2023 Bronco 7-Speaker System Upgrade

[gringoloco]

Hello all, starting a thread here to share what I’ve been working on (and try to keep track of it for myself). Original plan started before I took delivery of the Bronco. At first, I thought I’d be happy with some kicker speakers and key amps, but it quickly spiraled out of control.

The current (and I think, final for now) plan involves a mix of Audiofrog and Stereo Integrity speakers running off of Helix amplification. I’ll try to catch the thread up with some pictures in the following posts…

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[gringoloco]

First, dash mounting of the Audiofrog GS42s (temporarily, as I’m planning a full 3-way component set up front). I CAD designed and 3D printed adapters, since I didn’t like the idea of just poking new holes for screws in the dash where the AF mounting holes do not line up with Ford’s.

 

[gringoloco]

Again with the 3D printing, I’ve mocked-up the proposed components to install in place of the 4” dash speakers. I will be using AF GB25 and GB10 OE, which juuuuust squeak into the dash space without any cutting required . Still awaiting delivery of my speakers, so these plastic stand-ins will suffice for the moment:

 

[Danny's Bronco]

Never thought of putting 2 in the dash corners. I'm getting ready to start with this myself. Been overseas months now hoping to start up on a similar project when I get home in a week

 

[gringoloco]

I ordered a set of SSV rear pods to install 6.5 speakers, but couldn’t get my hands on 2-door versions with the associated brackets. No worries, I’ll just (you guessed it) 3D print them. Decided I would add a little matching line detail to them, even though they’re never really seen once installed…

 

[gringoloco]

Never thought of putting 2 in the dash corners. I'm getting ready to start with this myself. Been overseas months now hoping to start up on a similar project when I get home in a week

There’s a few examples of installs out on the internet, mostly using a 2” driver with 3/4” tweeters. I wanted to use the AF GB25 to enable crossing over as low as possible up in the dash to keep the stage high (and avoid losing some of the voice frequencies in the kick mounted mids). The GB25 will safely cross at 200Hz, which brings all but the lowest male vocals up top and in front of the listener.

I haven’t seen a pillar mounted tweeter setup I like in a Bronco yet (and I like to keep things looking stock-ish) so this was the next best solution.

Yes, it’s a noisy Bronco and will never be an optimal listening space, but I want to give it as much of a chance as possible at sounding fantastic

 

[gringoloco]

Amplifier rack is from MTI, modified to fit my 2-door (no 3D printed parts on this one). 10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound bag.

V8 DSP (on the back of the rack and upside-down) amplifies the front stage and rear fill, while providing signal and turn-on to the M1X to drive the sub. Utilized all OFC wiring, crimped ferrules, and Deutsch connectors for ease of removal. This took longer than anticipated to get it all arranged and looking nice. Still have some labeling to finish and to integrate the add-on Bluetooth module for the V8. Grounds will get properly terminated once the rack is mounted.

Hoping all of my measurements are correct and that this fits behind the trim panel…

 

[gringoloco]

…and the stereo T-harness I finished today. DT connectors used here as well, because why not? This will send the factory head unit signal to the V8 and then return the corrected/amplified signal back to the tweeters and rear fill through the factory speaker wiring. 2.5 mids and 6.5 midbass will use new wiring runs from the amp. Next big project is getting all of the in-vehicle wiring run.

 

[Danny's Bronco]

Wow that looks nice. Did it come all wired up on the rack like that?

 

[scotman623]

Excellent work so far my friend, should sound amazing!!!!

 

[gringoloco]

Wow that looks nice. Did it come all wired up on the rack like that?

Thanks! No, I wish it did. I have waaaaay more time in wiring this thing up than I planned, haha

Excellent work so far my friend, should sound amazing!!!!

Appreciate it! I hope it sounds as good IRL as it does in my head

 

[scotman623]

I’m excellent on motors or anything to do with shocks etc.. Stereo stuff I suck at!! I’m jealous, unfortunately I’m going to have to pay to have someone install my setup.. Keep us posted on everything my friend… HAPPY NEWYEARS.

 

[Area51BS]

Looks nice. Great work.

 

[Bsouth]

There’s a few examples of installs out on the internet, mostly using a 2” driver with 3/4” tweeters. I wanted to use the AF GB25 to enable crossing over as low as possible up in the dash to keep the stage high (and avoid losing some of the voice frequencies in the kick mounted mids). The GB25 will safely cross at 200Hz, which brings all but the lowest male vocals up top and in front of the listener.

I haven’t seen a pillar mounted tweeter setup I like in a Bronco yet (and I like to keep things looking stock-ish) so this was the next best solution.

Yes, it’s a noisy Bronco and will never be an optimal listening space, but I want to give it as much of a chance as possible at sounding fantastic

Bro, I am wanting to start my upgrade this year. I have half the mind of asking you to print me off some parts when I do. Your setup is clean!

 

[eduard4us]

This looks really clean, great work my friend!
You will love the way it will sound.

Happy New Year

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