[babelmh13]

So I bought a 2006 gt premium last summer and around xmas decided that my summer project would be a whole new sound system. I replaced the shaker 500 head unit with a kenwood kiv bt900 from crutchfield. Kenwood KIV-BT900 Digital media receiver at Crutchfield.com

I have kind of a lot of questions but I think my next step should be a new amplifier? i dont know much about how they work or what to look for but the guy i talked to at best buy said that different amplifiers enhance different parts of audio. i want everything to be enhanced but bass is def. important. so can anyone make any suggestions/educate me a little bit on the subject? or tell me that the amp isnt the next step and where i should go from here?

Thanks a lot

 

[Lennys94]

Depends, u wantin to reuse ur original speakers and factory amps? Or you gonna upgrade all the speakers to a Jl, bose, or some other brand speakers. If your doin a full blown aftermarket audio system, ur best off runnin a 5-6 channel amplifier to run each speaker individually and fine tune everything from the amp and cd player, and then a another amp to run the subwoofers alone, but the way it sounds u havent really done much stereo stuff and to save urself a headache..take it to a sound shop and have them do what u wanna do,granite it cost ya more for them to do it,unless u got a buddy like i do thas been doin full blown stereo system the last 15 years that just calls for a few cases of beer for his time and ur help rewiring everyting lol

 

[babelmh13]

yea im looking to redo everything. the subs in the doors the rear deck speakers and kick plates. i have no idea what kind of amp is in the car now or if there is one. if anyone knows that, that would help. but i assume i will need a new, better one. i probably wont put a woofer in the trunk for a while so i will just be upgrading what i already have.

 

[babelmh13]

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[Mattmonay]

Umm... As an audio enthusiast myself, I would recommend going anywhere but best buy. They hire average Joe, and "train" him for a few days. Go to an audio specialist. Secondly, I would recommend getting 2 amplifiers- 1 for the 4 speakers, and 1 for subwoofers. If you're just looking to upgrade speakers at this point, you should get a 1,000 watt 4 channel amplifier, and 2 sets of 5x7s (or 5.5" components, which are moire expensive and will require them to cut/mold the doors). I purchased the Focals Amazon.com: Focal Access 570 CA1 5 X 7-Inch Coaxial Speaker Kit: Electronics, and am running an old Rockford Fosgate 4 channel T series 1,000 watt amp. Honestly, 5.5" components will cost about $50 more for the speakers, but they will really nail you with the labor. To sum it up, stick with a 4 channel 1,000 watt amp and 4 5x7 speakers of your choice (I recommend the Focals, the rockfords are a lot cheaper, but they have a more hollow/tin-like sound). You can always add another 1,000 watt amp and 1 really good 12" sub later. I had 4 12s in my old BMW 740i Sport, and my 1 12 in the 2011 5.0 sounds absolutely fantastic. Good luck, and if you need any more guidance, let me know... I can post pics of my set up, just let me know. Enjoy!

 

[CapaC]

If you want rear sub in the factory location reserved for the shaker 1000 system (should still be there in your vehicle) check out what JL offers for a stealthbox. Ford Mustang Stealthbox by JL Audio

that said you def should run an aftermarket amp for both the sub and the speakers. seperate amps is fine but there are several 5 channel amps out now that will do all of it in a single digital amp now. Helps if you have a want to minimize space loss. A possible would be Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. Also the guys are very right saying get rid of your stock speakers. Many MANY companies offer good 5x7 (also called 6x8) speakers. just be sure to stay away from base model versions of speakers if you want good quality. For example in Alpine stay away from type e or even maybe type s and stick to type r or if you are really after high end type x. Lastly if you really want to have the subs in the doors (the 8 inch drivers) give you nice clear mid bass at a diff gain than the rear sub (if you add it) Look for a good bridgeable 4 channel amp and have the first channel run the door subs and the 2nd channel run the rear sub(s) then a 2nd 4 channel running in its native form for the front/rear 5x7 speakers. Lastly def heed the guy who said stay away from bestbuy for audio. I hate to say it but minimum wage employees do not know how to best fit a vehicle with so many possible options for sound. Personally looking into this Kicker piece myself for a one fit piece that is a nice, tailored, slot in upgrade. Shelby Kicker Premium Sound System: Shaker Systems As always have fun!

 

[babelmh13]

oh yea i have zero intention of letting best buy do it. i was just citing some of my info.. i really just wanna be able to play my music pretty loud and not have rattling speakers. im running everything from my head unit and it shuts off if i play it to loud. i think i may leave the subs in the doors because i think they are relatively good.. and replace the rest of the speakers and maybe down the line get a woofer for the trunk.