would start out loud and then actually decrease in volume as the tracks became more intense. This was easily measurable with a SPL meter. The B&O system isn't as obvious with it's intrusive volume limiting, but it does it by never allowing the system to spool up in the first place. I'm an adult. I'm capable of making my own decisions. I don't need a corporate nanny deciding what's best for me.
And no.. This isn't a MyKey issue that is artificially limiting the volume or the speed limited volume being turned on.
Also. Bass. Or lack there-of. The bass is present and clear but has no presence or feel. For instance.. Playing the Spiderman, into the Spider-verse soundtrack there are 2 bass heavy tracks. Whats up Danger and Start a Riot. These songs have heavy, artificial bass that's meant to be of the window rattling variety. It's there for presence more than musical tone. And in the B&O system it's non-existent. It's there. you can hear it. But you absolutely can not "feel" it.
By comparison the stock stereo in my 2013 Ram Tradesman (base truck) is both far louder and has far more low bass presence. It's not as clear or musical but it jams.
This system will be one of the first things I'll replace when any kind of viable option is made available that won't interfere with the stock camera, climate and safety systems.
This is, of course, my personal opinion and is worth exactly what was paid for it.
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Bill Schell
Full Access Members
I listened to Edgar Winter's Frankenstein and EL&P's Lucky Man today (Sirius/XM) and cranked it up a bit more than I normally like. Volume 8-10 is my normal setting at freeway speeds. I think I had the volume up to 16 today. It actually sounded more pure in treble and bass than at lower volume. Perhaps that's a balance setting adjustment I need to play with with my lower volume settings?
Unrelated to the thread topic, but I still cannot believe it's a V6
Unrelated to the thread topic, but I still cannot believe it's a V6
This is the weak link in the Truck IMO.
Now.. Don't get me wrong. The audio is very clear across the band. The system performs well.
However Ford (like in the Lincoln THX systems) has erred on the side of "personal safety". This means that, while playing Disturbed, Indestructible at full volume I can have a clear conversation with my passenger by merely raising my voice a touch. Someone has decided that it's too dangerous to have loud music in a car. The lincoln would start out loud and then actually decrease in volume as the tracks became more intense. This was easily measurable with a SPL meter. The B&O system isn't as obvious with it's intrusive volume limiting, but it does it by never allowing the system to spool up in the first place. I'm an adult. I'm capable of making my own decisions. I don't need a corporate nanny deciding what's best for me.
And no.. This isn't a MyKey issue that is artificially limiting the volume or the speed limited volume being turned on.
Also. Bass. Or lack there-of. The bass is present and clear but has no presence or feel. For instance.. Playing the Spiderman, into the Spider-verse soundtrack there are 2 bass heavy tracks. Whats up Danger and Start a Riot. These songs have heavy, artificial bass that's meant to be of the window rattling variety. It's there for presence more than musical tone. And in the B&O system it's non-existent. It's there. you can hear it. But you absolutely can not "feel" it.
By comparison the stock stereo in my 2013 Ram Tradesman (base truck) is both far louder and has far more low bass presence. It's not as clear or musical but it jams.
This system will be one of the first things I'll replace when any kind of viable option is made available that won't interfere with the stock camera, climate and safety systems.
This is, of course, my personal opinion and is worth exactly what was paid for it.
Try this, lean your head up as close the the windshield as possible while a bass heavy track is playing and hear the difference. This tells me there is a placement issue with how the sub fires. Also, if I have my weathertech sun screen up on the windshield it completely changes the bass dynamics.
Ted Kramer
Full Access Members
Curious how this sounds compared to the Sony system in my 2017 Explorer. I think the Sony system is top notch.
I use to compete professionally In car audio competitions. I have had dozens of high end systems that would cost tens of thousands of dollars to the public. So no stock system ever sounds good to me. But the B&O is just good enough to drown out a few crying kids in the back seats. Staging and imaging are pretty good for a multi passenger vehicle, power output is ok, clarity is pretty good for stock and bass output sucks balls. I am going to add 1- JL 12” PowerWedge+ to see if it will help or overwhelm the stock system. I am sure JL will make a stealth stock replacement soon. This would be an easy and cheap way to add some bass that can be taken out quickly when you need the room. If it overpowers the stock system I will probably do all new speakers and amps. It will be interesting to see how the aluminum body will deal with some serious SPL. These new expedition are getting crazy popular for some reason.
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JExpedition07
That One Member
This is the weak link in the Truck IMO.
Now.. Don't get me wrong. The audio is very clear across the band. The system performs well.
However Ford (like in the Lincoln THX systems) has erred on the side of "personal safety". This means that, while playing Disturbed, Indestructible at full volume I can have a clear conversation with my passenger by merely raising my voice a touch. Someone has decided that it's too dangerous to have loud music in a car. The lincoln would start out loud and then actually decrease in volume as the tracks became more intense. This was easily measurable with a SPL meter. The B&O system isn't as obvious with it's intrusive volume limiting, but it does it by never allowing the system to spool up in the first place. I'm an adult. I'm capable of making my own decisions. I don't need a corporate nanny deciding what's best for me.
And no.. This isn't a MyKey issue that is artificially limiting the volume or the speed limited volume being turned on.
