Looking to Upgrade from a 21GT to a DH...is the B&O still junk?

[joe603]

Just like the title asks...I had to completely remove and replace every stereo component in my 21GT Premium to have decent sound. Did Ford make the B&O system any better, or is it the same in the 650 as the 550?

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[nospleen]

It’s still junk. The sub mod detailed on the forum helps though.

 

[fishinrich]

It's not horrible. The Alpine in my 2022 Ram is a lot better. Seems like it likes to be played loud.

 

[Achlys]

It's crap. My 2015 Nissan Frontier Pro4X with a stock Rockford Fosgate system is better. Depending on how deep down the rabbit hole of sound you want to go, spend a little for an upgrade sub and center speaker (there are a couple of threads here), or replace it all with high end system. The system I received a quote on was $9K installed and equalized to my specs; yeah, that hasn't happened yet.

 

[Neggytive]

Is it worth the money they now force you to pay for it as a stand alone option?

Not if you plan on modifying the system.


My gripe is that they made the 10R80 standard on the car which used to be an option and took the B&O out of the higher option packages and made it a very pricey stand alone option.

Those of you that got stick cars didn't get a $1600 dollar reduction in cost did you.

And thanks to the Feds requiring back up cameras you can no longer order a car "radio delete", plus the "radio" touch screen controls 99% of the cars settings.

 

[joe603]

Like I said, I upgraded my 21...when I do the DH, I guess I need to do it again.

 

[Alex381]

Is it worth the money they now force you to pay for it as a stand alone option?

Not if you plan on modifying the system.


My gripe is that they made the 10R80 standard on the car which used to be an option and took the B&O out of the higher option packages and made it a very pricey stand alone option.

Those of you that got stick cars didn't get a $1600 dollar reduction in cost did you.

And thanks to the Feds requiring back up cameras you can no longer order a car "radio delete", plus the "radio" touch screen controls 99% of the cars settings.

I got my relatively loaded GT Convertible with the 6 speed brand new for $53k. I feel like I paid a fair price. The current price is bonkers stupid though.

 

[LouG]

Jeez, I'm the outlier here, I like the B&O system. Maybe it's because I don't use ear bleeding volume levels? Spinal Tap style
I normally have it on 9 - 11 volume depending on ambient noise. What do others run it at?

 

[joe603]

Well for my 21GT, I had the windows down and couldn't hear much of anything at high volumes. Now, it's not an issue. Most cars I've owned, all that was needed was a subwoofer/amp with a line converter from the rear deck. It was enough to make the system tolerable as factory systems usually just don't have enough Bass. Not this Ford B&O junk, it needed MIDS/Highs and Low...Definitely one of the worst I've had. A complete replacement of everything was needed. Just sucks that I'll have to do it again when I sell my 21GT.

 

[Achlys]

Seeing your setup, this is the parts list I received.

Jeez, I'm the outlier here, I like the B&O system. Maybe it's because I don't use ear bleeding volume levels? Spinal Tap style
I normally have it on 9 - 11 volume depending on ambient noise. What do others run it at?

Back in the mid 80’s I had ‘79 Camaro with 800 watts, EQ, and 12 speakers. For back then it would rock a house. I’ve learned in my old age that volume isn’t the key, it’s the quality of the sound stage. I’ve also learned that due to my need for volume my hearing ain’t what it use to be . To your question it depends on the music I’m listening to, so I’m somewhere from 7 to 15 in Mustang volume. Anything more than that the sound ruins the music. B/O, there’s a reason they use the abbreviation, it stinks

 

[D/\rK•650]

It all depends on what you expect out of a stock system/setup. For mine in the DH it's just fine and even pretty good in most music situations. If you love super ground shaking bass or are a audiophile then no way not even close. For a stock sound system my opinion is it's fine/satisfactory.

 

[Alex381]

Personally I’ve found the B&O to be more than good enough for driving with the top down. 12 is typically loud enough for anything I’m listening to, maybe 14 if I’m north of 70mph.

 

[Farmer Fran]

It is ok at absolute best. But it is going up against some very good stock systems that I have owned. I sometimes take my truck to listen to the Klipsch system.

 

[LouG]

I'm not an audiophile, although I had some pretty good gear back in the 90's. My first turntable in the 80's was B&O with that super cool linear driven tone arm.
I'm more into fidelity, sound stage and all that too.
The B/O does improve with surround on.

 

[Achlys]

It is ok at absolute best. But it is going up against some very good stock systems that I have owned. I sometimes take my truck to listen to the Klipsch system.

I know Klipsch isn't "high-end" for the upper class in the audio world, but I like it. A friend purchased Klipsch back in the '80s, and it still plays very well. My home system is all Klipsch 11.2.4; the system IMHO, is better than most movie theaters.
Would not mind having a vehicle with Klipsch.

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