dwcinga

Could someone please tell me the differences between the stock radio/single CD in a Deluxe GT and the Shaker 500 option? I see Shaker 500 units for 100 bucks on ebay (Series B), but can they simply be "swapped" and use the stock speakers (short term, anyway)? If not, what would I be looking for, in terms of speakers to work well with the Shaker 500? What problems would I have, with the "stock" door openings (does Shaker have different door panels?) & speaker locations, in making the swap? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

afixer

not sure ao all but shaker is a 6 cd unit and plays mp3'

Earl

There are alot of differences. The Deluxe GT won't have the door panel 8" subs. Likewise, it won't have the amplifier to power the 8 speakers the Shaker 500 headunit is designed for (door subs, component mid and tweeters in the door, and rear 5x7s.

Personally, I'd recommend going aftermarket with complete new rewiring, amps, and sub(s) plus speakers in your doors and rear deck.

I put the 500 "B" as a replacement for the as built "A" in my GT and have not been happy with the sound ever since. It has alot more base than the "A" did - more muddier. I've had to dynamat the trunk to eliminate rattles (I do have an aftermarket sub and amp for it in my trunk). I replaced the door component and rear deck speakers with Pioneer 6x8 4-ways to help with the muddy sound and base issues on the "B" but am still not happy. The factory amp/crossover does NOT deliver full range signals to the door and rear deck speakers. So my next step will be to eventually ditch the factory headunit myself and go aftermarket with new wiring and amps.

Earl

dwcinga

Thanks, Earl - you confirmed most of my suspicions. The difference between "A" and "B" Shakers is really puzzling, too - I hope you get that sorted out soon.

Dare

Seeing as how there are no stats anywhere for the Shaker 500, it's not likely I'm going to include this system in my order. They are selling on eBay because people are going with aftermarket systems. Being that the stereo is the most important interior option, I don't plan to settle for a plain looking, basic features, factory stereo that was already recalled once. If anyone figures out what a good receiver to get let me know -- main things I'm looking for:

- high SNR 110+ dB
- at least a 7 band equalizer (rather not get a separate equalizer)
- do they make in-dash changers aftermarket?

Whitey_McNasty

When I ordered my GT I opted for the stock (plain jane) stereo. They wanted to push the Shaker 500 on me but I told them to stick it. I really wanted to order the car without any stereo at all, but alas, I was informed Ford would not do that. []

My plan is to pull out all the stock crap and replace it with an ITX PC with a 7" LCD touchscreen. Features that I will include are things like:

GPS
DVD
MP3 (All audio formats in reality)
Wireless Internet

I haven't figured out what all I want to use for speakers,subs,etc... But when the car gets here I figure I will start getting those ducks in a row too.