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Aftermarket Sound Systems, noise cancelling & tech package

9.4K views 41 replies 20 participants last post by  Evolvd  
#1 ·
hey guys, I was reading some articles about how the gt500s have mics inside of the vehicle that cancel out unwanted sound ect.
I was jw if this occurs for both the tech package and the non tech package?
furthermore, ive heard the BO sound system is not quite up to snuff for the $3000 upgrade, any opnions on this? Also, Nav isnt important and the puddle lights in my opinion are cool but not necessary for me.

My strategy would be to put that money into some aftermarket sound whilst adding dynamat instead of adding the tech package. Will the vehicle cease to noise cancel ? i plan on keeping a factory radio , then adding amps and a device for better tuning the sound. I want the ride to be as quiet/factory as possible when cruising but also have the ability to bang some tunes.

Does anyone have opinion or experience with these systems/upgrading?
 
#3 ·
The biggest issue would be integrating aftermarket into the Ford system. I’m not familiar with Ford, but if it’s anything like Dodge’s UConnect, it can be a headache and flakey during use on occasion. Head unit compatibility and steering wheel control issues to name a few. There is something to having a nice factory fit and finish with no “spliced in harnesses”. With that said, if you’re an audiophile like me you’ll be sorely disappointed with the BO system. I’ve had Dodge’s for the last 15 years and the latest iteration of UConnect/Harmon Kardon sound system absolutely blows away the mYsync/BO system. I was sorely disappointed at the sound quality. I’ve installed custom systems in many vehicles and have one now in my old E39 M5, but have stayed away from touching these newer vehicles because of how the head unit is engaged with the “ECU”. Is the BO better than stock? I imagine it is. Of course, you can build a much better system for the money. But I don’t know if it’s worth it in a track focused car like this one?
 
#4 ·
I just planned on keeping it simple. It’s amazing what you can do with an amp, 4
Speakers with tweeters and a small sub, and proper tuning even when going through a factory radio. That’s what I’ve done in the past with my cars and has worked great. I was thinking if the tech package is worth it and the BO system is good I’d leave it alone but I was hearing it’s just OK. Wanted to confirm either way. I have the BO in the 19 raptor.. it’s just alright I guess. Not bad but not impressive. Was hoping to get the best value and if I can save the 3 grand I could put the money elsewhere or in something aftermarket and simple.
 
#5 ·
Personally I hate everything about the tech package except for the blind spot monitors. I wanted to skip it, but ordered it for those. The stereo is fine, but nothing is going to overpower the enjoyment of the exhaust
 
#6 ·
Ye

Yes good point I have felt that way also about the exhaust , I noticed in my raptor I’m not fully in love with the blind spot monitors and do prefer the small Mirrors of trucks.. Maybe I’m not training myself to fully trust the yellow light. I still feel I have almost ran over someone when switching lanes on my drivers side a couple times even with the monitors going lol
 
#8 ·
Well if you are just looking at replacing speakers and running output through additional amps you could probably get away with something.
I don't know where the mics are or how they integrate into the system to know if that would mess anything up.

However --- the noise cancelling system operates even with the radio off.
The way it works is it listens and plays matching opposite waves back to cancel out the undesirable sounds.
So if you amp the output of the noise cancelling, would the mics be able to understand and compensate? Or would you end up blasting the harmonics that it's designed to cancel at a higher power than the original --- that would, I assume, mean your speakers would be constantly producing the sound that it's designed to get rid of --- because it would no longer match and cancel.
 
#9 ·
hey guys, I was reading some articles about how the gt500s have mics inside of the vehicle that cancel out unwanted sound ect.
I was jw if this occurs for both the tech package and the non tech package?
furthermore, ive heard the BO sound system is not quite up to snuff for the $3000 upgrade, any opnions on this? Also, Nav isnt important and the puddle lights in my opinion are cool but not necessary for me.

My strategy would be to put that money into some aftermarket sound whilst adding dynamat instead of adding the tech package. Will the vehicle cease to noise cancel ? i plan on keeping a factory radio , then adding amps and a device for better tuning the sound. I want the ride to be as quiet/factory as possible when cruising but also have the ability to bang some tunes.

Does anyone have opinion or experience with these systems/upgrading?
Yes, the new GT500 has ANR built into the stereo:


As for the B&O stereo, I am actually a fan. I crank up the hard rock/metal and dig the sound!
 
owns 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 CFTP
#15 ·
As I understand it, the tech package also includes the blind spot indicators and the cross-traffic alert. I have both of these in my truck and while they were part of a "package" and not individually priced, I find them both to be awesome features I'd sooner have than not. I've not driven a later mustang, but my Shelby leaves a lot to be desired in determining what's beside you or behind you. And yes, I'm old too, dammit. As for upgrading the sound system, perhaps if the car itself had a "tomb like" cabin where it could be enjoyed, but it would be a waste of time and effort in my current car. It emits too much road and exhaust noise to appreciate some level of sound quality.
 
