2016 XLT SCREW: Why does the bass suck???
#1
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2016 XLT SCREW: Why does the bass suck???
This is a bit of a rant, but I'm really seeking answers and help.
What kind of junky stereo is Ford putting out these days? I had a 2008 XLT SCREW with the standard stereo, and the bass was often too much and had to be dialed back. The bass was VERY robust. In my 2016 XLT SCREW (Sync 3, no nav) standard stereo, the bass can not be turned up enough to sound balanced. My work vehicle is a base model Chevy Tahoe (basic stereo), and the bass response runs circles around my truck. Slightly insulting to a Ford guy.
What is the deal? Does Ford now screw its customers on standard equipment, hoping they will opt for a higher trim package with a better stereo (more $$$$ for Ford)? Or do they now force their customers to purchase a sub or stereo upgrade? For many years, thet XLT was a nice trim package. Is the XLT now merely an XL with carpet and convenience group? Or is this merely an issue with my truck only, and my dealer and I just can't it figure out?
I really like the F150. In almost 35 years of driving, this is my 7th F150. I've had it almost a year. I'll likely get another one after this one. BUT this lack of bass response is aggravating. Anyone have any ideas why the bass response is so poor?
I have held off adding a sub, but I'm looking into a hideaway or something that will fit and mate up easily. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
What kind of junky stereo is Ford putting out these days? I had a 2008 XLT SCREW with the standard stereo, and the bass was often too much and had to be dialed back. The bass was VERY robust. In my 2016 XLT SCREW (Sync 3, no nav) standard stereo, the bass can not be turned up enough to sound balanced. My work vehicle is a base model Chevy Tahoe (basic stereo), and the bass response runs circles around my truck. Slightly insulting to a Ford guy.
What is the deal? Does Ford now screw its customers on standard equipment, hoping they will opt for a higher trim package with a better stereo (more $$$$ for Ford)? Or do they now force their customers to purchase a sub or stereo upgrade? For many years, thet XLT was a nice trim package. Is the XLT now merely an XL with carpet and convenience group? Or is this merely an issue with my truck only, and my dealer and I just can't it figure out?
I really like the F150. In almost 35 years of driving, this is my 7th F150. I've had it almost a year. I'll likely get another one after this one. BUT this lack of bass response is aggravating. Anyone have any ideas why the bass response is so poor?
I have held off adding a sub, but I'm looking into a hideaway or something that will fit and mate up easily. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
#2
I have a 2017 Lariat SCREW with the standard audio system. My plan is to buy a little Kenwood KSC SW11 powered sub, slip it underneath the driver's seat, and take the signal from where the now disconnected center speaker used to be. Not ground shaking bass, but I did do basically the same thing with a 2015 MB Sprinter and it made a terrific improvement for little bucks.
#3
Yes, you're getting screwed by Ford because your bass response sucks.
Or, it's because Ford decided to spend their money elsewhere and thought bass isn't their focus.
For $250 and a couple of hours work, you can get a nice powered subwoofer that will solve your problems.
A google search would give you your answers, but you knew that already.
Or, it's because Ford decided to spend their money elsewhere and thought bass isn't their focus.
For $250 and a couple of hours work, you can get a nice powered subwoofer that will solve your problems.
A google search would give you your answers, but you knew that already.
#4
Official HTT Greeter
Like said above, Ford didn't focus on high quality sound. Even the Kicker and Sony factory options have been reviewed poorly here.
Aftermarket is the way to go. I added a 12" sub and 450WRMS amp behind the back seat and now have more bass than I can use. And it still came in below $300.
Aftermarket is the way to go. I added a 12" sub and 450WRMS amp behind the back seat and now have more bass than I can use. And it still came in below $300.
#5
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Like said above, Ford didn't focus on high quality sound. Even the Kicker and Sony factory options have been reviewed poorly here.
Aftermarket is the way to go. I added a 12" sub and 450WRMS amp behind the back seat and now have more bass than I can use. And it still came in below $300.
Aftermarket is the way to go. I added a 12" sub and 450WRMS amp behind the back seat and now have more bass than I can use. And it still came in below $300.
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Yes, you're getting screwed by Ford because your bass response sucks.
Or, it's because Ford decided to spend their money elsewhere and thought bass isn't their focus.
For $250 and a couple of hours work, you can get a nice powered subwoofer that will solve your problems.
A google search would give you your answers, but you knew that already.
Or, it's because Ford decided to spend their money elsewhere and thought bass isn't their focus.
For $250 and a couple of hours work, you can get a nice powered subwoofer that will solve your problems.
A google search would give you your answers, but you knew that already.
Thanks. Yes, I've been researching all that. Being a Jeep guy also, searching for decent stereo equipment is not a new endeavor for me. It just sucks that you have to do it on what is otherwise a great truck.
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Thanks. I have two 12" in a big cabinet (used in my Jeep) that's too big, but I have been considering using one in the right size box for the truck. I just have to look at it, measure... you know the routine. I also like the idea of a powered sub that is a bit closer to mount/plug/play. But then again, I can make a cab and only have to buy an amp. Lots to consider. Thanks!
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#8
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Like said above, Ford didn't focus on high quality sound. Even the Kicker and Sony factory options have been reviewed poorly here.
Aftermarket is the way to go. I added a 12" sub and 450WRMS amp behind the back seat and now have more bass than I can use. And it still came in below $300.
Aftermarket is the way to go. I added a 12" sub and 450WRMS amp behind the back seat and now have more bass than I can use. And it still came in below $300.
#9
I agree... the bass sucks on the 8" Sync 3 touch-screen system. I purchased the factory Kicker upgrade for my '16 XLT SuperCrew (mainly because of the ease of installation), and was disappointed with that as well (decent "thump", but there were no crossover or low pass filter adjustments, no bass level adjustment, and the all the cabin speaker settings changed as well... leaving a huge "dead zone" in the sound spectrum). Pulled that out in about 10 days and went with a 10" subwoofer enclosure and a 300 watt RMS amp. It was a little more work to install, but I am finally happy with the sound.
#10
Official HTT Greeter
I'll warn you, it's a bit of a read and includes some wiring and Forscan troubleshooting that you may or may not need towards the end. But after 8 months, I'm happy with it. I plan to rebuild it so that it looks nicer, but haven't found the time.
Here is my build thread.
https://www.f150forum.com/f30/2016-f...ub-amp-364153/