Hi guys,

The sound in the radio portion of the system sounds terrible compared to the bluetooth function, almost like there is something completely missing. I have verified the settings are the same in both the radio and bluetooth functions. I did some quick checks and the general consensus is the settings are different. Any ideas or recommendations?

Thanks.

Jeremiah

 

I know exactly what you're referring too...the satellite radio isn't that much better either. Honestly, I'm in my second F and I've already come to terms with it. The system was really made to run a 5.1 Dolby digital setup. Have you every tried popping in an action movie? The sound is simply awesome and well balanced for what it is. In fact the radio/satellite radio, remind me of when you're waiting in the movie theater before the previews hit the screen. The radio and propaganda sound so empty...lol...most of the sound is focused on the center channel on the dashboard...it's basically running a pro logic sound. With bluetooth its a lot cleaner. I have my F in the shop and found a personal preference that suits it quite well. I'll post once I get it back. But there's nothing wrong with your system. Standard IS models have a mono/stereo setup. Which makes the sound so much richer and pumping but not well balanced to the keen ear. Look at it this way...when you run a home theater system with 5.1 setup. The vocals mostly come out of the center and spreads the rest throughout the rest of the speakers. When you simply have two speakers and an amp. The sound comes out loud and rich. Anways I hope this makes sense.

 

It does, thanks. Look forward to seeing your settings.

 

Depending on what year your F is, turning off the 'surround sound' worked better for radio use. Spotify takes the bacon with the most crisp sound from Bluetooth.

 

My F is a 2010...I will try it and see what happens.

 

Hey @ least you get Bluetooth Audio. Lol. 08'er here, I can only use BT for phone functions. And I blew my ML subwoofer a few days ago. The joy! Anybody replace theirs with a free-air mount? 😲

 

As Zax posted the 5.1 sound is very good. DVD's play very well. As for other sources it's marginal.

 

For those with 08s, can you change the unit to a 2010+?

 

I concur, the radio/satellite radio are very poor. I have quite a few DVD-Audios and they play very well, definitely takes advantage of the 5.1 in our cars. It's just too bad that format is dead. Bluetooth plays pretty well, I can't complain there.

 

Thanks for all the replies, honestly don't plan on using the DVD functionality of the system.

 

Just curious if the system can play audio DVD'S, can it also play video DVD's?

 

4real. I have never used mine for an actual DVD... Maybe the 18 year old me would be flabbergasted.

"For those with 08s, can you change the unit to a 2010+?"
You can.... If your willing to fork out the cash.

 

Agreed popping in a movie the ML sounds awesome.

 

LOL I let my wife take my F out this weekend and she came and said
1. Damn the car is loud
2. your stereo sucks ( compared to her 2013 Sienna limited )

I had an LS460 before my ISF and even after 3 years of ownership the stereo would still blow my mind. Its a trade off for the sport.

 

Hey bud! Got the F back yesterday. Just like I mentioned I'll post my current settings. This is by no means the best setup or trying to imply that it is the best setup. Nonetheless, after different settings this is the one Ive come to terms with. IMO it's clean, clear, and just enough bass to still crank it up! DSP I leave both options on. Give it a world! I have a 2011.