Upgraded sound system for Gen.4 SHOs?

[Joshw0000]

Oh boy..... so, the two of you had me questioning what I was told by the owner of the business (the 10k watt number previously stated, and to which I believed).

Now mind you, I'm no electrical guru by any means, so I decided to contact the audio builder himself.

He corrected me and said the actual system power is 5k (3k for the subs, and 2k for the mids and highs).

I asked why did the owner give me the number that he had when I picked up the car? He eyerolled and said in a round about way that he's the owner, and also a salesman. Salesmen inflate things. Kind of why I don't work for him anymore. Among other reasons.

Anyhow, I did ask about the factory amp allegedly being 500w. He admitted he didn't know for sure, but in his experiences (after having seen the factory amp when installing my set up) he said 500w is a BIG stretch. So not sure where to confirm that info? I did check my window sticker and it just says under the "Rapid Spec 402B" pkg that the factory set up was/is a "Sony Audio Sound Sys w/12-spk". But nowhere does it list wattage.

I also asked him if he kept the factory amp hooked up and what not, he said no, he bypassed it completely.

Umm, what else? Oh the amps he confirmed ARE RATED at 1k watts, but he said they always test out higher than rated. He recalls the 1530 number specifically.

So in closing, I was wrong. But in my defense, I was parroting what I was told. Which I confirmed was incorrect as stated above.

The whole point of me posting was simply to let the OP know that an aftermarket audio build is possible, and displayed mine as an example of I would some would say is more on the extreme end.

Anyhow, just wanted to get the correct info out there. Not trying to start an argument. Thank you both for questioning me. I too became (more) educated as a result. Carry on and happy motoring.

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It's definitely an impressive build. One that I'd love to have.

Honestly the 10K rating he gave you is probably right. And so is the 5K rating. The 10K would be the max rating. Manufacturers use it as a selling point. It's the # you hit just before the amp/speakers fail. The 5K rating is the RMS #. It's the one that actually matters...what the amp/speakers can handle for long times.

There's so many factors that come into play when wiring a stereo. For example, I have a 2K amp pushing a (I believe) 1K speaker. But those are max #'s that don't matter. What actually matters is how I have it wired, which is 500w RMS at 4 ohms. My amp could handle another identical speaker but I'd have to change the ohms (2 or 1 ohms - it's been a while and I can't remember) which would mean it's getting less resistance from the battery and could ultimately degrade the battery/charging system. The first stereo I ever wired used to dim the headlights at night every time the bass hit (old Honda Civic). The SHO handles my speaker perfectly. I've never had any power issues.

I noticed the extra battery in your trunk. He probably upgraded your wiring and possibly the alternator(s) to handle all of your power.

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[bpd1151]

Thank you for that post, Josh. Truly appreciated.

As well as the extra info you provided.

As far as the alternator, I was still running the factory alternator at the time. But I was afraid it would fail quickly. I wasn't aware of any options at the time, other than possibly snagging me a PI alternator.

But then the demise of the engine occurred.

So, that started me down the path of looking for alternative options beyond that.

I came across this company and ordered up this custom alternator pictured. The rest of the info on it is available in my rebuild thread (so as not to muck up the OP's thread here).

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[yaycandy]

Yes. I had 6x8 or 6x9 woofers made the other year. I cant remember the size. Had to modify the back alittle bit. Cut a tab off that was in the way. By passed the amp also while keeping the amp for the car features. Little confusing

 

[SHOrod]

Anyhow, just wanted to get the correct info out there. Not trying to start an argument. Thank you both for questioning me. I too became (more) educated as a result. Carry on and happy motoring.

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I wouldn't have questioned a 10k watt rated number for your system, it's an impressive build. That's why I questioned the 10 watts (I suspected you missed a 'k' - "4 Class D Amps pushing a total of a little over 10 watts of total system power"), of which I have a portable Bluetooth JBL speaker that has more power output than that. I wasn't trying to cause you to question yourself or start an argument either. I guess depending on your definition of "a little" it may not have been a typo, as I'm sure those amps put out a bit more than 10 watts.

