2012 audio question

[lokstag1]

I love my car. It's a great machine. However I have the base model gt stereo, and that I don't love so much. I was cruising down the road towards the lake this last weekend with the girlfriend and we turned the stereo up. The windows were down, and the motor was doing it's part, the speed limits were happily being molested (only slightly of course) and the poor stereo started distorting at about half volume. What can be done? I want the stock look, but I want better clarity and some more volume. I've considered asking the dealer to upgrade, but i'm not sure they will for a price i'm comfy with. They wanted 550 to install the satellite radio. I think thats kinda ridiculous but i've been out of the stereo game for about 10 years. Do I need to just get a grip and ask them to install the shaker 500? It's it reasonable to think they will? Or should I go aftermarket and likely get a better stereo for the same amount of dough? I would be willing to part with the stock look as long as i didn't have to have one of those stupid plastic spacers that fill the dead space in your dash. And since some of you asked for pics last time I'll post the one of the GF before we went to someone's bachelore/bachelorette party. I think she looks hot. If you don't, keep it to yourself please.

 

[Rhymhoont]

I like the scenario, makes me itch for my '12 GT to get here (eta 5-19). Itch itch itch.

Ok you will always get more out of after market stuff. But only if you get good stuff. Notice I did not say expensive stuff. Back in the 80's and 90's, I installed many awesome show car stereos. Not the stuff like today with 50 speakers, the ones that SOUNDED good (and loud).

This depends on how much money you want to throw at it too. If you are willing to spend a few grand, then take it to a custom shop and tell them you want the best sound for $X and they will set you up. Remember to tell them how much you are spending, not the other way around. This is what I did for my 2002 F150, my $3000 system is now 99% of the time on AM radio...

But if you are not wanting to split with some hard earned cash, Here is what I would do. First replace the stock speakers with some good JL Audio or so, speakers. Get some assistance from a custom shop, they will always have the best stuff, and they care about sound.

Want more? See if they can pop an amp in there and hook it to the stock head unit. I use Zapco amps, but they are a bit pricey.

Still more? If the amp was possible, then see if the custom shop can fit a custom box with a couple of 10's with a 750w or bigger amp to run em.

Still not enough, were getting in to my truck here... Get a Zapco sound processor / EQ. They are programmed by computer to match the image of your car.

There should be no reason to replace your stock head unit if they can get some pre-amp outs from it. I knew guys they could add them in the past. Then all your steering wheel stuff still works.

It's a really fun hobby to spend lots of money and time on. But I love music so much it's like the motor guys that add blowers and such.

I hope this helped. If you have any more questions i'll answer the best I can.

Oh, And they both look hot to me...

 

[tom964]

I would not have the shaker 500 installed. It won't get you what you want. I have it and I am upgrading.

As an example, JL Audio has a 700 watt, 5 channel amplifier that will power the front and rear speakers and a subwoofer (or two door subwoofers), and is small enough to easily fit under the seat. Wire it back to the existing wiring behind the radio, and swap out the speakers with something more capable, and you have a huge improvement without changing any stock appearance (I hope and will know tomorrow!). The fifth channel is then available to add a sub.

I am having the JL audio amp installed in my 2011 tomorrow with Pioneer component speakers in front and 6x8s in the back. The installer is going to wire everything in with plugs that snap into the existing car wiring. Using the Pioneer 1720C components means they will have to drill for tweeter installation, but I have had those speakers before and they have a great, natural sound - especially incredible for the price (generally about $100 at discount), so I am willing to live with that alteration. For an even cleaner installation, replace the door speakers with plug and play 6x8s.

 

[katmando911]

I thought that the shaker 500 was standard and the optional upgrade from the factory was to the shaker 1000. Also, unless you have the Electronics Package (i.e. Navigation) then your head unit has RCA pre-outs which can be used to send a signal to an aftermarket amp. If you do have the electronics package then you would have to syphon a line level output off of one of the existing speakers (it would work but it'd be a pain in the ass, that's why you can get the electronics package and the shaker 1000 option together from the factory).

Also, with the unique shape of the dash, you wouldn't be able to just stick in just any standard (single DIN or double DIN) head unit into your car without some serious modifications which would probably lower the resell value of your car. I doubt any aftermarket manufacturers make a custom headunit that wouldn't require modification to the dash but I suppose it's possible.

 

[Rhymhoont]

I would not have the shaker 500 installed. It won't get you what you want. I have it and I am upgrading.

As an example, JL Audio has a 700 watt, 5 channel amplifier that will power the front and rear speakers and a subwoofer (or two door subwoofers), and is small enough to easily fit under the seat. Wire it back to the existing wiring behind the radio, and swap out the speakers with something more capable, and you have a huge improvement without changing any stock appearance (I hope and will know tomorrow!). The fifth channel is then available to add a sub.

I am going to assume then that then S-500 has an external amp then. Or at least has preamplifier outs built into the connector.

 

[Rhymhoont]

I thought that the shaker 500 was standard and the optional upgrade from the factory was to the shaker 1000. Also, unless you have the Electronics Package (i.e. Navigation) then your head unit has RCA pre-outs which can be used to send a signal to an aftermarket amp. If you do have the electronics package then you would have to syphon a line level output off of one of the existing speakers (it would work but it'd be a pain in the ass, that's why you can get the electronics package and the shaker 1000 option together from the factory).

