metroplex

Has anyone compared the standard 4 speaker CD player system on the GT to the Shaker 500 optional audio system package? How's the standard 4 factory speaker quality?

The reason I ask is because it appears the Shaker 500 is just a CD/MP3 receiver, 4 speakers + 2 subwoofers in the doors (500W total?) for about $600. I can get a $130 Pioneer MP3 CD player and if the factory speakers are good enough, I can get away with keeping the stock speakers. I'll save about $300+ going this route.

nynvolt

For what it's worth, if you plan to go aftermarket, you'd be better off just getting the base stereo but I'm sure you'll want to upgrade the speakers too. The shaker 500 sounds great to me, but I never turn it up past 2 or 3 bars. I don't know if they have resolved the skipping and spitting cd's in the newer model year shakers or not, if not definately go base and upgrade.

metroplex

Skipping and spitting out CDs?? I heard that Visteon is now manufacturing the radios out in China but I am not sure if the Shakers are coming out of China, but I wouldn't be surprised.

How bad/good are the factory speakers? The order guide indicates 4 speakers? 2 in the door and 2 in the back? I've been using my Crown Vic's factory speakers for the past 6 years and never had any complaints.

I did a search and found 2 threads that covered swapping out the receivers, but none of the pics or attachments worked properly.

Twisted_Reality

I haven't had an issue with my shaker 500. The thing I love about it is its an mp3 CHANGER. I currently have 4 full mp3 cd's in it and after 2 months I haven't played all of the songs yet.

TheRealOne

I have the Shaker in my car and I love it but if you are going to upgrade the head unit I'd go with the base but I advise to upgrade the speakers as well

metroplex

I'm not really an audiophile. As long as the factory speakers aren't $1 paper cones that vibrate/flap/distort on the simplest of notes, I won't really complain. I suppose I should just find a 05-up GT with the base audio system but almost EVERY GT in the lot was a Premium package (Shaker 500 + Leather seats). If I do order a GT, it will be a stripped deluxe model just like the good 'ol days when you can get the stripped base model with the biggest engine.

mastersmech1

Personnaly, the Shaker 500 is more than adequate. I'm not 16 anymore and don't hit the decible levels I use to. But my teenage son does and he thinks it's great too.

Rash

Skaker 500 is a good middle ground between crappy base stereo and expensive aftermarket.

OKCMustangGT

One thing to think about is on the stock stereo there are no 8" Woofers in the door, nor the housing for them.
If you don't want to put anything there, then go with the stock system over the Shaker 500.

SteelTownStang

The radio is either off, or blasting. Off to hear the exhaust. Blasting to hear Tool, Soundgarden, or whatever rocks. That being said, the S500 works great. I wouldn't paid 1,300 for the S1000. Get the premium package and it's free, or so it seems. In all seriousness, a car like that deserves a decent radio; and IMO the S500 fits the bill.

metroplex

The bass from subwoofers will hurt my head, so I've never sought the need to put subwoofers in a car.

Little Black Pony

ha ha, so true!

I really like the Shaker 500, I couldn't turn it down as it's part of the Pony Package. If I were to replace it with a different head unit I'd go with the DVD/Nav from the 500.

The bass make me more than happy. It thumps without shattering glass or my ear drums.

Vermillion06

I have had zero problems with the Shaker 500 in my '06, which was built last January. To me it sounds very good and the six MP3 CD capability is like having a rolling jukebox. If your not a super audio fanatic and just an average listener, then the Shaker 500 is a good system. Can you get an in-dash MP3 capable 6 cd changer cheaper? Does the base stereo have MP3 capability?

metroplex

The base stereo does not have MP3 capability, but I can get an aftermarket receiver for $130, well below the $579 for the Shaker 500. I have no use for a CD-changer and subwoofers. If the quality of the Shaker 500 (some ppl call it the skipper 500/1000???) was 99.99% good, I may be more comfortable spending the $579 for the package as it is a great deal on paper. Knowing my luck with electronics, I will get the Skipper 500 lemons.

karman

I almost never turn the radio on (have the base model). If you want something better, the aftermarket seems the best way to go with both price and quality.
Me, I'll just keep the windows down and listen to the car. (and the heat on, frost warning tonight.)

97svtgoin05gt

I've had several really weird flip-outs by my S500. One was so bad, I thought I was going to have to take the car in for a new one. The next day "cybal" seemed to work just as normal and has since. That said, I really don't like that I've not found a good way for my ipod to interface with this head unit. I'm contemplating replacing the whole head unit with something that will interface with the ipod. I put a Pioneer head unit with ipod controller into my Escape and added some nice infinity speakers and amps and that baby rocks. I believe the amps are fine in the Mustang, but that head unit bugs me. Pretty sure it's on the endangered species list.