I purchased a Mustang without a Shaker system because I was planning on adding my own aftermarket system. Problem is, I didn't realize just how much these things can cost. I was at the audio shop the other day and the guy quoted me on a bunch of stuff, one package was for about $1800, the other over $2,000 (all Kenwood stuff).

My question is...What the hell can I do with a budget of about a thousand dollars, including labor?

I am interested in sound quality over volume, and I don't need to win any competitions with this system. I would rather have it look stock (except for the head unit). In other words, no gigantic woofers in the trunk or back seat.

Could I just get a nice component speaker system, a new head unit, and have a vast improvement over stock?

Much of the expense was from the woofer and amp. If I just wanted to change to some nicer speakers, would I really need an new amp, or would a higher power head unit do the trick?

 

You can get a good sound system for $1000 if you know where to look, go on ebay, or hookedontronics.com they have good deals there as well, You should be able to buy 2 pairs of speakers an amp and a good deck for a thousand dollars..... heres an example of a descent system for around that price.,...
Alpine 6x8's
Alpine components

Alpine 4 channel amp
Alpine deck

Of course there are better systems out there but that setup I just showed you should be just under what your looking to spend installed and still a good system much better than your stock system now! hope that helps...

 

I too was on about a $1000 budget for my entire system, this is what i've decided on with their prices

JL TR 5x7 Pair - $120
JL TR 5x7 Pair - $120
Custom Box - $70
JL 300/2 Amp - $269.99
JL 12' w3v3 - $200
Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X790 - $242.50
Amp Kit - $50
Labor - $125

Total - $1197.49

I didn't go too much over, and I think its worth it. As you can see though I am not amping my speakers and just running them off the headunit. But if i decide i need the 4-chan amp I can get the JL e4300 for $221 which would bring my total to $1418.49