Also, with the unique shape of the dash, you wouldn't be able to just stick in just any standard (single DIN or double DIN) head unit into your car without some serious modifications which would probably lower the resell value of your car. I doubt any aftermarket manufacturers make a custom headunit that wouldn't require modification to the dash but I suppose it's possible.

I am not versed in the details of the components yet, since my car won't be here for another month. ...

But that is the case with the electronics package, then instead of bleeding the speaker outs for signal you're better off pulling the radio and finding the preamps in the unit. I hate doing that and hope that there is an alternate route. Seems silly to make a car stereo factory or not without preamplifier outs in the connector.

Factory seldom puts them in RCA unless there is lots of room and who they had design it. I am sure to find out though.

 

[Ateup]

I also love my music and love it loud. Got the Shaker 1000 in mine which is fine for me. Funny thing is, it's the nicest system I've ever had in a vehicle, but since I had my exhaust installed, I find myself turning my music down so I can hear the car rumble.

 

[tom964]

I am going to assume then that then S-500 has an external amp then. Or at least has preamplifier outs built into the connector.

Actually, it does not. There are small separate amplifiers for the door subwoofers, but the four main speakers are driven off the head unit. I left out the fact that the JL Audio amplifier can handle either line level or speaker level input. It has built in line converters. Not perfect, but I want to keep the head unit, and if an alternative way of handling it ever comes up, the amplifier works either way.

 

[lokstag1]

Thanks for all the input guys! I was worried i would have to change out the head unit which would be unacceptable i think. Rhymhoont, you're gonna love your car. It's worth itching for, drooling over, whatever it takes. It's a good feeling knowing you plunked down 30k for an american car that will run with m3's and can at least be in the same sentence as yesteryears super cars. It takes a serious Porche to beat you to the next light and even the local base vette approaches with caution. You've got the most capable car of the 3 pony options (and really the only sports car) and it looks good and sounds great. I think i could make a great argument for it being the best bang for the buck sports car out there.

 

[Rhymhoont]

Thanks for all the input guys! I was worried i would have to change out the head unit which would be unacceptable i think. Rhymhoont, you're gonna love your car. It's worth itching for, drooling over, whatever it takes. It's a good feeling knowing you plunked down 30k for an american car that will run with m3's and can at least be in the same sentence as yesteryears super cars. It takes a serious Porche to beat you to the next light and even the local base vette approaches with caution. You've got the most capable car of the 3 pony options (and really the only sports car) and it looks good and sounds great. I think i could make a great argument for it being the best bang for the buck sports car out there.

Thanks! Now I am pacing back and forth and itching. People in the office are starting to notice...

I have a `66 Stang so I have wanted one of these because of the style queues. I waited for the `11 with Coyote to even sit in one because I know myself. That's like a sex addict sitting in a stripper bar.

So I sat in one, it was a `11 Shelby actually, and my wife saw my eyes and said, "how about a GT.. They are nice right?". Oh I guess Honey, I can settle for that... then had to wait to order the `12.

It sure will be nice to drive a sports car again as a daily after driving the F150 for 10 years. My daily car before that was a `92 Vette. I still miss that car, but would much rather have this Stang. The GT has 110HP over the old vette as well. (well it IS 20 years newer)

 

[lokstag1]

Lol be careful now... if you get fired you might have a hard time paying for new said stang... Got to play it cool. And watch out for the commute home... Mine has suddenly gotten much longer... naturally you will have to post pictures of your baby when you take delivery.

 

[642mx]

I think i could make a great argument for it being the best bang for the buck sports car out there.

Forbes would agree: In Pictures: The 10 Fastest Cars Under $30,000 - 1. Ford Mustang GT - Forbes.com

5.0L Mustang took the top spot... the 6 banger stang ranked 3rd!

 

[lokstag1]

I think i could make a great case for myself being on the Forbes billionaire list......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................c'mon Forbes........................
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................I'll just keep waiting...

 

[642mx]

 

[lokstag1]

It was worth a shot... I'll still be waiting, but i'm not holding my breath...

 

[amplifier28]

Does the base 2011 Muustang GT factory stereo have preamp outputs?

 

[swagfu]

I say junk the stocker and go aftermarket.

I went aftermarket and have no complaints. I didn't need to add an amp or even change the stock speakers. I may consider it later, but a new head unit makes a big difference.

 

[Rhymhoont]

I have done some extensive research and the schematics and repair guides show and amp in the luggage compartment RH side. If the amp is separate, then you can pull pre-amp from there. I will post pictures later.

 

[banjofan]

I have done some extensive research and the schematics and repair guides show and amp in the luggage compartment RH side. If the amp is separate, then you can pull pre-amp from there. I will post pictures later.

please do post pics because i really want to upgrade my 2012 gt (hopefully without removing the existing head unit)
thanks

 

[Godzukidan]

Is there a trick to removing the back panel to change out the rear speakers? The car is new and I dont want to break anything. The factory 20 watt speakers have to go. I will also change the door speakers at a later time. The backs should not take that long to change.