Sound System Upgrade for Base Model 2016 GT

[Matti777]

On a budget I wouldn't upgrade the head unit just for sound quality. I have the 9 speaker system. Adding just a sub made it into a sub standard stereo with a sub The next step is a big one. I wouldn't advise upgrading amps and speakers without a DSP. You can get them for as little as $150. If you are going to upgrade the headunit get one with DSP capabilities.

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[Asvy]

Since you are being smart with your $$, let’s ask a few questions and offer suggestions that will help guide you to fiscal and auditory happiness:
1) What don’t you like about your radio (not speaker sound, I’m talking about features)? If the radio has what you need, then it can be integrated. If you want to play DVDs, want built-in navigation, want Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, want a touchscreen, or etc., then a new radio is needed.
2) What don’t you like about the sound? Not enough bass? Not enough vocals? New speakers and tuning will fix these problems. Your needs will dictate what to buy.
3) Your budget may only allow for a 40–50 watt RMS per channel amplifier. That’s fine. However, over time, you may want more volume/better sound and that will require an upgrade. I’d suggest buying a speaker set that’s rated for 80-100 watts (or more) per channel. The cost may be $100-$200 more than the lower-priced lower-wattage set, but it allows for upgrading. That $100-$200 is cheaper than starting with a new speaker set.
4) A DSP (digital signal processor) will greatly enhance your sound. They are priced anywhere from $279 to $3,000. Price is dependent upon features and number of inputs/outputs that the unit will provide. You can start off with a cheaper one and upgrade as your budget allows. It’s also transferable to your next vehicle. A Rockford Fosgate DSR1 with the Maestro iDatalink dFO2 harness will integrate your base stereo and clean up the awful equalization that the stock system has.

There are more questions to ask, so tell us what you need and we can offer suggestions/recommendations. Don’t be afraid to ask “stupid questions.” No question is stupid except for the one that you were afraid to ask.

Hello, Good Morning to Everyone Responding back in the forum. I appreciate yall's time and consideration. I want to set some things straight and answer your questions while I am at it.

Model: 2016 Base GT

1. Aside from my radio being a small 3 inches of screen, I really don't mind not having features like a digital screen, apple car play, or anything like that. I already got used to having such a small screen at this point, that a digital screen wouldn't make much of a difference, although it would be nice. My question is do I have to upgrade my stereo in order to get a better sound quality out of my components? The guys at Crutchfield told me that the radio that I currently have would not really bring out my speakers to life, and they recommended me to get a new radio or if I really don't want to uprade my radio they told me to get that Rockford Fosgate that you mentioned.

2. I want my sound to sound a bit more clearer. I want to get the clear sound you get when you listen to music with noise-canceling headphones (although I know it will not sound exactly the same).I also want more bass for sure, I like to feel the bass in my chest. The bass on my mustang is pretty weak with most of the songs I play. I have to turn up the volume all the way up in order to get some bass out of the songs, but in return the vocals are way too loud. I want to be able to control my bass. But overall I just want very clear vocals, instruments etc. and a good punchy bass that I can feel in my chest. However, I do not want my car rattling like a mf, I heard that you can put some type of material on the doors that way the car wont rattle. I don't know much about it though.

3. My budget right now is around 2k dollars. Here is the list that the guy at Crutchfield made me:

https://www.crutchfield.com/cart/default.aspx?wm=tn1

I am still concerned about the speakers because I only have 4 speakers in the front and two in the trunk. Is it fine if I stick to the 2-way speakers in the doors or do you think it will create sound issues like FreePenguin stated.

4. Yes they told me about the Rockford Fosgate DSR1. However, they told me that I only need it, if I stay with the radio I currently have. If I decide to upgrade my stereo, they said I don't need it. How true is that?

I hope that gives you a better insight of what I want.

(Clear Vocals, Clear instruments, punchy bass that I can feel to the chest, don't want car to rattle, and don't want low sound quality, I much rather have high sound quality than just loud distortion)

 

[Asvy]

I just installed a subwoofer and I super happy with the results.

Here is what I did.

1) upgraded the door speakers to Kicker 6.5
https://www.stage3motorsports.com/k...-6-5-door-speaker-upgrade-kit-base-audio.html

~ 180$

These have a much cleaner sound than the factor.

