So this is my last ditch effort for some advice before I take my truck into the dealer and probably not get a resolution….

My 2020 has the B&O system and the volume is what I call “medium” even all the way up (30) on any source. The speakers sound really tinny and the bass from the sub is almost non existent. There is clearly something wrong hardware wise with the system. It’s been like this since I purchased it (used).

It’s not an issue with any of the settings, I’ve tried everything. I changed some values in the ACM in Forscan that I found in other threads but no meaningful change. I’ve looked for visible things in the amp area behind the rear seats and nothing obvious.

What should I try to change before I take it into the dealer? I don’t think it’s the APIM as I would have other issues. Should I attempt to replace the ACM? Amplifier itself since it seems like I’m not getting proper sound processing?

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

I think what you're hearing is the typical B&O. I too have a 2020 - the bass roll off is horrible. Granted some songs sound better than others but if you would pull of one of the speakers, you'd see what you're dealing with. Trash.

I'm getting all my supplies ready to do an install. I'm looking to replace the Sync with an aftermarket head unit.

 

Even as an older man, I find the bass and stereo subpar. I find music off the iPhone even makes it worse, low quality. If you find a nice aftermarket with carplay etc, be sure and post your findings.

 

I have the same system and couldn’t handle the lack of volume and bass. Recently had a stereo shop add a sub and a 5 channel amp and it sounds amazing now.

 

I understand that the B&O isn't loved by most, but I'm telling you guys it's not just a properly functioning system that is just subpar by nature, there's something wrong. I say that because I've been in other F150s and Explorers so I know what the system is supposed to sound like. The bass isn't just poor, it's almost imperceptible.

 

I don't know much about stereo systems, other than there is a head unit, amp, and speakers lol

I have a '20 with B&O and find it sounds great (I am a bit of an audiophile)... I rarely listen to music from anywhere but Pandora over Android Auto, however. Could it be the source? Satellite is the worst for tunes...

 

It's all sources.

 

Same, my '19 Platinum has B&O and it sounds great, I've never understood the complaints especially regarding bass. I have mine set in surround mode and tone etc adjusted and there are songs that will start rattles in interior from bass hitting so hard. I'll stream even live songs on Spotify and it sounds great. And I've had AMGs, Porsches etc, E63 stereo was praised even in reviews and to me it was maybe just a notch above the B&O which is trashed on here like the worst stereo ever made lol.

B&O is way better than what was in my last F150, either the kicker or Sony in the 16 can't remember but never cared for it.

I did think something was wrong when I first picked it up new out of state. Thought it was terrible, didn't realize you had to go into settings and turn surround on, in my truck it sounds like a pos w/o surround on.

 

Yep. Turning on surround makes a huge difference.

 

Firstly, what you are describing sounds like it may be a speaker shorted out.
Just based on a hunch...

Then I have to ask...what are you using to listen to music?

I personally think my B&O system sounds pretty good.
I use my Iphone14 and Spotify.
Since making adjustments in the spotify app, (EQ, compression and download etc) the sound quality of my music has improved considerably!!!
Went from good to really good!!

Maybe try making adjustments and also try disconnecting each speaker one at a time to see if that makes a difference.

But I agree, the dealer will put minimall effort into this.