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Ford Mustang V6 and Mustang GT 1994-2004: Aftermarket Sound System Modification

The aftermarket sound system field is huge. Let's walk through it and narrow down some of your choices.

By David Weitz - October 21, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang V6 and GT (1994-2004).

No question about it, if you're looking to upgrade the sound system on your Ford Mustang, the choices seem almost endless. And like much of everything else, EVERYBODY has an opinion. But it's your car, so you're going to have to decide what you're looking for, what you want, how much you want to spend, and how you want to handle installation. However, once the job is done and you're driving down the street drowning in the best sound ever, you'll be glad you took the time on the front end to make some important decisions.

To assist you to that end, let's look at some of the options you'll choose from as you upgrade your 'stang.

#1 Stereo System

DIY Cost – $190 for Kenwood Receiver

Professional Cost – $300

Skill Level – Moderate; you will need to swap out the dash's stock component for your new one.

PLEASE NOTE: I have no agreement or remuneration rights from recommending anything in this article. But for as long as I have been driving (and that's a long, long time), I have appreciated Kenwood audio systems. They are priced right, look great, sound better, and easy to install.

This particular receiver has everything you need and then some. It has 22 watts RMS/50 peak, times four channels, 6.2" touchscreen with variable color button illumination, built-in capabilities for your iPod, iPhone and iPad, USB input, Pandora control through your iPhone, as well as an AM/FM Tuner. It will play CDs, DVDs, and USB memory devices; it has a 5-band equalizer with eight preset EQ settings. It will work with SiriusXM satelite radio and is compatible with your steering wheel controls. It is just one of what's available, but it's my choice. And, if desired, it comes with a Bluetooth version as well. Recommended for its features.

#2 Speakers

DIY Cost – $150 for four Infinity speakers

Professional Cost – $400 for installation

Skill Level – Moderate to Expert; you will need to know how to take the doors apart, as well as how to place the speakers just right in the openings. However, it's still very doable for the do-it-yourselfer.

Speakers probably provide you with the most immediate and noticeable change in sound. And, there are almost more options for speakers than there are for receivers. You will need to decide exactly what you're looking for. I like this set of Infinity Kappa 682.9 speakers.

It's not so much that it provides loud sound, though I've never been opposed to that. It's that these speakers provide a great breadth of sound, which means the range of sound is fantastic.

You should note that these Infinity speakers are not real strong on the bass end of the spectrum. However, I think that's OK because that's why you're going to spend some money on subwoofers (we'll deal with those next). These speakers are very strong on the high end, which makes them work so well with a strong set subwoofers. Recommended for its sound.

Let's complete your system install with an amazing set subwoofers.

#3 Subwoofers

DIY Cost – $60-$90 per speaker

Professional Cost – $400

Skill Level – Easy to Moderate; it will depend on where you put the speakers.

It doesn't matter where you put your subwoofers, but just make sure you get some. Installing your subwoofer speakers is what will complete your system upgrade and make the car of your dreams sound like the car of your dreams.

A subwoofer install is fairly simple depending on where you put them. But it is probably the easiest component to install in your new Mustang sound system. In fact, you won't even have to disconnect your radio to complete the install. Recommended for completing the sound system upgrade.

Note

There are other options you can consider, such as adding amplifiers, disc changers, wireless remotes, adding GPS, going Bluetooth etc. Those are all icing on the cake. The three segments of your new system that I have shared here are just the beginning. Have fun as you build and build.

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