Stereo Upgrade - 2023 OBX Bronco

Stereo Upgrade – 2023 OBX Bronco

After living with the weak factory system, I decided to upgrade the Bronco’s audio the right way. The factory head unit just isn’t strong enough to push aftermarket speakers, and I swapped all six right away for DS18s. Once they were in, it was obvious they needed more power — so I finally tore the interior down and built a system that’s clean, reversible, and powerful.

Gear List

PAC LPHFD31 T-Harness – behind the stereo for high-level signals.

Enfig Amp Interface Kit – at the factory amp location; provides RCA outputs and remote turn-on, plus lets amplified signal return through OEM wiring.

CT Sounds CT-80.4D – powering the DS18 mids/highs.

CT Sounds CT-1500.1D – running subs at 1Ω.

DS18 Speakers (x6) – full replacement of factory speakers.

CT Sounds Shallow 10" Subs (x2) – 500W RMS / 1000W max each.

Custom Sealed Sub Box – built by me, mounted upright on the tailgate, finished in Raptor Liner spray can.

Stinger 9-Wire (x2) – one run “to amps,” one run “from amps.”

Wiring: 0-ga OFC power & ground → distro blocks → 4-ga to each amp.

Signal & Integration

PAC LPHFD31 (behind stereo): pulled speaker-level signal for the amps and provided remote turn-on.

Enfig Kit (factory amp plug):

Used the RCAs to feed the aftermarket amps.

Sent the CT-80.4D’s amplified output back through OEM speaker wiring, so the DS18s are powered properly.

Skipped Enfig’s built-in power/ground leads since they’re not big enough for multiple amps.

Power & Ground

Power: 0-ga from battery → fused distro → 4-ga to each amp.

Ground: 0-ga chassis ground → ground distro → 4-ga to each amp.

Heavy-gauge wiring ensures both amps get stable voltage.

Sub Box Build

Type: Custom sealed enclosure, built to spec for the shallow 10s.

Mounting: Upright against the tailgate — keeps the floor clear and cargo space usable.

Finish: Sprayed with Raptor Liner (aerosol can) for a tough, Bronco-style look.

Subs: Two CT Sounds Shallow 10s, 500W RMS each.

Wiring: DVC 4Ω coils paralleled → each sub = 2Ω. Both subs paralleled → 1Ω final load to the CT-1500.1D.

Why This Setup Works

All six speakers upgraded – DS18s sound night-and-day better than stock when properly amplified.

No splicing – PAC behind stereo + Enfig at amp plug keeps the factory wiring intact.

Reversible – can be put back to stock easily.

Electrical done right – 0-ga power and ground to distro blocks, 4-ga to each amp.

Custom fit & finish – the Raptor-lined sealed box looks rugged and matches the Bronco while delivering clean bass.

Big project! I'm curious how it all sounds with no DSP.....thanks in advance.

23OBX2.7 said:

Big project! I'm curious how it all sounds with no DSP.....thanks in advance.

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I thought about adding one but I've never had one. This is by far the biggest audio job I've ever done. I know it's nothing crazy for people who do this all the time but I was trying to keep it semi simple with more than just Kicker. It may be something I add later. As for the sound, I dont have everything tuned as clear as I'd like yet, but this week when I get my multimeter it'll be all set up. Right now it sounds way batter than stock that's for sure!

I installed my current equip in s550 mustang as a first timer. Bronco is super easy by comparison way fewer clips and plugs to damage or break haha.

If you have very basic tools and capability it's a no brainer even installing the A to B module alone that an audio shop will quote you $500+ for 20 min work.

The easiest path is Mobridge plug and play amp kit simply because it swaps out the rear B&O amp plug and play and is cheaper on the end than if you buy everything separate.

I like Audison because tel tech support is instant and highly qualified. To me, by comparison with Audison, Mobridge exterior case looks very cheap, no apparent heat sinks or vent cut outs and quite expensive for the brand....but that's just me I am still tempted because it's going to save me a lot of install work and I like short cuts if they work haha

Are you going to upgrade the battery? I bought my Bronco in mid 2022, put a system in it a month later, and JUST had to replace the battery last week. The guy at AutoZone say the extreme heat in Texas causes the battery to die faster.

Slick85 said:

Are you going to upgrade the battery? I bought my Bronco in mid 2022, put a system in it a month later, and JUST had to replace the battery last week. The guy at AutoZone say the extreme heat in Texas causes the battery to die faster.

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So I had a battery issue already. It was swapped out under warranty. Before I even had a system. I dont see the stereo causing that issue. If it comes up I'll change the battery and a capacitor if needed.

That's interesting mine was NOS 2023 until six weeks ago I asked the to test battery before delivery and got a new one.

These have AGM batteries and whole system is designed to take a massive amount of accessories and DC conversion I can't see it needing a capacitor unless running 1000s watts concurrently at max volume.