[redbar0n11]

I am looking to upgrade my HU to a double-din 7" touchscreen, and I am looking to see if anyone knows a bit about the Shaker 500 system. Is the Amp internal in the shaker unit? Or is it external and able to be used with an aftermarket HU? Also, can the stock speakers be used w/o a problem with aftermarket HU until I upgrade them? I thought I heard that the Shaker system doesn't like to play well with others =\... Anyway, that's the road I want to travel down... any advice is appreciated. Thanks all!!!

[redbar0n11]

*BUMP*

Umm... anyone know anything?

[TheUNZippee!]

The shaker 500 system consists of the head unit, two rear 6x9 shelf speakers, two 8 inch dual-voice coil subs in the doors, and two two ways above them. I think they are 4x6's, I can't recall. The ampS are separate. There are two 250 watt amps under the dash somewhere, I can't remember the exact location, but no, the amps are not in the head unit.

You can use your factory speakers, but you will have to make sure you crossover the proper frequencies to the proper speakers. In the factory system, however, I am not sure where the crossover network is. My guess would be in the head unit, prior to the amps, but when you get the amps out, you can have a closer look at them, or I can try and dig mine out of the shed and have a look at them, if you like.

The majority of problems people run in to in utilizing factory components with after market pieces, is that they don't get them interfaced properly, or the pieces they wish to combine with the factory stuff isn't compatible. Your best bet is to RTFM, and go ask a professional installer if you aren't 100% sure.

[redbar0n11]

Ok, well that sounds hopeful atleast. Just as long as the amps are seperate and not within the HU, then I should be fine. As for the crossover issue, that should be able to figured out pretty easily. I'm not too informed yet on stereos, but I'm trying to learn. But from what I (think I) know, crossovers aren't that bad to buy, and shouldn't be an issue to install. I should be able to find a how-to online to help me get into the dash easier (first time is always a bitch)... and a wiring guide... a couple questions at the local stereo shop... and I should be home free! Thanks a lot. This is definately what I needed to find out. And it sounds like you already went through this process, so if you have any tips/tricks/guidance to share, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks again!

[TheUNZippee!]

Anytime, man. Getting in to the dash isn't that hard. Open your console lid, and remove the two phillips screws at the rear of the console. Then pry up the leather shifter boot, if it's manual, lol, and then unscrew the shift knob, gently. Watch the rotating boot as you spin it off. Then the console is held in by clips. Just pull on it straight up, firmly, but gently. Pull your e-brake handle up as high as it will go, and once the console is free, just lift it at the back and wiggle the rubber grommet over the e-brake handle, being careful not to scratch anything with the ends of the console. Then remove the two side panels on either side of the center stack that the HU is in. These simply pull straight back, again they are held in by clips. Just pull them towards the back of the car. Once you have these panels off, you will see the screws, 6 I think, that hold that front plate with all the switches & HVAC controls in it on. Take the screws out, and gently pull that panel forward, and reach in behind and disconnect all the plugs from behind. Then your HU unbolts, and voila, you're good to do whatever you need to do.

Good luck with everything.

[CarRamRod]

I've got a few follow up questions to this. I'm used to changing out my cd player in previous vehicles. How good/bad is the shaker 500 head unit? Sound quality a problem with these head units? Driving a sub is less important to me when it comes to audio but sound quality is very important.

[fogged306]

Hahaha, love the avie and sig...

the head unit itself is of better quality than the cheaper brand CD players but if you get into the nicer radios you will notice an improvement. Pioneer and Alpine make the best radios IMO, but the Pioneer is like a friggen neon light in your dash at night with no way to dim the buttons and the Alpines are a nightmare to tune.. been a couple of years since I worked in a place that sold Alpine so they may have gotten better tho.