2) Rockville RWS12CA Slim 1200 Watt 12"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DNT4YBA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This fits perfect just behind the seats, facing the trunk. Speaker is self powered, so less cable mess

I set it to 50% gain, otherwise too gangster for me ;)

~150$

3) Wiring kit is crap on the Sub\Amp so I went with:
TOPSTRONGGEAR 4 Gauge Amp Kit True 4 AWG Amplifier
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WTTV19N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


~38$


4) Since I was going to replace my 4inch unit with an 8 inch, I decided to use a harness kit for the RCA inputs:
2015 - 2020 Ford Mustang 4 OR 8 Inch Screen Non Amplified Base Model Radio Plug & Play Audio Harnesses: Kits × 1
https://plugnplaykits.com/products/...io-harnesses-kits?_pos=2&_sid=7f64f4692&_ss=r

~65$

* Blue remote wire does not work with the harness, amp stays on. I just tapped into the trunk wiring cables , its the blue wire with white strip.



Ground cable tap: I attached a bolt\washer where the spare tire goes, there are two spots to put a screw, this works even with the spare tire.

I Hope this helps someone. The difference with this sub is night and day, even with the seats up.

I like the price for what you got, seems like a very good deal. I am still not sure how a good system sounds but from what I got told. They told me that there is not really much of a difference from a 200 dollar speaker to an 800 dollar speaker, the quality is a little different but not significant. How does the bass sound now? on a scale from 1-10, can you feel it?

 

[m3incorp]

Lots of good advice has been given. Do you have any "good" audio install shops in your area? If you do, see if they have done any mustangs and what components were used as a possible starting point. As you stated, you want a clearer sound. See if you can find people with upgraded sound in their Mustangs and try to get a comparison to listen. I was lucky and got to sit in and listen to a Mustang same year of mine that had been upgraded while it was still in the audio shop. It sounded absolutely amazing BUT cost $8500. While it sounded great, there is no way I would drop that kind of money into an audio install where I could not expect a penny back, when I sell the vehicle. Keep in mind salesmen/women are just that. As for a $200 speaker not being much different from an $800 speaker, I would leave that up to the ear of the person who is paying the money.

 

[CricketSP]

I like the price for what you got, seems like a very good deal. I am still not sure how a good system sounds but from what I got told. They told me that there is not really much of a difference from a 200 dollar speaker to an 800 dollar speaker, the quality is a little different but not significant. How does the bass sound now? on a scale from 1-10, can you feel it?

Let me put it this way, all I listen to is heavy metal, and with this setup I was jamming to hip hop!

 

[chagan02]

I upgraded my base 2017 GT almost a year ago. If you get efficient speakers you do not need to amplify them. I have Focals throughout with a JL 12w3 and amp in the trunk. I have about 1100 in my entire setup and it sounds great. I debated (actually ordered a 5 channel amp) amplifying the interior speakers, so glad I didn’t. No need for my use. I listen to Heavy Metal, Rock, and occasionally Hip Hop. This setup with the W3 rocks. I’ve had Fosgate and others (Orion, Polk, etc), JL subs are the best I’ve found and the only thing I buy anymore.

 

[Bobby57]

After a year of modding my mustang and installing a full Corsa exhaust system, tuning and such. I realized that I should mod my car in other aspects and one that completely blew my mind was the audio system. I went to a car meet last weekend, and a guy showed me his Audio setup, he had a full JL audio system, subwoofers, amplifier, and C5 speakers all around. It sounded amazing, however, I do not know much of how good speakers are supposed to sound. After asking him and looking around JL audio retailers, I was let down to find out that the system is over 4,400+ dollars including installation. To all, you sound heads out there. Is there a good system that you guys recommend? JL audio is a great reliable company but it is quite overpriced. I would love some feed back on some good audio systems that are not as expensive as JL audio but still provide some top notch solid performance. I don't mind dropping a few thousand, but 5k for a sound system is plain ridiculous to me. Im only 18, I try to use my money as wise as possible.

