First, I am NOT an audiophile. I do not know all that much about car stereo systems. (I thought the auto-reverse cassette was an innovation.) Based on threads here, I have gone about seeking advice from several car audio stores as to whether I should go Ford or aftermarket. I expected them to tell me how horrible factory systems were, and how much better theirs were, and how only they could provide a quality sound. I did get that at a few places, but hey, that is what I expected.
Today, however, I got some different stories. One guy told me that he was familiar with the Mach systems, and had heard that the Shaker ones were even better. He said that I should listen to the Ford system first before trying to replace it. He thought the Ford systems were a good value. The guy at Audio Express had an even more specific opinion. He said that he had put $2000 into his 2001 Mustang stereo (with his employee discount, no less), and considered it pretty kick-****. A friend of his just recently bought a 2005 Mustang with the Shaker 1000, though, and he said the comparison was embarassing. He thought the Shaker 1000 was the best value for the money he had seen. A co-worker of his tried to butt in and sell me an entire system, but when he walked away, the original sales guy said "He's lying. He just wants a commission. We can't beat the Shaker 1000 for the $1800 that Ford is charging."
When a salesman recommends someone else's product, that speaks volumes to me. Whadya all think?

 

It's possible. All that matters is what your own ears tell you. So if you can get a quick listen, do it.

 

I stayed with the 500 Watt Shaker that comes with the GT Premium Pkg. I just couldn't see paying another $1200 for the 1000 Watt Shaker. I listened to the 500 Watt system, and it's pretty darn impressive. For 500 more watts (1000 system) and a dual-subwoofer in the trunk, I think $1200 more was a little steep.

 

I forgot to mention... While he said that he could not beat the Shaker 1000 sound for $1800, he did say he could beat the price of the subs in the trunk for $1200. He quoted me $326 for two 10" subs in a custom box, with 600W amp, wiring, and installation! That cetainly beats the Shaker 1000 price! He recommended going with the 500 and his subs, or keeping the Shaker 1000 if the car already had it. Wish I had fewer opinions that conflicted. I guess I'll have to atttempt to hear the Ford stereos first, but no dealership around here can seem to keep one for more than 24 hours.