Is the Shaker 500 worth it?
10/21/04, 09:03 AM
#21
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Shaker 500 comes std. on both Premium V6 and GT. Sound wise, it is more or less the equiv. to the the '94-04 Mach 460 system ... which in '94 was the most kick-a** factory installed system you could buy. Others followed in Ford's footsteps and eventually surpassed the sound performance, which brought Ford to introduce the Mach 1000 system in 2002 (aka Shaker 1000 in '05).
The MP3 capabilty is somewhat NEW for 2005 ... you could actually get it in '02-04, but not in combination with the Mach 460 / 1000.
Yes, you could probably build a better sounding system with aftermarket stuff for possibly less money ... but will it be worth the time and agrevation ??
interesting side notes ...
If you add the Shaker 500 to a Deluxe V6, it will cost you $80 more than the base Premium V6. However, the Premium V6 also comes std. with 6-Way Driver's Seat w/Power Lumbar (21A) and Bright Wheels with Spinner (64T) which would add $365 & $150 to the sticker price of the Deluxe V6. Ford (per BON 9/22/04) will no longer let you order a Deluxe V6 with the 3 options above that would turn it into a Premium ... if someone is that dumb to fork out $595 more for the exact same car I say let them !! So if you are looking at a V6 car and the Power Seat & Bright Wheels were features you wanted anyway, the Shaker 500 is only costing you an additional $70 !!
However, if you deck out a Deluxe GT to match the content of a Premium GT, you only pay $25.00 more ... and Ford web site will let you build it this way.
Deluxe GT $24,370 + Leather $695 + Shaker 500 $665 = $25,730
Premium GT = $25,705
Doug
The MP3 capabilty is somewhat NEW for 2005 ... you could actually get it in '02-04, but not in combination with the Mach 460 / 1000.
Yes, you could probably build a better sounding system with aftermarket stuff for possibly less money ... but will it be worth the time and agrevation ??
interesting side notes ...
If you add the Shaker 500 to a Deluxe V6, it will cost you $80 more than the base Premium V6. However, the Premium V6 also comes std. with 6-Way Driver's Seat w/Power Lumbar (21A) and Bright Wheels with Spinner (64T) which would add $365 & $150 to the sticker price of the Deluxe V6. Ford (per BON 9/22/04) will no longer let you order a Deluxe V6 with the 3 options above that would turn it into a Premium ... if someone is that dumb to fork out $595 more for the exact same car I say let them !! So if you are looking at a V6 car and the Power Seat & Bright Wheels were features you wanted anyway, the Shaker 500 is only costing you an additional $70 !!
However, if you deck out a Deluxe GT to match the content of a Premium GT, you only pay $25.00 more ... and Ford web site will let you build it this way.
Deluxe GT $24,370 + Leather $695 + Shaker 500 $665 = $25,730
Premium GT = $25,705
Doug
10/21/04, 09:43 AM
#22
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I heard the Shaker 1000 this week, and it was impressive for a factory radio.
It clearly blows the Mach systems away by a good margin. I think there are nits to pick with it though. Like a lot of factory radio's the ability to dial in the sound you want is somewhat limited.
The Shaker has only a Bass and Treble settings for passive frequency control, there is no way to further fine tune the system, my $200 pioneer MP3 deck has Bass and Treble controls plus the ability fine tune across 5 frequency bands (think 5 band graphic EQ).
But... The Shaker 1000 has another method for sound control that IS kinda cool. The ability to tailor sound for different seating positions. My guess is that it achieves this through power amp output depending on the seating position you select. That and the automatic volume control are nice features that kind of make up for the lack of frequency control
The ability to have 6 CD's/mp3's at your fingertips vice the trunk, is nice!
If you're the kind of person who is really into their car audio and like to shape your sound, you may find it kinda limiting.
I'm getting it, I was fortunate enough to be x-plan eligible, so that made up my mind, I just optioned out my car exactly like I wanted it.
I also think that the non-descript looks of the head unit are a plus from a theft standpoint.
It clearly blows the Mach systems away by a good margin. I think there are nits to pick with it though. Like a lot of factory radio's the ability to dial in the sound you want is somewhat limited.
The Shaker has only a Bass and Treble settings for passive frequency control, there is no way to further fine tune the system, my $200 pioneer MP3 deck has Bass and Treble controls plus the ability fine tune across 5 frequency bands (think 5 band graphic EQ).
But... The Shaker 1000 has another method for sound control that IS kinda cool. The ability to tailor sound for different seating positions. My guess is that it achieves this through power amp output depending on the seating position you select. That and the automatic volume control are nice features that kind of make up for the lack of frequency control
The ability to have 6 CD's/mp3's at your fingertips vice the trunk, is nice!
If you're the kind of person who is really into their car audio and like to shape your sound, you may find it kinda limiting.
I'm getting it, I was fortunate enough to be x-plan eligible, so that made up my mind, I just optioned out my car exactly like I wanted it.
I also think that the non-descript looks of the head unit are a plus from a theft standpoint.
10/21/04, 11:47 AM
#25
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Hey Tony, have you ordered your car yet? I'm just curious to see what the $$$ is going to come out to be with X-plan.... I figure with a GT premium loaded, - shaker 1000, - optional wheels, it should come around to about $25000 (with CO state taxes). If you have ordered, what did yours come out to be
10/21/04, 11:48 AM
#26
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I ordered a GT Deluxe and added leather. I have a system all ready to put in to the car...it just needs to get here!!!