-Rod

 

[bpd1151]

I wouldn't have questioned a 10k watt rated number for your system, it's an impressive build. That's why I questioned the 10 watts (I suspected you missed a 'k' - "4 Class D Amps pushing a total of a little over 10 watts of total system power"), of which I have a portable Bluetooth JBL speaker that has more power output than that. I wasn't trying to cause you to question yourself or start an argument either. I guess depending on your definition of "a little" it may not have been a typo, as I'm sure those amps put out a bit more than 10 watts.

-Rod

Haha.... oh s.hit, did I typo in my 1st posting and only type "10"???.

What the..... LOL again.

Oh well, perhaps Josh was correct in the RMS numbers, versus peak.

Everything I guess lines up with what the shop owner told me 10k (Josh saying that that # is likely peak, and the actual fabricator telling me 5k (and Josh saying that was likely RMS).

Thank you for your posting as well Rod.

I've never been a fan of misinformation, so I wanted to make sure if I was incorrect, to nip it in the bud quickly.



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[studio460]

. . . As far as the alternator, I was still running the factory alternator at the time. But I was afraid it would fail quickly. I wasn't aware of any options at the time, other than possibly snagging me a PI alternator

By the way . . . anyone here install the Ford PI-alternator? Since they're about half the price of the fancy one you posted, I may opt for the Motorcraft version instead. Is it a simple, plug-and-play install or is there a ton of crap in the way? I will be powering a ton of electronic accessories (e.g., off-road LED light-bars, AC-inverters, scanners/radios, etc.).

 

[Ta2dResqr]

I can find the Explorer brochure that states wattage and lists the same 12 speaker system.That being said, the amplifier for the Taurus is listed for the FPIS and Taurus only. It may be because of the bracket (it comes as a kit). The Fusion has a 390 watt system.

 

[Ta2dResqr]

By the way . . . anyone here install the Ford PI-alternator? Since they're about half the price of the fancy one you posted, I may opt for the Motorcraft version instead. Is it a simple, plug-and-play install or is there a ton of crap in the way? I will be powering a ton of electronic accessories (e.g., off-road LED light-bars, AC-inverters, scanners/radios, etc.).

See if you can confirm which alternator you have and the output. They list 3 on Tasca. A 175A and 200A that go in the SHO and FPIS, as well as a "Heavy Duty" for the SHO.

 

[autoteleology]

Audio can DEFINITELY be done.

Mine's so flipping loud that it hurts to breathe, and I had to DE-TUNE my amps because I literally vibrated the glue out of the track all around the rear windshield.

2 - 15's
2 - 12's
2 - 6x9's
4 - 5x8's
4 - Tweeters

4 Class D Amps pushing a total of a little over 10 watts of total system power.

Insane build that was done entirely by Mr. Mike Plante when his talents were employed by Shockwave Customs (Mike has since gone independent).

So incredibly thankful for his talents, time, and treasure.

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dude what the f? that's incredible

 

[Mazuroo]

I have a 2019 SHO PP which lacks the upgraded 12-speaker "premium" Sony stereo. Has anyone upgraded their head-unit, amp, or speakers? Did the car come with a subwoofer installed? Also, is there any access to the line-ins or line-outs/speaker-outs from/to the factory stereo head-unit? Not looking for a major upgrade; of course, the easier the better. I suppose I would like to add a power-amp and a sub if feasible. Thanks for any suggestions!

I have a 2015 non PP with the base sound system; turns out that the 'brain' of the standard is almost the same as the Sony system. Using Forscan; you can change the outputs of the receiver from amp channels to line level. I then fed those channels into a JBL DSP4086; I also added rear deck 6x9's and a powered sub plus I swapped out the 5 factory speakers (doors and center dash) to higher quality. The took the dash apart and basically just inserted the amp into the original signal chain with barrier strips so that I could remove the JBL AMP/DSP and reconnect the factory system if I sold the car.

