B&O audio system upgrade replacement - updated Version 3 changes

[Cold_steel]

November 16, 2025

So a 3rd update to the B&O audio rip and replace on my ‘21 Badlands 2 door -

Zen DSP12A-A2B processor to get a clean signal without the Ford/B&O processing in the way

New - JL Audio VX800/8i DSP amp (75 watts x8 @4ohm)

New - JL Audio HD750/1 single channel amp (750 watts x1 @4ohm)

Custom tuning by Colorado Car Audio in Golden, CO

Dash - MTI Acoustics Bronco Dash Plates with Focal flax cone PS 165 F3 EVO 3” midrange drivers and tweeters (75w x4 channels) utilizing active crossover

Kick panels - Focal PS 165 FXE Flax cone 6.5” Components (75w x2 channels) utilizing active crossover, custom speaker grills with active orange accent ring

Rear - Speaker pods replaced with larger MTI Acoustics versions that accept 6.5” coaxial, Focal PC 165F Flax 6.5” coax in that location (75w x2 channels)

Rear swing gate - Custom full depth sub enclosure with Bronco badge, 10” Focal 25 KXE Kevlar cone sub (750w) - added Turn Offroad hinge replacement style swing gate brace

3D printed grille with Bronco logo in OEM sub grill location along with fans controlled by upfitter AUX6 switch to promote proper cooling

-Version 2: Changes included replacing the single Gladen 5 channel amp in place previously, adding a standalone 1 channel sub amp, deleting the standalone DSP as the new Pico amp integrates this, adding midrange speakers to dash along with dash plates, adding active crossovers, upgrading the sub to Kevlar cone, adding custom built speaker grille on sub enclosure.

-Version 3: I went through 2 different iterations of Gladen/Mosconi amps, and have now settled on JL audio amps instead after switching shops. Reason being - the Gladen and Mosconi amps sound great, but when pushed hard I was having overheating issues where they would cut out until they cooled off. This happened with both the original Gladen 5 channel and then the Mosconi Pico 1 mono amp that ran the sub on version 2. Version 3 with the JL Audio amps has COMPLETELY solved this issue, and the sound is even better due to a great sound tune job. Cones are unchanged for v3, but bigger power leads have been run to power the amps.

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[brkdncr]

$?

 

[Cold_steel]

$?

Lost track of how many thousands at this point. Not a budget build.

 

[elbroncodor]

Yeezus. Just start with the stereo next time and figure out how to add an engine and wheels to it.

 

[Mjasi3]

Looks perty. But nothing was said about how it sounds. :|

 

[Cold_steel]

Looks perty. But nothing was said about how it sounds. :|

I actually wish I had stayed both the B&O setup. It sounds awful

 

[Mjasi3]

Oh no!

 

[Cold_steel]

Oh no!

Sarcasm.

 

[Rick U]

Very impressive Im sure it sounds amazing

 

[Cold_steel]

Very impressive Im sure it sounds amazing

It’s really gotten where I want it now. No comparison to stock.

 

[FreddieLee]

Very nice build, OP.

 

[Headless Horseman]

I had an amp and rear woofer put in (the door panel). The base is incredibly better...there is also a knob under my dash to adjust the base volume. The amp is right side trunk behind panel...fits perfectly...marine amp...

I'm going to go back for the J&L audio speaker upgrade when I save a bit more cash...

 

[YellaHEL940]

About to finish a very similar build. Went with 1000w JL amp and 2 JL10tw3’s.
Same front stage and rear setup and pods/amp etc.

I added Gladen’s Gladiator knob to have a bunch of tunes and their bluetooth adapter to bypass the factory system altogether.
Excited to hear it.
Hope it is at least as good as the B&O.
I don’t think I need to do the turn off road bracket as my Raptor bracket should be good.

 

[Cold_steel]

About to finish a very similar build. Went with 1000w JL amp and 2 JL10tw3’s.
Same front stage and rear setup and pods/amp etc.

I added Gladen’s Gladiator knob to have a bunch of tunes and their bluetooth adapter to bypass the factory system altogether.
Excited to hear it.
Hope it is at least as good as the B&O.
I don’t think I need to do the turn off road bracket as my Raptor bracket should be good.

Thanks for bumping this - I actually switched to JL amps now too and can no longer recommend Mosconi (overheating issues) - totally resolved with JL

 

[23OBX2.7]

Custom or well done tunes by is everything far more important than the difference between mid to mass market high end.​

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I don't know how many hours as an amateur I spent tuning my Mustang.....of I plug DSP in Bronco I will spend may three hours then take to tuner.​

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