A client from Arnold recently reached out to our Westminster Speed and Sound team to discuss options for upgrading the stereo in his Ford Bronco. The vehicle owner is a longtime client and is accustomed to the audio systems we’ve installed for him that sound great and have solid bass with good extension. The B&O system that came with the Bronco didn’t meet his expectations. After talking about a few speaker, amplifier and subwoofer options, we designed an audio system upgrade to deliver the performance he expected.
Replacement Ford Bronco Speakers
The first step was to replace the stock speakers with units that could handle more power. Based on our suggestions, the client chose Helix S6B woofers for the front doors and three 2-inch BLAM Audio LFR50 midrange drivers for the dash. We created custom mounting plates out of weather-resistant plastic to allow the new drivers to bolt into the original fastener locations. We installed a set of Helix S4X coaxial speakers in the rear locations.
Amplifier Integration Ensures Reliable Performance
The radio that comes with the Bronco “talks” to the factory-installed amplifier using a digital communication protocol called A2B. To upgrade the audio system, we installed a mObridge DA-G2.ENTRY A2B FORD interface that extracts a stereo audio signal while maintaining the radio’s hands-free navigation and voice recognition features. The output of the mObridge unit is a fiber-optic Toslink connection that feeds directly into the new amplifier.
We installed a Helix V Eight DSP eight-channel amplifier in the rear corner of the vehicle to power the front and rear speakers. This amp has a built-in digital signal processor that we can use to divide the audio frequencies between the door, dash and rear speakers, and the subwoofer.
Stringer Ford Bronco Subwoofer
Adding a high-performance subwoofer was a key element of upgrading this audio system. We mounted a Stinger TXJWB12 subwoofer enclosure on the rear tailgate of the Bronco. This enclosure is home to a single 12-inch Phoenix Gold subwoofer optimized for this compact application. We added a Kicker KEY500.1 amplifier beside the other amp to power the Phoenix Gold sub. We connected one of the optional CXARC remote level controls to the KEY500.1 and mounted it in the front of the vehicle. The client can adjust the subwoofer’s output quickly and easily to suit his listening preferences.
System Calibration Is the Icing on the Cake
With all the equipment installed, the last step was to configure the digital signal processor in the amp to route the correct signals to all the speakers. Next, we set crossovers to divide the audio frequencies between the midrange, midbass and subwoofers. Finally, we used our real-time audio analyzer to measure each speaker’s output, then adjust the equalizer on each channel to deliver a smooth and natural frequency response. This process takes about two hours to complete but is crucial to providing an audio system that will sound natural and deliver realistic imaging.
The client was thrilled with the new sound system in his Bronco. It’s clear, loud and detailed, and the bass is deep and solid – precisely what he wanted. If you’re interested in upgrading the sound system on your Bronco, drop by the Westminster Speed and Sound, give us a call or send our team an email using our contact form.”
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