Like you, I have been doing performance modifications on my 2016 GT Premium Convertible that I picked up in October 2020. I put in a Ford/Roush stage 1 supercharger, lowered/stiffened the suspension with the Ford Performance Track Handling Kit, did some chassis/suspension stabilizations with a bunch of BMR and Steeda parts and new wheel/tire set-up based on 19" x 10" Apex flow-formed wheels with 285/35ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ tires all around. Note that I did not go with the softer summer tires so as to be able to drive outside of Florida. My next, and probably final, performance upgrade will be with the brakes, where I am planning on going with the Ford Performance GT350R brake kit

https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-2300-Y

And, like you, I have now moved on to addressing the electronics. In fact, my car is actually, at this moment, in auto electronics shop, where it has been all this last week., my expecting it to be done on Monday 2/8.

I am having the Escort ci 360 max radar detector and AL Priority Laser jammer installed, along with getting an install of a completely sick audio system....

The foundation of the audio system is the interfacing to the existing Mustang Premium Sync head unit by way of the iDataLink Maestro harness adapter connected to a Rockford Fosgate DSP1. This really was the key to the set-up, beyond which there could be many price-performance points of amplifiers and speakers. I would highly recommend this for anyone wishing to upgrade their Mustang audio system.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575DSR1/Rockford-Fosgate-DSR1.html?tp=61671

I will be having the DSP1 set-up feeding to a couple amps:

1) A small Alpine amp to drive an upgraded, inexpensive center speaker (for phone and nav), the existing rear side-panel coaxial speakers (which I most likely will disable as I am not sure that they will be adding value) and an Alpine 10" Type R subwoofer installed in a custom trunk enclosure behind the rear seats (could not find an off-the-shelf enclosure for a convertible Mustang). I reclaimed the space currently used by the stock subwoofer and ordered a new OEM carpet panel to put in its place, so as to maximize trunk storage space for GT (grand touring) road trips.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-ULwBoHSgKOU/p_500SWR10D2/Alpine-SWR-10D2.html

2) The other DSP1 output is to a Helix C Four 4 channel amp driving the Focal ES 165KX3 Elite K2 Power Series 6-1/2" 3-way component speaker set in the front. This is the killer piece of my set-up, and a completely sick/crazy one at that. I have 2 amp channels dedicated to each of the 2 woofers and am using cross-overs to split each of the remaining two channels between the tweeter/mid-range pairs. This will provide exceptional sound fidelity by allowing each speaker to dedicate itself to defined frequency ranges.

https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/helix/amplifiers/c-four
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_091ES165X3/Focal-ES-165KX3.html

I am also getting a good amount of sound deadening with Dynamat: floors, doors, wheel wells and trunk. On this, there are limitations on the return from this effort given the noise reality of driving a rag top.

I am already thinking through my next, and probably final, enhancement, of beautifying the car's body by either having a three-step paint correction done or by putting on a vinyl wrap.

On the vinyl wrap piece, I am looking at these Inozetek wrap colors, my currently running partial to the midnight blue

https://inozetekusa.com/collections/supergloss-metallic/products/supergloss-metallic-midnight-green
https://inozetekusa.com/collections/supergloss-metallic/products/supergloss-metallic-midnight-blue
https://inozetekusa.com/collections/frontpage/products/super-gloss-laguna-blue

But, to get back to the subject at hand --- the audio system, and as it was pointed out in other posts, there are many very good and more modest amplifier/speaker options. However, as I mentioned above, I very much recommend the iDataLink Maestro/Rockford Fosgate DSP1 route so as to make use of the existing Mustang head unit for all of its purposes --- phone, nav, audio source selection --- while being able to contend with the true weakness of the existing system --- the amp and speakers.

 

[Asvy]

Like you, I have been doing performance modifications on my 2016 GT Premium Convertible that I picked up in October 2020. I put in a Ford/Roush stage 1 supercharger, lowered/stiffened the suspension with the Ford Performance Track Handling Kit, did some chassis/suspension stabilizations with a bunch of BMR and Steeda parts and new wheel/tire set-up based on 19" x 10" Apex flow-formed wheels with 285/35ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ tires all around. Note that I did not go with the softer summer tires so as to be able to drive outside of Florida. My next, and probably final, performance upgrade will be with the brakes, where I am planning on going with the Ford Performance GT350R brake kit

https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-2300-Y

And, like you, I have now moved on to addressing the electronics. In fact, my car is actually, at this moment, in auto electronics shop, where it has been all this last week., my expecting it to be done on Monday 2/8.

