Zen Audio in 2025+ Fords with base audio
Zen Audio has received dozens of inquiries asking how to install network preamps or amplifiers in Fords without a B&O sound package.
Before 2025, this was impractical - expensive OEM hardware had to be installed. As of the 2025 model year, many newer Ford ACM head units already contain the necessary circuity. It is not enabled, so it must be activated!
The Zen Audio F25 preamp and Zen POWER9 F25 amplifier can activate the A2B circuitry.
2025+ Bronco
Non-B&O Broncos still have an A2B network connection to an amplifier - it is a mono amplifier powering the subwoofer, and this amplifier is mounted to the subwoofer enclosure in the right rear.
Unlike the B&O multichannel amplifier, this Bronco sub amp does not have a connection to the CAN network. Zen Audio devices rely on data from the CAN network as well as the signals on the A2B infotainment network, so a harness is required to extend the CAN network to the amplifier location. (Use NTV-HAR365 for installing the F25 preamp, and NTV-HAR379 for installing the ZP9 amplifier.)
The preamp version of this harness also provides the installer with speaker-wire pigtails which can be extended to the amplifier location, if desired..
Install your Zen F25 preamp or Zen POWER9 F25 ampifier in place of the OEM amplifier.
Most Fords 2025+ (not Bronco)
First, visually verify the ACM in the truck in question has an A2B port. If the ACM does not have an A2B port, this upgrade is not possible.
If so, a cable and a harness must be installed. The NTV-CAB181 cable is an A2B connection between the ACM and the Zen device. The harness (NTV-HAR365 for the F25 preamp, NTV-HAR379 for the ZP9 amplifier) connects the Zen device to the CAN network and provides speaker wiring connections (if you wish to use the OEM speaker wiring, you can extend it from the dash location to your new amplifier's location, without cutting the factory wiring at the ACM).
After the installation, the Zen Audio device will recode the ACM to activate the A2B infotainment network - no 3rd-party software or adapters are required.
Ford base audio package, 2025 F-150:
Adding a Zen Audio preamp to a 2025 F-150:
