Very poor bass in stock XLT audio

[sajurcaju]

2023 Lightning XLT
Context: I'm retired. I like music, but not in the sense of booming teenage rock. I'm after realistic, decent audio, and I'm not one of those audiophiles you read about.

The stock audio overall isn't impressive; it's ok but definitely not great. The bass, however, is awful. It reminds me a lot of what came out of the stock 6x9 (cheap) speaker in my 67 Mustang. Sort of like it's coming from inside a barrel with added notes of beating on a cardboard box.

Any easy fixes and guides?

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[Heliian]

Ford sells a subwoofer kit for the f150 series:
https://www.ford.com/product/audio-...w-not-compatible-with-23my-raptor-p2767591159

Check fitment.

 

[21st Century Truck]

Ford sells a subwoofer kit for the f150 series:
https://www.ford.com/product/audio-...w-not-compatible-with-23my-raptor-p2767591159

Check fitment.

I also have the XLT and also looked at (read about) the Ford Accessory Kicker subwoofer. Some good info about it on the 14Gen F150 forum. BLUF: reviews I read about it aren't good.

I added the SoundsGoodStereo.com door block-off plates over the doors' clear plastic vapor seals (the vapor seals' black edge goo provides a good seal for the door block-off plates)... THAT was an immediate and inexpensive improvement all around.

After some weeks, I then changed out the OEM cheapo door speakers for JL 6-inch door speakers from Crutchfield and these, combined with the block-off plates, made the sound really good. C3 series convertible speakers in the front, and C1 series speakers in the rear. Good quality speakers like these, though, will cost a penny or three.

For the OP, I recommend starting with the door block-off plates and then evaluating the improvement for some weeks. Good Luck!

 

[sajurcaju]

Heliian, I suspect a subwoofer wouldn't fix the original problem. Don't they just add to the system, on top of the bad sound? 21st, I will look into this, sounds good, so to speak.

 

[Heliian]

There's 8 million aftermarket systems out there. You want more bass, add a sub, add better speakers.

Since behind the seat is limited in space you could build a cabinet for under the seat.

You'll need an amp too probably as I don't think the xlt stereo has the drive.

 

[3rdgenfan]

My stock XLT stuff got swapped out with an entire SoundsGoodStereo setup, but I'd say if you get one of the powered subwoofers from Kenwood or JL where you can just slide it under the seat, or wedge it behind the back seat it'll do just fine with the stock speakers. Others have replaced the stockers with different brands and no other changes making a difference.

All depends on what budget you'd want to throw at this.

 

[Andrewbens]

I also have the XLT and also looked at (read about) the Ford Accessory Kicker subwoofer. Some good info about it on the 14Gen F150 forum. BLUF: reviews I read about it aren't good.

I added the SoundsGoodStereo.com door block-off plates over the doors' clear plastic vapor seals (the vapor seals' black edge goo provides a good seal for the door block-off plates)... THAT was an immediate and inexpensive improvement all around.

After some weeks, I then changed out the OEM cheapo door speakers for JL 6-inch door speakers from Crutchfield and these, combined with the block-off plates, made the sound really good. C3 series convertible speakers in the front, and C1 series speakers in the rear. Good quality speakers like these, though, will cost a penny or three.

For the OP, I recommend starting with the door block-off plates and then evaluating the improvement for some weeks. Good Luck!

did you run a amp for your door speakers?

 

[butterfb]

I went a little crazy with my XLT, i added the block off plated noted before, i also added sound deadening to the inside of the doors, then added an amp and 2 12's in a box under the seat. Will be replacing the speakers in the door next, but so far very happy even with the stocks.

 

[21st Century Truck]

did you run a amp for your door speakers?

I'm about to put one in... received it some weeks ago.

For my 6-speaker non-B&O XLT, the Crutchfield team advised a small, narrow JL MX 280/4 amp which'll go behind the center screen & radio components in the dash, along with their Metra plug & play passthrough wiring loom for Ford F150 trucks (and similar cars), part # PAC LPHFD31 LocPro Advanced T-Harness.

2+ years ago I replaced the Mach E's Ford OEM garbage amp with this same amp, to great effect. My Mach E was one of the higher end B&O trims. This little JL amp just woke those OEM speakers right up.

To be continued...

 

[Andrewbens]

I'm about to put one in... received it some weeks ago.

For my 6-speaker non-B&O XLT, the Crutchfield team advised a small, narrow JL MX amp which'll go behind the center screen & radio components in the dash, along with their Metra plug & play passthrough wiring loom.

2+ years ago I replaced the Mach E's Ford OEM garbage amp with this same amp, to great effect. My Mach E was one of the higher end B&O trims. This little JL amp just woke those OEM speakers right up.

To be continued...

Let me know how it works out. I have a spitter behind my head unit for my 2 12s in the back. I also have a XLT

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