I am having the Escort ci 360 max radar detector and AL Priority Laser jammer installed, along with getting an install of a completely sick audio system....

The foundation of the audio system is the interfacing to the existing Mustang Premium Sync head unit by way of the iDataLink Maestro harness adapter connected to a Rockford Fosgate DSP1. This really was the key to the set-up, beyond which there could be many price-performance points of amplifiers and speakers. I would highly recommend this for anyone wishing to upgrade their Mustang audio system.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_575DSR1/Rockford-Fosgate-DSR1.html?tp=61671

I will be having the DSP1 set-up feeding to a couple amps:

1) A small Alpine amp to drive an upgraded, inexpensive center speaker (for phone and nav), the existing rear side-panel coaxial speakers (which I most likely will disable as I am not sure that they will be adding value) and an Alpine 10" Type R subwoofer installed in a custom trunk enclosure behind the rear seats (could not find an off-the-shelf enclosure for a convertible Mustang). I reclaimed the space currently used by the stock subwoofer and ordered a new OEM carpet panel to put in its place, so as to maximize trunk storage space for GT (grand touring) road trips.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-ULwBoHSgKOU/p_500SWR10D2/Alpine-SWR-10D2.html

2) The other DSP1 output is to a Helix C Four 4 channel amp driving the Focal ES 165KX3 Elite K2 Power Series 6-1/2" 3-way component speaker set in the front. This is the killer piece of my set-up, and a completely sick/crazy one at that. I have 2 amp channels dedicated to each of the 2 woofers and am using cross-overs to split each of the remaining two channels between the tweeter/mid-range pairs. This will provide exceptional sound fidelity by allowing each speaker to dedicate itself to defined frequency ranges.

https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/helix/amplifiers/c-four
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_091ES165X3/Focal-ES-165KX3.html

I am also getting a good amount of sound deadening with Dynamat: floors, doors, wheel wells and trunk. On this, there are limitations on the return from this effort given the noise reality of driving a rag top.

I am already thinking through my next, and probably final, enhancement, of beautifying the car's body by either having a three-step paint correction done or by putting on a vinyl wrap.

On the vinyl wrap piece, I am looking at these Inozetek wrap colors, my currently running partial to the midnight blue

https://inozetekusa.com/collections/supergloss-metallic/products/supergloss-metallic-midnight-green
https://inozetekusa.com/collections/supergloss-metallic/products/supergloss-metallic-midnight-blue
https://inozetekusa.com/collections/frontpage/products/super-gloss-laguna-blue

But, to get back to the subject at hand --- the audio system, and as it was pointed out in other posts, there are many very good and more modest amplifier/speaker options. However, as I mentioned above, I very much recommend the iDataLink Maestro/Rockford Fosgate DSP1 route so as to make use of the existing Mustang head unit for all of its purposes --- phone, nav, audio source selection --- while being able to contend with the true weakness of the existing system --- the amp and speakers.

You have a crazy build going on, I am sure that would have made my pockets hurt for a long time, but if you have the money to spend like that GO FOR IT!!! haha. I have the small 3inch screen, which doesn't come with Navigation or anything fancy like that. All I can do is take calls and listen to music. If it costs more to install a new head unit than to use the Fosgate and the Maestro, then I can forego the installation of the head unit otherwise I think installing a new head unit for a couple of hundred dollars wouldn't be a bad investment. Were you able to look at my cart? Here is the link, if you wanna give me some feeback

https://www.crutchfield.com/cart/default.aspx?wm=tn1


The only thing I'm concerned about right now, is whether to buy 2-way speakers since I have the base GT I only have four speakers in the front and 2 in the trunk. If I wanted to get 3-way speakers then I would have to cut holes on the door I believe. I am not sure how expensive that procedure is and I don't want my car to look bad in case the holes mess up my doors.

 

[Bobby57]

You have a crazy build going on, I am sure that would have made my pockets hurt for a long time, but if you have the money to spend like that GO FOR IT!!! haha. I have the small 3inch screen, which doesn't come with Navigation or anything fancy like that. All I can do is take calls and listen to music. If it costs more to install a new head unit than to use the Fosgate and the Maestro, then I can forego the installation of the head unit otherwise I think installing a new head unit for a couple of hundred dollars wouldn't be a bad investment. Were you able to look at my cart? Here is the link, if you wanna give me some feeback

https://www.crutchfield.com/cart/default.aspx?wm=tn1


The only thing I'm concerned about right now, is whether to buy 2-way speakers since I have the base GT I only have four speakers in the front and 2 in the trunk. If I wanted to get 3-way speakers then I would have to cut holes on the door I believe. I am not sure how expensive that procedure is and I don't want my car to look bad in case the holes mess up my doors.

