Replacing speakers enuff or does head unit gotta go?
08-21-2010, 01:07 AM
#1
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Replacing speakers enuff or does head unit gotta go?
I have the sh#TTY 4 speaker stock stereo. Can I just replace the speakers and get decent sound or should I also replace the head unit as well? I don't want a stadium mimicking sound system. Just something that is clear and has some bass and a iPod hookup. Got any favorites? Don't bother with the touch screen double din (WTF is that) receivers, I am not spending that kind of money. I would rather not get heavy sub boxes as this car is my racing vehicle, stereo is secondary to timeslips.
If I just do speakers I will install myself, if I change the receiver then I will prolly pay a pro to do it.
Anybody got any opinions..thx
If I just do speakers I will install myself, if I change the receiver then I will prolly pay a pro to do it.
Anybody got any opinions..thx
08-21-2010, 09:16 AM
#2
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: over yonder
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I'd say change the speakers and see if you like the way it sounds. If not change the HU after. No sense buying a new HU if a speaker upgrade is enough for your taste. (I'm assuming you're changing the speakers either way anyways, yes?) I have my stock HU still but I did add a sound processor to boost it.
08-21-2010, 09:37 PM
#4
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No I had my whole setup installed because they made me custom fiberglass enclosures and gave me a great package deal to install it all. Here's a link to the one I have- http://www.crutchfield.com/p_236REQ5...5.html?tp=6870
There may be far better ones out there at relative prices. I personally have about zero knowledge of these things, this is the first time I've kept my stock HU. All I know is my stereo sounds great lol. But I'm far from stock also so I don't know how good it's going to be for a non amped system.
ttocs or oldschool could tell ya much more probably if they happen to catch this thread.
There may be far better ones out there at relative prices. I personally have about zero knowledge of these things, this is the first time I've kept my stock HU. All I know is my stereo sounds great lol. But I'm far from stock also so I don't know how good it's going to be for a non amped system.
ttocs or oldschool could tell ya much more probably if they happen to catch this thread.
08-23-2010, 06:13 AM
#5
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 195
The only potential issue I see with a straight up speaker replacement is that I was told that the stock head unit performs equalization for the stock speakers. Installing different speakers with the stock HU could potentially result in your aftermarket speakers sounding weird. Again, that is assuming that what I was told was correct.
Going further, this is where the advantage of the aftermarket processor comes into play. It allows one to change out their speakers and add amplification while retaining the stock radio because the sound processor removes any equalization performed by the stock radio. Then again, if retaining the stock deck is not of great importance, I'd recommend grabbing a Kenwood Excelon or an Alpine that has the features you want and calling it a day.
Honestly, I'd recommend replacing the speakers first, then going from there. The 2005/2006 Mustang speakers are really easy to replace. The 2007 to 2009 isn't that bad, but one has to remove a lot more stuff to get to the rear deck speakers.
Going further, this is where the advantage of the aftermarket processor comes into play. It allows one to change out their speakers and add amplification while retaining the stock radio because the sound processor removes any equalization performed by the stock radio. Then again, if retaining the stock deck is not of great importance, I'd recommend grabbing a Kenwood Excelon or an Alpine that has the features you want and calling it a day.
Honestly, I'd recommend replacing the speakers first, then going from there. The 2005/2006 Mustang speakers are really easy to replace. The 2007 to 2009 isn't that bad, but one has to remove a lot more stuff to get to the rear deck speakers.
08-23-2010, 12:12 PM
#6
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Join Date: Oct 2009
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The only potential issue I see with a straight up speaker replacement is that I was told that the stock head unit performs equalization for the stock speakers. Installing different speakers with the stock HU could potentially result in your aftermarket speakers sounding weird. Again, that is assuming that what I was told was correct.
Going further, this is where the advantage of the aftermarket processor comes into play. It allows one to change out their speakers and add amplification while retaining the stock radio because the sound processor removes any equalization performed by the stock radio. Then again, if retaining the stock deck is not of great importance, I'd recommend grabbing a Kenwood Excelon or an Alpine that has the features you want and calling it a day.
Honestly, I'd recommend replacing the speakers first, then going from there. The 2005/2006 Mustang speakers are really easy to replace. The 2007 to 2009 isn't that bad, but one has to remove a lot more stuff to get to the rear deck speakers.
Going further, this is where the advantage of the aftermarket processor comes into play. It allows one to change out their speakers and add amplification while retaining the stock radio because the sound processor removes any equalization performed by the stock radio. Then again, if retaining the stock deck is not of great importance, I'd recommend grabbing a Kenwood Excelon or an Alpine that has the features you want and calling it a day.
Honestly, I'd recommend replacing the speakers first, then going from there. The 2005/2006 Mustang speakers are really easy to replace. The 2007 to 2009 isn't that bad, but one has to remove a lot more stuff to get to the rear deck speakers.
08-23-2010, 04:25 PM
#7
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 195
This is what mine looks like:
Swapping out the radio isn't that terribly difficult either. Crutchfield usually gives you the instructions along with any other items you need to change out your speakers and head unit.
Swapping out the radio isn't that terribly difficult either. Crutchfield usually gives you the instructions along with any other items you need to change out your speakers and head unit.
08-24-2010, 12:45 AM
#8
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: MT
Posts: 93
I'd go ahead and replace the stock speakers and see how you like it. I don't know how much equalizing the stock head unit does, I know Mach and Shaker systems use crossovers in their amps to adjust where the sound goes but IDK about head units. Go ahead and get them, I'd order them from Crutchfield because if you need harnesses or anything they usually provide them and their customer support is amazing. If you decide it doesn't sound good enough then replace the head unit with one of your choosing, again Crutchfield should supply a harness and really good instructions that make the whole procedure quite painless.
08-24-2010, 01:25 PM
#9
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Oldschool, that looks good. Where did you get the space filling cubby under the HU?
I have been ordering from crutchfield for 20 years....great company.
Thanks for the input guys, Now I feel better informed about ordering.
I have been ordering from crutchfield for 20 years....great company.
Thanks for the input guys, Now I feel better informed about ordering.
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