Anyone underwhelmed by B&O system...

benk016

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I've had a few times so far where the sound didn't sound right. SXM the other day sounded like the volume on their end was turned up too loud and everything was distorting because of it. Streaming through Android Auto or HD Radio has been fine though.

I will say I do have the bug where my sound settings won't stick. Every time I get in the car they are set back to where they were initially.
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JCinTpa

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Definitely agree with all of that. The short answer I was going for is that the source of the music is extremely important.

I listen to Sirius regularly, but it does have bad compression, and some of the worst quality I've ever heard. They need an overhaul.
OK my Spotify downloads were at “automatic “sound quality I’m assuming this is probably less than great I’m going to reinstall at high-quality and see…
 

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So maybe it’s just me but is anybody else underwhelmed by the stereo system of the Mach E ? I’m convinced somethings not right. I’ve taken it to the dealer already once . The sound just doesn’t sound right at medium or higher volumes. It’s almost like a slight muffle just not clear. The dealer seems convinced I’m just being picky. They used a flash drive to show an example of the highest quality music and it did sound pretty great on the stereo but any other music medium… Unpluged CarPlay, plug-in CarPlay, satellite radio… Just sounds underwhelming. The dealer convincing me that satellite radio is going to sound worse and any unplugged streaming will also. But there’s no way that this stereo system sounds no better than a Honda. Am I missing something?
Listening to high quality usb drive audio, the system is pretty good. I am coming from a high end Bowers and Wilkins system that is much more powerful and way more expensive, and the difference is instantly noticeable, but better than the standard Harmon system. And yes, it is somewhat sort of muffled sounding in comparison, bot with a little EQ tweaking, it's not bad. I do find the audio quality of the speaker phone and spoken words talk radio better than the B&W system. I would have paid a couple thousand extra for a better system happily. But, for a stock premium system at no extra crazy cost, it will do just fine.

Now the interface on the radio and mp3 player is one of the worst I have seen lately. You can't even choose anything from a usb mp3 drive without using voice commands, or endless next, next, next. Insane. The navigation of whatever radio or audio you are looking for is bewildering. There is no logic in it and the system is set up not to let you scroll anything while driving. Not even your phonebook! (I've never seen that nonsense before) Too heavy handed. I'm not asking to sleep and drive ala Tesla, but geeze...
 
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Listening to high quality usb drive audio, the system is pretty good. I am coming from a high end Bowers and Wilkins system that is much more powerful and way more expensive, and the difference is instantly noticeable, but better than the standard Harmon system. And yes, it is somewhat sort of muffled sounding in comparison, bot with a little EQ tweaking, it's not bad. I do find the audio quality of the speaker phone and spoken words talk radio better than the B&W system. I would have paid a couple thousand extra for a better system happily. But, for a stock premium system at no extra crazy cost, it will do just fine.

Now the interface on the radio and mp3 player is one of the worst I have seen lately. You can't even choose anything from a usb mp3 drive without using voice commands, or endless next, next, next. Insane. The navigation of whatever radio or audio you are looking for is bewildering. There is no logic in it and the system is set up not to let you scroll anything while driving. Not even your phonebook! (I've never seen that nonsense before) Too heavy handed. I'm not asking to sleep and drive ala Tesla, but geeze...
What interface? Maybe that's why I can't figure it out. Plugged in the USB with mp3/flac on root & in folders. No indication anything is working on the central console. No cards show up. Is the only way via the voice commands? That seems wrong.
 


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The one I test drove sounded fine to me, however, it sounded like it needed some adjustments. My current Bose sounds better but I didn’t find it underwhelming.
 

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I agree, Ford should have put money into better speakers instead of the B&O branding. I'm sure most people will be perfectly happy with the B&O system in the Mach-E, but I found it a bit disappointing after all the hype from Ford and my dealer. To me, I find the highs somewhat offensive. Maybe if the Mach-E wasn't so damn quiet, I wouldn't notice.

I'll try FLAC files as other have suggested but I can say the same Spotify stream from my phone in a Model Y sounds just amazing. Does anyone know who makes Tesla speakers and if they will fit in the Mach-E?
What I read says that Tesla hired former B&O employees to make a system, probably using similar design and suppliers.

For cars that need to watch their weight, it's possible the speakers might have smaller magnets than desired. Just a change in speakers can make a big difference.

Ironically, people are generally listening to"less than CD" quality music on these things nowadays.

