I have the 500 and think it's a great stock system. It does lack bass but if that's what you like I would suggest one of two things. First off, you could get the 500 and upgrade it for about 600 dollars (half the price of the 1000 factory upgrade). You can get the form fitted sub for your trunkand everything. There was an article in 5.0 Mustang and Super Fords a few months ago that did just that. Also you can do a search for shaker 500 upgrade in this forum and should pull up a few that have done it. Scosche makes everything you would need so search for that too. The other option is a bit more expensive but comprable to the 1000 upgrade. That would be a complete head and speaker upgrade...your call. I'm going with option number 'A' when I return from Iraq personally.

 

It depends on what you had before, in my opinion. I had 2 10's and an Alpine in my previous car, and miss it terribly. For a stock system, it is nice. I don't like the fact that there are subs in the doors because the door rattles and I'm sketched out thinking I am blowing my speakers already, either that or it really is just the door rattling. The CD changer gets on my nerves because it is slow and you have to keep watching it to know when to load a CD, it doesn't beep to let you know and it only gives you a few seconds. Overall I think that if you are not used to aftermarket stereo components, then you will definetely appreciate the Shaker 500. Personally I have it because I wanted the Interior Upgrade package.