Center audio sounds horrible

[markboris]

So any thread or video showing how to access the 12v/sub area that shows what properly needs to be removed or was the gasket the only extra thing he removed in that video?

Rick, this is a center channel thread. Sent you a DM and we can talk about the sub.

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[areacode413]

I'm kinda of jealous of you guys that had the very cool first car experience. My first motorized transportation was a 1972 Honda CB350 because that was all I could afford. My first car was a base model 1975 VW Rabbit with no power anything and an AM only radio that had a single built in speaker. This sound system (if you want to call it that) was commonly referred to as the boombox. I loved that car anyways and it proved to be nearly indestructible.

So yes, the stock premium system in the Mach-E sounds very nice on its own. But can it be improved with reasonable time and expense (and of course "reasonable" is highly subjective)? I'm now convinced that it can. Even if the cost/time/ benefit analysis was a loser, I'd still probably do it, because I'm just a nerdy guy who loves a project and can't help but modify everything I own.

Ahlarict, that Mustang II Ghia is gorgeeous!

In Yoda speak, “the urge to tinker is strong with this one”. I totally get that. It takes all my will not to install a dashcam in my MachE because I don’t want to butcher the trim.

 

[Buh-Bye Tesla]

In Yoda speak, “the urge to tinker is strong with this one”. I totally get that. It takes all my will not to install a dashcam in my MachE because I don’t want to butcher the trim.

Not to stray off topic but the Fitcamx dash cam is extremely easy to do. Probably takes longer to set up the app than the actual installation.

“Easy to install, it is”

 

[TheSeg]

I did the center speaker mod using Kenwood eXcelon KFC-X3C, but hit a snag.

Running my DTC check, I am always getting a `B1A02:13-0B` circuit short error. Speaker is working when I attach speaker wires from a different receiver outside of the car. But when installed it's much lower volume in comparison to the other speaker volumes.

Is there anything else I should via settings or otherwise, or is this truly a valid error?

 

[Buh-Bye Tesla]

Lose the crossover. It’s already receiving a proper signal.

 

[TheSeg]

Lose the crossover. It’s already receiving a proper signal.

To be 100% sure: You mean the black blob of wrapped capacitor?

 

[Buh-Bye Tesla]

Yes

 

[StuMc]

Lose the crossover. It’s already receiving a proper signal.

That is correct. If you are just replacing the center speaker and connecting it with the stock speaker wires, then you do NOT use the crossover module that comes with the Kenwood speakers.

 

[MachhE-CT]

I find the system nicely balanced but I am not a fan of current day music with a super heavy bass. Give me Jack Cassidy , Geddy Lee, or Jack Bruce. The Mach E sound system sounds great with these guys

 

[TheSeg]

Installed and still getting B1A02:13-0B.

But a wrinkle: One of the contacts in the plastic adapter slipped out while I was soldering, but was able to get it back. I'm getting radio audio just fine, but the system based audio is not happening through that speaker at all.

Any thoughts?

 

[StuMc]

Installed and still getting B1A02:13-0B.

But a wrinkle: One of the contacts in the plastic adapter slipped out while I was soldering, but was able to get it back. I'm getting radio audio just fine, but the system based audio is not happening through that speaker at all.

Any thoughts?

I see the black tube crossover network that comes with the Kenwood speaker, but what is the plastic piece with circular nub that you have soldered to the end? That doesn't look like anything I saw in my installation. If the speaker plays when attached to another source and doesn't play at all when attached the car's front end, you may have shorted out the center channel when doing your initial installation. More likely, you have a poor connection to the center channel plus and minus wires coming from car system. Switch the system from stereo to surround a few times to make sure it is not playing at all.

 

[TheSeg]

Sorry for the false alarm! I'm clear of DTCs now.

Having the car off for about 30 minutes and then testing again solved everything, including system beeps from touching SYNC buttons. Lesson learned!

 

[Aahhcc11]

Sorry for the false alarm! I'm clear of DTCs now.

Having the car off for about 30 minutes and then testing again solved everything, including system beeps from touching SYNC buttons. Lesson learned!

How does it sound now?
And are you changing out any of the others as well?

 

[TheSeg]

How does it sound now?
And are you changing out any of the others as well?

I can actually listen to the stereo again! Though I worry if I have to replace it ever again, I'll need to buy the OEM part only to get a replacement plug.

My goal was only to replace what was broken, not a full rebuild of the speaker system. I'm not that picky about sound in the car, but I do want to enjoy what I listen to.

 

[OH2AZ2OH]

I just swapped out my center speaker with the Kenwood. Imaging/sound stage is definitely improved. I think the mid range sounds better, too.

The price for the speaker 2-packs are now $99 pretty much everywhere I checked. I did find a solo speaker on ebay, I'm guessing from someone who did this swap on a MachE or some other vehicle that can use the same center speaker.

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