DVD audio disc or SACD are going to be even far better than compressed audio. It seems the generation of streaming listeners prefers convenience.
 

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I didn't see anyone mention SiriusXM while using the app vs. in-car radio. I hate the sound of the in-car radios for SiriusXM so I switched over to an app subscription years ago. The sound quality is much improved (similar to Spotify and Apple Music) and I don't have to worry about moving my subscription to my new car. I once left an old car active for over a year....

Switch to the app folks. It's superior in every single way (on-demand programming alone is reason enough). Control the app via CarPlay or Android Auto. I won't add a subscription to car radio ever again.
 

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What interface? Maybe that's why I can't figure it out. Plugged in the USB with mp3/flac on root & in folders. No indication anything is working on the central console. No cards show up. Is the only way via the voice commands? That seems wrong.
I found it under my profile button as the name of the drive. I plugged a mini drive in the usbc and a flash drive in the regular usb. Both then show up there. But the directories and search and sort criteria only show up as choices that work if you are stopped. That kind of limits you to voice commands as long as you can remember the name of the song etc. Otherwise, it's kinda useless. I feel like it's a overly cautious limitation to say the least. Not as bad as the phonebook one, but still bad. I wish there was some way around this. I'm sick to death of seeing "certain functions are unavailable while driving" That alone could push me to the Tesla. uggh
 

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I found it under my profile button as the name of the drive. I plugged a mini drive in the usbc and a flash drive in the regular usb. Both then show up there. But the directories and search and sort criteria only show up as choices that work if you are stopped. That kind of limits you to voice commands as long as you can remember the name of the song etc. Otherwise, it's kinda useless. I feel like it's a overly cautious limitation to say the least. Not as bad as the phonebook one, but still bad. I wish there was some way around this. I'm sick to death of seeing "certain functions are unavailable while driving" That alone could push me to the Tesla. uggh
Thanks, you would think something as simple as this doesn't require reading the manual or ask the forum.

I do not agree on the nanny state approach but can't really blame Ford. The US is fill with bottom feeder lawyers and people looking to make a quick buck and not take responsibility for their own stupid actions.
 

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My FE way sounds better than my previous Lincoln MKC. No problems here!
 

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Remove door panels and you will see that the speakers in this "premium: sound system are the same sad old cheap paper speakers that are put in most cars. Like Bose, B&O makes the system "premium" by the sound processing...such as it is. Garbage in gives garbage out pretty much if you are using SXM or music over bluetooth. Most (ALL?) the streaming services use highly compressed signal where you lose a lot of the highs and lows. Throw that into the system and out through cheap speakers and you get junk. That middle speaker also ruins the stereo recording aspect of most songs. I can't wait to get our MME and work on the sound system.

1) Disconnect middle speaker right away.
2) Replace all speakers with quality speakers
3) Upgrade or replace the Sub somehow in that limited space.
4) Maybe/probably upgrade the amplifier.

I have already been browsing around Crutchfield and planning on what to use. In the past I have mostly used Infinity speakers as they are pretty good while not costing you a years salary. There are some better choices out there now so will have to evaluate them all. We will still be limited as to what you can do with the installed head unit (can you still call it that?) But I am sure the system can be made to sound much much better.
 
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JCinTpa

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Remove door panels and you will see that the speakers in this "premium: sound system are the same sad old cheap paper speakers that are put in most cars. Like Bose, B&O makes the system "premium" by the sound processing...such as it is. Garbage in gives garbage out pretty much if you are using SXM or music over bluetooth. Most (ALL?) the streaming services use highly compressed signal where you lose a lot of the highs and lows. Throw that into the system and out through cheap speakers and you get junk. That middle speaker also ruins the stereo recording aspect of most songs. I can't wait to get our MME and work on the sound system.

1) Disconnect middle speaker right away.
2) Replace all speakers with quality speakers
3) Upgrade or replace the Sub somehow in that limited space.
4) Maybe/probably upgrade the amplifier.

I have already been browsing around Crutchfield and planning on what to use. In the past I have mostly used Infinity speakers as they are pretty good while not costing you a years salary. There are some better choices out there now so will have to evaluate them all. We will still be limited as to what you can do with the installed head unit (can you still call it that?) But I am sure the system can be made to sound much much better.
Please keep me posted as far as what you find and best recommendations as far as fit for the car. I think I am going to have to do some replacing and yes agree that front center speaker is just horrible.
 

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Make sure that you turn off the fake engine sounds since they play through the sound system.
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