Newest B&O sound system quality

[lharoon]

Hi, I work for Harman, so the B&O system comes from us, based on the specifications provided by Ford to Harman. Having a Ranger and hearing other systems I would rate the ranger B&O sytem as an 8.5 out of 10.

Im comparing it with my previous vehicle sound system, which was a BMW x6 with Harman premium system. I would rate that one at 9.5, and my wifes vehicle whis is an Audi A7 with a B&O system, that would be a 9 from my perspective.

The difference with the B&O system from the ranger is basically the amount of bass the system provides and how early you hear it. In the ranger the system is tuned to provide heavy bass from 30% of the volume upwards, so if you hear it low the bass is very low too. While in the BMW and Audi specs you can hear the bass kick even at low volumes.

One of the cool features from the B&O system in the Ranger dough is the way the resonance of the bass is done, its a new technology that uses the chassis as resonance, not just a box as its traditionally done, which takes a lot more space. The X6 for example had a sub in the trunk and another one on each of the front seats. While the A7 has a large subwoofer box in the spare tire. In the ranger everything is achieved by a very small sub oval speaker and literally no box.

The system sounds very good above 30% volume, based on the notes that sound better I would say its tuned for coutry music or something alike. If you want more bass I would recommend to add an external powered bass only (Harman offers generic JBL and Infinity under seat powered subs that could work for that application), but taking the signal from the OEM bass lines. The new systems control not only audio but other features, so I would not recommend butcher the OEM harness and install an aftermarket system like you could do in older vehicles. If upgrading do only tried install configurations and harnesses.

I hope the info is useful.

Hey Ivan,

Have a Ranger sound system question for you man - I own two Ranger Raptors (for the moment): a 2023 & a 2025 that I just picked up.

(Here is Dubai the 2023 is the first year of the ‘Next Gen’ Ranger - similar to Australia, South Africa, Thailand, and other countries outside of North America).

I was actually REALLY REALLY happy with the ‘23’s sound system and felt the B&O system in that was perfect. The ‘25, however, is another story. I find myself extremely disappointed and really confused - with the mid range and bass turned up close to max, the bass is so underwhelming compared to the ‘23’s (and I only had that turned up to 25-35% of the way up).

Did Ford change the specs for the sound system after the ‘23 RR?

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[cc1999]

Hey Ivan,

Have a Ranger sound system question for you man - I own two Ranger Raptors (for the moment): a 2023 & a 2025 that I just picked up.

(Here is Dubai the 2023 is the first year of the ‘Next Gen’ Ranger - similar to Australia, South Africa, Thailand, and other countries outside of North America).

I was actually REALLY REALLY happy with the ‘23’s sound system and felt the B&O system in that was perfect. The ‘25, however, is another story. I find myself extremely disappointed and really confused - with the mid range and bass turned up close to max, the bass is so underwhelming compared to the ‘23’s (and I only had that turned up to 25-35% of the way up).

Did Ford change the specs for the sound system after the ‘23 RR?

I have been pretty happy with mine after adding all the sound deadening material in the doors and roof. The roof is pretty much bare metal and not much insulation in the doors either.
I think it made pretty noticeable improvement to my B&O. Probably not the best I have ever heard but pretty happy with it.

 

[Ivan Baez]

Hey Ivan,

Have a Ranger sound system question for you man - I own two Ranger Raptors (for the moment): a 2023 & a 2025 that I just picked up.

(Here is Dubai the 2023 is the first year of the ‘Next Gen’ Ranger - similar to Australia, South Africa, Thailand, and other countries outside of North America).

I was actually REALLY REALLY happy with the ‘23’s sound system and felt the B&O system in that was perfect. The ‘25, however, is another story. I find myself extremely disappointed and really confused - with the mid range and bass turned up close to max, the bass is so underwhelming compared to the ‘23’s (and I only had that turned up to 25-35% of the way up).

Did Ford change the specs for the sound system after the ‘23 RR?

Hi, yes, there have been HW and SW changes requested by Ford between 2023 and 2025 at least on the amplifier side, which is what we produce where I work, however, the specifications in terms of output and volume have not changed much, and of so they are to improve sound quality, If the difference is noticeable (worse) I would suggest to have it checheck at your dealership. Take care,

 

[landiscarrier]

I had a 19 Ranger Lariat with the B&O and now a 25 RR with the B&O and I think they decent for my listening but I think the 19 had better sound quality.

 

[purdyd]

I was lamenting how bad the sound was in my wife’s car. The other day I checked the setting and the balance was set almost all the way towards the back and the bass was set low on the equalizer.

so you might check the settings

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also you might try enabling surround mode;;​

 

[Flats]

Did Ford change the specs for the sound system after the ‘23 RR?

I've seen Gen 1 overseas RR's that had a 6X9 for the subwoofer behind the rear seat, but we get a small round one (5 1/4") in the US 6G RR. That might be the difference you're hearing, because the small round one is pretty poor. Most of the bass comes from the 6X9 in the front doors, not the "subwoofer".

 

[cptjacksparrow]

The B&O system is terrible in my 2026.

I cannot understand how others have posted to say it’s good and for someone who works at Harman to give it 8.5 out of 10.

I have owned many vehicles with so-called premium systems and most have been average. BOSE/B&O/Fender/Harman

The only system that’s impressed me so far is from Tesla.

The sound system in my 2022 Tesla Model Y Performance is very good. The premium sound system in it is excellent and I hear the Cybertruck system is even better.

My partner uses my Tesla so I don’t drive it as often but I jumped in it the other day and was reminded how great the sound is.

Now I have to spend more $$$ to update the Raptor and is why I found this thread while looking for upgrade options.

 

[Watchdog62]

I was curious as well since I don't see how I'm going to fit a real subwoofer inside of this thing. I was looking at reviews from people who had Mavericks with it and the reviews were average. Maybe its a slightly nicer system in the ranger but something tells me I will want to upgrade.

The b and o is so so at best. Might be ok for some but if you like clarity and real bass not so much. Fortunately there is a stealth box that fits perfectly on passenger side under the seat for bass. Sound deadening the doors and replace the crap b and o speakers and it will sound fantastic. Speakers and deadening alone are a huge improvement.
I have focal ic165 front and rear, is350 kicker center plus a stealth box with 10" jl/300 monoblock with kicker dsp/ sounds good adapter. About 2k but 1000% better than oem b and o speakers with stock speaker amp. There is also a mo bridge option that replaces all amps if you want to go the next level and $$$

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