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

[colinl]

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.

The B&O amp has clipping detection and it seems to work. I'm not sure what frequencies it gives to the door mids, but it definitely can play them at volume 30 as long as you have the bass tone control properly set.

I was shopping for audio upgrades and a guy at a carfi shop had never seen a Maverick at all, let alone with B&O, but they had worked on a ton of other Fords with B&O. The guy turned the bass all the way down, stereo mode, played a song on 24, then 27, then 30.

I was fairly surprised there was no distortion. You get a similar result, only better, if you install decent components up front.

Sponsored

 

[colinl]

I specialize in audio engineering for high-end small spaces, including several national award-winning home theaters, 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.

so glad you reposted that with more comments.

in the stock chart, I think the dip at 2khz is probably the crossover point between the mid and dash tweeter. I'm not sure if the hole is intentional for SQ reasons or just an artifact.

 

[eighty4south]

After reading so many sounds system reviews I too was expecting the worst audio experience of my life. I am also mainly rock, metal, alternative and also punk grass , blue grass and outlaw country. I have to say I find the stock base stereo quite good actually. I was pleasantly surprised.

I've never heard of punk grass but am intrigued. Mind sharing some artists to look into?

 

[Savcat]

Not to hijack the thread, but have you noticed that sound played from a phone is much clearer than FM radio? Is there a way to upgrade antenna or is the FM chip in the stereo incapable of picking up HD OTA radio?

 

[Mikeetch]

I've never heard of punk grass but am intrigued. Mind sharing some artists to look into?

They're a subclass of folk,strings and bluegrass. Bands like The Dead South get lumped in.

Woodbox Gang, Grandpa's Cough Medicine, Poor Man's Poison, Mountain Sprout.

One of my favorites are The Pinebox Boys, they do a lot of murder ballads. Lol

 

[eighty4south]

They're a subclass of folk,strings and bluegrass. Bands like The Dead South get lumped in.

Woodbox Gang, Grandpa's Cough Medicine, Poor Man's Poison, Mountain Sprout.

One of my favorites are The Pinebox Boys, they do a lot of murder ballads. Lol

Thanks for the reply. I'll check them out.

 

[colinl]

Not to hijack the thread, but have you noticed that sound played from a phone is much clearer than FM radio? Is there a way to upgrade antenna or is the FM chip in the stereo incapable of picking up HD OTA radio?

My B&O / Sync3 system definitely has HD radio support. I would think that the base Ford Connected Audio system would have it, also, though.

Check here:
Ford menu in infotainment
Settings
Radio -> HD Radio is a toggle on/off

 

[jsus]

My B&O / Sync3 system definitely has HD radio support. I would think that the base Ford Connected Audio system would have it, also, though.

Check here:
Ford menu in infotainment
Settings
Radio -> HD Radio is a toggle on/off

It doesn't, though. Only Maverick Lariat with Luxury Package has HD Radio.

HD Radio is a "premium" feature even now, despite being a couple decades old by now. 2023+ Escape has Sync 4 8" standard, but HD radio still requires a Premium or Tech Package. A >$40k Escape PHEV doesn't even have it. It has SiriusXM standard on Active (née SE), but not HD Radio. *shrug*

HD Radio is mainly a US thing. The base Maverick infotainment system originates from overseas in markets that don't have HD radio, and they didn't spend the money to support it on Maverick.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HD_Radio

 

[Nittany]

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.

A few caveats:
1. I never use Bluetooth. I'm not sure if it's the codec, but audio over Bluetooth has noticeable distortion and digital artifacts. I always run my audio from my iPhone 11 to the stereo using USB-C and through the Apple Music app over Apple CarPlay. I typically use mp3s and occasionally Apple encoded AAC files. YMMV if you're using a different audio source or file formats.
2. I'm a rock/alternative/metal fan, which are genres that are usually very mid-forward in instrumentation. My thoughts probably won't apply to some other, more bass-heavy genres.
3. Almost all of my 25,000 miles in my Mav have been spent listening to music, so the speakers should be broken in. Speakers are made from paper and glue - which are fibrous and adhesive, so play time can "wear in" a speaker by loosening those stiffer materials.
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.

