What is Audiophile? was looking at new F150's and didn't ask the question when I was at dealer? Thxs

 

The audiophile is basically a subwoofer enclosure with an 8" sub and an amp. Not sure what power the amp is. I believe that it has separate tweeters, too. Mine has separate tweeters in the door. The audiophile also comes with speed compensating volume controls.

I have it and love the sound.

Here is a picture that I found (it's the black box under the rear seat):

 

Ford says the Audiophile System is AM/FM Radio w/in-dash 6 CD, Clock, 6 premium speakers plus 8" subwoofer, (340 watts Total Peak Power), RDS equipped, partitioned audio, and MP3 capability.

I read somewhere the premium system is similar to above, but only 4 speakers (160 watts Total Peak Power), and no subwoofer.

Now convert that to RMS power - I doubt it more than 18watts/channel and 85watts for subwoofer.

The speakers in the 2007 F150 premium radio system is plain basic speakers. Ford Parts sell them for $24.95 each, similiar to a $8 aftermarket speaker.

The audiophile system suppose to have better speakers. Try to price each item through your Ford Parts Counter and you're going to laugh at them.

Audiophile speakers for $218 pair (fronts)
Basic speakers for $49.90 pair (Rear)
Tweeters for $59.90 pair
Subwoofer and amp = $413.00

 

I agree.. This is a mass produced system that sounds ok for someone's mom or such. If you want the factory head unit for security then you can use a line level kit or Rockford Fosgate makes a killer kit. Use two seperate amps vs a 5 channel. Use 2ga from battery to distribution block and 6 or 8 to amps with 1mf stiffing caps on at least the low end. I have a 2003 f-150 screw with a clarion proseries from like 1998 a clarion passive dial eq for additional gain over the 5v put out from the h/u. The signal goes to a alpine 4-100 amp to run 8 seperates and a clarion 1000 digital for 2 10's under the rear seat and it slams. If you go aftermarket you don't have to spend 600-700 $ on head unit unless you just want flashy etc. Look for the highest signal to noise ratio, some type of variable equalization, and multiple rca outputs.. For the amps a fully regulated power supply will be easier on your electrical system but ultimately may not give you as much power. I was having issues with light flickering/muddy bass and found that although I have a alternator off of a ambulance it still was not enough. 145-152 amps at full draw through some music. If you spend your money wisely and take your time "look at crutchfield and onlinecarstereo for close outs" you can build a killer system for not a whole lot and it will last for many years.

 

Hello all,

Brand new here and looking forward to listening to all. I just bought an '06 and it hasn't even been delivered yet! I have been truck hunting for about a year now, and finally made the deal. I know the Audiofile is not the same as going to a custom sound shop, but it is better than the old Philco units from the 60's!!!

I would like to know who makes the radio for Ford and what the exact power specs are also. The dealership told me that if I just went with the premium radio and put a subwoofer in later, it would cost around $800 dollars!

So, is the radio different also? Too many questions!

This is my first foray into Ford territory in 25 years. I hope I did okay!

 

the head unit for the 06 is made by sony. Thats all I know. I don't understand why anyone says the audiophile is only ok. I can make my ears bleed with it. I don't see any quality issues with it and can't imagine spending good money on something that I can't see being THAT much better. I would like slightly more base, but then it starts to get away from the way the artist wanted it to sound IMO.

 

Audiophile is plenty good enough for me, long way from the AM radios from the 50's and 60's. Also big jump from the 4 track tape player I had in the 60's in my GTO. Besides what ever you buy now may be outdated next year or maybe nextweek.

 

chris1450,

I have heard the radio is a pioneer, where did you get your info?

I finally picked up ( ) my truck yesterday and it sounds goooood!!!!!

At some point I might want to upgrade the speakers, but if the radio has pre-outs, there is no reason to change out the HU. You can always add an amp for more and better bleeding! I'm with you, this Audiofile radio will get me a long way down the road!

 

For what it's worth, I have the Audiophile system in my truck, and I like it. That being said it will not win any contests. I just wanted something that sounded pretty good, and looked "factory clean".

 

I like mine too, it sounds pretty damn good to me. The sub has enough boom, it also will not disturb anyone if you have it cranked. just my .02.

 

My 2005 focus ST audiophile has the same radio, and the brocher says audio by sony on it. The speakers in the focus even say sony on them. But yes, the head unit is made by sony. The focus forums are good about audio and it is talked about there a lot. The only other manufacturer for ford radios that I know about is visteon.

 

Sony owns the rights to the word "audiophile", so it must be a Sony.

 

I agree the Audiophile sysytem in my 07 Scab sounds great, better than I had expected for a factory package. I was pleasently pleased that I opted for it. I may want to ungrade later the speakers, but for now I am jamin' and this is not my mom's system as someone pointed out

 

No, they are made by Visteon.

 

I have the Audiophile option and am very happy with it. It is easily the best factory system I have ever had.

I dont know how much it costs now, but in my 04 it was around a $500 option. I think for the money, it will not be easy to beat. Sure, you can put things in that sound better. No matter what you put in, there is always something better. It all comes down to how much money you are willing to spend.

For the price, it cant be beat though.