Why does my B&O Sound System sound crappy?

[armoredsaint]

From HD, FM and even MP3 etc it sounds like crap, my BMW HK always sounds tight and not cheap, what adjustments do you all have the settings at?

 

[dlcorbett]

Has it always sounded bad or is it now starting to do this. Did you change up your settings and isolate your speakers to see if any of them busted?

 

[LokiWolf]

Are you in Surround or Stereo mode?


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[aggiegrad05]

There’s a few threads on here about this, generally:

https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/b-o-radio.43932/

 

[mcb345]

I’ll chime in and being a new Expeditiin owner I agree it’s not 100% great in terms of acoustics, sharpness, clarity, etc as I’m coming from an ELS system in an Acura, Meriden in Jaguar and previously Mark Levinson in a Lexus, all very good systems IMO.

Bass is actually better than the two systems I’m comparing to, Acura and Jag, and that’s just leaving it at 60% base on the EQ. I have surround on treble up one or two notches as well and find it to be the best overall setup for my liking and works good enough for my lower to moderate volume listening.

Is it really a premium sound system? No way!

But, it’s Ford, and we are comparing to BMW, Acura, Jaguar and Lexus so....

Ford is possibly missing some $$ here by not offering one more ultra premium sound system, but, that’s what Lincoln is for, right?

 

[TheNuke]

Are you in Surround or Stereo mode?


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I believe mine is in Surround. Is one mode preferred?

I'd also like to take a moment to thank you for your sacrifice with Who Let The Dogs Out and Macarena...in the name of science.

 

[Uturn]

Haven't delved into the stereo yet, but I am wondering if the aluminum body panels are effecting the harmonics. It may be as simple as putting a insulated bowl behind the speakers to isolate them.

 

[LokiWolf]

I believe mine is in Surround. Is one mode preferred?

I'd also like to take a moment to thank you for your sacrifice with Who Let The Dogs Out and Macarena...in the name of science.

Surround definitely sounds better, because the center channel is brought in to play. Helps with the vocals.

Glad to help! Had to have a little fun!

I think some units are coming from the factory with an issue with the Amp. As in it isn’t properly engaged. Haven’t had my hands on one where I could dig in to the settings.

Honestly this is the best Factory Stereo I have had in a vehicle, and from a sound reproduction is better than some of the upgraded systems I have had in the past. It could use a little more low...but otherwise perfectly fine for the family hauler!


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[Anerbe]

Any audiophile experts that can analyze and provide HK EQ and B/F settings that provide the most accuracy? I’m often able to find threads on other car forums on stock system settings that more accurately playback the recording.

 

[Gumby]

I agree, the system has some deficiencies. That being said, sound is kinda subjective. I find that when I am on Sirius, it really sounds like ASS. That's more of an issue with the product than the hardware, I believe. I find BT sounds quite different than connected to an iPhone lets say via USB. Yes, I know the bandwidth for BT is tight so maybe that's it? Overall I had high hopes for the B&O system but thankfully its part of the package and not a standalone option that I went for.

 

[JExpedition07]

The 07-14 Expeditions with the Audiophile are really the only ones that came with a good stock stereo system. Sony and B&O both kind of stink in comparison, this is largely echoed by the F-150 crowd. In their case 2010 was the last year of the good stereos. I think the old woofers and tweeters are just a lot better, and are working with cleaner boost.

 

[dlcorbett]

Any audiophile experts that can analyze and provide HK EQ and B/F settings that provide the most accuracy? I’m often able to find threads on other car forums on stock system settings that more accurately playback the recording.

Im far from an expert, but when I had mines, I would put treble around 9, bass at 8, and mid at 10. This way, the bass didnt overpower the highs, the inteicate sounds would come through. Surround also opens it up so it fills the cabin without muddling the sound. Someone said the els was better, I beg to differ. Also, the base harmon Karon sound is somewhat similar but I still prefered the b&o

 

[armoredsaint]

It's kind of hard to explain, but it sounds like the sound is hollow and not solid or rich sounding if that makes sense. Could be the cheap plastic speaker grills etc?

I had the B&O in my BMW 650 and it is night and day, seems like they compromised a lot.

 

[rs4-380]

because it's a ****** system. Can really compare it to b&o product from other models. For a Ford it may be great, but IMO it's just another let down in an $80k car.

 

[dlcorbett]

If it sounds hollow, it may need better or newer speakers. One thing I didnt like was the speakers, esp sub, shook the body too much at times, which deteriorate sound. Also, grab a USB stick and listen to ur music that way.

 

[Doug Shumway]

Have owned two expeditions and third one is on the way. 97’ 04’. I have always taken my vehicles to my stereo guy and he’s a pro. Every vehicle he has done of mine has involved him putting acoustic matting in the doors. My 04’ expedition sounds excellent. I have a 91’ Toyota pickup that he has done and it sounds really good as well. I don’t think you are going to get a good sounding stereo out of any stock vehicle. On eq adjustment it’s usually good to start with the smiley face. Heavier on bass, taper down to the mids below center line, then back up to the treble area. Adjust accordingly for harshness.

 

[Doug Shumway]

Start with this

 

[nick d vicari]

I get way to much bass in the back seats and I also have it on surround sound with tha bass at neutral, Any suggestions?

 

[dlcorbett]

Increase ur treble and mid.

 

[the_1]

Any recommendations for upgrading the B&O system? Mids and highs need improvement. The lows are decent but I would like to improve it also. As someone else stated, the B&O in here is sub-par to the B&O found in other manufacturers.