On with the background:

My Mav was just in the dealership for the air bag recall and they, surprisingly, handed me the keys to a brand new loaded 2023 Ford Escape ST with all the goodies to drive in the meantime. Nice car; glad to have my truck back. Anyway, it had the premium B&O sound system in it, so of course I spun some tunes in it.

This isn't the first time I've driven a car with an "upgraded" sound system in it. I've had Bose, Sony, and JBL systems, and the Escape's is definitely one of the better ones I've used. With that said, I think it's a toss-up between the Sony in my 2011 Ford Fusion and - surprisingly - the stock six-speaker system in my 2012 Toyota Camry as to which one is "best."

Crash course in audio: sound is caused by pressure waves in the air moving at different speeds, or frequencies. The head unit is supposed to deliver a pristine audio signal and the amplification power necessary for the speaker to move back and forth and create those pressure waves. Most systems are able to deliver audio frequencies between 20 hertz and 20,000 hertz (or 20khz), both values of which are usually well beyond the audible spectrum for almost everyone. The lower the frequency (the fewer hertz), the lower the note. The higher the frequency (the more hertz), the higher the note. Of course, music is rarely one single, pure note; but a combination of notes from multiple instruments and voices with many "harmonics" and "overtones" creating the sound ("overtones" are the reason why one note played on a violin will sound different from the same note played on a piano, for instance). Generally, a well-mixed song won't overemphasize any one frequency range over another unless a specific situation calls for it.

Audio systems, on the other hand, don't often play by those rules - "critical listening" devices like studio monitors or flat-response speakers give an accurate representation of the music played through them, but tend to sound "flat," "lifeless," or "boring" to most listeners. Thus, most "premium" audio systems - particularly in cars - will overemphasize the lowest and highest frequencies, leading to a "mid-scooped" or "V-shape" sound (so named because the mids are "scooped" out of the frequency range, making a "v-shape" on a frequency analyzer). This is not necessarily a bad thing - "sub-bass" frequencies are ones that are often more felt than they are heard, and a crisp high treble can really bring out the subtleties in cymbals, horns, or high notes in a guitar solo, for instance. A "mid-scooped" sound usually has the effect of making a recording sound "bigger" at the expense of the loss of midrange clarity. A "mid-boosted" sound, on the other hand, will typically highlight mid-forward instruments such as acoustic and electric guitars and most vocals at the expense of sounding "smaller," or "boxier." But let's face it - that V-shape sound profile is just plain fun. It's a quick way to feel like you're at a concert. Everything sounds big, distant, and you really can feel the bass.

The stock Maverick system doesn't do that - at least not well. I had to add just a touch of treble and bass to the mix from the audio settings to make audio sound a bit more open. Note: it also helps to fade the music back towards the back just a touch - since the speakers are mounted so high, they project more directly towards the driver's ears. Yes, your listening position relative to a speaker has a dramatic effect on what you hear - ask anyone who's ever tried to mic up a guitar speaker and they'll tell you that a 5-degree angle will fundamentally change the tonality of the recording. Still, the stock Maverick system just doesn't really do a good "V-shape" profile without sounding compressed and fake (and likewise, most premium car audio systems won't do a flatter, more neutral sound without sounding artificial). Nothing can replace having multiple speakers of different sizes and crossovers feeding each of them the specific frequency range that they're able to best replicate. But what the stock Mav system does so well is that mid-forward, "boxy" sound.

Having listened to some particularly gnarly metalcore in the Escape, I was immediately struck by just how much punchier and "heavy" the rhythm guitars sounded in the Mav. I could feel every kick drum beat in the Escape and hear that satisfying treble "click" of the drum pedal connecting with the bass drum, but the guitars and vocals were kind of a blur that felt distant and indistinct. Again - cool sound; it definitely sounds more "live" that way. But the Mav was much better at reproducing the pick attack and "crackle" of the distorted guitars, even if the cymbals were a little soft in the treble range and I couldn't feel the kick drum and bass. Additionally, with the moonroof open, I felt like the "boxy" sound of the Mav's system made it a lot easier to hear over the wind noise than the Escape's. Is the stock Maverick system "better," then? Well, it depends on your taste, but I'd argue that for driving, then yes. It is.

