The stock audio system is great, actually. Here's why.

[Ford Maverick Maniac]

Not a self-proclaimed audiophile, but I do dabble. The stock speakers are borderline junk. They are the lightest OEM speakers I've ever held. But I agree you can switch some things in sound settings to make it okay sounding.

I replaced the stock door speakers and it made a big difference. Though the infotainment system does not push enough power to fully utilize the new speakers. Upgrading that + adding a sub/amp combo would really wake things up IMO.

Yes, the speakers are so light because of the tiny magnet. They are only rated at 25 watts per the photo of the speaker with the Ford logo on the left. They sound fine until they distort at high volume. My guess is if the speakers are rated at 25 watts, the amp is only 25 watts per channel (output to each speaker).

You are right, the stock amp cannot power better speakers adequately, but new speakers help. A new amp would be far more expensive and will probably not integrate with the touch screen.

The B&O, though not the best, is far more powerful at over 600 watts of total output. I think people are not happy with B&O because they expected thumping sound levels. Of course Ford limits the max volume for driving safety.

Sound quality is not just about max volume. A better amp, along with better 100 watt rated speakers with a bigger magnet, allows you to hear the full sound at lower levels.

This quick 3 min video has a sample of the stock sound system for those waiting for their Mavs. Sorry, I had to cut it short to not get a copyright strike.

Sponsored

 

[James D]

Thanks for the speaker photo and video, maniac! This is helpful.

 

[ejouie]

How did you do the windshield and how much did it cost, and how do you plan to do the front fender insulation

I had it replaced when it cracked from a rock impact. Cost was my deductible. I called Safelite and requested the acoustic glass.

Front fender insulation is going to be these:
-Fender Insulator. Sound Insulator Front, Rear (LARIAT). Part#:M1PZ7840380A (2)
-Insulator Left, Front 2.5L (LARIAT, XLT). Part#:NZ6Z16072A
-Fender Insulator Right, Front - 2.5L (LARIAT, XLT). Part#:NZ6Z16071A

Listed as for hybrid, but they will fit the EB no problem as that fender area is common.

 

[matmondro]

I think it's fine too honestly. Surprisingly, it sounds better than the Sony "premium" 10 speaker system in my previous Focus ST. With a little EQ tweaking, I've found a sweet spot that I like.

 

[Saltwater Cowboys]

The stock 6 speaker system isn’t bad, except the bass rattles like a can of spray paint.

I can tell you it sounds better than Toyota’s “premium” JBL system, which was a $1500 option.

 

[SLINGSHOT]

Let me see . . . shall I buy a car or a stereo . . . .?

 

[Decayed]

The word "adequate" comes to mind when talking about the stock speakers. One of the only actual mods I did when I got my mav was to replace the front door speakers with some semi decent panasonic 3-ways. The difference in sound quality was immediately noticeable. I still wouldn't describe it as great as they just don't have much bass punch being 6" speakers but the bass and treble are both better than stock.

The stock speakers are cheap paper cones with tiny magnets. Audio technology has come a long way since the 70's.

 

[HushCarAudio]

Factory speaker use roughly 7 watts of power and have a crazy sensitivity hence why they can play loudly but not great. You can buy high sensitivity speakers that can also handle additional power if you amplify them. All aftermarket speakers come with massive magnets that requires power to move the cone for optimal results. Without amplification any speaker swap will only render slight audio improvement. Once amplified it will sound significantly improved. It's kind of similar to owning a sports car, you don't want to run cheap gas in it when it calls for race fuel.

 

[Ford Maverick Maniac]

Factory speaker use roughly 7 watts of power and have a crazy sensitivity hence why they can play loudly but not great. You can buy high sensitivity speakers that can also handle additional power if you amplify them. All aftermarket speakers come with massive magnets that requires power to move the cone for optimal results. Without amplification any speaker swap will only render slight audio improvement. Once amplified it will sound significantly improved. It's kind of similar to owning a sports car, you don't want to run cheap gas in it when it calls for race fuel.

Yes Bruce, current from a powerful amp moves the cone which creates much better sound, especially base. Trying to install new equipment under the dashboard is a huge task that would be expensive and may not even fit.

