[d3mon]

Hi,

I have searched the forum high and low, but I couldn't find a thread that talks about upgrade options for a SYNC equipped Ford.

I got a Figo Aspire (Titanium+) last week and while the stock system is excellent (for a stock system), I know I'll be tempted to upgrade soon, especially given the fact that I have some ICE equipment lying around from my previous car.

I have a powered Rockford Fosgate Sub (R300-10), a 4-ch Blaupunkt amp (Don't remember the model number) & a pair of Rockford Fosgate Prime 6.5" components.

Few questions:

1) What's the most OEM way to integrate the amplifier (for the front speakers) and the subwoofer without cutting any wires?
Does the SYNC head unit have any pre outs (Asking for too much? )

2) What size are the stock speakers in the Aspire?
I have asked the dealer and Ford's customer care, but no one seems to have a clue. I suspect it's smaller than 6.5" - probably a 5.25", but I need to confirm before I buy a replacement set or reuse my existing 6.5" components.

Thanks!

Pic from the official T-BHP review:

[arunphilip]

Originally Posted by d3mon

1) What's the most OEM way to integrate the amplifier (for the front speakers) and the subwoofer without cutting any wires? Does the SYNC head unit have any pre outs (Asking for too much? )

Ford India are selling the Kenwood KSC-SW11 active (a.k.a. powered) subwoofer as an official accessory: http://www.india.ford.com/cars/figoa...=1249164135867

The description for this states "Comes with Ford approved connectors"

Moreover, when I look at the product description page and user manual for the KSC-SW11, I see that it supports two methods of connection:

• Via the speaker wires
• Via RCA cables

While there's no indication as to which of these outputs are present in the head unit of the Aspire, the information should reassure you that its one of these.

Here are the connection diagrams from Kenwood (not Ford) for each input type:



You might want to consider products like this:

• Add-On Amplifier Interface with 24-Pin Connector: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001709QFW/
• Speaker Adapter for Select Ford Vehicles: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OAB6BW/

[d3mon]

Thanks arunphilip! That was an extremely helpful post.

Ford listing "Ford approved connectors" is a positive sign. I'll try to ask my dealer about the details for such a connector.

Have you performed any ICE upgrades on your Ecosport ?

[arunphilip]

Originally Posted by d3mon

Have you performed any ICE upgrades on your Ecosport ?

Nope! Not done any - I've not even added tweeters that many others have done

I'm not an audiophile, so the stock Ford system sounds excellent to my ears!

[samaspire]

Originally Posted by d3mon

2) What size are the stock speakers in the Aspire?
I have asked the dealer and Ford's customer care, but no one seems to have a clue. I suspect it's smaller than 6.5" - probably a 5.25", but I need to confirm before I buy a replacement set or reuse my existing 6.5" components.

I just installed speakers in my Aspire Ambiente and I can confirm that they are 6.5". I have posted the door innards pics in the Aspire thread.

[ajaypjayaraj]

Did anyone install the PnP Kenwood KSC-SW11 available at Ford dealerships in the new Figo? Would like to know the cost and details if anyone has done this upgrade. Thanks.

[d3mon]

I finally got my old sub (Rockford R300-10) installed in the Aspire. I let the OEM speakers be, as they are pretty good and can keep up with a dedicated sub.

Wires were spliced from the left rear door (farthest away from the driver) and sent to the high level input of the sub (it has a built in amp).
The good thing is that I have a plethora of options to fine tune this system.

1) Fader (HU)
Since the rear speakers hardly matter in the front, I can use this to tweak the level of the signal going to the sub.

2) Gain (sub)
My sub came with a remote gain control. I've got this wired up to the front of the car.

3) Bass boost (0-12db sub)
This has been set to zero, because the HU already applies some bass enhancement to suit the stock speakers.

4) LPF (35-150Hz sub)
Currently, this is set to about 80 Hz or so.

5) Phase (0/180deg sub)
The sub can choose 0 / 180 degree phase for better bass localization

5) Bass (HU)
The head unit has a slider for increasing / decreasing bass

6) DSP occupancy
The HU can optimize (Time align) for all passengers OR just for the driver.

Phew!!!

The aural pleasure in my car has gone up by several notches. Fine tuning of the system will continue, but I am pretty pleased with the current outcome

[samaspire]

I was waiting for this update. Congratulations on finally getting it set up.

[sumanbhokray]

Mod Note : There are several spelling & grammatical errors in your posts. This negatively affects the forum experience for other readers.

Kindly ensure that you proof-read your posts prior to submission. Also, it would be a good idea to use a spell-checker.

[COMMUTER]

Please help me with this one! I have a vague idea of reading elsewhere about a dedicated connector in the rear where we can connect rear view camera without splicing the wires and affecting warranty. I am planning to do so on my Figo 1.5D base.I badly want more info on that.

[samaspire]

Originally Posted by COMMUTER

Please help me with this one! I have a vague idea of reading elsewhere about a dedicated connector in the rear where we can connect rear view camera without splicing the wires and affecting warranty. I am planning to do so on my Figo 1.5D base.I badly want more info on that.

I do not think they have a connector in there now. What they mean is that they will use ford connectors when you fit it at the dealer's, without splicing the wires.

[COMMUTER]

Thank you Samaspire, I thought that there is a connector that can be accessed by the accessory store guy to plug in the rear view camera's power socket without splicing any wire or tapping the rear reverse lamp.

It looks like I have mistaken and I need to ask the accessory guy to tap the reverse lamp to install the reverse camera.
Thanks for the help.

[Blow Horn Ok]

I own a pre facelift aspire which used to come without sync function. For a head unit change, what would be the best? A fascia and a branded touch screen system or a non branded android system? Which will fit the best and what the pros and cons?

[SaiSW]

Originally Posted by Blow Horn Ok

I own a pre facelift aspire which used to come without sync function. For a head unit change, what would be the best? A fascia and a branded touch screen system or a non branded android system? Which will fit the best and what the pros and cons?

Bumping old thread..

Did you change it eventually? Which unit did you go for?

Thanks,

Sai

[Blow Horn Ok]

Originally Posted by SaiSW

Bumping old thread..

Did you change it eventually? Which unit did you go for?

Thanks,

Sai

Living with the OEM system and have no more plans to change.