2025 B&O Stereo - Optimized Sound Settings (Fix Defaults!)

[RSmith21]

No, I have a 2020 Ford Explorer ST with a sound quality audio system that would cost more to replicate than your whole 2025 Ford Explorer ST. lol

So, then you couldn't try the settings I've provided for the people this thread was intended for.
So, then you couldn't know if my settings are "wrong".
So, then you just took a shit on it because you're too cool and snobby.
Glad we figured all that out. I didn't realize that there was a cool car gang running these forums. Lol
In summary, B&O did a shit job with factory settings, processing, and calibration. I did my best to help fix it, for free.

 

[UNBROKEN]

WOW THAT'S SO IMPRESSIVE!
So, then you couldn't try the settings I've provided for the people this thread was intended for.
So, then you couldn't know if my settings are "wrong".
So, then you just took a shit on it because you're too cool and snobby.
Glad we figured all that out. I didn't realize that there was a cool car gang running these forums.
In summary, B&O did a shit job with factory settings, processing, and calibration. I did my best to help fix it, for free. It's not for you. That's awesome. Goodbye.

Look dude…I started with the same B&O system you did. I did tons of install related treatments to improve on the factory system. I made a few improvements along the way without ever changing the electronics or speakers. What you’re proposing just isn’t right. It shows a lack of understanding but like I said in the beginning…if you like it, enjoy.

 

[22robertlittle]

good . you've been arguing with an automotive audio expert and contest winner about something for what reason dumb a$$. I don't think this is where you should be......

 

[BuckStrickland]

WOW THAT'S SO IMPRESSIVE!
So, then you couldn't try the settings I've provided for the people this thread was intended for.
So, then you couldn't know if my settings are "wrong".
So, then you just took a shit on it because you're too cool and snobby.
Glad we figured all that out. I didn't realize that there was a cool car gang running these forums.
In summary, B&O did a shit job with factory settings, processing, and calibration. I did my best to help fix it, for free. It's not for you. That's awesome. Goodbye.

He literally told you, " If you like it, enjoy it." and you're acting like the face of mental illness.

Not to mention, I guarantee this is one of those things where face to face, he'd say, " Hmm, I wouldnt set mine that way, but I'm glad you think it sounds good." and you'd say, "Yeah, I like it." and you'd both go along on your merry way, but on the internet, people would rather do Keyboard Jiu Jitsu over nothing.

 

[Flyman]

Since you're tracking all of my threads and insist on factory amp discussion...
Wow! A Bronco II is so lowly while a Ford Explorer is so snobby... Excellent point! You're a big deal now. Explorer.. Wow.
The vast majority of the world couldn't care less about wires in a cargo area.
And cutting the grill seam in the cargo area was so dang easy, and it's easily restored to perfect condition years from now. So very happy I did that. Much better than pulling all the panels apart.
I actually think most of the excessive built-in speakers look trashy and hurt aftermarket sales, but maybe that's just me. I can remove my sub in 20 seconds, so that's another bonus.
I'd be pissed too if I spent thousands of dollars and many hours to get some solid bass like I have now. I honestly wouldn't want it any louder. It already threatens my rearview mirror and makes my ears hurt.
If you're too cool and too good for these easy modifications that make big improvements, then go away.
Most people would be surprised and happy to hear about the sleeper amp that's already wired up with zero effort. It's so much better than I thought it could be.
But this cool car club is hilarious. I had no idea it was so dang serious and fun HAHA. Wow.. car audio snobs RUN THIS FORUM.. LOL

You are inferring a ton I did not write.
Criticism is tough to take. It seems it's not for you, so I apologize.
Thank you for the sound advice.

