Definitive EQ fix in the lariat with a B&O system?

[alagoy]

I recently purchased a 2024 Maverick hybrid lariat model. I was excited to have the B&O system in it, but I’m finding that it is either too harsh or if I turn down the mids it lacks clarity.

After looking at various posts, I’ve seen everything from using forscan to flatten the EQ, to replacing just the center speakers, to replacing the whole system.

After just spending all that money to get a higher end model, I would like to avoid replacing too many of the components. So if anybody has had the same issue and has a definitive answer or at least where I could start it would be most appreciated. Thanks so much.

Sponsored

 

[Carlitos_92]

It is unlikely that there is a Forscan setting that will improve the sound to your liking without also adding an aftermarket signal processor. In other words, any OEM equalization currently programmed into the system is likely helping compensate for compromises in the cabin acoustics or speaker mounting etc...

A good start is replacing the dash tweeters and door speakers with aftermarket units. Even modestly-priced ones will be better than OEM.

A next step might be replacing the rear speakers. That gets to be more labor intensive, with less ROI, but it's still a frequent upgrade.

All of the above applies to both base and B&O systems.

 

[Cancunbadlands]

You said it, using forscan to flatten the EQ seems to be the easiest way

 

[Grabbs]

Since you have the lariat there is an eq built-in. Not real fancy

 

[Raymundo76]

I recently purchased a 2024 Maverick hybrid lariat model. I was excited to have the B&O system in it, but I’m finding that it is either too harsh or if I turn down the mids it lacks clarity.

After looking at various posts, I’ve seen everything from using forscan to flatten the EQ, to replacing just the center speakers, to replacing the whole system.

After just spending all that money to get a higher end model, I would like to avoid replacing too many of the components. So if anybody has had the same issue and has a definitive answer or at least where I could start it would be most appreciated. Thanks so much.

On my 2024 Lariat my solution was to replace the door speakers, the original ones were cheap crap. Also added sound deadening to the door panels. The cost of having it done by a car stereo shop was about $500; but there was a great improvement in sound quality. I am crazy and traded the 2024 Lariat for a 2025. The sound quality seems much better in the 2025; and I saw no need to replace any speakers.

 

[alagoy]

That seems to be the direction I’m leaning as well. It sucks that I saved for so long to get a lariat and the “high end” system was such a letdown.

 

[wax87]

On my 2024 Lariat my solution was to replace the door speakers, the original ones were cheap crap. Also added sound deadening to the door panels. The cost of having it done by a car stereo shop was about $500; but there was a great improvement in sound quality. I am crazy and traded the 2024 Lariat for a 2025. The sound quality seems much better in the 2025; and I saw no need to replace any speakers.

What do you think changed between the 24 and 25 Year Models? I presume the head unit?

 

[Carlitos_92]

What do you think changed between the 24 and 25 Year Models? I presume the head unit?

100%. It jumped a whole Sync version on the Lariats.

 

[Raymundo76]

What do you think changed between the 24 and 25 Year Models? I presume the head unit?

I am not sure, I did not investigate the issue; I was happy with the perceived increase of quality.

 

[AVC]

It is unlikely that there is a Forscan setting that will improve the sound to your liking without also adding an aftermarket signal processor. In other words, any OEM equalization currently programmed into the system is likely helping compensate for compromises in the cabin acoustics or speaker mounting etc...

A good start is replacing the dash tweeters and door speakers with aftermarket units. Even modestly-priced ones will be better than OEM.

A next step might be replacing the rear speakers. That gets to be more labor intensive, with less ROI, but it's still a frequent upgrade.

All of the above applies to both base and B&O systems.

I don't think anyone has cracked the transfer function code for the head unit factory EQ, to make modifications. So you're left futzing with the low/mid/high EQ provided, or inserting an aftermarket EQ in front of the B&O amplifiers.

 

[Carlitos_92]

I don't think anyone has cracked the transfer function code for the head unit factory EQ, to make modifications. So you're left futzing with the low/mid/high EQ provided, or inserting an aftermarket EQ in front of the B&O amplifiers.

For 22-24, you can easily go into Forscan and manipulate the settings for the speaker sizes assumed by the head unit and remove the built-in Ford EQ, among other things. Is that what you are talking about, or something else?

Also, I thought the signal to the B&O sub is digital now, requiring you to either buy a spendy aftermarket DA converter, or just replace the sub only (as opposed to the OEM amp), or throw all of the OEM sub components out and start over with an LOC or high-level analog signals to a new amp/sub.

Anyway, yes, aftermarket DSPs and EQs are great, but they'll still be limited by the Temu speakers Ford puts in the truck.

 

[AVC]

For 22-24, you can easily go into Forscan and manipulate the settings for the speaker sizes assumed by the head unit and remove the built-in Ford EQ, among other things. Is that what you are talking about, or something else?

Also, I thought the signal to the B&O sub is digital now, requiring you to either buy a spendy aftermarket DA converter, or just replace the sub only (as opposed to the OEM amp), or throw all of the OEM sub components out and start over with an LOC or high-level analog signals to a new amp/sub.

Anyway, yes, aftermarket DSPs and EQs are great, but they'll still be limited by the Temu speakers Ford puts in the truck.

Yes, you can remove EQ (FLAT) which I did on my XLT, or a few other settings re: speaker locations and configs, but otherwise no useful EQ manipulation.

 

[Carlitos_92]

Yes, you can remove EQ (FLAT) which I did on my XLT, or a few other settings re: speaker locations and configs, but otherwise no useful EQ manipulation.

Yeah, if that extended EQ manipulation was ever an option on any model year, I am unaware of it.

As I was trying to suggest in my original post, I don't think there is any use in setting the EQ to flat unless you are trying to get a more unadulterated signal to feed into some other signal processor downstream. Odds are, just fiddling with Forscan and going on down the road isn't going to make the system better on its own. Systematically upgrading the speakers will, though.

 

[Ryom]

I recently purchased a 2024 Maverick hybrid lariat model. I was excited to have the B&O system in it, but I’m finding that it is either too harsh or if I turn down the mids it lacks clarity.

After looking at various posts, I’ve seen everything from using forscan to flatten the EQ, to replacing just the center speakers, to replacing the whole system.

After just spending all that money to get a higher end model, I would like to avoid replacing too many of the components. So if anybody has had the same issue and has a definitive answer or at least where I could start it would be most appreciated. Thanks so much.

If you are using Android Auto you can have your music app (I use Musicolet) equalize the signal before it gets sent to the head unit. You can increase the number of band the equalizer will adjust in the app, you aren't limited to what you see below.

 

[alagoy]

I’m using CarPlay. I’m starting to wish I used Android Auto because I’ve had others suggest this fix and it would be nice to have. Thanks.

Sponsored