Stereo Options, '15 - '18

[Coronach]

Future owner here, trying to do my pre-purchase research.

Normally, I would not give a crap what stereo came in the car, as I can easily swap them out and the factory options are usually pretty dire. However, it seems like Ford has gone all-in with the electronics integration and it might not be as easy as just changing the head unit in the SHO.

Can anyone point me to a thread or other resource where the pros and cons of the various factory options are discussed? I already know that the 15s are Sync2 and the 16s on are Sync3, I'm looking for info about the sound quality of the base vs upgraded Sony system, and info like that. I would mostly be using the bluetooth connection to stream audio, honestly. XM is of no interest to me, and I wont use factory nav.

I know it is kind of a wide-open request, but I'm completely lost on the current state of Ford entertainment systems.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[SHOinVa]

The SHO stereo looks a lot cooler then it actually is, its average at best.
- YES its integrated into a lot of things, I guess you can pull the head unit, but it won't be cheap or easy. Its best to try an improve what you have, what ever you do is going to cost money.
- I don't know how many SHO's come with the base system that may be hard to find.
- If you use the search option on this forum there is a ton of stereo information out here, read through the threads they will answer most of your questions.
C/

 

[tech10002]

Future owner here, trying to do my pre-purchase research.

Normally, I would not give a crap what stereo came in the car, as I can easily swap them out and the factory options are usually pretty dire. However, it seems like Ford has gone all-in with the electronics integration and it might not be as easy as just changing the head unit in the SHO.

Can anyone point me to a thread or other resource where the pros and cons of the various factory options are discussed? I already know that the 15s are Sync2 and the 16s on are Sync3, I'm looking for info about the sound quality of the base vs upgraded Sony system, and info like that. I would mostly be using the bluetooth connection to stream audio, honestly. XM is of no interest to me, and I wont use factory nav.

I know it is kind of a wide-open request, but I'm completely lost on the current state of Ford entertainment systems.

Thanks,

Mike

It depends what you’re looking for. Both the Sony and non Sony suck in my opinion, but I’m kinda an audio snob. Lol If you’re not looking for tons of volume and can live without bass that will rattle your teeth, the Sony system is a LOT better with just upgraded door speakers. If you get something really efficient, like the 2 to 2.5 ohm Infinity Kappa or JBL Stadium, you can even get some decent volume out of it.

This is not a car you can just throw a head unit in like the old days. Everything is integrated together from the stereo to the A/C to the ambient lighting, etc., so you need a factory integration adapter to install aftermarket amps without doing a lot of harness hacking and reprogramming. Whatever you want to do, there are members in here who have already made all the mistakes and figured out what works well and what doesn’t, so we can help.

 

[Coronach]

Yeah, I figured that I won't be replaceing whatever comes witht he car, as I don't want to screw around with all of the other crap Ford has tied into it.

Here is a question, just to highlight how little I know about this- I know that you can upgrade the Sync2 to Sync3, either by finding a pulled unit or by paying for a new one. Would that also be effectively upgrading the stereo, or are they separate components?

 

[Raging Bull]

Separate

 

[tech10002]

Yeah. It’s totally separate. The Sync 3 upgrade just involves the APIM (the Sync computer), usb interface, and the screen. The parts that are different in a Sony and non Sony car are the ACM(basically the stereo head unit), speakers, harness, dash controls, and the DSP (Sony amplifier).

 

[Lostneye]

As said a bunch of guys have had good results with just upgrading speakers. You cannot swap out the head unit on either. I have Sony and had a loaner without and don't think the Sony is much better. The "surround" mode sucks in my option. To bypass the amp you need an integration deice, the PAC Amppro is the best for these cars or try using forscan to reprogram the ACM to bypass it, I don't know anyone that has done this on a Taurus but it has been done on other Fords, F150s, Focus, Fusions.

 

[krewat]

Side note: Anything "surround" when dealing with a stereo source, well, sucks. I tried surround a few times, and did not like the results. I like my Korn in loud stereo.

The Sony system, while not an audiophile's dream, is the best system I've ever heard in a Ford (which isn't saying much). My 2013 was decent, but I find my 2016 has a vibration in the parcel tray or somewhere that drives me nuts when the bass hits a certain note. Might be the sun shade Also, the 2016's front tweeters seem a little too "brite" in the not-so-high-range. I like my tweeters a bit more crisp (higher response). So there are definitely differences year-to-year, at least between my 2013 and 2016 in the front tweeters in the A-pillars, or maybe in the equalization that causes a bit more volume in the lower-end of the tweeter range.

Once I buy my 2016 (which at this point, I think I will be), I'll be experimenting with upgrades to the audio system. Using other peoples' experiences here will be a great starting point.

 

[SHOinVa]

I'll be experimenting with upgrades to the audio

Replacing the speakers makes a big difference, BUT Your right its all out there on another thread, Have a great day.
C/

 

[Lostneye]

Side note: Anything "surround" when dealing with a stereo source, well, sucks. I tried surround a few times, and did not like the results. I like my Korn in loud stereo.

The Sony system, while not an audiophile's dream, is the best system I've ever heard in a Ford (which isn't saying much). My 2013 was decent, but I find my 2016 has a vibration in the parcel tray or somewhere that drives me nuts when the bass hits a certain note. Might be the sun shade Also, the 2016's front tweeters seem a little too "brite" in the not-so-high-range. I like my tweeters a bit more crisp (higher response). So there are definitely differences year-to-year, at least between my 2013 and 2016 in the front tweeters in the A-pillars, or maybe in the equalization that causes a bit more volume in the lower-end of the tweeter range.

Once I buy my 2016 (which at this point, I think I will be), I'll be experimenting with upgrades to the audio system. Using other peoples' experiences here will be a great starting point.

I pretty much agree, there is very little available in the car audio world that can do "surround" processing worth mentioning and even the handful(2 that I know of currently on the market) that do I have yet to hear one worth the effort. I started competing in SQ competitions this year and haven't seen one car using this in competition.

If you're looking to go beyond just upgrading speakers feel free to have a listen to my car since you're on LI.