Sony vs. B&O
 

I am wanting to order a 2019 F350 Lariat Ultimate and the dealer has found a similarly built 2018 that is available for a good price. The only difference between the model years is the stereo. Does anyone have any experience with both units? Am I better off going with the B&O with the 4G hotspot, or will the Sony system be fine?

For sound, they are going to be about the same. I like the hotspot, for my purposes, but it's a pretty expensive subscription after the free trial expires. I believe there are better alternatives for a WiFi hotspot.

Oh, and the Sony has a single disc CD player, while the B&O has none, if that matters to you.

My Lincoln MKS has the variable intensity multi-color ambient lighting. Oddly enough I set it on ice blue and it hasn't moved since. ;)

Thanks. It sounds like the price savings should be worth it. I'll see how well they'll deal on the 2018.

I`m not sure if they changed it for the 2019 SD but the B&O system in the 2018 is the same as the Sony system except for the B&O logo on the center channel speaker.
Even though they share the same cab, the B&O system in the SD`s are one generation behind the B&O system in the F150.

If you need or want confirmation, just contact PacAudio.

Also, with the 4G hotspot, after the trial period, you`ll have to pay out of pocket for service.

I believe there is a difference in the watts. I may be wrong but I am pretty sure the Sony has around 700 watts and the B and O has 1,000 (confident about the B and O).

I have the Sony in my 2017 and I just drove a F150 with the B and O for a week...there is a difference.

I added aftermarket speakers to my Sony and am now satisfied with the sound and added bass along with the much lower distortion at big volumes.

The new B and O is much closer to my Sony with aftermarket speakers. Much less distortion and drop off of treble and bass at louder levels. Crisper highs. Better bass.

Everything else being equal I would take the B and O every time over the Sony.

The 4g wi-fi service is actually pretty reasonable. Its offered through ATT and its $25/mo unlimited data. You can have up to 10 devices I think paired to truck at once. It's not unreasonable if you are in the truck a lot and like to stream things and the service seems pretty decent.

I wonder if ATT offers an aftermarket modem and service for the same kind of price. I'll have to check into that.

What is the difference between having 4G WiFi in your truck and unlimited data, via your cell phone (hot spot)?? I'm impressed by the number of audiophiles on this forum. My super duty has Sony. I still play CD's (yeah, old school). My Sony sounds fine...as you might imagine...LOL

I haven't heard the Sony system but the B&O is quite acceptable for a brand new truck. Sound starts getting distorted around 18 Volume and over with the bass set almost to max. The range is clear but not enough base or loudness for me.
Go with the 2019 tho I almost wanted a 2018 just because I like even numbers but when it was time to order only the 2019 was available for me.

Did the 18s have Ford pass?

WOW, maybe it's just a volume calibration difference between Sony and B&O, but, normal listening volume on my Sony at freeway speeds is 6-7, 10 gives me a headache, and 18 or over is probably in the "hurt your (my) hearing" range......WOW...and I'm an old guy with very selective hearing....LOL