Upgrading the sound by adding a Sub and Amp

HMuldrew · Feb 18, 2023

Has anyone tried to install/upgrade their sound?

I just received my 2023 ST, first stop I went to was to upgrade the sound. I have a small 10 inch sub and a 1k watt amp that did the job well in a previous vehicle, so I assumed it would transfer well to the ST.

I got it installed by a local business, and they claim that the system isn’t communicating well enough with the amp/sub combo, and that I need extra parts to make the bass hit harder(link below). It’s installed now, I barely feel the increased bass and the power from the amp. When you turn up the amp, there’s this pound buzzing sound from the sun, that never happened before.

PAC Amplifier Integration Interface AmpPRO Ford Bronco 2021+ & Ford F-150 (All Trim Levels) 2018-2021 B&O Fits Factory Amplified Systems (AP4-FD31) https://a.co/d/1Bo8aAx

has anyone else experienced this? Should I get a second opinion?

Cdubya · Feb 18, 2023

Find a new installer. If you are just filling in the bottom end, you just need to grab the signal from the stock sub to LOC/amp/sub.

mcglsr2 · Mar 5, 2023

I just posted this:

(1) Added a Rockford Fosgate Amp and JL Audio 10" Sub | Explorer ST Forum

HMuldrew · Mar 6, 2023

@mcglsr2
I skimmed through your post, and will dive in a little deeper soon, I wish I had the skillset to do all that myself, but I ended up going to a bigger named shop here, and they laid it out two paths, the cheap way, or the expensive way.
I was told they changed the system from the 2022->2023 model, due to their software not working properly to tune the B&O system, so the first guy I went to was set-up to fail. I ended up going the expensive way, because I refuse to half ass this vehicle.

Cheap way: Get the ANC disconnected or "Bypassed", and we can route things that way, but the cabin noise increases.
Expensive way: Get an Amplifier replacement interface + New 8 channel amp.

Here is what was put in, or something very similar. I'm going off the receipt
Amplifier Replacement Interface: https://navtv.com/products/NTV-KIT889/zen-a2b-dsp12a-a2b.html
Amplifier: https://www.jlaudio.com/products/xd800-8v2-car-audio-xd-amplifiers-98259

The sound is absolutely amazing, it has just enough bump, and its so LOUD and crisp, that I have no need to play these anywhere near max, and the installer suggested I don't.

HMuldrew · Mar 6, 2023

If anyone would like a video of the sound, let me know!

UNBROKEN · Mar 6, 2023

HMuldrew said:

Videos of sound are pointless. All anyone will hear is what their playback device is capable of.

HMuldrew · Mar 6, 2023

UNBROKEN said:

You’re not wrong, just wanted to offer lol.

UNBROKEN · Mar 6, 2023

I have a build log posted here…it covers several iterations of my ongoing build. The further it gets the more extreme it gets. lol

HMuldrew · Mar 6, 2023

UNBROKEN said:

Oh I definitely saw, Ive skimmed it a few times, youve done us a great service with your on going build, I love it. Lol

mcglsr2 · Mar 6, 2023

HMuldrew said:

Don't sell yourself short

It sounds really hard when you talk about it, and when you think about all that has to come off it sounds really hard, but in practice...it's actually totally doable. It's mostly just popping panels off. It's really not too bad all. But I totally get wanting a pro to do it. Sometimes, it's just not worth the time or effort!

Toadster · Mar 17, 2023

from another thread - I'm seriously considering this one

CERWIN Vega 600 watts Active Spare Tire Application Subwoofers Series (VPAS12ST) ~$350

HMuldrew · Mar 17, 2023

Toadster said:

It looks good! Pull the trigger.

viking · Apr 12, 2023

Toadster said:

What all is needed to tie into the factory system other than Power, ground, and remote turn on?
Is there a Pre-amp or someplace to tie into the factory sub?

Toadster · Apr 12, 2023

here's a writeup, similar premise as an external box/amp https://www.explorerforum.com/forums/threads/2020-explorer-st-aftermarket-amp-sub-install.484508/

AMineoST · Jun 20, 2023

Do you know if they had to run new wires to each speaker using the a2b? Also, which factory sound system did you have? The base or BO 14 speaker?

Sparks81 · Jul 1, 2024

HMuldrew said:

Sparks81 here, Are you still using the factory (B&O) speakers with the sub and amp upgrade? I have a '23 Forge Green ST and I, too, am going to have the amp, sub and speakers changed sooner than later. I've already ordered the Helix v12 DSP amp. I also have Dynaudio speakers from my last Explorer. I was hoping to replace the 8" sub with another 8" sub but only better sounding, so that I could put it in the same factory spot. Did you lose any of the functions on your 10" screen? One high end shop suggested that I change out the amp and see if that does it for me. He thought that the new amp/dsp and a good tune might do the trick without changing speakers. If I can't do a better 8", and it looks like I may not be able to, I'll have to go up to 10 with a box. I hope that you are enjoying your system.

mcglsr2 · Jul 3, 2024

Sparks81 said:

Sparks81 here, Are you still using the factory (B&O) speakers with the sub and amp upgrade? I have a '23 Forge Green ST and I, too, am going to have the amp, sub and speakers changed sooner than later. I've already ordered the Helix v12 DSP amp. I also have Dynaudio speakers from my last Explorer. I was hoping to replace the 8" sub with another 8" sub but only better sounding, so that I could put it in the same factory spot. Did you lose any of the functions on your 10" screen? One high end shop suggested that I change out the amp and see if that does it for me. He thought that the new amp/dsp and a good tune might do the trick without changing speakers. If I can't do a better 8", and it looks like I may not be able to, I'll have to go up to 10 with a box. I hope that you are enjoying your system.

Yes, still using factory everything. All I effectively did was add the amp on, and used the sub wires you see in the pictures as the line-level input to the amp. It has been working great.

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