So I did a bunch of searching on a number of Mustang related forums, and never really found an answer to my question. Namely, is it the speakers or the Shaker 500 HU that is the POS in the 05-06 cars.
My wife has an 09 GT Premium that absolutely ROCKS with the factory Shaker 500 system. My 06, not so much. Since I had all the parts and pieces laying around, I figured I would try and replace the head unit and see what happens.
I didn't want to spend $120 on a pigtail adapter from Crutchfield that supports rear entertainment systems, etc. So I went to my local stereo shop and picked up a two part pigtail for $10. Another $20 for the double to single DIN adapter plate, and I was off for an afternoon of wiring. (Here is the adapter I used: Scosche FDK11B Wire Harness to Connect an Aftermarket Stereo)
Long story short, I used the stock speakers for now, and I added my Kenwood HD Radio HU. I used the double pigtail adapter so I could maintain use of the factory amps. Since my HU has 3 sets of RCA outputs, I have my 8" subs running off the front channel, so they are getting the full range of music versus just the lows. I added a 300W Kicker amp and single 12" in the trunk. (I added a rocker switch to the blue amp control wire so I can turn the amp (sub) off if I choose since I get tired of the thumping but still want to hear my music loud) I mounted the amp to the underside of my rear deck, between the two 6x8" speakers. Up and tucked away, so I can easily remove the sub box and have full use of my trunk if needed. I also added a fuse block to the backside of the deck (visible from the trunk) so I can add additional power users in the future without having to pull new wires.
After these changes I can say the sound is a world better. The factory speakers are very capable, but I guess the head unit was not pushing them hard enough to get good sound from them. I have seen a number of people asking about this, with no clear answers to their questions. So I wanted to share what I learned in case it helps.
There is talk of the power output from the factory HU versus the aftermarket units and causing the factory amps to 'pop' when power is turned on. YES! I can confirm this is true. You need to add a resistor inline to stop the popping. I am going to get one this week and try and get it installed next weekend.
More pictures to follow. While I had the unit apart, I wrapped the trim covers in some carbon fiber vinyl wrap I had laying around. Looks better as a finished product. This picture was the 'in progress' shot.
My wife has an 09 GT Premium that absolutely ROCKS with the factory Shaker 500 system. My 06, not so much. Since I had all the parts and pieces laying around, I figured I would try and replace the head unit and see what happens.
I didn't want to spend $120 on a pigtail adapter from Crutchfield that supports rear entertainment systems, etc. So I went to my local stereo shop and picked up a two part pigtail for $10. Another $20 for the double to single DIN adapter plate, and I was off for an afternoon of wiring. (Here is the adapter I used: Scosche FDK11B Wire Harness to Connect an Aftermarket Stereo)
Long story short, I used the stock speakers for now, and I added my Kenwood HD Radio HU. I used the double pigtail adapter so I could maintain use of the factory amps. Since my HU has 3 sets of RCA outputs, I have my 8" subs running off the front channel, so they are getting the full range of music versus just the lows. I added a 300W Kicker amp and single 12" in the trunk. (I added a rocker switch to the blue amp control wire so I can turn the amp (sub) off if I choose since I get tired of the thumping but still want to hear my music loud) I mounted the amp to the underside of my rear deck, between the two 6x8" speakers. Up and tucked away, so I can easily remove the sub box and have full use of my trunk if needed. I also added a fuse block to the backside of the deck (visible from the trunk) so I can add additional power users in the future without having to pull new wires.
After these changes I can say the sound is a world better. The factory speakers are very capable, but I guess the head unit was not pushing them hard enough to get good sound from them. I have seen a number of people asking about this, with no clear answers to their questions. So I wanted to share what I learned in case it helps.
There is talk of the power output from the factory HU versus the aftermarket units and causing the factory amps to 'pop' when power is turned on. YES! I can confirm this is true. You need to add a resistor inline to stop the popping. I am going to get one this week and try and get it installed next weekend.
More pictures to follow. While I had the unit apart, I wrapped the trim covers in some carbon fiber vinyl wrap I had laying around. Looks better as a finished product. This picture was the 'in progress' shot.