Adding a subwoofer to 2025 Explorer ST?

[merrcedezz]

Just bought a 2025 Explorer ST. It comes with a “B&O” surround sound system already that has a “subwoofer” installed…. It’s not enough unfortunately! I’m use to having my kicker subwoofer that was installed in my previous car… that the dealership said “they included it in the trade in value” which pisses me off but whatever. But I NEED my bass back the current is too weak for me.


When I went to purchase a kicker for this vehicle, the installer said they haven’t made a “harness” for the 2025 yet and I should wait 6 months so they can avoid having to cut the “noise cancellation” wire to the already installed system. Anyone know of one or a way to make the hideaway 12 in kicker subwoofer that work with the ST system? There’s a perfect cubby in the trunk area that we already measured would fit the 12in or 10in.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

Not sure what they mean by a harness but most people are using the Audio Control LC2i to grab the signal from the factory subwoofer wires and then to the amp. I used a NAV TV ZEN but I changed out all my speakers. I'm using this Alpine subwoofer that fits perfectly in the storage compartment. It's plenty loud enough for me.

 

[LuNyK420]

Not sure what they mean by a harness but most people are using the Audio Control LC2i to grab the signal from the factory subwoofer wires and then to the amp. I used a NAV TV ZEN but I changed out all my speakers. I'm using this Alpine subwoofer that fits perfectly in the storage compartment. It's plenty loud enough for me.
View attachment 27408

What would be the difference between going with the NAV TV or using the AudioControl DM-810?

 

[DaHuntah]

More work

 

[UNBROKEN]

What would be the difference between going with the NAV TV or using the AudioControl DM-810?

The 810 is a DSP and a poor one at that. The Zen A2B is an interface…this is what you use if you want to replace the oem amp and all speakers with aftermarket equipment.
The Audio Control LC2i is also an interface if you just want to tap into the system to add a sub amp and new sub….its very limited and not ideal but it sorta works.

 

[Cruising68]

The Nav-Tv is a fantastic product imo. A little overkill for adding just a sub though. For just a sub I’d look for a LOC for the sub channel.


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[LuNyK420]

The 810 is a DSP and a poor one at that. The Zen A2B is an interface…this is what you use if you want to replace the oem amp and all speakers with aftermarket equipment.
The Audio Control LC2i is also an interface if you just want to tap into the system to add a sub amp and new sub….its very limited and not ideal but it sorta works.

Thanks!

What would be your recomendations if for now I only want a sub, but will be replacing speakers later? Still not sure if going passive or active for the front as I will probably get the Morel Maximo Ultra 3-way and the Maximo coax for the rear. Already have Hertz MPBX 300 S2 for sub with an Alpine MRV-M500 to power it. But everything is waiting in their box as I'm still not sure what route should I go for the DSP or B2B or whatever else.

I'm not a big audiophile but still dont want trash and don't want to break the bank neither lol. The AudioControl 810 is mostly the max I want to invest in that part, from all the Youtube video I've seen it seem to be a good product but most of them are sponsored so... I heard of the MiniDSP and the ARC PS8PRO... But those LOC and DSP and blablabla are all new to me. So yeah if you have any recomendation and advice I'll take them.

 

[DaHuntah]

If your going to change out the OEM amp and speakers, the NAV TV is the best option. Get a good DSP amp to power the doors and use your Alpine for the sub. @UNBROKEN builds incredible systems so you want to follow his advice! Check out his build thread.


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[UNBROKEN]

I personally wouldn’t own an Audio Control product. They’re noisy and just not something I take seriously…many others agree.
For what you’re describing the Helix V8 DSP MK2 would be perfect. It would run everything you list active and has an output for the dedicated sub amp you already have.

 

[LuNyK420]

I personally wouldn’t own an Audio Control product. They’re noisy and just not something I take seriously…many others agree.
For what you’re describing the Helix V8 DSP MK2 would be perfect. It would run everything you list active and has an output for the dedicated sub amp you already have.

Okay, but the thing is that I'm in Canada so the Helix is around 2800$ CAD here and there is not a lot of shop carrying Helix products. I was thinking going with the LC2i pro and Epicenter Micro now for the sub and to upgrade later when I'll be replacing the speakers. Still trying to get more informations on all those DSP and A2B.

For the A2B what is available here and fit in my price range are the Pac and the Maestro, if I decide to go that route, but I think not having to mess with the factory eq would certainly be a good thing, specially if I go active. If I decide to keep the front passive I was thinking maybe of the Alpine Optim6... Trying to get the best bang for the buck. JL Audio Fix 86 seem to be a good product but 750$ and than the TWK 88 is 800$, kinda fit in the budget but I have a feeling I can get better for that price.