B&O sound system complete upgrade - Done ✅

[Ibuprofen3293]

im not the OP. I didn’t replace the speakers in the kick panels due to multiple people reporting that there isn’t much sound coming from those unless you get an amp to power them.

So I bought two pairs of JLs (to replace the 3 dash speakers; you’ll have one leftover) and one pair of focal for the back pods.

so I bought a total of 6 speakers, kill mat, panel poppers and harnesses for this project. You don’t need the harnesses though. Just a nice to have.

FYI, if I were doing this over, I’d buy the mabett 6” pods for the back and buy bigger speakers for the back.

I replaced my front 3 a couple days ago (corners with Hertz CX100's, center with the $25 PRV woofer recommended in some other threads), and that made a massive difference. Same as you, I'm opting not to replace the kick panel woofers for now.

I'm actually in the middle of the Mabett 6.5" pod install (with Hertz CX165's), and moving the balance back and forth between one of those and a stock pod is really disappointing. There is a definite improvement, but buying the pods and larger speakers cost nearly $400. Replacing the front 3 cost about $250 and made a whole lot more difference. I need to look into if anyone with the B&O has done a 2ch amp for the pods, or something to help them play to their full potential. They just sound... hollow.

Side note, I'm hoping someone with a 2 door can help me figure out whats wrong with my pod install... https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/mabett-6-5-rear-speaker-pods-available-now.60943/post-1764387

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[KhoiPhish]

im not the OP. I didn’t replace the speakers in the kick panels due to multiple people reporting that there isn’t much sound coming from those unless you get an amp to power them.

So I bought two pairs of JLs (to replace the 3 dash speakers; you’ll have one leftover) and one pair of focal for the back pods.

so I bought a total of 6 speakers, kill mat, panel poppers and harnesses for this project. You don’t need the harnesses though. Just a nice to have.

FYI, if I were doing this over, I’d buy the mabett 6” pods for the back and buy bigger speakers for the back.

This is super helpful. What speakers would you swap out for the backs if you went with Mabett. I really dont know much about audio in terms of what makes a speaker better, I just know the B&O isn't the greatest.


Maybe just double up on these:
JL Audio C1-650x
C1 Series 6-1/2" 2-way car speakers instead of the focals.

 

[SCTWNB]

I replaced my front 3 a couple days ago (corners with Hertz CX100's, center with the $25 PRV woofer recommended in some other threads), and that made a massive difference. Same as you, I'm opting not to replace the kick panel woofers for now.

I'm actually in the middle of the Mabett 6.5" pod install (with Hertz CX165's), and moving the balance back and forth between one of those and a stock pod is really disappointing. There is a definite improvement, but buying the pods and larger speakers cost nearly $400. Replacing the front 3 cost about $250 and made a whole lot more difference. I need to look into if anyone with the B&O has done a 2ch amp for the pods, or something to help them play to their full potential. They just sound... hollow.

Side note, I'm hoping someone with a 2 door can help me figure out whats wrong with my pod install... https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/mabett-6-5-rear-speaker-pods-available-now.60943/post-1764387

Agree with the POD install with new 6.5" speakers. $400 later and a bit louder but still sounds hollow. I did the whole speaker install in this thread, including the amp and new sub. If we add a new amp to the rear pods, then we lose the fader on the head unit. We could take the signal from the front speakers and send it to an amp for the rear pods. I just fade enough so most of my sound is from the front and some from the rear as of now and is acceptable. .

 

[Tacnav#1]

2022 Ford Bronco Bad. Audio upgrade from factory B.O. system. Replaced front corner and center channel with Kicker KS 4” coax, Kicker KS replacements in the kick panels, plus replaced rear pods with Mabett 6 1/2” pods and loaded with Kicker KS 6 1/2’s, modified existing sub enclosure to hold a Kicker 8” RT subwoofer, 1 800.1 Kicker mono amp, 2 DB Drive Euphoria MINi 100/4’s, Axxess Audio Interface, Ballistic sound deadening. Sounds awesome.

 

[Ibuprofen3293]

Agree with the POD install with new 6.5" speakers. $400 later and a bit louder but still sounds hollow. I did the whole speaker install in this thread, including the amp and new sub. If we add a new amp to the rear pods, then we lose the fader on the head unit. We could take the signal from the front speakers and send it to an amp for the rear pods. I just fade enough so most of my sound is from the front and some from the rear as of now and is acceptable. .

