Sound Quality

[Jayjaxmav]

I'm currently driving an 2015 Focus SE. The factory sound, I think, is pretty good. Quality does change if I set the sound to driver sound or passengers. It has plenty of bass and is pretty good for a factory stereo. I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I've heard rumbles of bad speaker sound in the Maverick. Can anyone back this up? How does it sound? Asking about FACTORY sound, not the b&o.

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[JP4AZ]

I'm currently driving an 2015 Focus SE. The factory sound, I think, is pretty good. Quality does change if I set the sound to driver sound or passengers. It has plenty of bass and is pretty good for a factory stereo. I'm not an audiophile by any means, but I've heard rumbles of bad speaker sound in the Maverick. Can anyone back this up? How does it sound? Asking about FACTORY sound, not the b&o.

I was in the same boat, thinking about upgrading my speakers before I took delivery of my XL.
Don't worry too much, I think stock is just ok for now. I would plan on upgrading after doing several other important upgrades first. (tint, paint protection, wheels & Tires). I could certainly live with the stock speakers, but I probably will upgrade the door speakers on my Hybrid (the one I plan on keeping for a long time).

 

[crunchie_frog]

Personally, sounds like the speakers are in a coffee can stuffed with rags. There are some simple upgrades though, Powerbass are direct plug and play, tons of videos and lots of options. Also not Sync 3.

 

[Jayjaxmav]

I was in the same boat, thinking about upgrading my speakers before I took delivery of my XL.
Don't worry too much, I think stock is just ok for now. I would plan on upgrading after doing several other important upgrades first. (tint, paint protection, wheels & Tires). I could certainly live with the stock speakers, but I probably will upgrade the door speakers on my Hybrid (the one I plan on keeping for a long time).

I don’t need it to sound like the greatest stereo on earth, but I would still like decent sound. Are you saying that the speakers are fairly decent but not "awesome?"

 

[Stevezilla]

It's not as awful as I was expecting it to be based on initial reviews, but the factory stereo definitely lacks bass. I tend to listen to a lot of rock, heavy metal and punk music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s so my standards aren't real high. Most of it sounds ok. If I play something with a lot of bass, like Smashing Pumpkins or Primus, the shortcomings are pretty obvious. I haven't upgraded the front speakers or added a sub yet but it's on my to-do ist.

 

[Jayjaxmav]

Personally, sounds like the speakers are in a coffee can stuffed with rags. There are some simple upgrades though, Powerbass are direct plug and play, tons of videos and lots of options. Also not Sync 3.

Does this require an amp as well or is it a very simple install?

 

[JP4AZ]

I don’t need it to sound like the greatest stereo on earth, but I would still like decent sound. Are you saying that the speakers are fairly decent but not "awesome?"

Yes, Exactly what Stevezilla said above!

 

[icegradner]

Yeah the factory stereo won't blow your mind. I think it actually has gotten better with time. A lot less crackling and popping now that I've had it for a year with a good number of running hours. Maybe the audiophile thoughts on speaker break in a real?

 

[JP4AZ]

I don’t need it to sound like the greatest stereo on earth, but I would still like decent sound. Are you saying that the speakers are fairly decent but not "awesome?"

This is what I would replace the stock speakers with:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N98MFF...PC6S5WYO&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

The 4x6 will fit the rear (replace the 4" round). Video's posted on this forum of this refit for the rear.

 

[Jayjaxmav]

This is what I would replace the stock speakers with:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N98MFF...PC6S5WYO&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

The 4x6 will fit the rear (replace the 4" round). Video's posted on this forum of this refit for the rear.

is it as simple as just taking out the old ones and putting in these new ones? Would an amp be necessary?

 

[JP4AZ]

is it as simple as just taking out the old ones and putting in these new ones? Would an amp be necessary?

no amp necessary. you will need to cut and solder wires or buy adapters for plug and play. search the forum for sound system upgrades. Several folks have just replaced the front door speakers only and are super happy with just that. (as you and I probably would be too)

 

[Bob The Builder]

Seeing as how I am old and cannot hear out of one ear and deaf in the other, I be thinking the stock sound system in my XLT will be plenty fine.

 

[crunchie_frog]

Does this require an amp as well or is it a very simple install?

Well, fronts in the door panel and the tweeters are in the dash, you likely will break a clip or two and if you have never removed interior panels and trim it could be a little daunting but then again there must be dozens of how to videos and threads that give adequate details for removing the door panels and trim pieces. The cheapest, simplest, upgrade are the Powerbass speakers and tweeters.

 

[JP4AZ]

is it as simple as just taking out the old ones and putting in these new ones? Would an amp be necessary?

Here is a link to Door speakers that will plug right in to the factory plugs. Several folks are super happy with just this upgrade. (I just liked the 4 speaker infiniti set up better for the same $)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWF9DX...PC6S5WYO&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

[Stevezilla]

Great tip, JP. Any recommendations for a powered subwoofer? I'm thinking about putting a Kicker Hideaway 8" behind the rear seat.

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