Hey All,


Introduction, new to site. Sorry I don't have photos but my description is, I just recently purchased a base model 2014 mustang GT, Deep impact blue. I bought a base model cause I would like to do all mods myself. An will post before photo before starting.


Question? I am not a audio fanatic don't listen to the radio loud but do like to listen to clear crisp good sounding music. This Base radio seams to need improvement on this.


What would be the best thing to do to the car's audio system and still keep the factory head unit?


I was thinking of doing front and rear speaker change and deadening the trunk and back deck plate?


All ideas welcome and appreciated!!


Thanks,


Craig

 

Hi, sounds nice, but as soon as you can get some pictures, please do so! And welcome.

 

Welcome!

And yes, pics are required before we answer questions kidding man!

Patrick, ahem. You have another victim. Chime in please.

(Patrick, laserred, is the resident audiophile on here)

 

The best improvement you can do to audio system can be found underneath the car behind the rear valance. Upgrade the mufflers!!! It's amazing how much you won't be listening to the stereo. I have GT500 axlebacks on mine and there's no sweeter sound. But there are any number of systems that can be had with relative affordability. Do a little research on this forum...it's one of the major topics of discussion here.

So, welcome aboard Craig. You might be hearing from a lot of your DIB brethren. It's a very popular color around here.

 

Welcome to the Forum!


Yeah, base model vehicles do have less than stellar audio sound output. The shaker 500/1000 Stereos in the premium models are what should be the standard in all Mustangs!


You may be able to replace the speakers, all depends how well the factory head unit can drive the new speakers. Hopefully someone that's already gone down this road can chime in and point you in the right direction!

 

Ah yes.....Patrick. Be wary of him. He likes to spend your money and if you're not careful your Mustang will be completely pimped out before you get your next credit card statement. Some folks feel that he's the spawn of Satan.

If I ever meet him I'll be sure to count my fingers after I shake his hand.

 

lol! You should want to meet him. More motivation to keep your Mustang stock and get your thrills through his pimped out ride

 

Lmao... Good morning OP. I'll go easy on you...take a read here: https://themustangsource.com/forums/...eakers-508525/

That should get you started

 

Oh no sounds like I am going to be running a line of coming out of the wallet but that is the reason I got the base model. I will be upgrading and tinkering for some time to come. The wife said she was wondering when my "mid life crisis", was going to arrive, LOL Looking forward to all the inputs and as soon as I get back into the country from this job I am on I will be posting photos for sure.

 

Welcome Craig and welcome to the midlife crisis zone. It's good that your wife understands.

 

Tom... you know I love you man, but your quote above, I have to beg to differ

I had all 3 on my car. Stock. GT500. Borla S. And now my Corsas. Again, it's all "opinion", but GT500s were great, but too tame for me. My opinion is that my Corsas are the pinnacle of the mustang exhausts...at least of what I've owned personally, and/or heard and seen in person or on videos.

psssshhh... I think I was addicted from my 20's already.

 

Zto5

I wasn't trying to sell him on the GT500's...just pointing out that mufflers are a common and popular mod here and that there are lots of choices. I also think it's ironic that I don't listen to the stereo as much now that I've upgraded the exhaust.

There's stereo, and then there's stereo, in the form of 4" tailpipes!!!!

 

I agree! I've listened to my sound system/stereo, probably 3 times or so, when I have taken long trips (and that's rare) and have to listen to my iPhone. My CAI, engine, blower, and exhaust are the real music that I want to have on "repeat"

 

Welcome! I also share the base stereo blues with you. Replacing the speakers and adding a good aftermarket 4ch. amp should get you the clarity you are wanting. I'm about to do mine, just trying to decide what I want to do with the head unit.

I would say good call on going base with the base. I had the shaker 1000 in my old mustang and was not all that impressed, especially for the price of the option. Ended up replacing everything. The only thing I would say you miss out on without the shaker is the option to put 8's in the doors....which I guess you can just pick up some used shaker panels to fix that.

 

Welcome and congrats now post those pics! :-)

 

Agreed, but I'd add a 5ch amp and throw a sub in to complete it. If you have the 8s, keep 8s in. If have the base, a good 6.5 or 7" two way setup, ran active (tweeters on separate channels) mounted on the A-pillars will suffice for most listeners.

Unless you want to add built in Nav/DVD playback, processors are the new head unit swaps. Add a processor with your amp, instead of a head unit with your amp, and you'll have much more flexibility with your sound, without having to mess with your dash.

 

Thats what I've been hearing with the processors. Not to hijack this thread but I would like your input here if I could....

So in my 05 I had a component 5.25 set in the doors. Replaced the 8's with CDT 8's (kept them sealed and deadened the panel). Had some custom kick panels with 5.25s in them. Pulled the rear speakers. All running off a large 4 ch. amp. Then I had a 12" sub with separate amp in the trunk. Head unit was an old school High end pioneer with a 13-band EQ. Loved the sound. I'm not really up to speed with the processors. If I keep the stock HU, what am I looking at processor wise? Thanks in advance.

 

Sounds like a good setup. I'll be doing something similar with my '14 eventually.

I'm going with the Audison bit8.9 - it combines their bit one processor with an 8 channel amp (not too terribly powerful, but it'll be enough) and eventually another mono for the sub(s). It's actually a 9 channel processor, 8 powered and 1 dead to drive the mono amp.

There are plenty of great processor right now - Audison, Zapco, JBL MS-8 would be my top 3 choices. I know people swear by Audiocontrol, but I haven't looked at their product lines recently.

The JBL is similar to the Audison bit8.9, but it has less power per channel.

 

This is what I'm using and sounds great!

 

I don't remember your setup. What're you running?