Stereo Upgrade - 2000 Expedition with MACH Premium System

[aeorn]

I'm updating all speakers and putting in MTX FEN10U aftermarket sub enclosure. Only one casualty during disassembly - a plastic mount broke on the passenger pillar cover.

Does anyone have experience with the MACH system? Is there a second amp for the door speakers that I need to bypass?

More to follow. Thanks for watching/troubleshooting with me!

 

[1955moose]

Mach stereo systems have two amps, one for the sub, and one mounted below the head unit in the dash.

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[aeorn]

Ok. I don't see anything from the view I have now, I guess I'll tear out more of the center console!

 

[1955moose]

It's tough to see. It's be down below the radio. I've never pulled one myself, we had a member that did months ago. Follow the plugs from the head unit, it should take you to it.

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[jseales]

below and to the drivers side of the radio. you can also pull the center console and then the cover that the center console hid. three screws and two wire connectors and it is out.
i used both amps when i replaced my speakers and head unit. i put in a boss nav system with kenwoods all around, even the sub. also fill the sub box with poly fill. total cost i think was @500.

 

[1955moose]

Thanks for the info on the amp removal. I remember reading that the mach system has the separate amp, and the rear 8 inch sub with amp. The one marked premium stereo has a built in amp, in the head unit, and no sub. I've found that a cleaner sound and detail to the music, is by separating head unit, making it a preamp only. My previous cars have always been that way. I've always been an audiophile of sorts, and enjoyed my tunes. The 8inch sub is a weak link on these vehicles. Once your rolling along, most of the bass seems to go away, particularly listening to cassettes and cd's. That along with a small 35 watt amp, doesn't help. At least 60 watts is needed to put out a better, deeper sound to fill such a large area.

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[jseales]

i only replaced the sub with a nice kenwood and it sounds great even with windows open and driving, i am still using both amps. my system sounds loud and clear, but if i wanted everyone around me to hear what i was listening to i would need a different pair of amps.

 

[1955moose]

What kenwood model 8 inch did you install? My bass goes way down when I start rolling. First vehicle that has done that.

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[jseales]

nav head unit- boss bv960n $250 crutchfield
door speakers- kenwood kfc-c6895ps $70 amazon
sub speaker- pioneer ts-sw2002d2 8in shallow mount $70 amazon
polyfill $10 amazon

total for awesome sound with nav and bluetooth phone connection $400 plus an afternoon

 

[aeorn]

Sorry for the slow follow-up. So... I decided to be lazy and leave the amp in the dash. I believe it only powers the front door speakers. They are clearly designed for more power - they're so hefty, I'm wondering if my Amazon special pioneer's are even an upgrade! Front speakers seem to put out more power both before and after I installed the new speakers.







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