Having had the Bravo for just over a week now I've come to the conclusion that the standard audio system, while nice and clever what with its USB port and B&M setup, doesn't come close to the upgraded Sony setup that I had in my Focus for sound quality.

It's not that the Bravo system is bad, but I've got used to having a stereo that goes loud, produces plenty of juicy bass and still sounds crystal clear. The Bravo stereo seems very fussy; with some songs it sounds severely short of low-end, yet a different track with the same EQ settings will have the bass distorting even at low volume

So, the question is, is this a limitation of the speakers or of the Bravo's head unit? If it's the latter then I'm pretty much stuffed as there's no way I'm replacing the HU (reasons being loss of B&M and steering wheel controls, making the dash look an arse and the fact that it'll be obvious when it gets serviced...).

Has anyone here had a go at replacing their speakers, if so...
(1) Is it possible to do it yourself without damaging the door cards?
(2) Did it make a useful difference to sound quality?
(3) What size drive units are needed, and any recommenations?


The other option I considered was to install a sub, but that brings complications with taking up space (would have to squeeze under the seat or in the space under the rear shelf support things as it's a work car and I carry a lot of kit) and running wiring (power supply, and probably would have to take high-level inputs from the speaker wiring unless the Bravo's HU happens to have line-level outputs... unlikely methinks!).

Any info/advice/word of wisdom appreciated!

It's not the head unit's fault, it's the speakers and lack of amplification.

as you can see in my thread, I have installed a big sub and amp in my car which delivers amazing sound quality now, but I didn't replace the speakers.

I already had the HIFI option which has better speakers and a sub all amped, I just disabled the factory sub and put a bigger one with its own amp.

If you want good sound, there's no other way than getting better speakers, a sub and amp everything.

And HERE I will agree with Tad. One member of Polish forum did it - changed everything.

Does the standard unit have a line-out though, or would JonnyBoy need to get hold of a HIFI headunit?

1) Can the standard head unit take louder/upgraded speakers

2) Its interesting to see alot of new bravo owners have come from a Focus, including myself.

Hellcat said:

Does the standard unit have a line-out though, or would JonnyBoy need to get hold of a HIFI headunit?

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it doesn't have a line out but you can take the signal from the speakers cables, most amps have speakers input in case there are no preamp outputs in the headunit.

another thing to know is that the standard speakers are not heald by screws, but are riveted to the door... makes the upgrade a little more complicated.

Tad-bravo said:

it doesn't have a line out but you can take the signal from the speakers cables, most amps have speakers input in case there are no preamp outputs in the headunit.

another thing to know is that the standard speakers are not heald by screws, but are riveted to the door... makes the upgrade a little more complicated.

Click to expand...

pop rivets?

a drill will sort that out

yes you have to drill the rivets to remove the standard speakers.

I don't fancy drilling things on a new car, I'm glad I didn't have to.

after doing some testing, the factory HU has quite a lot of noise on it, specifically, hiss

Tad-bravo said:

yes you have to drill the rivets to remove the standard speakers.

I don't fancy drilling things on a new car, I'm glad I didn't have to.

Click to expand...

Drilling rivets is actually an extremely simple job. Also they will stop vibration unlike screws that will vibrate loose.

Only thing with having rivets is that you need the tools to put new ones in