Shaker 1000 Head Unit Swap Question

MadFlava · 01-09-2008

I have a 2005 GT convert with the Shaker 1000 system installed. I yanked the head unit and installed an Eclipse AVN-5435 nav unit using the Metra wiring harness. I stepped down the amp turn on feed, etc and everything turned out mostly okay.

Problem is, Im just not happy with the sound quality. I thought the Shaker sounded okay with the factory deck but with the Eclipse,, the doors have gotten REALLY bass heavy and the subs in the trunk are practically non existent.

I havent seen anyone else complain about this so I thought Id post and see if anyone has any advice... maybe I missed something when I did the install.

janthony1985 · 01-09-2008

What metra part number did you use? 705520? or another? Also, did you use the speaker level outputs ( included in main harness) or did you use the low level outputs ( RCA outputs)?

MadFlava · 01-09-2008

I used the same two piece harness that everyone recommends. I dont have the bag anymore to pull the part number but its got speaker level outputs and the dual RCA output for the sub with amp turnons.

Cant link images here but its this harness
Ford Receiver Wire Harness - Additional images and video

I am starting to think the problem is with the Eclipse deck itself as the sub output on the deck doesn't appear to be a true sub output but rather a non faded output. It would appear if Im going to use that output for a sub, I need something inline to filter the signal.

janthony1985 · 01-09-2008

You should be able to go into the menu of the unit and adjust the crossover as well as level of the sub output. As for the other speakers, I suggest you buy a inexpensive set of RCA's, cut them off and wire the speaker level into the rca outputs from the radio. The reason the front speakers are so domineering is because they are also amplified in the shaker 1000 system, so there currently getting more input power that the rest of the system. I've dealt with Eclipse audio for some years now and have never seen a unit of theirs go bad, but I suppose if my solution doesn't improve you sound quality, than it could be a possibility.

MadFlava · 01-10-2008

Good idea on the RCA outputs. I guess I need to pick up another harness and wire it up before yanking the radio out.

The head unit is not just passing bass, which I think is part of the problem. Im going to go by a local audio shop and see if they have any kind of solution for that.

Thanks!