[ksmithey]

I was wondering if anyone has successfully upgraded from a base model radio to a Shaker 500 or 1000? I've heard that it CAN and CAN'T be done...so who is right? I want to keep the stock look of my radio but I also want the functionality of the Shaker 500 6-disc changer...your thoughts?

[hotshot]

i think that you should be able to do it. get the correct harnesses, 6 disc changer, and speakers.

[mrvandermey]

I have the Shaker 1000...but it came with the car, so I have no idea whether or not it can be swapped out. To be honest, I have not even really used it all that much. I usually just listen to the radio or nothing but the exhaust. It is some what of a conversation piece to those who do not know much about it...seeing a factory system like that usually gets the young guys at the shows all excited.

[ksmithey]

Originally Posted by hotshot

i think that you should be able to do it. get the correct harnesses, 6 disc changer, and speakers.

I don't want to upgrade the speakers (they're plenty loud), just the head unit...with the base model radio there are no door subs, would that pose a problem for the Shaker? I could be completely wrong, but why wouldn't it just "plug n play"? Both are the same size, just fewer speakers I think.

[jim293]

Doesn't that 1000 take up a lot of trunk space?

[mrblorry]

Originally Posted by ksmithey

I don't want to upgrade the speakers (they're plenty loud), just the head unit...with the base model radio there are no door subs, would that pose a problem for the Shaker? I could be completely wrong, but why wouldn't it just "plug n play"? Both are the same size, just fewer speakers I think.

I can't speak for the Shaker 1000, but the speakers that came with my Shaker 500 are disgusting. Your rig would improve 5000% just by upgrading the speakers. I can't imagine the stock radio having better speakers than the 500, so yours are probably the same as mine, as they can't get any cheaper and crappier!

When you say loud, I bet it's not a pleasing loud, just a tinny and annoying loud. That's the rotten speakers. You don't believe me? Open the trunk and look under the deck. You can get better junk at a Family Dollar store! Notice it's only rated for 25W. That's pathetic.

Upgrade the speakers first, then think about the head unit! Yes, the 500 has multi disc and satellite capable, but I bet the amps inside are hardly any different, except for a separate subwoofer amp. Does your door panels already have the grilles for the subs? Unfortunately, no one seems to make quality replacements for those, but several companies make great 5x7 and 6x8 replacements for the door and deck speakers. I just ordered a pair of Infinity Kappas that will replace the junk in the rear deck.

Just for grins & giggles, I am a musician and an audiophile along with being a car nut. I do have a little expertise in this area!

[ksmithey]

Originally Posted by mrblorry

I can't speak for the Shaker 1000, but the speakers that came with my Shaker 500 are disgusting. Your rig would improve 5000% just by upgrading the speakers. I can't imagine the stock radio having better speakers than the 500, so yours are probably the same as mine, as they can't get any cheaper and crappier!

When you say loud, I bet it's not a pleasing loud, just a tinny and annoying loud. That's the rotten speakers. You don't believe me? Open the trunk and look under the deck. You can get better junk at a Family Dollar store! Notice it's only rated for 25W. That's pathetic.

Upgrade the speakers first, then think about the head unit! Yes, the 500 has multi disc and satellite capable, but I bet the amps inside are hardly any different, except for a separate subwoofer amp. Does your door panels already have the grilles for the subs? Unfortunately, no one seems to make quality replacements for those, but several companies make great 5x7 and 6x8 replacements for the door and deck speakers. I just ordered a pair of Infinity Kappas that will replace the junk in the rear deck.

Just for grins & giggles, I am a musician and an audiophile along with being a car nut. I do have a little expertise in this area!

Thanks for the advice, but I just want the 6-disc functionality and look stock, no more, no less. And after further researching, I've found out that the Shaker 500/1000 have external amps versus the base model that does not. An audio shop said the transplant wouldn't work. (or at least the plug and play aspect wouldn't work)