Factory Stereo
The factory stereo and head unit was utilized to integrate a new aftermarket 5 channel amplifier for the basic 6 speaker system and we added a rear subwoofer. Because it’s a Bronco, all chosen components are marine grade (just in case).
Aftermarket Parts
Utilizing:
- NVX VADM5 v2 amplifier
- Polk DB+ 4″ speakers
- Polk DB 6501 (woofers and crossovers only)
- Polk DB 842 *” 4 ohm dual voice coil Subwoofer
- Custom 3d printed parts
- Mini Molex Connectors
- Forscan connector
Methodology
I wanted to maintain the factory unit look, feel, function, and have better sound quality. I identified the speaker wires out of the ACM and ran these straight into the NVX amp as a high side input. The amp didn’t require anything in particular to achieve this, just ran the wires straight into the line in. I did utilize a micro-molex connector to create a new harness for the inputs to avoid the RCA connections. The amp is smart enough to take all 4 channels of input and utilize this for the 5th channel subwoofer out. The outputs were plumbed right back into the factory speaker wires, again using mini-molex connectors.
The factory Audio Control Module is kept mostly stock or ability to go back to stock through the use of these connectors, if for any reason I wanted to remove the Amplifier, I just need to reconnect the connectors for the factory stereo.
Mounting was a bit of an issues, I utilized a 4ga power cable from the factory battery location through a Breaker into the cabin where a 4ga to 8ga splitter is located on a custom 3d printed mount. The 8ga is required to use the VADM5. I 3d printed a mount to go above the glove box where i learned quickly i had to use zip ties to get it to work properly, and later learned its very difficult to adjust and tune the amplifier if you ever need to make changes.