 

[Snarl]

Before I bought my 25 ST, I knew the 14 speaker B&O sucked. It was distorted, bass heavy with no low bass at all, mushy mids, and harsh tweeters. I'm in the process of building an SQ system, but not intending to get involved in competition. That rabbit hole is too costly for me, and mine is still going to easily be over $5000. That doesn't start to compete. When replacing the speakers, stock are all stamped Fomoco. Cheap paper cones, plastic baskets, foam surrounds . . like a cheap $2.00 speaker should have. They can't make good sound. I pulled the factory sub out completely and noticed no difference in bass at all. That claimed 980 watts? Only 2 x 20 amps (40 total) fused for the B&O amp. Basic ohms law says "impossible". 500 watts would be near blowing fuses with no headroom.
I have followed UNBROKEN's build for ideas and am very impressed with his skills. The competition wins prove the skill is there. What I WILL do is listen to anything UNBROKEN has to offer. His experience in high end SQ is invaluable.
FYI: B&O actually did an amazing job tuning the ST just to get that garbage Ford put in to work. Swapping just the front stage with cheap Infinity Reference drivers gives a night and day difference over stock. And while there, sound deaden the doors. Then start pulling panels and do more. Sound treatment alone can be the difference between poor sound and great.

 

[Frank-n-Beans]

This thread is going exactly how I predicted based solely on the title.

 

[BuckStrickland]

Unbroken...just for S&G's.... how should we ACTUALLY be setting the trash stock sound system? lol

 

[Chairborne Ranger]

This discussion turned hostile pretty quickly. Maybe because my early military career was in armor with big guns going off while wearing cheap, Army issued ear pro I suspect my hearing is not the most discriminating at nearly 70 years old. It was disappointing to learn (from this forum) how little B&O hardware actually is in this 14 speaker system.

For me, the sound is acceptable and I mostly listen to SiriusXM which I'm told is not a format favored by audiophiles. Spending many thousands of dollars to upgrade the factory system makes no sense for my unsophisticated ears. I'm willing to try the OP's suggestions (short of swapping the sub) and see if I can tell the difference so thanks for sharing.

 

[Snarl]

For many, my wife being one, the factory B&O system is just fine. Changing from stereo to surround in the settings made an improved difference even she noticed. Then just play with the tone controls for what you prefer while listening to a song you know well. Everyone's ears and taste in music is different.
All of the hardware is Fomoco (Ford), only the tune was by B&O. Doing just the subwoofer will give lots of bass, but thats all. My grandson is in that catergory. Massive bass to rattle the neighbors windows even if you can no longer hear anything else. However, the rest of the system will still sound the same. Replacing the front stage (6x9 and mid in the door, and the dash tweeters, may cost a little more than sub/box/amp because of installation, unless you do it yourself, but is overall more cost effective. Most will likely not need the subwoofer added because of the increase in clearer louder sound, and actually have bass from the 6x9's. I usually recommend Infinity Reference or JBL (high sensitivity with lower 3 ohm impedance), but any good quality brand lower impedance speakers will work.
There are proven ways to properly install car audio that have been time tested for decades. As an example, cutting a very expensive interior panel that pops right out so you don't have to replace a $1.00 clip is not one. Whatever anyone wants to do with their sound system, from just an adjustment to a full custom build, please follow the advice from those that have the proven knowledge and experience. It will save you a lot of money.
Or be like me, break out the wallet, rip the interior out, and jump down a rabbit hole! I enjoy the creative challenge. Car stereo as a hobby can be expensive . . . even more so when you say "oops, that didn't work". Time for plan B . . C . .

 

[-WickedST-]

Oddly enough, mine is almost opposite of OP’s… mine is not a 2025 (2020) but this is how I had it set before I did a rip and replace on the factory speakers and amp. My music is all over the place and this works pretty well for all of it… a few in my playlist are The Prodigy, Amaranthe, Trivium, Megadeth, Blink 182, The Cars, The Cult, Deftones, Five Finger Death Punch, Fozzy, Ghost, Hollywood Undead, Korn, Ministry, Queens of the Stone Age, Royal Blood, Scorpions, Sublime, Zero 9:36, and last but not least… The Spinners.

in the end, I think everyone has their own tastes in sound so everyone will set theirs up differently.

 

[RSmith21]

Look dude…I started with the same B&O system you did. I did tons of install related treatments to improve on the factory system. I made a few improvements along the way without ever changing the electronics or speakers. What you’re proposing just isn’t right. It shows a lack of understanding but like I said in the beginning…if you like it, enjoy.

Understood. I'm fairly certain that you didn't get to try what I said above before modding it, and it still might never have never reached your expectations regardless. And that's OK.
Still, I have no intention of spending more money on it. My current settings and added sub box get nothing but high praise from every single passenger in my world. The bass literally disturbed my neighbors, which makes me proud. It's a fantastic factory result with minimal cost and effort. That's all I'm going for at this point in my life.

