maybe next year...

 

ok back up..

What would be a better choice for me? 5.25" component or just a 3-way 5x7 or 6x8?

Better yet, a suggested model? I want specifically something w/ flat response, with an emphasis on higher frequency production, not worried about low end at all, seeing that my car is graced with the 8" door subs and the 10" trunk sub.

I listen to everything. For example my office setup utilizes M-Audio BX5 D2's which are nice and flat, and can be EQ'd to bring more presence to the mids, and then since for space concerns I went with the smaller BX5 over the BX8, I have a subwoofer as well.

In the last hour I have listened to Santana, 30 Seconds to Mars, Usher, James Horner, Ryan Stewart, as well as Howard Shore. My fiancee used to own/run soundtrack.net back in the dot com boom, and recently sold the domain, but because of her, I've grown an appreciation for movie scores and soundtracks, and thus have more interest in good reproduction now over sheer volume.

 

I would say separates. If you go 5 by 7 I would say 2 way speakers. In general, an effective 3 way crossover is too expensive to produce in a small sized speaker that produces good response. Also, this speaker size of the mid range portion is too small to produce any real quality mid range.

The 5 1/4 would generally give you better sound. You will lose bass response but gain better mid range. Separates tend to want more power. You lose some power through the external cross over. I would recommend a high quality 51/4 coaxial speaker. The shaker pro is still very bass heavy.

 

I think the Polk db series of speakers is an excellent value and they should play well with factory amplification. The infinity reference is also solid choice. Anything higher end workout adding an amp would be a waste.

 

I just installed some 6" components in my '13, and I love them. Since you're not concerned with lows, I would say a 5.25 component would be better. A 5x7 or 6x8 will give a deeper sound.

My Bostons sound very natural with plenty of highs, but don't sound "tin-y." That's just my opinion. Anything aftermarket is going to be much better than stock.

 

back up again..

I have Shaker Pro in the trunk. With the top down the bass feels a tad weak.

If I wanted to switch to something better, for anyone that's done this, can I fit a stealthbox and amp in place of the stock shaker pro sub/box?

 

The Stealthbox is only shown to fit the coupe. There is an 05-09 Convertible Stealthbox, which might fit, but I'd try to find a JL dealer nearby to see for sure. You could always have a shop make you a custom fiberglass enclosure, but that will be about twice the cost of a Stealthbox, which are already not inexpensive...

Do you need your trunk space?

 

I do.. ughhhhhh.

 

I've seen people use these boxes on other forums, seem to be decently made. A sealed enclosure is pretty much a sealed enclosure.

http://www.zenclosures.com/mobile/Pr...5MUSTCONCORNER

Decently priced too...it's interesting that their boxes are the same for 05-13, so that's why I think the JL 05-09 Vert box might actually fit the 10-13 too...

 

Someone did a build on here but I can't find it. It was a 2012 GT Vert IIRC. I know he did YouTube videos too, let me see if I can track it down...

I found it, but it might not actually help you lol

https://themustangsource.com/f803/20...-orion-510503/

 

aaand now that's bookmarked.

you're the best!

I might actually do this. The stock sub is adequate, i just want a little more oomph.

 

I have this setup, it's convenient because you can mount the amp to the top of the box and then you have a very compact/stealthy setup. The only thing with this for me is that it slides around. You have to really secure it pretty diligently if you like to drive fast. Great sound out of mine though -- I have one 10" Infinity Kappa Perfect on an old JL 300/1 amp and it works really hard. The shop that has done my custom work was really surprised by how good it sounds.

 

Have you looked into using a digital sound processor like the Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.3 or the JBL MS-8? The way factory amps/radio crossovers are, and actual EQ curves are setup, they'll never sound as good as they should with quality aftermarket speakers and amplifiers running from cheap line output converters alone. What a DSP does is tap into the individual speaker wires connected to the different speakers, processes the different output frequency ranges to a single flat EQ curve, then outputs it through a few low level RCA outputs that go to any quality amplifier of your choice. These two DSP's (and a few others) give you the ability to customize that flattened EQ curve to your liking to get good quality sound that matches an aftermarket radio.

I'm planning a new system real soon for my base '13 mustang with Sync while keeping my factory radio. I will be using the JBL MS-8 DSP running to a single 3 channel JL Audio amp, powering front 5x7 speakers and a JL Audio stealth box subwoofer. The JBL MS-8 gets stellar reviews and it comes with its own controller to make any adjustments without the need for a pc. The MS-8 costs around $500 which is a good deal to me, considering that just an install dash kit for our cars are between $200 to $300 and then a new headunit is another $200 to over a grand depending on what you get. The factory stereo does just what I want it to, having bluetooth wireless and being able to hookup/charge my iPhone through the USB plug is about all I want. It just needs desperate help with sound quality.

 

yeah, I am absolutely not that smart when it comes to audio stuff like that. I'd just as soon take it to an audio shop and have them do it all.

 

Shop around, some car audio dealers will offer a good deal on install rates or even free install (like the one local JL Audio dealer near me) if you buy most of the audio equipment from them. The hardest part of it would be installing the DSP because of the various input wires that would have to run from different speakers. Installing an amp, speakers and sub is pretty strait forward and easy. In my car with the base 4 speaker system, just tapping into the rear speakers is all that's required since they're outputting a full frequency range to use.

It used to be real easy, period, to install a good system in any vehicle around a decade or more ago. Newer cars now, the stereos have become a very integrated part of the car and requires expensive dash installation kits, and different harness kits to maintain vital function of other features in a new car that's not totally related to the radio.

 

I've got the Zen Enclosure. To keep it from sliding around...

A little industrial grade Velcro on the bottom and add an angle bracket on the top. There is a bolt on the top inside panel of the trunk. Screw the bracket to the top of the box and to the inner quarter panel. It will never move again.


Sorry for the OT.

 

Thanks for the tip, I will have to try that!

 

I know this is an old thread but I just have to ask. I have the same stealthbox that will be installed in March. What did you have to do with the trunk mat? Did you cut it around the base of the subwoofer or did you just fold it out of the way?

 

Check this one out too. I just installed the non convertible version and it looks like it was met to be there. Leaves a good amount of space too. Ill try and snag a pic when there is better light
http://www.zenclosures.com/2005-2014...ustconvert.htm

 

I just installed Infinity Reference 8632 CFX...6x8......Amazing results!.....No amp needed.....I also installed foam baffles in rear deck & opened up restricted speaker holes for better sound