The Zen A2B+ Network Preamp is compatible with several Ford and GM vehicles. (See “Coverage” below for more on covered vehicles.) 

The A2B+ delivers 6 channels of audiophile-quality analog RCA signal, and a stereo SPDIF signal over its optical Toslink output. Non-entertainment sounds, like handsfree calls, navigation prompts, and audible alerts, are retained. Sounds which interfere with audio system performance - noise-cancelling feedback and “fake exhaust” note - are eliminated. 

The Zen A2B+ Preamp Amplifier’s USB port allows for adjustment of the DSP settings via a PC, and also for firmware updates if needed.
The Zen A2B+ Preamp amplifier does not need a “remote turn-on” input - it turns on via the network connection to the vehicle. The A2B+ does have a remote turn-on output for external amplifiers and/or digital signal processors. 

The Zen A2B+ Preamp receives pure stereo sound from the OEM source unit, without any OEM processing. The preamp also executes volume, front/rear fade, and tone control commands, as well as integrating audio streams from various non-entertainment sources (such as handsfree calls). For more on network preamps, see documents available at zenaudio.com

The level of the A2B+ Subwoofer RCA output is controllable on the OEM infotainment screen using the Bass tone control setting (not available over digital Toslink). 

The ZEN DSP section of the Zen A2B+ Preamp allows for the user to calibrate the four ACM channels in many Ford vehicles, ensuring that all speakers work together for the highest-fidelity sound. Using the free software application, the user can adjust delay, level, crossover filtering, equalization, polarity, and phase for these four channels. This allows a user to use a DSP processor on the non-ACM channels, and the Zen DSP on the ACM channels, for complete sound tuning. Acoustic measurement tools are essential for best results. 
A separate document available at zenaudio.com describes a tuning process for the DSP. 

NOTE: Nav-TV recommends professional installation. 
 

ACM Channels in Fords

In Ford vehicles, some speakers are powered by the Audio Control Module (ACM). This module is usually located behind the SYNC display. Here is a 2024 F-150 as an example:
 

You way wish to run new speaker wires to these speakers, so you can power them with your new amplifier(s) instead of the ACM.

If you wish to power these speakers from the 25-watt ACM channels, the A2B+ includes the ability to apply crossover filters, equalization, delay, polarity inversion, and phase, using the A2B+ internal DSP. In testing, these channels often have appropriate power for A-pillar tweeters and overhead height speakers. You may wish to power rear door or center-channel speakers with your new amplifiers. 

Ford ACM-Powered Speakers by Vehicle Model:

• F-150/250 8-Speaker B&O (all years) – Front A-pillar tweeters
• F-250/350/450 B&O Unleashed – Front A-pillar tweeters, headliner surround speakers
• F-150 B&O Unleashed (2021 – 2023) - Front A-pillar tweeters, rear door speakers
• F-150 B&O Unleashed (2024+) – Front A-pillar tweeters, headliner surround speakers
• Bronco w/B&O 2022 – 2024 – Center channel, rear overhead pod speakers
• Explorer w/B&O (all years) – Front tweeters, D-pillar surround speakers
• Expedition w/B&O (all years) – Front tweeters, D-pillar surround speakers
   

INPUT
Digital Input from the vehicle infotainment A2B+ network (also monitors vehicle CAN network)

OUTPUT
Six analog RCA channels (5V RMS)
Frequency Response 18 Hz - 24 kHz
Front Left/Right
Rear Left/Right
Mono Subwoofer
S/N Ratio (analog): 114dB
S/N Ratio (SPDIF): 113dB
THD+N @ -1dBFS <0.01%

POWER SUPPLY
Current Consumption:
Standby: <1 mA
Operational: 350 mA maximum
Operational Voltage: 7V – 20V DC
Remote Turn On Capacity: 500mA

OTHER
Dimensions (module): 4”x5”x1 3/8”
Weight (module)    10 oz
Country of Origin Thailand
 

Notes 
1. The vehicle model year is not always the same as the year of the vehicle's date of manufacture. If you are unclear on the official model year, use the official NHTSA VIN lookup tool here.

2. Ford vehicles often offer two levels of B&O sound package (one example is the F-150, with standard "8-speaker" B&O and the upper-end B&O Unleashed option packages). The Zen A2B+ is compatible with both levels of B&O system. 

3.The Zen A2B+ network input is compatible with vehicles in all markets. In some cases, aspects of the audio system may vary and, some physical differences may be found. For example, the amplifier location and mounting for AUS-market Ford Rangers is different from North American-market Rangers. However, the A2B+ is compatible with the network and can be used after installation variations are addressed.

• Zen A2B+ module
• RCA output cable
• USB cable
• GM plug-and-play interface harnesses
• Ford plug-and-play interface harnesses

Product Manual

Download the Product Manual here. 

Use Cases

Ford, Analog RCA out

Ford, Toslink SPDIF out

GM, Analog RCA out

GM, Toslink SPDIF out

Updates can be performed using the Zen DSP application.

How many channels does the Zen A2B+ have? 

This network preamp has six analog RCA outputs, and one stereo TOSLINK SPDIF outout. It also allows control of the four 25-watt channels in the Ford ACM.

What's an ACM?

The ACM is the Ford acronym for the Audio Control Module - what you might call the "head unit". For more information, see this tech article.

What makes this preamp sound so good?

Some of that is the Zen Audio network preamp technology (more on that here), and some of it is the audiophile-grade D/A converters and op-amps used in the signal path. 

Does it work in all Fords? 

It works in pre-2025 Fords with B&O sound, using V1.0 of the A2B infotainment networking protocol. It also works in specific 2025+Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUV. For 2025+ Fords using V1.1 of the A2B protocol, use the Zen F25 preamp.  Please see the Vehicle Compatibility tab for specific coverage.

See the installation manual for more information. 

You may cancel your order without penalty prior to the product shipping.

Products cancelled or refused after the product has shipped will incur shipping and handling charges as well as a 20% restocking fee.

We will accept returns of eligible items within 30 days of your receipt. Exchanges are also accepted during the 30-day window, and may occur at Nav-TV’s discretion during the warranty period. Products returned within the first 30 days after purchase ,and are subject to a 20% restocking fee. Products must be new, unused and in their original packaging to qualify for a refund.

Please visit the Nav-TV or Zen audio website to start a return or exchange. The order number provided in your confirmation email is required in order to process the return.  

If you believe you have received a defective product, please contact Technical Support to initiate an exchange. Technical Support will work with you to determine next steps. Upon our receipt of the product and confirmation of defect as determined by our inspection, we will provide an exchange unit. Please see our Warranty policy here.

Returned product must be in new and unused condition. The order number provided in your confirmation email is required in order to process the return. Any shipping and handling fees will not be refunded.  You will be responsible for return shipping costs. Upon our receipt of the product in unused/resalable condition as determined by our inspection, we will issue a refund to the credit method used to make the purchase.

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