Yes, my B&O system now sounds phenomenal by factory standards.
No, there's nothing "wrong" with my settings. It actually sounds as clean and "aftermarket-like" as possible through a whole lot of trial and error.
Yes, your aftermarket setup is definitely much better than what I have. And I'm OK with that!
But the settings I've given above are worth a try for for the majority of folks with a factory system. The fade and lowered mids make a big difference, and most don't ever think of it. And it costs nothing.
Anyway, it's a tough crowd. Lol.
My surgical solution is too much for everyone. That thing will be invisible and stronger than the original when I go to sell it. It was planned carefully. No one cares about the cargo area aesthetic in my life. Take care. No hard feelings..

 

[RSmith21]

good . you've been arguing with an automotive audio expert and contest winner about something for what reason dumb a$$. I don't think this is where you should be......

Because this thread is NOT for audio contest winners. It's not even a page for garage junkies who like aftermarket stereos.
This is very obviously for people with a B&O factory stereo who want to make it sound the best it can (in a way that impresses absolutely every normal person in my world).
He immediately and baselessly said that I was wrong because his standards are just so high. I can guarantee he never tried those settings I proposed.
BTW, I might be familiar with high quality audio regarding THX certification for home audio, but that's irrelevant here too. This forum is filled with cool people tho.
Sorry to "invade" the cool people club.

 

[BuckStrickland]

Because this thread is NOT for audio contest winners. It's not even a page for garage junkies who like aftermarket stereos.
This is very obviously for people with a B&O factory stereo who want to make it sound the best it can (in a way that impresses absolutely every normal person in my world).
He immediately and baselessly said that I was wrong because his standards are just so high. I can guarantee he never tried those settings I proposed.
BTW, I might be familiar with high quality audio regarding THX certification for home audio, but that's irrelevant here too. This forum is filled with cool people tho.
Sorry to "invade" the cool people club.

I find it odd that you've taken the path of, "No one agrees with or likes what I did, so I'm being bullied out of the cool kids club." No one has to buy tickets to your circus. Just for the sake of being informed, I did try your settings. It sounded like I set the pre-set equalizer to Vocal.

 

[Flyman]

Understood. I'm fairly certain that you didn't get to try what I said above before modding it, and it still might never have never reached your expectations regardless. And that's OK.
Still, I have no intention of spending more money on it. My current settings and added sub box get nothing but high praise from every single passenger in my world. The bass literally disturbed my neighbors, which makes me proud. It's a fantastic factory result with minimal cost and effort. That's all I'm going for at this point in my life.

Yes, my B&O system now sounds phenomenal by factory standards.
No, there's nothing "wrong" with my settings. It actually sounds as clean and "aftermarket-like" as possible through a whole lot of trial and error.
Yes, your aftermarket setup is definitely much better than what I have. And I'm OK with that!
But the settings I've given above are worth a try for for the majority of folks with a factory system. The fade and lowered mids make a big difference, and most don't ever think of it. And it costs nothing.
Anyway, it's a tough crowd. Lol.
My surgical solution is too much for everyone. That thing will be invisible and stronger than the original when I go to sell it. It was planned carefully. No one cares about the cargo area aesthetic in my life. Take care. No hard feelings..

I dont think surgical means what you think it means. Your technique is the opposite of surgical.

 

[KCM]

For me, the sound is acceptable and I mostly listen to SiriusXM which I'm told is not a format favored by audiophiles. Spending many thousands of dollars to upgrade the factory system makes no sense for my unsophisticated ears. I'm willing to try the OP's suggestions (short of swapping the sub) and see if I can tell the difference so thanks for sharing.

Totally agree. Very few people with go through the expense of upgrading a factory system. A few people will, and if that is there thing, more power to them. Ford put those adjustments in the system for people to tailor it to their listening tastes, and everybody's tastes are not the same.

Forums are to share people's experiences and knowledge to help others. Some people will not agree with a poster, and they are free to do that. Just don't bash somebody for posting something they feel might help others. I appreciate the OP's thoughts and opinions and the time they took to create a thorough post.