Upgrading Sound System

[lol]

Hi,

 

I just bought my ford fusion few weeks ago and it`s my first car (2008 SEL V6). As you guys can imagine I`m loving it but what I`m not loving is the sound system. It sounds like i can`t equalize in my way so i have a few questions that I`m sure many ppl in here would like to them to be answered also.

 

1. Can I upgrade my Head Unit (stock non-navigation 6 disc changer) to a different one without losing the bluetooth capability ? If yes, what do you guys recommend ? I was thinking in a DVD Head Unit.

2. What do i need to do upgrade my stock speakers ? Do I need an AMP ? Do I need to run different wires than the factory ones ?

3. I want to add a sub and I know I need an AMP for that but what sub/amp combination you guys recommend ?

 

If anyone has changed the sound system, please send me what did you change and what did you do to change it.

 

I really appreciate your help.

 

Thanks.

[sgibbers17]

Hi,

 

I just bought my ford fusion few weeks ago and it`s my first car (2008 SEL V6). As you guys can imagine I`m loving it but what I`m not loving is the sound system. It sounds like i can`t equalize in my way so i have a few questions that I`m sure many ppl in here would like to them to be answered also.

 

1. Can I upgrade my Head Unit (stock non-navigation 6 disc changer) to a different one without losing the bluetooth capability ? If yes, what do you guys recommend ? I was thinking in a DVD Head Unit.

2. What do i need to do upgrade my stock speakers ? Do I need an AMP ? Do I need to run different wires than the factory ones ?

3. I want to add a sub and I know I need an AMP for that but what sub/amp combination you guys recommend ?

 

If anyone has changed the sound system, please send me what did you change and what did you do to change it.

 

I really appreciate your help.

 

Thanks.

 

1. You will lose all SYNC capabilities if you replace the stock unit. If you just want Bluetooth you can replace it with a Bluetooth capable head unit but with no sync

 

2. It depends on what speakers you get, you shouldn't have to replace wires unless you add more watts from and amp or head unit. All you need to do to replace the speakers is to replace them with the same size and they will bolt right in.

 

3. Go to you local car stereo shop (not best buy) and see what they recomend, I have been out of the stereo hobby for quite a while and don't know what brands are good.

[sawbuck44]

My son just had a new sound system - speakers and deck - put in (by Best Buy). It sounds great! Alpine is what he went with. When this car is sold, BB will put back in old system at no charge!

Edited August 4, 2010 by sawbuck44

[MadOx75]

1. You will lose all SYNC capabilities if you replace the stock unit. If you just want Bluetooth you can replace it with a Bluetooth capable head unit but with no sync

 

2. It depends on what speakers you get, you shouldn't have to replace wires unless you add more watts from and amp or head unit. All you need to do to replace the speakers is to replace them with the same size and they will bolt right in.

 

3. Go to you local car stereo shop (not best buy) and see what they recomend, I have been out of the stereo hobby for quite a while and don't know what brands are good.

 

While its not exactly an elegant solution, you don't have to lose your SYNC if you replace the head unit. You're going to need one of these - http://metradealer.com/api/vfg/view-product/id/AFSI-01

 

It works a bit better in the 2010's without nav, because the screen for SYNC stays even if you put in a new HU, whereas the SYNC display is built into the HU on the 08s. So you have to get the one with the readout if you want to see anything. But you'll still be able to use the SYNC.

 

I'm seriously thinking about replacing the HU in my 2010 Sport (especially now that my USB is being flaky on a month old car) but I'm a bit unsure as to what the SYNC display will show when I have the new HU. I know it will still show the automatic climate control and such. But I hate things looking half assed.

[dugateau]

Is it possible to add more speakers to the base 6 speaker system ?

or is it a head unit swap ? ...

 

Maybe we can plug in an amp and get some extra power available ... not sure there are outputs for an amp though.

 

Anyone tried to improve the sound system ?

[Geeves]

Is it possible to add more speakers to the base 6 speaker system ?

or is it a head unit swap ? ...

 

Maybe we can plug in an amp and get some extra power available ... not sure there are outputs for an amp though.

 

Anyone tried to improve the sound system ?

 

If you want to add 6x9s in the rear deck the speaker wires run up the "B" pillar. You can tap into them there and then run them along the door sill and behind the seats. I would recommend a amp though so you don't damage the head unit. Its a bad idea to hook a third set of speakers to your factory radio is because it will put too much of a load on the radio.