Also. Bass. Or lack there-of. The bass is present and clear but has no presence or feel. For instance.. Playing the Spiderman, into the Spider-verse soundtrack there are 2 bass heavy tracks. Whats up Danger and Start a Riot. These songs have heavy, artificial bass that's meant to be of the window rattling variety. It's there for presence more than musical tone. And in the B&O system it's non-existent. It's there. you can hear it. But you absolutely can not "feel" it.
By comparison the stock stereo in my 2013 Ram Tradesman (base truck) is both far louder and has far more low bass presence. It's not as clear or musical but it jams.
This system will be one of the first things I'll replace when any kind of viable option is made available that won't interfere with the stock camera, climate and safety systems.
This is, of course, my personal opinion and is worth exactly what was paid for it.
You hit the nail on the head. In my 3rd gen EL with the Audiophile system if you crank it past half volume it’s shaking the mirrors outside the truck. The bass is powerful, and the sound is very clear especially listening on a device or CD vs radio. You definitely cannot talk to anyone in mine once you hit half throttle on the volume, it’s loud. Ford decided to remove the good sound in the 2015 model year. F-150 owners claim the same that you do. Most who have owned the audiophile or still do are disappointed with the Sony/ B&O systems.
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Bill Schell
Full Access Members
That's the truth. Several dealers I stopped in at to look at used rigs said they were moving used inventory really quickly and new inventory even faster. I think the reason is because Ford has put together one heck of a package in the full size SUV class. While the B&O sound system may not win amongst its competitors, the rest of the design/function/performance does IMHO.
The b&o is actually better than most its competitors. Its better than the gm bose units and nissan bose unit as well. I dnt kno of its better than the jbl unit sequoia though. Dodge is known to put amazing sound systems in their vehicles though. I hrd the base unit in the durango and it was amazing for a base unit.
blakwing42
Member
Absolutely.. As a package I don't regret my purchase at all. The truck is, hands down, the only large SUV purchase that made sense for us. We looked at all the rest from every automaker. The Expedition Max is the only truck out there that fit the bill and checked all our boxes.
Nothing is going to be perfect. The Radio can be addressed by the aftermarket eventually. The only other ****** is the 22" rims. We've already scuffed one in a moderate pot hole hit.. They look nice but are way too big with far too little tire to adequately protect them. But. In order to get all the options we wanted we had to go with the Platinum. And that came with the B&O and the big rims. Both can be fixed fairly easily.
We just have to wait for the aftermarket to catch up.
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Bill Schell
Full Access Members
I was looking for an XLT with the group 202A package when I found my Limited for very close to the same price. I do like the look of the 20" rims and they seem a happy medium. The B&O does sound better playing CD's vs. Sirius/XM (as some of our audiophiles have pointed out).
Ted Kramer
Full Access Members
I’m also a big audiophile. Used to spend thousands on upgrading audio systems. Was partial to Alpine and Boston Accoustics. But now with navigation it’s tough to upgrade. I’ve been VERY pleased with the Sony system in my ‘17 Explorer. It’s also in my wife’s ‘18 Edge. Great base. Totally happy overall. Would love to hear a comparison to the B&O. Have some of their home audio gear but they’ve never been big on base.
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Cigarguy
Member
As another former sound quality competition judge, competitor, and car stereo shop owner, I’d put the B&O system in the same category as most “brand name” OEM systems: the best of the worst. Car manufacturers aren’t too concerned about creating an amazing sounding system. They’re concerned with creating “sizzle” that will sell cars. Throw a perceived, high end, name on a speaker grille, and people feel they’re getting something exclusive. All of these systems use cheap drivers (speakers) and average quality amplifiers. With a little know how, and some education of components, a far improved system can be installed for somewhere around the $700 mark, if you can do the install yourself. I intend to get started on mine soon after I button up the 3 dvd monitor install.
Very cool, let us know what kind of components you gonna use....or what kind of components are in your mind for drivers and amps?
Cigarguy
Member
Most guys are focused on the brand name. I focus on the materials the drivers are made of. Most Sony stuff is associated with Walmart (rightfully so). But, Sony also made a GS series of speakers that had titanium tweeters, mineral filled poly woofer cones, and bi-ampable crossovers. Super high end stuff that nobody gave a second look to. I bought a brand new set off of eBay a few years back for $55. They sound phenomenal. I have them in my 2017 Fusion. If I could find another set, they would be going on my front doors. But, they’re tough to come by. Not totally sure what I’ll end up with, but I’m always on the lookout. I don’t pay full price for anything. Amplification will likely be a compact Class D 5 channel. I’ll run the front doors and sub off of it until I get around to adding the rear door speakers. I’m never in the back so I don’t really care about anything but front soundstage. And, the kids can’t tell the difference. Lol.
One of my good friends is still in the business of car audio. He wants me to try out Memphis Audio. He says it a great product for the money. What’s your thoughts on it? I have been out of the circle so long I don’t know what’s good anymore. MB Quart use to be my favorite but all the new stuff seems so cheap.
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One of my good friends is still in the business of car audio. He wants me to try out Memphis Audio. He says it a great product for the money. What’s your thoughts on it? I have been out of the circle so long I don’t know what’s good anymore. MB Quart use to be my favorite but all the new stuff seems so cheap.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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