One thing that seems to help is switching to Surround mode. I’ve been listening in Stereo, as I thought Surround sounded too fake or processed. But Surround seems to utilize the larger rears better.

I'm also going to swap out the coaxials in the pods for some (slightly cheaper) components, and mount the tweeters on the outside of the pods or the plastic header trim. Hopefully having the highs aimed at the front seats better will help a bit.

 

[SCTWNB]

I also noticed in surround mode, the rear pods are louder. At this time, I think the whole system sounds fantastic. The rears are used for fill anyhow, so I am not going to worry about it!
I did add a 300 Hz cap for the lower 6.5" kick panel speakers, and now I have the bass level up with no popping. Sounds great now!

 

[SCTWNB]

2022 Ford Bronco Bad. Audio upgrade from factory B.O. system. Replaced front corner and center channel with Kicker KS 4” coax, Kicker KS replacements in the kick panels, plus replaced rear pods with Mabett 6 1/2” pods and loaded with Kicker KS 6 1/2’s, modified existing sub enclosure to hold a Kicker 8” RT subwoofer, 1 800.1 Kicker mono amp, 2 DB Drive Euphoria MINi 100/4’s, Axxess Audio Interface, Ballistic sound deadening. Sounds awesome.

Looks fantastic! How much louder are the speakers now with the DB Drive Euphoria MINi 100/4’s and Axxess Audio Interface? I was looking at the interface to eliminate the B&O factory amp. I am super happy with my sub with the Kicker 500.1. Thanks!

 

[SCTWNB]

Everyone I’ve talked to has cranked the gain up a bit from where the tuning sets it I think it’s a bit too low also.

Yes. For sure. Here is my setting. You have to crank up the gain a tad from the Kicker setup.

 

[Ksjrb03]

Yes. For sure. Here is my setting. You have to crank up the gain a tad from the Kicker setup.

Yup thats exactly where I ended up, dot pointing to tip of L

 

[Tacnav#1]

Looks fantastic! How much louder are the speakers now with the DB Drive Euphoria MINi 100/4’s and Axxess Audio Interface? I was looking at the interface to eliminate the B&O factory amp. I am super happy with my sub with the Kicker 500.1. Thanks!

It is about twice as loud as before at half the volume level, but is crystal clear. The Axxess AXDSPX-A2B2 audio interface allows you to change cross over range, EQ's types set individual speaker distances/delays for better overall sound. The stock sub enclosure has some limitations but I'm older and didn't want ground shaking bass. Extremely happy the way it turned out.

 

[JaxDiego]

Finally got around to this, @Ksjrb03, huge thanks for the write up man. Super happy with the results. Its been 10+ years since I have wired an amp, the Key is so nice to not have to fool around with a remote wire.

 

[Ksjrb03]

Finally got around to this, @Ksjrb03, huge thanks for the write up man. Super happy with the results. Its been 10+ years since I have wired an amp, the Key is so nice to not have to fool around with a remote wire.

Awesome! Your welcome. Yes it’s not that hard once you jump in.

 

[rguest3]

I have only replaced the Speakers of the B&O system but it sounds 10 times better. I also have it set on Surround Sound and not Stereo.

Speakers from Crutchfield:
Kicker 4" - 47KSC404 - 3 In Dash and 2 in Rear Pods
Kicker 6 3/4" - 47KSC6704 - Kick Panels - Im getting a lot more Bass from these Kick Panel Speakers than factory.

 

[EricBlank]

I have 1 extra JL C1 4" speaker for dash if anyone in the Bay Area is doing this build.

JL C1 4” - $99 pair x2
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_13699040/JL-Audio-C1-400x.html

 

[WildDave]

I have only replaced the Speakers of the B&O system but it sounds 10 times better. I also have it set on Surround Sound and not Stereo.

Speakers from Crutchfield:
Kicker 4" - 47KSC404 - 3 In Dash and 2 in Rear Pods
Kicker 6 3/4" - 47KSC6704 - Kick Panels - Im getting a lot more Bass from these Kick Panel Speakers than factory.

This is without dealing with any AMPS or additional wiring, just straight replacing the speakers and done?

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