 

The front door speakers are not of the best quality. If your looking to get better sound you might consider replacing them as an alternative.

[drocpsu]

Does anyone know if the head unit has any pre-outs? Otherwise, are any of the speakers full-range signals (i.e. not crossed over or cut off by the head unit)? If so, these would be the best to tap for a line out to run an amp from.

 

Does anyone know the SIZE of the front door speakers?

[akirby]

Does anyone know if the head unit has any pre-outs? Otherwise, are any of the speakers full-range signals (i.e. not crossed over or cut off by the head unit)? If so, these would be the best to tap for a line out to run an amp from.

 

Does anyone know the SIZE of the front door speakers?

 

5x7/6x8 - standard Ford size. No pre-outs AFAIK. I believe all the speakers are full range except the door tweeters (obviously) but that crossover is in the door speaker itself, not the head unit. Everything going to the door speakers should be full range.

[lurker283]

5x7/6x8 - standard Ford size. No pre-outs AFAIK. I believe all the speakers are full range except the door tweeters (obviously) but that crossover is in the door speaker itself, not the head unit. Everything going to the door speakers should be full range.

 

I bought a 2010 FFH with the Nav and sony 12 speaker system, and was unimpressed by the sound, decided to take it to a local Car audio shop, and he basically sold me a new JL audio 6x100 D amp, Cleansweep CL441DSP, Cleansweep CL-SSI, added a 10 inch subwoofer, kept the stock Sony speakers and Nav system, although they did disconnect the I believe 6x8 speakers in the rear, and WOW sounds 100% better, cost me with install cost about 2 grand, but worth the money, Sync still works.

Edited September 20, 2010 by lurker283

[Beachboy]

I have the stock 6 speaker system. My biggest disappointment is the lack of high frequency response. Due to my age, my hearing has dropped off in the high frequencies, so I want a speaker with a brighter-than-normal treble response. Will any good 6x8 name brand speaker easily swap with my stock speakers, or is the head unit itself lacking in frequency response? A local stereo shop said I really needed an amp along with upgraded speakers, despite the fact I don't listen to music at high volumes. They recommended a total install, costing around $3,000, but I never could pin them down on how well the new headunit would integrate into the dash.

[bbf2530]

I have the stock 6 speaker system. My biggest disappointment is the lack of high frequency response. Due to my age, my hearing has dropped off in the high frequencies, so I want a speaker with a brighter-than-normal treble response. Will any good 6x8 name brand speaker easily swap with my stock speakers, or is the head unit itself lacking in frequency response? A local stereo shop said I really needed an amp along with upgraded speakers, despite the fact I don't listen to music at high volumes. They recommended a total install, costing around $3,000, but I never could pin them down on how well the new headunit would integrate into the dash.

 

Hi Beachboy. :D There are plenty of name brand speakers (high-end, low-end and everything in between) that will essentially "plug-n-play" in the Milan/Fusion.

 

Here would be my advice: For a question like this, professional advice would be your best bet. Use the data base at Crutchfield LINK: Crutchfield to narrow down your search. In fact, I would recommend that you cal them and speak to one of their Technical Advisers. Tell them what you are looking for and ask for suggestions. Unless you are a very serious audiophile (it seems you really only need added high-frequency response to compensate for hearing loss), you can probably achieve acceptable results with a speaker upgrade and save yourself a lot of money. If the speaker upgrade is not sufficient, you can then consider replacing the head unit, adding an amp etc.. You can use the information you receive from Crutchfield to narrow down your choices. Then you can either purchase from Crutchfield or shop around for pricing.

 

I can tell you that I have purchased several times from Crutchfield and have been extremity satisfied each time. They are extremely helpful/knowledgeable and will provide you with all necessary wiring harnesses (plug-n-play) and extremely detailed installation instructions (if you purchase from them). Their prices are not the lowest (probably low-mid range) but the professionalism and lifetime customer service more than make up for any price differential (in my opinion of course).

 

Let us know how you make out.

 

Good luck. :beerchug:

Edited October 8, 2010 by bbf2530

[Beachboy]

Thanks bbf2530. I'll give Crutchfield a call this weekend. I've purchased a lot of home stereo equipment from Crutchfield over the years, and they are a first rate company to do business with. I'll take a look at their installation instructions, but I gotta admit I'm nervous about tearing into the door panels of a two month old car! I installed my share of car stereos when I was a teenager, but that was back in the days of a pair of 6x9's in the rear deck and an 8 track player hanging under the dash! :hysterical2: