Upgrade 9 speaker or BO for $1500?

[theruleslawyer]

So I'm trying to decide if its worth it to order the BO package. General opinion in this forum on it seems not great, however the 9 speaker system is missing two things I'd really like.

1) HD radio.
2) A subwoofer

HD Radio looks like it can be solved by replacing the control module and they are available for not a ton of money used on ebay.

The sub and speakers is the big question. A sub looks $300-600ish is possible for something powered. I could probably get replacement speakers under the $1500 total of the BO package. I'm not exactly an audiophile, but I don't want it to sound like ass either. I can do the work as I've installed so much electrical in cars before.

Do you think I can get a better result upgrading a 9 speaker system for $1500 than putting that into a BO system? The two hardest things to get will be the custom fit sub and the additional speaker locations.

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[FreePenguin]

So I'm trying to decide if its worth it to order the BO package. General opinion in this forum on it seems not great, however the 9 speaker system is missing two things I'd really like.

1) HD radio.
2) A subwoofer

HD Radio looks like it can be solved by replacing the control module and they are available for not a ton of money used on ebay.

The sub and speakers is the big question. A sub looks $300-600ish is possible for something powered. I could probably get replacement speakers under the $1500 total of the BO package. I'm not exactly an audiophile, but I don't want it to sound like ass either. I can do the work as I've installed so much electrical in cars before.

Do you think I can get a better result upgrading a 9 speaker system for $1500 than putting that into a BO system? The two hardest things to get will be the custom fit sub and the additional speaker locations.

I put hd radio in my car for 100 dollars. you are correct, did just that and needed to change a couple little codes in the radio using forscan. JL stealth box can be had for around 500-600 on here often. (atleast they used to come through when people sold their cars) that imo, is the best value to fix that itch for sub. just tap off the rear speakers is easiest bet using lc2i. I had the stealth box, and it was quite amazing considering it takes up barely any space, same spot the oem sub would go. but you'd also need am amplifier if you get a sub.


for same or equal money this above would be better bass/sound. but a lot of people dont want to do any of this, and rather just pay 1.5k and get decent enough sound. plus its work.

this was my opinion. some may love oem, some may love aftermarket, both are fine. I think 1500 is easiest if you dont want much bass, and happy with the overall sound stage. either way you'll be alright.

maybe you can get some negotiation off the price to make up for the 1500 dollars if you go that route.

 

[Dave2013M3]

So I'm trying to decide if its worth it to order the BO package. General opinion in this forum on it seems not great, however the 9 speaker system is missing two things I'd really like.

1) HD radio.
2) A subwoofer

HD Radio looks like it can be solved by replacing the control module and they are available for not a ton of money used on ebay.

The sub and speakers is the big question. A sub looks $300-600ish is possible for something powered. I could probably get replacement speakers under the $1500 total of the BO package. I'm not exactly an audiophile, but I don't want it to sound like ass either. I can do the work as I've installed so much electrical in cars before.

Do you think I can get a better result upgrading a 9 speaker system for $1500 than putting that into a BO system? The two hardest things to get will be the custom fit sub and the additional speaker locations.

Actually the B&O system is pretty good, its the equalization that is horrible. Remember the B&O also comes with HD radio which is nice. I have the B&O in several cars now and if I play with the tone controls I can get very good audio out of the unit. You have to turn the base down to 25% and the midrange a few notches have to be dropped.

The issue with the 9 speaker system is lack of subwoofer, a subwoofer that can integrate with the stock 9 speaker system alone will set you back some $900. That is before you upgraded the amp and the rest of the speakers. I suggest you sit in a B&O car and adjust the tone controls like I recommend and see how you like it.

As a sidenote, my wifes 2020 Ford Escape Titanium has the B&O and when I ran a pink noise generator through it the bass was way over the top hence the drop down to 25%, to be frank it needed to be dropped to 20% but I liked the little extra punch.

 

[Dave2013M3]

I put hd radio in my car for 100 dollars. you are correct, did just that and needed to change a couple little codes in the radio using forscan. JL stealth box can be had for around 500-600 on here often. (atleast they used to come through when people sold their cars) that imo, is the best value to fix that itch for sub. just tap off the rear speakers is easiest bet using lc2i. I had the stealth box, and it was quite amazing considering it takes up barely any space, same spot the oem sub would go. but you'd also need am amplifier if you get a sub.


for same or equal money this above would be better bass/sound. but a lot of people dont want to do any of this, and rather just pay 1.5k and get decent enough sound. plus its work.

this was my opinion. some may love oem, some may love aftermarket, both are fine. I think 1500 is easiest if you dont want much bass, and happy with the overall sound stage. either way you'll be alright.

maybe you can get some negotiation off the price to make up for the 1500 dollars if you go that route.

