RedFire281

I got a 2009 Shaker 500 from a buddy and changed out the stock Shaker in my 2006 GT. The sound doesn’t seem as deep as my old one. As a matter of fact it sounds ‘tinney’ and a bit lifeless like there’s not enough bass or subwoofer. Does anyone know if that is normal or was there a change in the wiring harness or electronics between 2006 and 2009 that has to be corrected or reprogrammed? I intend to keep a Shaker because I like the stock look but if the 2009 sound quality is mediocre then I’ll stay with my original head unit.

I’m not an audiophile at all, so if I’m missing something, like a setting in the Shaker, I’d appreciate any worthwhile advice. And no, I’d don’t want to get an aftermarket HU.

jz78817

what did you change, just the speakers, or the speakers and radio? might want to do a speaker walk-around to make sure they're all working (with the radio in FM mode, press and hold preset buttons 3 and 6 for several seconds, and it'll then operate each speaker by itself in turn.)

PNYXPRESS

In 2008 they added the mp3 jack, not sure if that caused a difference for all the wiring and unit or not.

RedFire281

I just changed the radio and left the rest of the system intact. I'll do a speaker walk-around to listen whether I can tell if the subwoofers are getting a handshake from the HU. Good advice, thanks.

jz78817

oh, well there's your problem. the 2009 had different speakers and the EQ in the radio you installed is all wrong for your system. Was there any particular reason you changed the radio?

RedFire281

No particular reason for the change except it was a newer model year and free. You sound knowledgeable regarding this issue; if I were to keep the HU, what would it take to get the system balanced? Thanks. Also, just curious, would a 2008 model year Shaker been okay?

jz78817

you'd need software and equipment you don't have. put your old radio back in; there's nothing about the one from the '09 which is any better than the one you had.

I don't know, not sure when the speaker package changed.

RedFire281

Oh, snap! I kinda liked the chrome rings and stock look. LOL

Lifter583

Do yourself a favor and toss that POS Shaker HU and install a good aftermarket one...you will see a HUGE difference!

jz78817

of course he would, the aftermarket HU has no EQ and it'll sound like crap.