I originally ordered my 2005 mineral gray in May. I included the shaker 1000 system but I'm having second thoughts after getting closer pics of the system (very bland styling compared to the rest of car) . For those in the know, is the system worth the price (sound quality) or are we better off going aftermarket?(function plus styling). Thanks for your opinions, the feedback is appreciated

 

You can always build a better aftermarket system. What do you mean by very bland styling? Stealth is best. Unless you want something that screams come and steal me. I thought it was about sound quality. The sub is in the trunk and any subwoofer is going to require use of space aftermarket or not.

 

I honestly don't like the position of the subwoofer in the trunk. But I guess to have the seats folding down and actually being able to use them it's a good idea. You can always get custom formed boxes that fit into the corners better. As for quality vs. price, I don't know anything about the parts Ford uses, I just know that most of the time you can get better individual components if you do your shopping right. As for stealth vs. style, go with the less-visible setup unless you're planning on doing shows. You won't see your system 90% of the time anyways.

--Installing JVC/Infinity/MTX system for approx $800--

 

I have been in the car stereo competition arena for years (16 to be exact). If the suggested price of $1300.00 US is accurate, you can have a custom box build running a 12" sub and more power than what ford is offering. Personally that is what I am going to do. I will be using a Kicker amplifier with remote gain control, that way I have control over the sub (nothing worse than being drowned out by bass on one song and then barely hearing it on another.

It all comes down to personal preference. The FORD system sounds pretty decent so if you don't want the hassle of having to go aftermarket then go for the Shaker 1000. Just remember, Shaker only adds the 2 subs and an amp to power them. The price.....well, it is too steep if you ask me.

 

According to the Ford website, the Shaker 500 (500 Watts total power) puts 2 subs in the front doors, and the Shaker 1000 (1000 Watts total power) puts 2 more in the trunk.

http://www.fordvehicles.com/2005mustang/ar...p?name=INTERIOR

 

From what I've heard, the 1000 sounds awesome. Some say that it's overkill for them and that they'll stick with the 500. If you don't like how the stock system looks, you can always change the headunit.

 

Come on overkill! Jim, I think when you hear the 9 audiophile speakers, you will be satisified. That's my own personal audiophile opinion. :dance:

 

Not to mention for the most part, every single componet needs to be replaced on stock systems.

 

Thanks for the advice. I agree with highlander in regards to stealth,(even though there is large white lettering SHAKER 1000), but I guess that I'm somewhat unenthused by the appearance of the whole a/c, stereo panel. As others have noted, it does look quite like the econoline panel. I'm not looking for anything that screams steal me, but at the same time this part of the car seems out of sync with all the chrome trimmed/my color jazz thrown into the rest of the interior. I'm quite familiar with aftermarket systems. I've got a nice head unit and two 12" JL's in a custom box sitting in my basement. However I have no experience with high end factory units. Thanks for the quick feedback. I think I'll stick with the shaker 1000. It's easier to swap it out than to swap it in. cheers, tomorrow should be an interesting day for the forum

 

The other advantage of getting a system at the time of the cars purchase is getting it in the loan.

Edit: to expand, yes it might be more expensive at 1300, but over 5 years its what, $22 more a month

 

Out to you people who have heard the systems is the 500 pretty good? Does it have a good "thump"? I like knowing i can fill up my trunk with crap and still have the "thump".

 

is the guesstimate of $1300 for the shaker 1000, the price of the upgrade from shaker 500 or the total price of the shaker 1000?

 

I would think total price ... if it was $1300 above the $400 or so for the 500, that would be completely outrageous

 

Since the head unit is so much larger on the 2005 (is that what they call double DIN on Web sites like Best Buy and Crutchfield.com?), what can be swapped in to replace it... for example, will one of those DVD fold-out displays fit? If anyone has one, did you lose any functions on your stock system?

 

I agree with some of the people who posted above,

If you don't want the hassle of ripping open the doors to replace all the speakers, add subs and upgrade the entire system, then better off to get the Shaker.

Aftermarket systems are really cool, but at the same time, at least for me, how much noise do you REALLY need?

I will get the shaker 500, more than enough for me. I will probably be listening to the Borla exhaust more than anything

 

I was going to go after the Shaker 1000 until I saw estimates of $1,300 for an average stereo system. Not only that but the deck for the Shaker systems are butt ugly with bland spinach green displays. I will be at the very minimum be replacing the deck itself probably with a retractable touch screen. I really like how the Infiniti speakers sound in my Civic and will likely have them added (last check I think they were only $50 a piece for the size I need to fit the Stang).

Those changes shouldn't be much more the $800 total which is a lot less then the estimated Shaker 1000 system. The Shaker subs in the doors also look pretty hoky. They stick out quite a ways and are the only real eye-sore in the cockpit of the car (outside of an odd e-brake and hoky turn signal/windshield stick).

 

I've only heard the 460, but that dissuaded me from all ford factory stereo system upgrades.

I would go with an aftermarket system, same or less cost, infinetly better sound. A little research and a good custom shop, I think you would be much happier.
Bassier, clearer, all around better to me, this was in another thread but I wasn't impressed with satellite radio either, but i didnt spend much time with it.

 

If you've been on crutchfield.com you should know what fits it.

Lots of stuff. Flat panel DVDs, fold out DVDs, and you can always put two heads in there together. Happy modding.

You should lose no functions, you may gain some, especially with professional installation, and if you were to which i cant imagine there's probably some cheap, invisible adapter to fix it.

 

Unfortunately they do NOT have the 2005 specs... Guess I'll just wait. Simple!

 

Unfortunately they do NOT have the 2005 specs... Guess I'll just wait. Simple! [/b][/quote]
Im fairly sure it's just a standard ford DDIN, someone told me fords are off but i think that was a different one...
Well I could be wrong as my friend had the head I wanted to put in the 05' on a 04' cobra which are two different size... here it is Clicky Linky