If you don't want to replace the OEM head unit, then my suggestion would be to use a portable DAP, iPhone/iPad, or Android Smartphone connected directly to your DSP via USB Digital, Digital Coaxial or Optical, or Analog Line Level out of a good DAP. (Again) My personal experience with a multitude of Ford's MyTouch/MySync/MyFord OEM source units is that the output signal is pure rubbish. They will be releasing a 10" version as well.) (EDIT there is also an 8" "floating display" head unit with digital optical output from Stinger called the ELEV8. And they have beautiful, HD, capacitive-touch displays.the best on the market. Those will guarantee pristine, full range, unadulterated 5v preamp outputs that do not clip even at full volume. For ultimate SQ & overall features I would highly recommend the 20 Kenwood eXcelon Reference head units.the 2019 DDX996XR or DNX996XR (NAV) or 2018 DDX9905S or DNX995S. With either one you could install a high-quality aftermarket double-DIN Touchscreen of your choice. It should retain nearly ALL of the OEM features, HVAC controls & backup camera, etc.įast-Forward to 7:46 and then again to 25:38 in the following video by 5 Star Car Stereo. I'm not certain that it will fit & work with your exact F-150 MY & OEM stereo options, but you should check it out. It's the PAC RadioPRO 4 #RPK4-FD2101 + RPA-16P5V Expansion Harness. Here is the Beta-Test install of the just released iDataLink Maestro MFT1 8" Ford F-150 MyFord Touch radio replacement kit.Īnd PAC Audio is releasing a complete dash kit that allows you to replace the 8" OEM Head Unit as well.
I'm going to copy & paste my own quote from another similar thread. Needless to say, the owners of both systems were stunned by the difference. In both, when playing identical tracks and switching between the Ford Sync OEM source an both the RCA analog or coaxial digital output of my inexpensive and older portable iBasso DX90 DAP, the output quality and clarity from the DAP was NIGHT & DAY better. In two of the Ford Sync vehicles that I've personally installed systems in, I also pre-ran a pair of separate analog RCA's and a digital coaxial & Toslink optical cable from the DSP to the glove box in the vehicle for later upgrading. My experience with several of the OEM Ford Sync systems is less than stellar in terms of SQ, and that includes getting a clean, full-range signal to feed your subwoofer amplifier.
I realize that a lot of people really like the Ford Sync features, but if you're going for truly good SQ, the OEM system is less than ideal. yes better that standard oem, but still very oem and very very limited in frequency reproduction.Regarding the F-150 underseat subwoofer boxes, also check out: At higher volumes, the DSP equalization starts to compress frequencies in a truncated manor that just doesnt sound accurate. As good as some think it is.it causes more distortion than music. Its actually the opposite AND the big one, the DSP. To be over driven they would have to have MOE power than they can handle. My only complaint is that at high volumes, the OEM speakers in the doors are over-driven so I am going to replace all of the door speakers, tweeters and even the center channel with Infintiy Reference speakers to smooth out the sound at volumes I prefer with my rock music.This is not the case. But for the cost, I think it sounds better than most OEM "premium" systems. Is it as good as a full on custom audio build, no. I bought the Kicker PowerStage from Amazon (prime shipping to Alaska made it the best price) and it is easily 1,000x better than the stock sound system. Then I will be done with the audio in my truck. My next step is to finish the system out by replacing the center channel and the tweeters in the A-Pillars. But if you want a little more, replacing the door speakers helps. So, like I said before, the Kicker system makes the stock system fantastic.
The highs are crisp but not harsh and the mid-low range bass has a seamless transition where the 6x9's in the front doors and the subwoofer work in harmony. So, now I have speakers that the Kicker amp can drive without blowing them and the sound is much cleaner. The worst part for me was the installation of the 4-channel amp under the dash.Īlso, just an FYI, I replaced my front door speakers with Infinity REF-9623ix and the rear door speakers with Infinity REF6522IX speakers and those made 1000x improvement just like the Kicker system did to the stock audio. Wish me luck~!The installation is fairly straight forward. I will update with any install tips and my overall experience. Just ordered today from Stage3MotorSports, they had a decent price point and are throwing in a free Kicker Headphone which is fun (this promo lasts until March 31st 2017) So I am giving the Kicker VSS PowerStage a whirl.