Long-Time Gainesville Client Upgrades Ford F-250 Stereo

A long-time client of Sound Depot and Performance recently dropped by the shop  to inquire about upgrading the stereo system in his new 2020 Ford F-250. Even though the truck came with the factory Bang & Olufsen system, he wanted something that was a clear step above what Ford could muster. It had been awhile since we last saw the client, so our team worked through the product selection process with him to ensure he’d get the solution he wanted.

NAV-TV Factory Radio Integration and Amplifiers

The amplifiers fit perfectly behind the rear seat.

The stock radio was retained for the source unit.

A remote level control was added to the left of the steering column.

We started the project with a NAV-TV ZEN-A2B audio interface to ensure the new equipment we planned to install was going to receive the most-accurate signal possible. The interface extracts a full-bandwidth, time-coherent stereo signal from the factory radio, essentially turning it into an aftermarket radio in terms of connecting it to new amplifiers.

We used a pair of AudioControl amplifiers to power the new sound system. A D-6.1200 six-channel amp powers the new front speakers and the rear doors while an LC-1.800 powers the subwoofer. The six-channel can produce up to 125 watts per channel, and the sub amp is good for 800 watts. We added an ACR-1 remote control to the sub amp and mounted it on the left side of the steering column. The client can use this remote control to adjust the bass level to suit his taste quickly and easily.

We mounted the amplifiers and the NAV-TV integration processor to a carpet-wrapped panel that bolts to the back wall of the truck.

Premium Speaker Upgrade

The front speakers were upgrade with the incredible Morel Elate drivers.

The rear doors featured Morel coaxial speakers.

A key component in improving the audio performance of this truck was the new Morel Elate Titanium 602 speakers that the client chose. This amazing speaker set includes a pair of 6.5-inch woofers that feature a one-piece cone and a low-mass aluminum voice coil wrapped around a titanium former. The tweeters from the set use a large 1.1-inch silk dome that is treated with Morel’s Accuflex coating for improved high-frequency performance.

Our team created a set of mounting adapters for the 6.5-inch woofers that let them bolt the woofers into the door without the need for new hardware. We mounted the tweeters in the stock A-pillar location. We treated the inner and outer door skins with a layer of MESA Mat sound-deadening material to help reduce wind and noise transfer into the vehicle.

For rear speakers, we used a set of Morel Hybrid Integra 602 coaxial speakers in the back doors. The doors received similar mounting adapters and were also treated with a layer of MESA Mat damping material.

Custom Under-Seat Pickup Truck Subwoofer Enclosure

This stunning enclosure features a Ford emblem accent.

The mixture of materials used on the enclosure looked beautiful

Our fabricators did a perfect job fitting the enclosure under the seat.

The client wanted good, solid bass in the truck. After talking over a few design options, we set one of our lead fabricators, Brian,  loose on a custom enclosure that would fit under the rear seat. Constructed from MDF, the enclosure is angled to follow the seat bottom, while still providing adequate air volume to let the pair of JL Audio 10TW3-D8 subwoofers play nice and low.

Brian added four sculpted lines to the trim around the enclosure before creating a unique mount for a chrome Ford badge. We painted the trim around the badge with silver paint to mimic the brushed aluminum trim on the dash. To say that it turned out spectacular might be an understatement.

Ford F-250 Stereo System Tuning

Tuning the system was the last step before delivery to the client.

Once all the equipment was installed and configured, we set up our Real-Time Analyzer (RTA) microphone and laptop to configure the settings in the digital signal processor (DSP) built into the D-6.1200 amplifier. After adjusting the delays, output levels and equalization for each speaker in the vehicle, we gave the system a quick listen to ensure the imaging, staging and overall tonal balance were perfect. The client returned to the shop after several days of work, anxious to hear his new audio system. He was thrilled with the sound and loved the clean and integrated look for the installation.

If you are interested in upgrading the audio system in your pickup truck, drop by Sound Depot and Performance in Gainesville and speak with a member of our team. You can also reach us by phone at 352-374-7700 or by e-mail using the contact page on our website.