B&O Play Premium Audio

Hey all. I know there has been some discussion inside a few of the ‘19 threads, but I felt like this deserved its own topic. The Mustang as far as I can remember always had the Premium audio option of a “Shaker” system. Some years were better than others. I didn’t think the Shaker 1000 System’s in the s197’s were too bad. But for 2019 as we all know they have switched to the “B&O PLAY” system. Bang and Olufsen is a very reputable name in the audio world and it gets me excited that this might be a good sounding system. I ordered this option on my ‘19 order and am excited for it. Now that the ‘19s are arriving has anybody here heard the Premium audio that can comment?

I haven't seen any reviews yet myself. I'm waiting to see if it can be retrofitted (if it's good).

The B&O systems in other Fords sound good, but nothing earth shattering. If you're an audiofile, prepare to be disappointed. I expect it to be better than the shaker, but not by much. These will still be budget components with speakers in the same locations.

I’ll let you know tomorrow when I pick up my 19.

millhouse said:

The B&O systems in other Fords sound good, but nothing earth shattering. If you're an audiofile, prepare to be disappointed. I expect it to be better than the shaker, but not by much. These will still be budget components with speakers in the same locations.

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The other B&O Systems are running much less wattage than the Mustang Play system. The Mustang’s is 1000watts.

Spork3245 said:

I’ll let you know tomorrow when I pick up my 19.




The other B&O Systems are running much less wattage than the Mustang Play system. The Mustang’s is 1000watts.

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And supposedly designed/tuned specifically for the Mustang’s interior.

millhouse said:

The B&O systems in other Fords sound good, but nothing earth shattering. If you're an audiofile, prepare to be disappointed. I expect it to be better than the shaker, but not by much. These will still be budget components with speakers in the same locations.

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Think this sums it up well.


You can check out the F150forums.com to see reviews as this was the first vehicle to get it already.

I personally thought the Shaker Pro in my 2016 was pretty good. The B&O Play in my Bullitt is definitely better. I'm not an audiophile, but the best way I can describe it is that the audio sounds more "detailed" if that makes sense. It felt like there was more distinction between instruments, vocals were clearer. The whole experience made the Shaker Pro seem a bit "muddy" by comparison. Also the bass definitely seems to be stronger and cleaner. Hope this helps.

Double post! :(

Timeless said:

Think this sums it up well.


You can check out the F150forums.com to see reviews as this was the first vehicle to get it already.

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Except it doesn’t sum it up since it’s a different configuration and is only 700-750 watts in the F150 compared to the Mustang’s 1000 watt system.

Spork3245 said:

Except it doesn’t sum it up since it’s a different configuration and is only 700-750 watts in the F150 compared to the Mustang’s 1000 watt system.

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The extra wattage is from the extra speakers in the mustang. More wattage doesn't automatically mean higher fidelity. The sound quality is going to be very similar, as they will be using the same quality components with similar engineering. Most that hear the F150 B&O like it, but the audiofiles still recommend an aftermarket system, as the fidelity is not near that of higher end B&O systems.

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millhouse said:

The extra wattage is from the extra speakers in the mustang. More wattage doesn't automatically mean higher fidelity. The sound quality is going to be very similar, as they will be using the same quality components with similar engineering. Most that hear the F150 B&O like it, but the audiofiles still recommend an aftermarket system, as the fidelity is not near that of higher end B&O systems.

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Are you sure about that in regards to the two extra speakers making up for over 250 watts? I thought they had different channels/amps.
If it is indeed two 125 watt speakers... then, yea, that’s potentially going to make quite the difference pending their placement.

millhouse said:

The B&O systems in other Fords sound good, but nothing earth shattering. If you're an audiofile, prepare to be disappointed. I expect it to be better than the shaker, but not by much. These will still be budget components with speakers in the same locations.

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Yeah, that's generally my take with OEM car audio (outside of more exotic options in a few vehicles). Our new DD R/T has the highest option audio for '18, and in '19 they're offering a "better" system, but for an SUV, where we're listening very casually to old school hip hop or some 90s alt rock, it's more than adequate.

If I want to do some really intense listening, I do it at home, in a more controlled environment, with much better sources and gear that really makes a difference.

Retroflect said:

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There's a button for that

Does the SYNC3 screen look any different for audio or B&O settings?