 

[HushCarAudio]

Yes Bruce, current from a powerful amp moves the cone which creates much better sound, especially base. Trying to install new equipment under the dashboard is a huge task that would be expensive and may not even fit.

Well if you knew someone, hint that's me, who could build you a custom made plug and play harness so you can mount that amp and whatever in the rear of the truck behind the seats would be ideal in my opinion.

 

[Ford Maverick Maniac]

Well if you knew someone, hint that's me, who could build you a custom made plug and play harness so you can mount that amp and whatever in the rear of the truck behind the seats would be ideal in my opinion.

Of course! Forget fighting for space under the dash. Put the amp behind the back seat. Yes without a powerful amp the music can sound muddy or tinny or all midrange depending on how people adjust the EQ on the touchscreen. Thanks!

 

[Totem]

Hello everybody. Try “FM181”. They have numerous channels from metal, hairbands, Beatles, yacht rock, acid jazz, etc…. FM181 sounds really great on stock system. Best yet it is free! give it a try see what you think.
Having said that I really miss my Infinity sound system in my Kia Soul. It was amazing. Thumped really good when needed.

 

[Bmr4mav]

You are not the self proclaimed frugal audiophile you claim to be. The stock radio is actually pretty bad compared to other base radios. I've owned XL and Lariat each for several months and I will say the B&O is a decent radio. It can be cranked to the Max without any bad distortion and just needs a sub upgrade. I went with an 8 inch sealed under the rear seat.

 

[stoptothink]

Yes, the speakers are so light because of the tiny magnet. They are only rated at 25 watts per the photo of the speaker with the Ford logo on the left. They sound fine until they distort at high volume. My guess is if the speakers are rated at 25 watts, the amp is only 25 watts per channel (output to each speaker).

You are right, the stock amp cannot power better speakers adequately, but new speakers help. A new amp would be far more expensive and will probably not integrate with the touch screen.

The B&O, though not the best, is far more powerful at over 600 watts of total output. I think people are not happy with B&O because they expected thumping sound levels. Of course Ford limits the max volume for driving safety.

Sound quality is not just about max volume. A better amp, along with better 100 watt rated speakers with a bigger magnet, allows you to hear the full sound at lower levels.

This quick 3 min video has a sample of the stock sound system for those waiting for their Mavs. Sorry, I had to cut it short to not get a copyright strike.

What's the true RMS output of the B&O system? It sure as heck isn't close to 600 watts; 200, maybe? I'd be real pissed if I paid extra for the B&O system; total garbage for an "upgraded" system.

The stock system in our XLT is what it is, I was actually expecting worse. It's actually better than the stock system in our jetta and our previous Hyundai accent.

I was an "audiophile" and spent countless thousands on upgrading sound systems in my cars in my 20's. Cars are terrible environments for good sound, it's just not worth it to me anymore.

 

[snowkarver]

I hear a lot on these forums and reviews about the Maverick's stock 6-speaker sound system - rarely is any of it positive. So as a guy who is something of a frugal audiophile, I'm going to give some of my thoughts on the Mav's sound system.

4. I don't have any scientific analysis to give you. Sure, I could get in a number of cars, run pink noise through the system and capture them in stereo using a high quality mic and pre-amp and then use a frequency analyzer to give you an exact reading of what frequency ranges are strongest and weakest at ear level in the driver's seat. And while that would be super cool and fun to do, it's also something I don't have the time for at the moment.

So with a little tweaking and some care as to what to source to use with the stock system, I think the Maverick actually sounds great, if not fantastic.

I specialize in audio engineering for high-end small spaces, including compact home theaters that have won national awards, and did this analysis work on my Tremor, as documented in my build thread.

TLDR: The stock Maverick system uses multiple DSP tricks to make its parts-bin components sound acceptable to most people, in most scenarios. The tuning is actually better than one would expect for a bottom-end vehicle and not bad at all for its cost. Subjectively, you can love or hate it. But using industry-standard quantitative measurements, it's not a great system at all and there is tremendous room for improvement.

Stock: System begins to run out of headroom at about 75dB.

After installing a modest aftermarket system. This is capable of holding the response cleanly to the limiting factor, which is excessive vibration in the rear cab wall and window assembly at 85-95dB.

Sponsored