Hello all, I'm putting together a wish list plan to totally upgrade my 2006's shaker 500 system.

This leads me to some questions that hopefully some of you can help me answer.

Firstly, I'd really like at this point to keep the factory 6-disc changer head unit. I love having the CD changer, I want to go with a stealth look for my stereo, AND keeping the stock head unit saves me a big chunk of change to spend on speakers, amps, etc. Is there any reason why I shouldn't keep the factory head unit? Like, is it real difficult to incorporate aftermarket amps, speakers, subs etc with the factory deck?

Second, the door "subwoofers," do most people just bypass/remove them all together when upgrading the shaker 500 system? I'll be putting a sub in the trunk, and do 5-1/4 components in the doors, and 5x7s in the rear deck, so I don't really know what to do with the lower door speaker location. Any tips as to what to put there?

Thanks everybody for the help.

 

First off, I think most people will agree with me that its not worth it to keep the head unit. It has terrbile settings for the sound and really limits the speakers, especially the door subs. Also if you want aftermarket amps its really going to be a pain in the butt. There would be a lot of cutting and splicng into the factory wiring. Another plus is you can get ipod/iphone contol and aux inputs with aftermarkets.


If you must keep it, i would suggest getting a signal processor/restorer to get rid of all the limits of the factory radio.


As far as the door subs go i guess its up to you. I beefed up the enclosures on mine and put in aftermarket 8s. They provide great midbass, but dont give a lot of low end bass from them. I have a trunk sub for the low end. Some you can still fit the stock grills over too. The subs in the doors also help bring the bass up front so it doesnt all sound like its coming from the rear.

 

changing the head unit in my 2006 was the best sound mod I did to that car. I didnt not notice how bad the sound was until I put my clarion in and it was night and day.

 

Red Leather seats.... Phucking Awesome!! Big @SS sub box in the trunk not so much lol ... But I love ur seats and head unit tho

 

I had the subs on quick disconnects for trips. I also had a cut off switch

 

Thanks for the response! So, if I DO keep the factory head unit, would something like this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_161LC6I...er-reviews-tab

Improve the quality of the sound and make it easier to wire in amps, subs, etc?

 

Yep, thats it.They make it much easier to install the amps. Would help with the signal quality too. From what ive seen AudioControl is pretty good stuff

 

Read the reviews on them too. See what one looks best. Ive never used it so I cant speak on it, but people seem to be pretty happy with it.

 

flagstang, what model clarion is that exactly? and did u install it with the "PAC interface"? ( http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127C2RF...Interface.html ).

curious because im about to order myself a new stereo (thanks to uncle sam and my wonderful tax return hahahah) http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105NT50....html?tp=20217

this will be the first time i install my own car stereo in a car (installed one in my garbage truck at work...work for DSNY...and a custom boombox for someone else at work) so even though ive watched multiple how to videos and read up on it time and time again, still alittle worried ill be in over my head.

 

You shouldnt need the PAC interfeace. This should be all u need.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...mpaign=froogle

 

no pac or step down. You will also need to get a inline delay to stop the amp pop.

 

So the Scosche FDK11B / FDK11 works on the Shaker 500? It lists th 1000, but not the 500....Is there a difference??? I am debating a new headunit also...And keep reading about the PAC at crutchfield...any less $$$ spent is appreciated

 

I wouldnt waste the money on the PAC. I have the 1000 and used the scoshe. The only diff between the 500 and 1000 is the trunk system. The 500 even has the plugs ran for the 1000, so I dont see any reason the Scoshce harness wouldnt work.

If you get a new radio then that makes the PAC even more pointless.

 

Absolutely switch out that head unit. It will make more noticeable difference to switch that than to replace....say, door speakers - Plus all the functionality you will gain with iPhone/iPad capability (Wunderradio, Stitcher, Pandora, YouTube - videos, mp3s, etc etc) SO worth in and the uptick in sound quality with a better head unit in really amazing.

Other folks are giving you good advice and options, also take a look at the Pioneer stuff- I just put one of those in my car a few months ago, and I can't believe how much I love it.

 

I wish it was that easy in my 2012. The good news is that the 2012s shaker is far better then the older style.

 

oh yeah. amazon is selling the infinity 6x8's 682.9 for $71 a pair with free shipping.

 

I got my infinity speakers in and I love them. They really are clear highs and make the system sound crisp. Now I am working on the subs.

found some great info

wiring
http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-foru...iagram.812463/

removing the door panels
http://www.jauws.com/jauws/index.php...msg2;topicseen