Ive got the sony system in my fx2 and i want to replace all the speakers with my mb quart components powered by a punch amp and also install a sub or two. Im an ex audio competition guy and still a bit of an audiophile so Im not happy with just mediocre sound. Ive been looking into the integration processors and they all seem to have flaws from what ive read online but I have no personal experience with them. I like the oem look and convenience of the wheel controls, iphone syncing, etc but the sync system is difficult to learn. If I go aftermarket on the head unit, it will definitely be a double din dvd and most likely Pioneer. Either way I go will be an improvement over the sony crap but I wanted to get some opinions before heading either direction. Btw, as far as processors go Im looking at AudioControl LC8i, JL Cleansweep, Alpine Imprint, Rockford 360.1 or 360.2. Any experiences with these please let me know. If you have run into problems or dislikes replacing headunit or adding a processor, PLEASE let me know. Im getting an itchy trigger finger to get going on this install. Thanks!

 

You're an ex audio competition guy and you don't know the answer to this question?

The high-end aftermarket head units will do everything that SYNC will do, plus some, and provide you with better sound in the process...

There are modules to keep the steering wheel controls fully functional as well. I believe there's a kit that will retain your SYNC functionality, albeit separate from the head unit (and pointless, since the head unit will do it all).

There is an audio section on this forum - you'll find tons of great info in there about the different head units and their functionality with the new F150's...

For the record, I have two very close friends with complete after-market systems in their trucks (both based around the Pioneer AVIC head units). Each has two subs, amps, all new speakers and a head unit. Their trucks make the Ford system sound like a jam box from the 80's. No comparison whatsoever. I don't even have my truck yet (waiting for the '11 EB) and I already bought my Pioneer AVIC Z110bt (found a deal online that I couldn't pass up).

 

Ive been completely out of the audio scene for about 8 years now so no, Im not familiar with the quality of the current electronics. Im sure that the aftermarket headunit would be by far the best sound quality but again, I dont know how close I can get using a good processor and something like an AudioControl EQL since these processors were barely around at all when I was in it and I personally never installed one. But sorry, I shoulda posted in the audio section, I had a few too many beer when I posted this