#17 ·
I like the blind spot indicators, but I do wish it also had the blind spot mirrors my '13 did --- the '20 has a fairly significant blind spot, and I like knowing that something's there - but I'd also like to know what. Not a big issue with people passing me, but we have assholes here that like to hang out in blind spots. I've had issues getting used to the lights coming from a car with the mirrors -- my wife on the other hand, coming from a car with neither has taken to the lights much better --- and the Expedition has a blind spot the size of a small town.

I honestly think the bo in my gt500 sounds pretty good. Pretty good is relative to what you have heard in the past and what your expectations are though. I think overall it works well and plays clearly and cleanly enough in my high performance sports car so I’m happy with it. Understand that I have a Bowers and Wilkens system in my bmw x7 m50i which obviously is way way better but that was a stand alone 3400 dollar option just for the sound system. So I mean for three grand in the tech package asking with the bo I’m happy with it. 😁
Agreed -- for me the BO system isn't the best sounding system that I've had --- in some ways I liked the sound from the Shaker system in my '13 better. However for me it's acceptable. It can still drown out the engine with the windows closed if I really want it to, and it plays both rock and classical music clearly. I did find it a bit bass heavy at first, but a little tweaking of the settings and now I've gotten used to it. But, I got the Tech Package for the other stuff --- the radio upgrade was just a bonus. And I have no experience with the base radio at all - so I don't know how it compares.
 
#16 ·
I honestly think the bo in my gt500 sounds pretty good. Pretty good is relative to what you have heard in the past and what your expectations are though. I think overall it works well and plays clearly and cleanly enough in my high performance sports car so I’m happy with it. Understand that I have a Bowers and Wilkens system in my bmw x7 m50i which obviously is way way better but that was a stand alone 3400 dollar option just for the sound system. So I mean for three grand in the tech package asking with the bo I’m happy with it. 😁
 
#22 ·
Nothing worth mentioning here about the BO system (it's fine, I have the tech package), just chiming in on the Rush thing. LOVE RUSH!! Seen'em a number of times and have all their albums. RIP Neal, miss your inspiration and talent. 🤟 🤟 :cry:
 
#23 · (Edited)
I just had an aftermarket system put into my 2021. I can't necessarily explain everything the installer did, but I can tell you that this is the best sounding car I've ever had and it's not close.
The car is my DD, and if I'm driving in traffic music is a godsend. Go Rush!

If you want to get sound you'll be happy with, you must take the factory amp out of the signal path. Rockford Fosgate make a product called the DSR1 that was used in my car. I put a sub in the trunk, lots of Dynamat, and took out the rear speakers to let more bass in the cabin. I have components in the doors and all run by a 5 channel amp.

You might wind up spending more than 3K depending on your equipment, but if you get a good installer,
the sound quality will I'm sure put the B and O system to shame.
 
#31 ·
Did you have any issues after you got your system installed? I recently just got a system in mine, and after picking it up it is making a weird muffled exhaust sound that is playing through the door speakers. The stereo shop said there is a factory code that the dealership has to turn off in order to stop the sound. I’m wondering if anyone else is having this issue, or if something is just hooked up wrong. I spent a lot of money and this is also my daily driver, and this sound is driving me insane. Thanks!
 
#26 ·
Hysterical! 🤣
 
owns 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 CFTP
#28 ·
I am personally quite pleased with the tech package stereo in my 2020. It sounds great and the interface with the screen and Apply Car Play is excellent! If you decide to add some aftermarket goodies, I would just do amps/speakers so you don't lose the interface with the screen and steering wheel controls.
 
owns 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 CFTP
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#33 ·
For those of you with the B&O I will be doing a full system build and will document it including how I pulled the signal, what products I use, and any issues I may run into. My goal is to have a completely revamped system and a good how-to for anyone else wanting to change their audio system.
 
#34 ·
RUSH is that band you think you want to listen to but then realize, you just wanted to hear a couple songs or drum solos, lol. Every time I put on All The Worlds a Stage, those vocals pierce through my ears like little knives stabbing me. It always ends up with a migraine. lol

I think my base model 16 GT sounded better than the B&O in my Shelby.

..sorry about the toes guys, lol. :p
 
#42 ·
How much do you want to spend? Audio Control makes amps with built in high-level inputs so you won’t need an LOC. But, if you go that way you’ll want to tap into the front speaker wires. You could also install a PAC Audio Amp Sub Pro. It’ll pull a flat signal and give you the option to run a toslink optical cable to the amp vs an RCA set.
AmpPRO SUB Advanced Amplifier Interface for Select Ford vehicles 2011-2019 with Sony systems and 8.4" radio - PAC

It says Sony system but it works for the B&O system as well. If you plan to upgrade the door and rear speakers then I’d go with this one which offers front and rear channel outputs as well as sub.
AmpPRO Amplifier Interface Module