Hey bro, can you tell me how you did this? I would love to add hd radio to my base 6 spkr system. I already did the 8" screen setup.

 

[FreePenguin]

Hey bro, can you tell me how you did this? I would love to add hd radio to my base 6 spkr system. I already did the 8" screen setup.

I can only explain from 9 speaker radio. we already have all the wiring/stuff for it. I dont know anythigin about the small factory 6 speaker system. mine was literally, buy the part off junkyard on Ebay, swapped out, and change codes.

I want to add onto the guy above, the EQ in all cars can be "disabled" get a program called forscan and dongle and do it. its 1 code, can be changed back. it basically makes it all flat off. but dang, it sounds SO much better.

this goes for 9 + 12 speaker b/o shaker and shaker pro.

6 speaker car doesnt have EQ enabled since doesnt have amplifiers I think. I think thats ran off headunit alone?



EDIT I forgot. I dont know if GT/machs etc have noise cancelation active program going, it filters out road noise etc, but Ecoboost does. when we add an subwoofer external to the system, it can cause a weird drone/noise filter and cause issues. we disable the EQ because EQ and active noise cancelation are tied together they are one in the same. by disabling EQ/ANC we can run subwoofers with no system trying to make unwanted noise to filter out the subwoofer, thinking its road noise (confusing lol)

but I dont think GT's/v8 have it, as they had loud exhaust, right? I think the EQ is purely for equlzlizer, I dont think you guys get the active noise cancelation gadgets

 

[velocityblue5.0]

Actually the B&O system is pretty good, its the equalization that is horrible. Remember the B&O also comes with HD radio which is nice. I have the B&O in several cars now and if I play with the tone controls I can get very good audio out of the unit. You have to turn the base down to 25% and the midrange a few notches have to be dropped.

The issue with the 9 speaker system is lack of subwoofer, a subwoofer that can integrate with the stock 9 speaker system alone will set you back some $900. That is before you upgraded the amp and the rest of the speakers. I suggest you sit in a B&O car and adjust the tone controls like I recommend and see how you like it.

As a sidenote, my wifes 2020 Ford Escape Titanium has the B&O and when I ran a pink noise generator through it the bass was way over the top hence the drop down to 25%, to be frank it needed to be dropped to 20% but I liked the little extra punch.

Hilarious. Everyone says drop the bass. My bass is maxed and I’m not even a bass head. I listen to rock and at 100% I get good kick drum punch and low end from the bass guitar. But putting it lower doesn’t sound great, plus the lower the volume, it drops the bass. It raises it as you raise the volume it seems. So i listen at like under level 5 all the time typically.

 

[FreePenguin]

Hilarious. Everyone says drop the bass. My bass is maxed and I’m not even a bass head. I listen to rock and at 100% I get good kick drum punch and low end from the bass guitar. But putting it lower doesn’t sound great, plus the lower the volume, it drops the bass. It raises it as you raise the volume it seems. So i listen at like under level 5 all the time typically.

my car I had everything to set to 0. with centered in sound stage, I added gain with my subwoofer bass with these settings. with EQ off- everything was clear and beautiful as was, and the subwoofer added all the kick.

but I will say I added speakers to my car, 2 ohm factory replacements from powerbass, man they sounded great.

I have dynomat extreme + ensolite, I did this stuff to reduce rattles, it worked like a charm. just aint pretty.--- I do not know if these speakers are still made, but they was really solid for the lower speaker of our cars. I was very happy with them

I sold car btw. so everything I am posting was already done/over with.--- stinger foam rings for the speakers are worth it btw. like 10 bucks or something like that, it keeps the noise coming into cabin and helps keep panels from rattling too. I didnt have any rattles anywhere.

I put GTO629's in the rear shelf with dynomatt under the carpeting on the shelf as well.

 

[theruleslawyer]

Looking around a bit it looks like an oem sub is pretty cheap used. Would that hook up to the 9 speaker system? The other alternative looks like spare tire well subs. I think the mach only has an inflator in there.

