Factory subwoofer?

[BigJWeezy]

Hi all - new to the forum and just got a 2015 Expedition Limited non-EL. It has the Sony audio system, which is pretty garbage. How do I know if this comes with a factory subwoofer? I will definitely need to replace most or all of the components.
Thanks!

 

[Denethor]

It's on top, slightly to the rear, of the driver side rear wheel hump. It has the DSP for the system that you will need to keep to add aftermarket woofer.

 

[BigJWeezy]

So this does actually have one, or are you saying that I have to look into the panel to determine this? I haven't seen a sub control on the head unit anywhere.

 

[Denethor]

you'd have to look there if you're not sure the option list. If there is a speaker grill there, you could probably just shine a flashlight in there and see if you see metal (no woofer) or the speaker...

 

[1955moose]

My 2000 expy has the mach stereo system that has a 8 inch sub in the pass rear. It's covered by a perforated plastic cover. Mine doesn't use a separate bass knob like aftermarket amps do. Here's a stupid thought. Why not put on a cd or radio with bass content, pop your head back there. If theirs a sub, you'll hear it/ feel it. If not the panels in the back will be one solid piece. You can run your vin online, and that will also tell you what your SUV came with. Fire it up listen, and rock out!


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[Penumbra]

Turn your stereo on and put your ear to it. You can hear it plain as day. ...and yes, it sounds bad...poor frequency filter and overwhelms sound in back when volume is increased.

 

[1955moose]

Boy you guys must have some really crappy factory stereos. My stock mach stereo sounds great for a factory unit. Every other car I've owned, and man I've had about 20 or more, had to yank out the radio/ speakers. This is one I don't feel a need to touch. Mine has a small 4 channel amp for the door speakers, and a mono one for the Sub. The only thing I would change is maybe the sub. But at my age, I probably never will. In your case sounds like your going to visit local stereo store, or Crutchfield. Mr 10k on this forum is an expert on stereo products/ installation. You might want to give him a P.M. Moose


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[Penumbra]

To an average or inexperienced ear most newer stereos sound "good". For the discerning individuals who have had or listened to high end equipment there is no comparison. Many people simply do not care enough to delve in to high end sound...to others who have spent 5-10k+$ on auto stereos are never satisfied with stock as even the highest end autos only touch on it. If your interested in high end sound and have no experience it's best to consult a professional in the field and not your neighbor who threw a sub box in the trunk with an amp attached to it.

 

[1955moose]

Well now I'm hurt. I've been a home and auto audiophile for over 45 years. My home systems have been some of mcintosh's best. C46 preamp 500 watt monoblocks, B&W 802 speakers. My ears are not amateur, at 61 their not as good as they used to be. My previous car stereo consisted of Mcintosh top 4 channel amp and A.D.S speakers. 12 inch sub.Not to mention top eclipse head unit. I still say our forum member has a lower end stereo, or something wrong with speakers. My mach system sounds fine for oem. Guess our friend needs some new tunes.


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[Andrew Cole]

I am a second time Expedition owner, first a 2008 EL Limited with the Pioneer factory unit and was actually blown away by the system. Literaly would rattle the rear vent windows. I just purchased a 2015 EL Limited with the Sony unit and love the highs but strain to hear the lows. I've been a DIY stereo guy in my youth but now, typically stick to factory... That being said, this Sony will simply not do. My question is, I visited a local stereo store with a solid reputation and they quoted me a YL Stealth box system with a new sub amp and frequency adjustment nob for $1,200.... YIKES!!! after spending $40k on the car, the budget for that doesnt exist. So here is my question for the group...

Do I need to replace the factory AMP or can I simply replace the sub? According to the shop they said you cannot bolt a non OEM sub in nor could you tie it to the existing AMP. My 21 year old is ready to prove them wrong but before I let him in there, I wanted to seek your guidance. Simply adding a better sub with everything else factory will be fine for me. But if I need a new sub, new AMP and new wiring back to the battery, I might let my wife drive it and go back to my Audi.

Thoughts?

 

[1955moose]

Is it possible you've got a fader, or something that's limiting bass output, on your stock system. Even wirh bass control turned up, you still have no low end. Why not try another shop to be sure you don't have a bad stock sub amp, or speaker. The best people to deal with for advice is Crutchfield car stereo. Give them a call.


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[1955moose]

Just got off the phone with Crutchfield sales. The man I spoke to said their were some Expeditions that did not come with Subs. You need to look in the passenger rear, and see if theirs a plastic perforated or slotted cover. Mine in my 2000 expy is right in front of your jack stowaway. You can hear it also if it's there. As far as an upgrade if you have a sub, will be difficult. The stock subs only use a 35 wpc amp, and most aftermarket need at least 60-100 wpc to get them thumping. Figure out first if your system does have a sub. Then maybe diagnose if it's your amp or speaker, that's not doing it's job. Keep us posted.


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[tojohnso]

I have a 2011 Expedition EL XLT Premium model. It has the sub which is a small 8" deal that sounds muddy. I replaced the door speakers which were crappy paper based units weighing about a pound between them. No way an audiophile with good ears would accept the sound they produced.

I replaced the door speakers with Inifinty Kappa 60.11cs speakers, everything else remains stock. The head unit was built by Clarion. The difference was AMAZING just with the door speakers. The bass improved because now the doors were able to participate.

I wouldn't classify myself as an audiophile as I don't buy in to a lot of what they argue about on a consistent basis. But I appreciate good sound.

If you replace the subwoofer that you probably have, you'll need a new amp to go with it. I'd go to the best (most trustworthy) sound shop in your area and talk about options.

 

[1955moose]

I guess the late models must have some real crud for factory installed stereo. I had 2 different Lincoln town cars that I drove for years. The first was a 2001, the second was a 2008. They both had incredible stock stereo systems. You'd think with what they charge these days, for an expedition, you'd get a half way decent stereo. But like all the other issues these SUVs have, we keep paying top dollar, just to pay more for a listenable stereo. Growing up in the 70's and 80's, you were used to swapping out stereos. But in this day and age, of manufacturers being able to supply a decent stock unit, this is unacceptable. My 2000 expy is not great, but has the premium mach stereo, that is at least good enough sound, that it doesn't mandatorily have to be replaced. Seems like Ford is going back to the 80's when it comes to electronics. What a shame!


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[tojohnso]

Yeah, my 1999 Eddie Bauer had the Mach system as well. I had other things to spend my money on as it sounded good enough for me. If you think about it, what's the first thing a manufacturer can do to cut costs? Unfortunately, cut the sound.

 

[1955moose]

It's funny how they realized they were losing out to all the aftermarket, then they must have put in one of the bean counters sons or daughter, whose father worked in the 70's or 80's, and said well we got them thinking their getting a good stereo. Then like everything else, start cutting back, thinking the public won't notice. They should have a delete option like they used to, that way you add whatever head units, amps, and speakers you choose. But that will never happen. American manufactures tell you this is what you want, whereas Japanese ask what do you want in a vehicle. Small wonder why they outsold the U.S for years, Germans too!


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[Trainmaster]

deleted duplicate post

 

[ExpeditionAndy]

The premium system that I have in my 17 is very good. The sound is clear, the bass is loud and I am pretty happy with it.

 

[ads245]

Oddly enough, I have the 12 speaker Sony system and my subwoofer is shorting out. Being replaced under warranty, but it's been on backorder for 2 months. . .

 

[5x10]

The premium system that I have in my 17 is very good. The sound is clear, the bass is loud and I am pretty happy with it.

Same here, 2016 platinum, it's a Sony system