MB Quart Premium PCE210 (4" mids and 1" tweeters)
MB Quart Premium PCE164 (6.5" lows...where the 8" woofer is stock)
Alpine CDA 9835
Ipod
Alpine Ipod Adapter
Alpine MRV-F540 (4 chann amp)
Alpine Mono MRD-1001 (sub amp)
Jl 10w6v2 10" Subs (2)
With 6 speakers up front...I think I am going to leave out the rear deck speakers. I don't imagine you will hear them with the two 10's in the trunk either.
If you figure the Shaker 1000 is $1295, the system I have going in is only $800 more than it. AND....I am not paying interest on financing a $1295 option on my new car.
This is a pretty high dollar system too. Get a lower model Alpine head unit, and leave out the Ipod and Ipod adapter...and its about the same price as the Shaker....plus RCA cables and a box.
If you don't want to hassle with it, go with the Shaker....but if you know what you are doing...and/or have friends that know what they are doing...go aftermarket....it will sound better (if done right) and it's yours to keep when you sell the car.
my .02
MB Quart Premium PCE210 (4" mids and 1" tweeters)
MB Quart Premium PCE164 (6.5" lows...where the 8" woofer is stock)
Alpine CDA 9835
Ipod
Alpine Ipod Adapter
Alpine MRV-F540 (4 chann amp)
Alpine Mono MRD-1001 (sub amp)
Jl 10w6v2 10" Subs (2)
With 6 speakers up front...I think I am going to leave out the rear deck speakers. I don't imagine you will hear them with the two 10's in the trunk either.
If you figure the Shaker 1000 is $1295, the system I have going in is only $800 more than it. AND....I am not paying interest on financing a $1295 option on my new car.
This is a pretty high dollar system too. Get a lower model Alpine head unit, and leave out the Ipod and Ipod adapter...and its about the same price as the Shaker....plus RCA cables and a box.
If you don't want to hassle with it, go with the Shaker....but if you know what you are doing...and/or have friends that know what they are doing...go aftermarket....it will sound better (if done right) and it's yours to keep when you sell the car.
my .02
10/21/04, 12:59 PM
#29
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Originally posted by Stangston@October 21, 2004, 12:15 PM
Hmmmm...so can anyone tell me if the Shaker 500 sounds better than the Mach 460? I assume it should, but how much better?
Hmmmm...so can anyone tell me if the Shaker 500 sounds better than the Mach 460? I assume it should, but how much better?
How much you ask, well:
Shaker - Mach + 40!
10/21/04, 01:16 PM
#30
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Originally posted by BlueStangVert@October 21, 2004, 7:38 AM
Yes, I think the base system is 180 watts. Of course if you're getting a GT, the Shaker 500 comes standard.
Yes, I think the base system is 180 watts. Of course if you're getting a GT, the Shaker 500 comes standard.
10/21/04, 01:35 PM
#33
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Tony, right on man... I GET to wait until next spring. I'm just sitting here pining away.... I haven't ordered one yet, so I can imagine how y'all feel that know it's on the way.
any idea, though, how it's pricing out? Or do you have to wait until it's delivered?
I agree with Boomer on the Borla sound system.
any idea, though, how it's pricing out? Or do you have to wait until it's delivered?
I agree with Boomer on the Borla sound system.
10/21/04, 01:37 PM
#34
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Tony.... I just wanted to make sure you understood just exactly how observant I really am. Don't answer that last question. There needs to be a little smiley face with down syndrom.
*** no offense to anybody.... I have a very non PC sense of humor..... but it's just exacly that.... a joke***
*** no offense to anybody.... I have a very non PC sense of humor..... but it's just exacly that.... a joke***
10/21/04, 02:17 PM
#36
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Do you guys know if the Shaker 500 supports WMA format as well as MP3? I've heard that WMA gives better sound. Not sure myself, never had a MP3/WMA audio in my car.........
10/21/04, 08:31 PM
#39
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Originally posted by Stangston@October 21, 2004, 12:15 PM
Hmmmm...so can anyone tell me if the Shaker 500 sounds better than the Mach 460? I assume it should, but how much better?
Hmmmm...so can anyone tell me if the Shaker 500 sounds better than the Mach 460? I assume it should, but how much better?
11/28/04, 12:34 PM
#40
Legacy TMS Member
I finally got to listen to a Shaker 500 system in a V6 premium yesterday.
I thought the overall sound quality was terrific. The Shaker does not have a lot of bells, whistles, or graphical displays. In that regard it is pretty fundamental. But sound quality was very good all the way through the volume levels I would use. I was quite pleased.
Tony, the Shaker 500 will also allow you to select a seating position setting - all seats, driver, and rear seats.
Aftermarket fans - go for it. That is one of the things a Mustang is all about - customization. But for me, the factory system has mucho bang for the buck.
I thought the overall sound quality was terrific. The Shaker does not have a lot of bells, whistles, or graphical displays. In that regard it is pretty fundamental. But sound quality was very good all the way through the volume levels I would use. I was quite pleased.
Tony, the Shaker 500 will also allow you to select a seating position setting - all seats, driver, and rear seats.
Aftermarket fans - go for it. That is one of the things a Mustang is all about - customization. But for me, the factory system has mucho bang for the buck.