 

[FreePenguin]

Looking around a bit it looks like an oem sub is pretty cheap used. Would that hook up to the 9 speaker system? The other alternative looks like spare tire well subs. I think the mach only has an inflator in there.

you can do it, but you need more than just a sub.

imo, dont waste your time on OEM sub, because you then have to get additional parts, wiring etc.. you even have to change the amp under your driver foot well for a 12 speaker amp. the subwoofer circuit isnt there, (I know because I made my 9 speaker into 12 speaker car) and used factory wiring. the effort, to do this,

id tell you, just buy B&O if you are convinced you would rather have oem unit.


comes to this

if you are happy with OEM sub noise, get the B&O- it may get like 50-100watts power

if you think you want more bass than oem sub, then get aftermarket. anything is better. and wont break the bank really if you follow peoples advice on here.

because if you want to get an oem system, just get it from factory so its already done, not cutting fiddling, swapping components, then worrying about if a speaker goes out, or audio issues or anything and then having to worry about issues with warranty for electronics (not saying you will) but peace of mind, that everything is as it was from factory.

to me, either is fine,. 9 speaker + eq disabled + aftermarket subwoofer = great/better sound and cheaper than 1500 imo.

or 1500 for a good sounding everyday driver bass that is warrantied right along w your stock warranty.

but I wouldn't want a car without atleast the 9 or 12 speaker system. they sound great, 6 speaker........ sorry guys. not a fan here, but those guys have it easiest, they can change the system cake since they dont have all the stuff we do I think

 

[Dave2013M3]

my car I had everything to set to 0. with centered in sound stage, I added gain with my subwoofer bass with these settings. with EQ off- everything was clear and beautiful as was, and the subwoofer added all the kick.

but I will say I added speakers to my car, 2 ohm factory replacements from powerbass, man they sounded great.

I have dynomat extreme + ensolite, I did this stuff to reduce rattles, it worked like a charm. just aint pretty.--- I do not know if these speakers are still made, but they was really solid for the lower speaker of our cars. I was very happy with them

I sold car btw. so everything I am posting was already done/over with.--- stinger foam rings for the speakers are worth it btw. like 10 bucks or something like that, it keeps the noise coming into cabin and helps keep panels from rattling too. I didnt have any rattles anywhere.

I put GTO629's in the rear shelf with dynomatt under the carpeting on the shelf as well.

I am considering the PBs for my car now.

 

[FreePenguin]

How did you like the PBs? I am considering them for my puny 6spkr system.

I was pleasantly surprised by them, had a lot of bass and sounded good. was very happy with them.

buy from crcuthfield, you can return if unhappy.

but make sure you get 2ohm. if you get 4ohm you will halve your sound.- I actually thought they discontinued selling them after I bought them. I mentioned I bought them and other members mentioning they couldn't get them anymore. I will go look through my history

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_151L26C/PowerBass-L2-6C.html

They are gone. I got mine on sale for like 60 bucks, I didnt use the crossover or tweeters. only wanted the 2 speakers.--- but if you can find a set, I like them., look at the reviews, the other reviewers seem to express same opinion as me. I was very happy

 

[theruleslawyer]

comes to this

if you are happy with OEM sub noise, get the B&O- it may get like 50-100watts power

if you think you want more bass than oem sub, then get aftermarket. anything is better. and wont break the bank really if you follow peoples advice on here.

Fair enough. I think I'll go with the 9 speaker system. If its not good enough it seems easy enough to fix. I also ran into the zenclosure boxes which look pretty hot and are way cheaper than the JL one. Worst case I spend a little more for a better result. Better than spending 1500 and still wanting to mod it in my book.

 

[Chef jpd]

With the B&O, as with the previous Shaker pro: you need lower lows and higher highs.
Simply replacing the sub driver and the pillar tweeters makes a world of difference.

Less than $200 will make you a happy camper.

There is a thread about a pioneer replacement for the BO 10" sub.
Any 1" tweeter is better than the pos factory unit.

 

[theruleslawyer]

I know HD radio is common in Europe. Is there true HD radio here? Not sure I like ads in HD unless in French haha.

There is in Chicago anyways. It just sounds a lot clearer. Fm also has terrible frequency range. The other option is satellite and that sounds like a 40kps stream.

 

[FreePenguin]

Agree I used hd radio often til I didn’t use it anymore lol just used pandora forever on. Still worth it for minimal 100 to me

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