Join me in fixing the center speaker issue

[GTP]

I just clipped the green wire to my center speaker on my second s550 Mustang. What a relief that is - the sound is ruined by this cheap speaker.

As an ex professional loudspeaker design engineer, I have some ideas on how to improve the sound from the center channel.

1. Turn it off altogether. Either snip the green wire on the amp's center plug (fairly quick and easy), or pull the grill and unplug the speaker (risk of damaging the grille).
2. Add a resistive padding network.
3. Add a series inductor to gradually fade out the higher frequencies.
4. Replace the speaker with a better one. I suggest an 8ohm speaker so that it is naturally quieter, and certainly one that does not have a 1950's "whizzer cone".

If there is group interest, I will take it upon myself to develop either solution #2 or #3 above, neither of which requires accessing the speaker inside the dash. But because I don't want to risk damage to a $95 metal grille on my 2019 B&O car, I am asking for anyone who has replaced their OEM center speaker to ship it to me for testing. With that speaker, I will measure its impedance (for the inductor solution), and DCR (for the resistor solution).

What do you guys think? Will you help me help you?

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[ktp1598]

Does the B&O not come with a better speaker than the 9 speaker systems? I would think it has to be better than the train wreck that is in the other systems.

 

[Zathras]

I'm still hoping Ford provides some kind of update to SYNC or whatever that lets us enable/disable the center speaker through the normal audio controls for balance.

Where is the green wire mentioned above, how hard is it to get to?

 

[Todd00000]

It really has a wizzer cone? Geezus Ford.

 

[Chef jpd]

Polk db351 did it for me.
Get a higher then factory ohm speaker, it will be "less loud" and sound 100% better.

 

[GTthree50]

Being able to delectably disable the speaker was the best solution for me. Tried many times to switch it back on and check the effect it has. It gets switched off immediately every time. I think it’s a terrible idea to begin with having a center speaker, alters the sound in an artificial sounding way. Nice too that disabling it is a no cost modification.

 

[GTP]

Does the B&O not come with a better speaker than the 9 speaker systems? I would think it has to be better than the train wreck that is in the other systems.

I could be wrong, but from what I investigated before getting my 2019 401a, the only difference is the B&O badge on the dash grille! Still cheap rear deck speakers and horrible sounding center speaker. The subowofer level is set so loud that I had to turn it all the way down or perhaps one click from lowest.

The only reason I have the system is because it came with the highly optioned car that I searched for. At least I have power and signal in the trunk if I want to mod the rear bass.

 

[ean611]

I could be wrong, but from what I investigated before getting my 2019 401a, the only difference is the B&O badge on the dash grille! Still cheap rear deck speakers and horrible sounding center speaker. The subowofer level is set so loud that I had to turn it all the way down or perhaps one click from lowest.

The only reason I have the system is because it came with the highly optioned car that I searched for. At least I have power and signal in the trunk if I want to mod the rear bass.

Hybrid Audio Legatia L3v2 solves everything
https://hybrid-audio.com/speakers/legatia/

Well, it's not a simple, just add that, but if you're going to use a 3 inch driver, you can't do much better.

 

[GTP]

I'm still hoping Ford provides some kind of update to SYNC or whatever that lets us enable/disable the center speaker through the normal audio controls for balance.

Where is the green wire mentioned above, how hard is it to get to?

Amp at driver footwell. Center connector. Green wire (NO stripe) is the center speaker +. Sound is SO much better.

Set the balance control to one click left of center of passenger seat.
Fade all or most to the front. Midrange control one click below normal. Treble one click above normal. Bass one click above lowest (401a).

 

[StangTime]

Amp at driver footwell. Center connector. Green wire (NO stripe) is the center speaker +. Sound is SO much better.

Set the balance control to one click left of center of passenger seat.
Fade all or most to the front. Midrange control one click below normal. Treble one click above normal. Bass one click above lowest (401a).

Is the amp in this location for 301A models with 9 speaker configuration as well? Or is it behind the dash like the 6 speaker base model?
I really need to get my hands on a service manual...

 

[GTP]

Is the amp in this location for 301A models with 9 speaker configuration as well? Or is it behind the dash like the 6 speaker base model?
I really need to get my hands on a service manual...

You might find the 301a wiring diagram somewhere on the forum.

In the worst case you can pull the grille and disconnect the speaker.

 

[StangTime]

You might find the 301a wiring diagram somewhere on the forum.

In the worst case you can pull the grille and disconnect the speaker.

I'll probably do this for now. I'm not planning any major audio upgrades until next spring so I do not want to start tearing into the car.
Planning a very simple system.... a pair of 8" infinite baffle subwoofers on the rear deck and a 4 channel amp with passive 3 ways in the doors. Forscan the head unit and go direct to the amp. No DSP.

 

[ktp1598]

I'd say your 9 speaker amp is in the same place mine is, right above the driver's side kick panel.

 

[GTP]

I'll probably do this for now. I'm not planning any major audio upgrades until next spring so I do not want to start tearing into the car.
Planning a very simple system.... a pair of 8" infinite baffle subwoofers on the rear deck and a 4 channel amp with passive 3 ways in the doors. Forscan the head unit and go direct to the amp. No DSP.

Yes, go for the subs at the rear deck first. Amp should have level and crossover controls.

Disconnect your center and you will be surprised how good the sound is.

I am a lifelong audiophile with high standards for my home systems. Not so much in cars where the cabin and road acoustics are bad. I am more bothered by bad sound than I am impressed by good sound in cars.

 

[StangTime]

Yes, go for the subs at the rear deck first. Amp should have level and crossover controls.

Disconnect your center and you will be surprised how good the sound is.

I am a lifelong audiophile with high standards for my home systems. Not so much in cars where the cabin and road acoustics are bad. I am more bothered by bad sound than I am impressed by good sound in cars.

Likewise, and I would call myself an audiophile within reason. I have always had very good home audio systems and I competed in IASCA with one car system in my younger years. Never won any trophies but I scored well. The guys with the biggest bank accounts or credit card limits always won.

If I can improve a system without going crazy by throwing a tonne of cash at it then I'm all for it. These Mustangs are easily improved upon because the factory system is just so bad.

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