2010 'regular' stereo in the XLT F150. Mine sounds bad, too. Especially when first started - it's like there's an amp or something that has to warm up - the first 5 seconds or so are completely distorted. Even when it's 'warmed up', it clips bass horribly at moderate volume even with the bass setting turned way down. The middle range is also very 'muddy'.

I'm not a head banger and don't listen to loud music. I haven't swapped in an aftermarket stereo since 1993. So, my expectations aren't hard to meet - the stereo in my truck is just bad.

I bought some new speakers to try in the front doors and will install this weekend. If that doesn't help, I'll probably install a small amp. I really don't want to change the head unit as I don't like things mis-matched. Of course, given that some people are having a good experience, maybe it is a defective unit that I should have inspected for warranty.

 

The last thing you want to do on a new truck is spend money on a head unit if the functions on your stock one suites your needs. Replacement to aftermarket is by choice not cause the brand new one sucks!

 

check with a stereo shop, maybe they can upgrade the speakers and add an amp so you can keep the synch

 

Putting new memphis speakers in the front doors of my 010 xlt. Facturies do sound muddy.

 

I am having the same problem with my 2010 i just got last friday. Going back to the dealer the next time I have off to try out some other trucks and see it they are the same way. I hope it is a warrenty issue dont feel like putting in new speakers just so I can hear the music with the windows doen on the highway.

 

Agree

 

The factory speakers are crap, in my opinion. So is the head unit, simply not enough adjustment capabilities to get the best sound quality.

I have an aftermarket head unit and have been looking at speakers (5x7 or 6x8), but haven't found a pair I truly like yet.