F150 Lightning Audio Builds (Anybody Done One?) Why Not?

[kvasiir]

Those both look like they should work fine. The NavTV is what's included in my soon-to-be-arriving kit. In my case it's the Pico 8 that does double duty of amp + DSP. I guess you could pick any combination of bit and pieces... are you planning to install as soon as your truck arrives?

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[TX_Gator]

Those both look like they should work fine. The NavTV is what's included in my soon-to-be-arriving kit. In my case it's the Pico 8 that does double duty of amp + DSP. I guess you could pick any combination of bit and pieces... are you planning to install as soon as your truck arrives?

Yeah, I think I’m going to start the upgrade pretty soon after I get the truck.

 

[GDN]

I’m in the planning phase on my audio upgrade and am already opportunistically picking up some components. My Lightning Lariat is scheduled for build this week.

I’m comparing solutions to convert the A2B digital audio signal to pre-amp RCA signal, while retaining the factory radio functionality and audible alerts.

Has anybody tried any of the A2B interface solutions? The effectiveness of the NavTV Zen A2B interface option is well documented for ICE F150s and it looks like a very reliable solution.

However, I am very intrigued by the offerings from Metra Axxess and Mobridge that combine the A2B interface with a built in DSP. Neither of these solutions seem to get much talk or publicity, but they look like an ideal ‘two birds with one stone’ option. I’m apprehensive to go with an unproven solution, but think I might roll the dice on one of them.

NavTV Zen
https://navtv.com/products/NTV-KIT889/zen-a2b-dsp6a-a2b.html

Metra Axxess
https://metra-static.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/INSTAXDSPX-A2B2_web.pdf

Mobridge
https://www.wirelessaircard.com/mobridge-da-g2-pro-a2b-ford/

Look like nice devices to do what you want. Many report great improvement even without DSP, but I'm a geek and got caught up in that part of it. Love the software and learning about tuning. I won't ever be good, but it is just about what I can learn. I've watched about 20 hours of the JL audio training sessions. Fun stuff.

 

[halo36]

I don't have the B&O setup, but I replaced the front speakers with Focal. It made a noticeable improvement. Focal (and others) make factory replacements for the 5x7", or whatever weird size, that Ford uses in the F-150. I actually had these speakers from a previous truck that I never installed. It was super simple. I purchased tweeter mounts from Sounds Good Stereo and after that, everything was basically plug & play. I do plan on adding a sub and might play around with an amp too. There are several out there that are compact and can use the speaker wires for power and signal. I have been involved with audio for decades and adjacent to 12V audio for most of that time, so I know those of you putting higher end systems in place will blow away the factory or this DIY setup. But these are easy things that most people can do on their own that can make real improvements.

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

I don't have the B&O setup, but I replaced the front speakers with Focal. It made a noticeable improvement. Focal (and others) make factory replacements for the 5x7", or whatever weird size, that Ford uses in the F-150. I actually had these speakers from a previous truck that I never installed. It was super simple. I purchased tweeter mounts from Sounds Good Stereo and after that, everything was basically plug & play. I do plan on adding a sub and might play around with an amp too. There are several out there that are compact and can use the speaker wires for power and signal. I have been involved with audio for decades and adjacent to 12V audio for most of that time, so I know those of you putting higher end systems in place will blow away the factory or this DIY setup. But these are easy things that most people can do on their own that can make real improvements.

Do you have a link to the tweeter mounts?

 

[kvasiir]

Do you have a link to the tweeter mounts?

Enjoy, please.

Edit:
Now that I've read closer, those might not be right. Send them a chat and I'm sure you'll get it squared away.

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

I'm trying to figure out a way to mount tweeters for the rear seats. Has anyone seen surface mounts that will work on the middle pillars?

 

[kvasiir]

I'm trying to figure out a way to mount tweeters for the rear seats. Has anyone seen surface mounts that will work on the middle pillars?

Isn't there an airbag in there? Be careful!

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

Isn't there an airbag in there? Be careful!

Is the airbag above or below the seat belt adjuster? I'd mount it where it isn't.

I'm not trying to create missiles to take out the rear seat passengers.

 

[kvasiir]

Yeah, I don't know - I hadn't really thought about it before you mentioned putting a speaker there. I guess you'll see when you take it apart.

 

[BennyTheBeaver]

Yeah, I don't know - I hadn't really thought about it before you mentioned putting a speaker there. I guess you'll see when you take it apart.

The Pro/XLT rear speakers are trash. The front sound pretty decent considering they are cheap paper cones. The problem with the rears is the highs get lost because of the mounting location and the bass/mids are super muddy. I swapped out the rears already for a some Infinity Reference speakers. Sounds like night and day for a $90 upgrade. Muddiness is gone but adding tweeters to the middle pillar would really take it to where I want it to be.

I have a lot of fond memories listening to music in the car with my Dad growing up. Life's too short to have crappy audio.

 

[halo36]

Do you have a link to the tweeter mounts?

I don't have a link. I just googled 2022 Ford F150 tweeter mounts. Sounds Good Stereo popped up and I ordered them. Worked like a champ.

 

[SoundsGoodStereo]

I'm trying to figure out a way to mount tweeters for the rear seats. Has anyone seen surface mounts that will work on the middle pillars?

Just stick with coaxials in the rear unless you're looking for just more volume, then more speakers the better. But if you want balance, less is more.

I don't have a link. I just googled 2022 Ford F150 tweeter mounts. Sounds Good Stereo popped up and I ordered them. Worked like a champ.

Appreciate it! So our 2021+ tweeter adapters fit the non-amplified trucks, not the B&O ones. On the B&O, the Focal Flax, Focal K2, and the Focal Inside snap right into place without an adapter.

 

[GDN]

Appreciate it! So our 2021+ tweeter adapters fit the non-amplified trucks, not the B&O ones. On the B&O, the Focal Flax, Focal K2, and the Focal Inside snap right into place without an adapter.

That confirmation is perfect timing, I put some Focal Flax and tweeters in yesterday (B&O 8 speaker system) - I did just that. I snapped the factory tweeter out and the new one was a perfect fit. I left the Focal grill on them as well to still protect them even more and it looked like it might be a little tight on the top, so that should be protecting any movement of the tweeter.

 

[SoundsGoodStereo]

That confirmation is perfect timing, I put some Focal Flax and tweeters in yesterday (B&O 8 speaker system) - I did just that. I snapped the factory tweeter out and the new one was a perfect fit. I left the Focal grill on them as well to still protect them even more and it looked like it might be a little tight on the top, so that should be protecting any movement of the tweeter.

We always remove the grille, but we do this every day on these trucks, so our comfort level is higher. Glad you used the perfect tweeter We are still working on a alternative solution for different tweeters, hopefully soon we will have something

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