11 Mar
Car Audio

Can I Fit a Subwoofer to My Dual Cab Next Gen Ford Ranger?

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If you’re looking to add some serious bass to your Next Gen Ford Ranger, you’re in luck! Yes, you can absolutely fit a subwoofer to all models of the dual-cab Next Gen Ford Ranger. However, if your Ranger comes with the premium Bang & Olufsen (B&O) sound system, there are a few additional considerations to ensure the best possible sound quality.

Subwoofer Integration with the B&O System

For those with the B&O sound system, it’s important to understand that the factory amplifier in these models comes with its own built-in equalization. This equalization can affect the output signal to your subwoofer, potentially leading to a less-than-ideal bass response.

To counteract this, you’ll need a solution that can flatten the signal before it reaches your amplifier. This is where a Digital Sound Processor (DSP) comes in. A DSP, like the Helix or Alpine processors, can be used to adjust the signal and ensure that your subwoofer receives the right input for optimal performance. Alternatively, you can opt for the PAC AmpPRO AP4-FD31, which is designed specifically to integrate with the factory B&O system. However, this solution will require you to replace the amplifier that powers the factory speakers.

The PAC AmpPRO is an ideal solution if you’re planning a full system upgrade, including a 6-channel amp/DSP combo, to enhance the performance of both your subwoofer and your factory speakers.

AV Concept’s Subwoofer Solution for the Next Gen Ranger

At AV Concept, we’ve developed a custom subwoofer solution specifically designed for the Next Gen Ford Ranger. Our setup includes dual shallow 10” subwoofers placed behind the rear seat. You might wonder, why behind the seat instead of under the seat? There are two main reasons for this:

  1. Storage Space: The under-seat area is often used for storage in a truck, and we didn’t want to take that valuable space away from you.
  2. More Output: We wanted to provide a solution that delivers more bass than a single 10” subwoofer. After 25 years in the industry, we’ve found that a single 10” sub often doesn’t provide enough volume for most customers, especially if they’re upgrading the entire system with amplified speakers. By using dual 10” subwoofers, we ensure you get a fuller, more powerful sound that will truly enhance your driving experience.

Conclusion

Whether you have the standard audio setup or the premium B&O system, adding a subwoofer to your Next Gen Ford Ranger is definitely possible. If you’re aiming for the best performance, especially with a B&O system, integrating a DSP or replacing the factory amplifier is key. And with AV Concept’s dual 10” subwoofer solution, you can enjoy deep, rich bass without sacrificing storage space or performance.

Looking to take your audio setup to the next level? AV Concept has the perfect solution for your Ranger, and we’re here to help you every step of the way!

17 Feb
Car Audio, Home Theatre

How to choose a good Amplifier. Which amplifier would you buy?

Amplifier 1

-@ 4 Ohm 4 x 150 watts

-signal-to-noise 112 dB (A-weighted)

-total harmonic distortion (THD) < 0.007%

-damping factor > 1000

 

Amplifier 2

– @ 4 Ohm 4 x 200 watts

-signal-to-noise 100 dB

-total harmonic distortion (THD) < 1%

-damping factor > 80

 

Many years ago, consumers were generally knowledgeable about looking for the RMS (Root Mean Square) power rating on an amplifier, which indicated the “supposed” continuous output power. However, amplifier manufacturers seeking to sell products based on impressive numbers rather than actual quality took advantage of this.

As a result, the RMS rating no longer served as an “apples for apples” comparison. Without a clear understanding of what various specifications meant, consumers could easily be misled.

To address this issue, a standard called CEA-2006 was created. This certification ensured that the RMS numbers were achieved in a consistent manner across brands. Unfortunately, the standard did not gain widespread adoption. Although a few quality brands embraced it, there was insufficient public education to help consumers understand the significance of these ratings.

Understanding amplifier specifications remains crucial for making informed purchasing decisions. It’s important for consumers to delve deeper into the technical details and not rely solely on RMS ratings or other seemingly impressive figures. By doing so, they can better assess the true performance and quality of an amplifier.

So what are we looking for ?

 

THD

Frequency response

Operating Voltage

(there are many more, but this is basic review)

 

THD – Total Harmonic Distortion – should be a rated output power.(not 80%, 30% of rated power)  we are looking for numbers of one 1 percent or lower, but the lower the better. There is no use having 10 % THD, this will cook speakers and is not listenable.

 

Frequency Response – what range of frequencies are being used at rated power and how flat is the response or the amplifier across this range. As a minimum we want 20hz to 20khz because there is the “general range” of human hearing, yes there is a lot to discuss about this, but again basic review.

 

Operating Voltage – Most amplifiers have an acceptable range for input voltage Example 9 to 16 volts. Our cars (without engine running) will be around 12 volt, with engine running will be around 13.8 to 14.4, this voltage can influence the amps output power. So if the rated power is achieved at 12 volt, most will increase at 13.8. But if the amp is at 14.4, this is the very most it will output in the real world.

Now, is any of this an indication of how an amplifier will sound? No, but it may give you an indication of what that brand represents and how they are willing to manipulate figures to make their product appear better. You need to ask why a brand has to try so hard to make their amp look so good on paper. If you just build a good product, news will travel fast and the people that care will find you. So, going back to our original question. Which amp is better? It is clear to see. Amp 1 would be superior

 

13 Feb
Car Audio, Home Theatre

Would you take a Ferrari off road? Do I need a subwoofer?

Subwoofers are not purely for volume, for the same reason we use a 4wd for off road, we use a Ferrari for a race track. These vehicles are designed for specific jobs, regardless of how much you spend on a Ferrari it will not match even the cheapest 4wd off road and vice versa.

We use tweeters for higher frequency because they are fast and responsive but certainly can not move enough to create bass, we use midrange speakers (sizes from 2 inch to 6 inch) to reproduce slightly lower frequencies, things like vocals and mid bass. These are larger to deal with longer / lower frequencies. But these are still not capable of doing low bass. 

This is where your subwoofer comes in, nothing will hit the lows like a decent subwoofer. It’s all about designating jobs.

Customer :- I don’t want to be heard from blocks away, so I don’t think I need a sub.

A sub is not just for volume, it is there to achieve an even frequency response.

A simple break it down:-

Treble – Tweeters (there are some wide band mids that do an ok job as well)

Midrange – 2 inch to 6 inch

Mid Bass – 6 inch to 8 inch

Bass – 8 inch to 15 inch.

Obviously this is a basic interpretation, there are premium products that do some exceptional things, but none can reproduce a flat 30 hz note from a 3 inch speaker. (Yes this includes a brand we don’t need to mention, hint :- famous for small speakers in homes)