Hey guys,

I'm looking to upgrade my Shaker 500. I have about $1200 to spend on the system. If the difference is night and day, then I could go to $1500, but it'd have to be a justifiable difference.

My music tastes are varied, so I'd like a flexible system. I mostly listen to rock, so that's what I'd want it optimized for. I'd like respectable bass when listening to hip hop/rap. On occasion I'll listen to oldies, jazz, instrumental (think classical orchestras or bands), and vocal music, so I'd want a system that didn't completely suck for those songs. If I had to estimate, I'd say I wanted it optimized for 65% rock, 30% hip hop/rap, and 5% other.

The reason I say this is that I have a buddy of mine who has a system that's only good for rap. Even with the bass set at the lowest the bass overpowers the rest of the sound--he has to turn the subs off to get a balanced sound. What I'm looking for is a system that would give me a good balance most of the time, but also strong bass when I want it. In other words, I'm looking for sound quality and not necessarily loudness (though louder than stock would be nice).

What do you guys recommend?

For the head unit, I don't have to have flashy colors or graphics. I don't think fancy colors and such fit in with the rest of the conservatively styled interior. I do want it to be compatible with my MP3 player and satellite radio. I have Sirius on the factory radio, so if it's possible to use the stock antenna, then all the better. Bluetooth is nice, but not required.

My concern with the component speakers is that I'd have to cut and drill stuff that I don't want screwed up. I'd like for this job to be reversible if possible--if I ever get rid of the car, then I'd like to put the stock stuff back in and keep the system. Drilling stuff that's easily and cheaply replaced isn't a problem--drilling into the dash or something is.

I have the same concern with the amps and sub enclosure. Would it be possible to put a partition of sorts on the enclosure so that I wouldn't have to mount the amp to the back seat? How do people ordinarily do this?

Anyway, I hope this gives you guys enough to work with. I've been thinking about an Eclipse H/U, maybe Infinity speakers, and who knows what for an amp and subs, but I'm up for recommendations.

Nick

 

Alright let me work on this.


You have $1,200 for a:

Headunit, preferably MP3 with bluetooth technology,
Sub + amp + Box,
Wiring,
comp set,
and install, or will you be building the box, and installing the system?


How much space do you have for a box?

Whatyear mustang is it going in?

 

If it's not a huge ordeal, I can do the build and install. That said, if it takes me all weekend and some hassle to do it, and a shop can do it for less than a couple hundred in an afternoon, then I'd let a shop do it.

My problem is that I live in a rural area right now and the closest audio shop is 40 miles away, so I'd rather do it myself.

I wish I had some pictures or measurements, but in the '07s there is some space behind the wheel wells. If possible I'd like it to fit there. I need to have enough trunk space to fit a suitcase, and I'd like to keep the sub(s) to the side of the trunk in case I need to fold the rear seats down for some reason.

'07

 

I am assuming that the shaker 500 does not come with the 8 in subs in the doors... I can't remember. I beleive the fronts are 6x8's.

HU - http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=4953$300

Fronts - http://www.woofersetc.com/index.cfm?...roduct_ID=5091$300

Amps - Front http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/4361$133
Sub - http://ikesound.com/product-product_id/4368$219

Sub - $260 (get the high power version)https://ssl.perfora.net/www.ficaraud...iew.shopscript


Wiring and box building $100.

Thats right around $1300! for a great setup.

 

Alright, I just checked. Ideally, I have about 12" wide by 15" deep by 12" tall to work with--that would optimally use the space that I can't do much with as it is. I can go bigger, but after that I'd be worried about fit problems.

 

Thanks, PReal. That looks like some great stuff you found. I'm glad I talked to you instead of Crutchfield.

 

About those subs--should I get one or two? 10" or 12"

edit: yeah, I turn into a dumbass at 5:00. From the prices on the site, I see that you're suggesting a single 12" sub.

Now, it says in the specs that it requires a 1.8 to 2.5 C.F. ported box, but nothing for a sealed box. Does this mean it requires a ported box for a decent sound? Where can I find information on how to build a ported box? Would it be a bad idea to order a prebuilt box?

My preferred dimensions of 12x15x12 give me 1.25 C.F. Would I get a good sound from a sealed box with these dimensions?

I could do the ported box if I widened the box a little. As you're standing at the trunk looking forward, that would give me a box 18" wide, 15" deep, and 12" tall with a volume of 1.875 C.F., with the sub being placed on the side of length 15". Are these dimensions sensical for good sound, or are there guidelines for dimensions for these things?

Thanks for your advice, everyone. You guys could charge for your help.

 

well it helps that you have a usable budget and at least a little knowledge of what direction you want to go...good luck with the system man...i wish i had these guys helping me out BEFORE i got my system...i'm in the process of saving up to re-do my speakers and subs

 

 

With that space requirement I would go with the Q12 sub. YOu might have to go a little over 12 inches in those 2 dimensions, but that subwould work great in a sealed enclosure

https://ssl.perfora.net/www.ficaraud...iew.shopscript

Those subs are designed by the original engineers that worked for RE, so they know what they are talking about.