Audio upgrade question for those that have done it.

[Fixxer]

I have a XL with the non B/O base stereo. I have already upgraded the front speakers with Focal Co-ax Auditors. This provided some additional clarity and volume, but I am looking for something a little extra. I am considering the following upgrades, butI can only afford to do one of these at this time.

Upgrade 1: Install a Kicker Key 200 amplifier utilizing the front Focals and the remaining stock speakers.

Upgrade 2: Install a powered subwoofer enclosure that will fit behind the back seat. I have not yet decided which subwoofer I want.

Either option will be wired in using the PAC LPHFD31 T harness.

So my question is, which one of these options do you think will provide the biggest bang for the buck, listening-wise? I do not consider myself an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, but I enjoy decent sounding music. I have heard good things from folks who have used the Kicker Key setup, and some have said that they were happy with just this addition and did not need the sub. Others have said that a subwoofer is a must-have, no question.

So what say you, those in the know? Any input or advice welcome. Mahalo!

Sponsored

 

[prsncat]

I cannot go into a lot of details since the shop doing the work on my Maverick plans to assemble a package to sell to Maverick owners. They offer packages for several other marques (especially Tesla). They also have a Bronco package.

My XLT Maverick has the following.

• Upgraded speakers in all of the standard locations
• An additional speaker was added to provide a stronger center stage
• Custom-fabricated woofer enclosure mounted behind the rear seat.
• Amplifier and software-controlled DSP
• The woofer low-pass gain adjustment is user adjustable via a knob.

We discovered the woofer is not as sharp as you would expect. Thus, the Maverick is back at the shop so they can try different woofers and consider an enclosure redesign.

The acoustics in the Maverick don't allow you much to work with -- the DSP is doing its best to compensate. Yet, as I stated above the sub-200 Hz range is still a work in progress. The mid-to-high frequencies are great while the staging is excellent.

I hope to have details about a choice of packages they will install for you once they are done using mine as the prototype.

 

[Lane]

A horse apiece, especially if your plan is to later add whatever you don't choose right now.

The Key with its DSP & additional power will improve the detail and clarity. But a sub is going to let you hear the music that's there which the current system can't reproduce. I've faced this same decision with several prior cars. Personally, I'd probably go with the sub first.

I had to look up the PAC LPHFD31 T harness. If this fits the non-B&O base system, it's great to have a lower cost option than other offerings. Plus, looks like Best Buy stores carry it. Crutchfield's site says it doesn't fit a 2023 XL though. Have you found it on a site that says it will work for us?

 

[Fixxer]

A horse apiece, especially if your plan is to later add whatever you don't choose right now.

The Key with its DSP & additional power will improve the detail and clarity. But a sub is going to let you hear the music that's there which the current system can't reproduce. I've faced this same decision with several prior cars. Personally, I'd probably go with the sub first.

I had to look up the PAC LPHFD31 T harness. If this fits the non-B&O base system, it's great to have a lower cost option than other offerings. Plus, looks like Best Buy stores carry it. Crutchfield's site says it doesn't fit a 2023 XL though. Have you found it on a site that says it will work for us?

Hi Lane,

I actually heard about the harness from someone on this site. That person mentioned that he verified that the harness will work on the Maverick. I believe the harness is for a Bronco sport. Thanks for the reply!

 

[sirphobos]

I cannot go into a lot of details since the shop doing the work on my Maverick plans to assemble a package to sell to Maverick owners. They offer packages for several other marques (especially Tesla). They also have a Bronco package.

My XLT Maverick has the following.

• Upgraded speakers in all of the standard locations
• An additional speaker was added to provide a stronger center stage
• Custom-fabricated woofer enclosure mounted behind the rear seat.
• Amplifier and software-controlled DSP
• The woofer low-pass gain adjustment is user adjustable via a knob.

We discovered the woofer is not as sharp as you would expect. Thus, the Maverick is back at the shop so they can try different woofers and consider an enclosure redesign.

The acoustics in the Maverick don't allow you much to work with -- the DSP is doing its best to compensate. Yet, as I stated above the sub-200 Hz range is still a work in progress. The mid-to-high frequencies are great while the staging is excellent.

I hope to have details about a choice of packages they will install for you once they are done using mine as the prototype.

Oh that’s awesome. Please keep updated, if possible!

 

[bckrupps]

I am replacing mine a bit at a time. I started by replacing the door speakers with some infinity coaxial first in the doors. I’m leaving the rest stock. They did sound better but also made it more obvious the factory stereo and tuning was trash especially for aftermarket speakers. Next I added the Puzu C7 which has made a remarkable difference. It’s obviously a DSP so you get to customize the sound but it also has plenty of power for the speakers. You also get the wiring harness which provides you with high level wiring output and a low level option directly from the DSP for $130. Is it as good as the kicker keys? Probably not but I can’t imagine it wouldn’t be more than enough for almost anyone at a significantly less cost. Without a doubt you would still need a powered subwoofer or better to cover the lower frequencies. My suggestion would be front speakers first, dsp second because it gives you flexibility with the sub and then a sub last. I might suggest the Puzu C31 because it appears to be slightly more powerful if you use components or something requiring more power but then you gotta start thinking sound proofing and all that with rattling and such as you go up in power.

 

[Fixxer]

I am replacing mine a bit at a time. I started by replacing the door speakers with some infinity coaxial first in the doors. I’m leaving the rest stock. They did sound better but also made it more obvious the factory stereo and tuning was trash especially for aftermarket speakers. Next I added the Puzu C7 which has made a remarkable difference. It’s obviously a DSP so you get to customize the sound but it also has plenty of power for the speakers. You also get the wiring harness which provides you with high level wiring output and a low level option directly from the DSP for $130. Is it as good as the kicker keys? Probably not but I can’t imagine it wouldn’t be more than enough for almost anyone at a significantly less cost. Without a doubt you would still need a powered subwoofer or better to cover the lower frequencies. My suggestion would be front speakers first, dsp second because it gives you flexibility with the sub and then a sub last. I might suggest the Puzu C31 because it appears to be slightly more powerful if you use components or something requiring more power but then you gotta start thinking sound proofing and all that with rattling and such as you go up in power.

Thanks for the constructive reply! I wlll definitely look into the C7. That’s exactly the kind of answer I was looking for, much appreciated!

Sponsored