Ultimately, if I wanted a "big" audio experience, I would rather have it in my nice quiet living room with my relatively inexpensive 5.1 Vizio sound system. It's got a very pronounced V-shaped sound to it and sounds absolutely huge - which is particularly good for movies and games, as well. For a vehicle in motion creating wind, road, and engine noise, that mid-forward sound actually lets me better hear the vast majority of the frequency range where my music sits at a lower volume and still enjoy it. With the engine off and parked - yes, the Escape's B&O system is better. But how often do I sit perfectly still inside a vehicle and listen to music?

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. Certainly better than the stock system in many other cars I've driven. I still think other cars can offer a happier medium between the two extremes (That 2011 Ford Fusion's Sony system, though!). So before you go try to find a way to change that system, give the Mav's stock system a chance, and over time, you might come to enjoy its sound too.

Very long winded essay you provided. After a couple of paragraphs, I zoned out. Scrolled to the end for your overall take. And I agree. My Mav's sound system is just fine whether listening to the radio or Pandora via my iPhone.

 

[Jah.]

Good enough for me . listen to jazz station mainly in our area and sometimes rock .

 

[Woodhawg]

Sean Hanitty sounds fine on my Mav

 

[Rhynock]

It's wild that this thread has so much debate. Whether or not the speakers suck is subjective. I for one replaced the front door speakers.

 

[Ford Maverick Maniac]

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.

You are right, B&O has 350 watts RMS. Still much better than the stock amp but B&O should have done better. Yes it is so much harder to work on audio systems in any vehicle today. Not many car stereo shops left because of that.

 

[Scupking]

I listen to rock and it sounds very good using android auto (with wireless adapter) listening to YouTube music.

 

[LADemien]

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.

A few caveats:
1. I never use Bluetooth. I'm not sure if it's the codec, but audio over Bluetooth has noticeable distortion and digital artifacts. I always run my audio from my iPhone 11 to the stereo using USB-C and through the Apple Music app over Apple CarPlay. I typically use mp3s and occasionally Apple encoded AAC files. YMMV if you're using a different audio source or file formats.
2. I'm a rock/alternative/metal fan, which are genres that are usually very mid-forward in instrumentation. My thoughts probably won't apply to some other, more bass-heavy genres.
3. Almost all of my 25,000 miles in my Mav have been spent listening to music, so the speakers should be broken in. Speakers are made from paper and glue - which are fibrous and adhesive, so play time can "wear in" a speaker by loosening those stiffer materials.
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.

On with the background:

My Mav was just in the dealership for the air bag recall and they, surprisingly, handed me the keys to a brand new loaded 2023 Ford Escape ST with all the goodies to drive in the meantime. Nice car; glad to have my truck back. Anyway, it had the premium B&O sound system in it, so of course I spun some tunes in it.

This isn't the first time I've driven a car with an "upgraded" sound system in it. I've had Bose, Sony, and JBL systems, and the Escape's is definitely one of the better ones I've used. With that said, I think it's a toss-up between the Sony in my 2011 Ford Fusion and - surprisingly - the stock six-speaker system in my 2012 Toyota Camry as to which one is "best."

Crash course in audio: sound is caused by pressure waves in the air moving at different speeds, or frequencies. The head unit is supposed to deliver a pristine audio signal and the amplification power necessary for the speaker to move back and forth and create those pressure waves. Most systems are able to deliver audio frequencies between 20 hertz and 20,000 hertz (or 20khz), both values of which are usually well beyond the audible spectrum for almost everyone. The lower the frequency (the fewer hertz), the lower the note. The higher the frequency (the more hertz), the higher the note. Of course, music is rarely one single, pure note; but a combination of notes from multiple instruments and voices with many "harmonics" and "overtones" creating the sound ("overtones" are the reason why one note played on a violin will sound different from the same note played on a piano, for instance). Generally, a well-mixed song won't overemphasize any one frequency range over another unless a specific situation calls for it.