 

[kryptto]

I have a 2015 non PP with the base sound system; turns out that the 'brain' of the standard is almost the same as the Sony system. Using Forscan; you can change the outputs of the receiver from amp channels to line level. I then fed those channels into a JBL DSP4086; I also added rear deck 6x9's and a powered sub plus I swapped out the 5 factory speakers (doors and center dash) to higher quality. The took the dash apart and basically just inserted the amp into the original signal chain with barrier strips so that I could remove the JBL AMP/DSP and reconnect the factory system if I sold the car.

Thanks for that information @Mazuroo

 

[studio460]

I have a 2015 non PP with the base sound system; turns out that the 'brain' of the standard is almost the same as the Sony system [emphasis added] . . .

Thanks for al the detailed info!!! Wait—are you saying the non-12-speaker system is not a Sony-branded system? My head-unit says "Sony" on it, but I didn't see the 12-speaker system listed on the build-sheet so I assumed I had the non-12-speaker system (whatever that is).

 

[studio460]

I can find the Explorer brochure that states wattage and lists the same 12 speaker system.That being said, the amplifier for the Taurus is listed for the FPIS and Taurus only. It may be because of the bracket (it comes as a kit). The Fusion has a 390 watt system.

Thanks! What is the "FPIS?" My GF's Fusion SE has a 390-Watt amp?

 

[Ta2dResqr]

Thanks! What is the "FPIS?" My GF's Fusion SE has a 390-Watt amp?

FPIS = Ford Police Interceptor Sedan

If she has the upgraded Sony system yes.

 

[Ta2dResqr]

Thanks for al the detailed info!!! Wait—are you saying the non-12-speaker system is not a Sony-branded system? My head-unit says "Sony" on it, but I didn't see the 12-speaker system listed on the build-sheet so I assumed I had the non-12-speaker system (whatever that is).

If you have package 401A you should have the Sony 12 speaker system. Easiest way would be to check the rear dash for 2 6x9 and a 3 or look at the A-pillars for a speaker on each.

 

[Mazuroo]

Thanks for al the detailed info!!! Wait—are you saying the non-12-speaker system is not a Sony-branded system? My head-unit says "Sony" on it, but I didn't see the 12-speaker system listed on the build-sheet so I assumed I had the non-12-speaker system (whatever that is).

Hmmm, I was under the assumption that if it said Sony, it was the 12 speaker package. They only had 2 options, crappy and less crappy.

 

[studio460]

If you have package 401A you should have the Sony 12 speaker system. Easiest way would be to check the rear dash for 2 6x9 and a 3 or look at the A-pillars for a speaker on each.

Damnit! Can't find my build-sheet. Here's a photo of my "Sony" system. Yes, there are speakers in the 'A' pillar. Does this mean I have the 12-speaker system?




Hmmm . . . nope! It appears that I only have a single speaker in the rear-deck. So without pulling any headliners, I count just seven visible speakers in the cabin: one in each 'A' pillar (2), one in each door (4), and the one in the rear-deck (1). The prior owner of my BMW also opted for the cheap sound system—sheesh! People buy a $50K car and don't opt-in for the premium sound system???

 

[Devin]

I dunno. For me to get the upgraded sound system I'd have to go up a whole trim level. Maybe the upgraded one wasn't available on the lot?

 

[Joshw0000]

Is there one just above the head unit, on the dash?

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[Ta2dResqr]

Damnit! Can't find my build-sheet. Here's a photo of my "Sony" system. Yes, there are speakers in the 'A' pillar. Does this mean I have the 12-speaker system?


Hmmm . . . nope! It appears that I only have a single speaker in the rear-deck. So without pulling any headliners, I count just seven visible speakers in the cabin: one in each 'A' pillar (2), one in each door (4), and the one in the rear-deck (1). The prior owner of my BMW also opted for the cheap sound system—sheesh! People buy a $50K car and don't opt-in for the premium sound system???

I am going to guess you have the 12 speaker. There should be one in the center of the dash above your screen. Then there are 2 in the back dash under the "carpet". You can go to the trunk and pull down the liner to confirm this ( or play music and feel/listen for it). I forget which speakers they "split" and call 2 because of the woofer and tweeter to get the 12 count out of 10 physical units.