B&O Sound system vs Shaker

[geep81]

Was there any particular reason that you had to mechanically disconnect the center?

Check out this thread for some in-depth answers:
https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/join-me-in-fixing-the-center-speaker-issue.125522/

I did not clip the wire this post said, which is simpler, because I already had my panel off for other reasons, so disconnecting it was very easy.

From my understanding, switching from surround to stereo does not turn off the center speaker completely/like you'd think.

When I unhooked it, I drove around for a couple days with it off, plugged it back in and did some comparison tests, and really did prefer it disabled. To my ears it sounded way better.

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[Rhyanski]

I must admit, I obviously haven't been listening to music in the car... I constantly keep the volume around 3 to 5, and I really enjoy the engine rumble.
I'll try spending some time with the engine off and the audio on in the next days.

 

[bigmixx]

I have it in my car and it sounds decent enough but I much prefer the sound of my exhaust in track mode....

 

[Rhyanski]

Ok, I did some testing stuck in crazy traffic yesterday, lol, and indeed I must admit there's kind of weird sound coming out of the center when the car is set in 'Stereo' mode. It tries to be inconspicuous and bring that center stage that you get with good stereo speakers, but actually it does not do the trick - it just sounds like some 30's radio speaker that is malfunctioning, lol.... Its crazy that you have to kill it by unplugging / cutting the wire...

Another thing that really surprised me is that to get the proper stereo using the stereo mode and fade / balance adjustments, I had to push the fade almost all the way to the front, a half-way to the right. The blue dot on the screen indicating the setting was in the front passenger side, somewhere around the 'feet' area. I will try to make a picture later to illustrate it better. Anyways, it seems very odd to have such a huge adjustment to hear proper stereo as you should.

Surround mode however is more pleasing, it is significantly more balanced to my taste, maybe a bit stronger at the back, but it may be because of my seat position. Definitely I like how the sound "wraps you up", and it's very fine. Bass is strong though and kind of pumped up by the subwoofer in the trunk, in the same time it's kind of... let's say unusual. Definitely more booming than the CX5's sub in my other car. Still it seems the center works better in the surround mode, maybe because more proper power flows through it. My assumption is the center is focused on things like calls and navigation, as the main speakers don't have this voice clarity, especially down there near your feet.

Now the bass is something that is a personal preference, depending on the kind of music one enjoys. I really loved the bass when I play "Run the Jewels"...but this is their kind of music...

Yet, definitely I wouldn't invest in new speakers for the time being... I do really enjoy that exhaust sounds...God, this V8 growl is miraculously entertaining...

 

[geep81]

The main reason I went for the improved audio is that my car is a daily driver & only car.

I didn't use the radio hardly at all the first 6 months I owned it.

 

[Jimmy Dean]

does cutting out the center speaker effect phone calls?

 

[StangTime]

does cutting out the center speaker effect phone calls?

Not at all. Just unplug it.

 

[VladDracule]

Is the b&o even an upgrade from the standard? One of the main things with the elite package is the audio, but it sounds like maybe you're better off without it and upgrading speakers?

 

[m3incorp]

I think it is lumped in with other features/options when buying new and not a standalone option like it used to be...I could be wrong.

Is the b&o even an upgrade from the standard? One of the main things with the elite package is the audio, but it sounds like maybe you're better off without it and upgrading speakers?

 

[VladDracule]

I think it is lumped in with other features/options when buying new and not a standalone option like it used to be...I could be wrong.

It’s part of the elite package which only really includes 2 things

 

[m3incorp]

I wouldn't pay that for it. 2022 Mustang GT Premium shows it as an individual add-on for $995. Still not worth it, unless a person has no desire for better, then I guess it would be an upgrade over the standard 9 speakers.

It’s part of the elite package which only really includes 2 things

 

[VladDracule]

I wouldn't pay that for it. 2022 Mustang GT Premium shows it as an individual add-on for $995. Still not worth it, unless a person has no desire for better, then I guess it would be an upgrade over the standard 9 speakers.

is the stock 9 speaker system easy to upgrade? I know OEMs were making it difficult

 

[m3incorp]

Both systems require a bit more than what we used to do in the old days. A DSP is a must for these cars. You will need one of the various integration harnesses offered by different manufacturers and will be able to go from there depending on the quality/price you are willing to pay. Since you will be able to get rid of the weird ohms Ford uses for various speakers, you will have a lot more to choose from. Same is to be said for amps and DSP. Expect labor to be higher than what a basic car install would be.

 

[VladDracule]

what does the B&O system add? Just like the center channel and the sub? Im guessing you can buy a sub box fitted for the trunk like the OEM one pretty easially?

What im getting at, is will upgrading the B&O system net better results than upgrading the stock system, has anyone tried upgrading that center channel or is it just not worth it at all?

 

[m3incorp]

Many people that have the B&O after having one of the other systems.....9 speakers, etc, generally say the B&O is marginally better. If you intend to upgrade anyway, no reason to pay the price for the B&O. Depending on how you like your bass will determine if a sub in a small enclosure to fit that space will work for you. I upgraded the sub and it still didn't have enough bass for me, so I moved to a traditional-sized enclosure and am happy with the bass......now I just have to finish purchasing the rest of the things to replace all of the speakers. As for the center speaker, after upgrading I can't remember if I've heard anyone say they replaced it. All the cars I've heard with upgraded systems did away with the center speaker/disconnected and used the DSP to set the stage.

what does the B&O system add? Just like the center channel and the sub? Im guessing you can buy a sub box fitted for the trunk like the OEM one pretty easially?

What im getting at, is will upgrading the B&O system net better results than upgrading the stock system, has anyone tried upgrading that center channel or is it just not worth it at all?

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