Audio systems, on the other hand, don't often play by those rules - "critical listening" devices like studio monitors or flat-response speakers give an accurate representation of the music played through them, but tend to sound "flat," "lifeless," or "boring" to most listeners. Thus, most "premium" audio systems - particularly in cars - will overemphasize the lowest and highest frequencies, leading to a "mid-scooped" or "V-shape" sound (so named because the mids are "scooped" out of the frequency range, making a "v-shape" on a frequency analyzer). This is not necessarily a bad thing - "sub-bass" frequencies are ones that are often more felt than they are heard, and a crisp high treble can really bring out the subtleties in cymbals, horns, or high notes in a guitar solo, for instance. A "mid-scooped" sound usually has the effect of making a recording sound "bigger" at the expense of the loss of midrange clarity. A "mid-boosted" sound, on the other hand, will typically highlight mid-forward instruments such as acoustic and electric guitars and most vocals at the expense of sounding "smaller," or "boxier." But let's face it - that V-shape sound profile is just plain fun. It's a quick way to feel like you're at a concert. Everything sounds big, distant, and you really can feel the bass.

The stock Maverick system doesn't do that - at least not well. I had to add just a touch of treble and bass to the mix from the audio settings to make audio sound a bit more open. Note: it also helps to fade the music back towards the back just a touch - since the speakers are mounted so high, they project more directly towards the driver's ears. Yes, your listening position relative to a speaker has a dramatic effect on what you hear - ask anyone who's ever tried to mic up a guitar speaker and they'll tell you that a 5-degree angle will fundamentally change the tonality of the recording. Still, the stock Maverick system just doesn't really do a good "V-shape" profile without sounding compressed and fake (and likewise, most premium car audio systems won't do a flatter, more neutral sound without sounding artificial). Nothing can replace having multiple speakers of different sizes and crossovers feeding each of them the specific frequency range that they're able to best replicate. But what the stock Mav system does so well is that mid-forward, "boxy" sound.

Having listened to some particularly gnarly metalcore in the Escape, I was immediately struck by just how much punchier and "heavy" the rhythm guitars sounded in the Mav. I could feel every kick drum beat in the Escape and hear that satisfying treble "click" of the drum pedal connecting with the bass drum, but the guitars and vocals were kind of a blur that felt distant and indistinct. Again - cool sound; it definitely sounds more "live" that way. But the Mav was much better at reproducing the pick attack and "crackle" of the distorted guitars, even if the cymbals were a little soft in the treble range and I couldn't feel the kick drum and bass. Additionally, with the moonroof open, I felt like the "boxy" sound of the Mav's system made it a lot easier to hear over the wind noise than the Escape's. Is the stock Maverick system "better," then? Well, it depends on your taste, but I'd argue that for driving, then yes. It is.

Ultimately, if I wanted a "big" audio experience, I would rather have it in my nice quiet living room with my relatively inexpensive 5.1 Vizio sound system. It's got a very pronounced V-shaped sound to it and sounds absolutely huge - which is particularly good for movies and games, as well. For a vehicle in motion creating wind, road, and engine noise, that mid-forward sound actually lets me better hear the vast majority of the frequency range where my music sits at a lower volume and still enjoy it. With the engine off and parked - yes, the Escape's B&O system is better. But how often do I sit perfectly still inside a vehicle and listen to music?

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. Certainly better than the stock system in many other cars I've driven. I still think other cars can offer a happier medium between the two extremes (That 2011 Ford Fusion's Sony system, though!). So before you go try to find a way to change that system, give the Mav's stock system a chance, and over time, you might come to enjoy its sound too.

I have to totally disagree with your assessment. I ordered the upgraded stereo for my Maverick, and after a year must say that although it does the job, it is very disappointing. I owned a 2019 Edge Titanium with the B&O system that was superior to what is in the Maverick in every way. I am not sure how your "stock" system even compares when my premium system does not stand up to comparison with another like system.

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