I am not able to see your Crutchfield shopping cart

Have you investigated any of the plug-and-play solutions?

https://www.crutchfield.com/carsystems/Ford-Mustang-Stereos-and-Speakers.html

https://www.focal.com/en/car-audio/car-audio-kits-solutions/integration/plugplay


As far as the head unit goes, you have to ask as to how much you desire the bigger screen, GPS Nav and/or SiriusXM. From what I have seen the cost would be around $1K for this.

From what I gather from what you have written, I sense that a two-way speaker would be sufficient, and less costly. If you did want to go with a three-way you would need to buy new door trim pieces which can be had on eBay for around $150 per door. I am confident that the metal framing of the door would be the same for all trims


Have you seen this:

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-Yd1PlTa9gZD/learn/2015-up-ford-mustang.html

 

[Aaron1085]

I just installed a subwoofer and I super happy with the results.

Here is what I did.

1) upgraded the door speakers to Kicker 6.5
https://www.stage3motorsports.com/k...-6-5-door-speaker-upgrade-kit-base-audio.html

~ 180$

These have a much cleaner sound than the factor.

2) Rockville RWS12CA Slim 1200 Watt 12"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DNT4YBA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This fits perfect just behind the seats, facing the trunk. Speaker is self powered, so less cable mess

I set it to 50% gain, otherwise too gangster for me ;)

~150$

3) Wiring kit is crap on the Sub\Amp so I went with:
TOPSTRONGGEAR 4 Gauge Amp Kit True 4 AWG Amplifier
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WTTV19N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


~38$


4) Since I was going to replace my 4inch unit with an 8 inch, I decided to use a harness kit for the RCA inputs:
2015 - 2020 Ford Mustang 4 OR 8 Inch Screen Non Amplified Base Model Radio Plug & Play Audio Harnesses: Kits × 1
https://plugnplaykits.com/products/...io-harnesses-kits?_pos=2&_sid=7f64f4692&_ss=r

~65$

* Blue remote wire does not work with the harness, amp stays on. I just tapped into the trunk wiring cables , its the blue wire with white strip.



Ground cable tap: I attached a bolt\washer where the spare tire goes, there are two spots to put a screw, this works even with the spare tire.

I Hope this helps someone. The difference with this sub is night and day, even with the seats up.

This seems like what I am looking for. I have a 2018 BASE that puts out power and sound ... just none from the inside . That said, I am fine with the small ass display and head unit. I would love some more thump in the doors and crisper tweeters with a tad of base. I am AMATEUR when it comes to this stuff so plug and play is best for me.

 

[William518]

I just installed a subwoofer and I super happy with the results.

Here is what I did.

1) upgraded the door speakers to Kicker 6.5
https://www.stage3motorsports.com/k...-6-5-door-speaker-upgrade-kit-base-audio.html

~ 180$

These have a much cleaner sound than the factor.

2) Rockville RWS12CA Slim 1200 Watt 12"
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DNT4YBA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This fits perfect just behind the seats, facing the trunk. Speaker is self powered, so less cable mess

I set it to 50% gain, otherwise too gangster for me ;)

~150$

3) Wiring kit is crap on the Sub\Amp so I went with:
TOPSTRONGGEAR 4 Gauge Amp Kit True 4 AWG Amplifier
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WTTV19N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


~38$


4) Since I was going to replace my 4inch unit with an 8 inch, I decided to use a harness kit for the RCA inputs:
2015 - 2020 Ford Mustang 4 OR 8 Inch Screen Non Amplified Base Model Radio Plug & Play Audio Harnesses: Kits × 1
https://plugnplaykits.com/products/...io-harnesses-kits?_pos=2&_sid=7f64f4692&_ss=r

~65$

* Blue remote wire does not work with the harness, amp stays on. I just tapped into the trunk wiring cables , its the blue wire with white strip.



Ground cable tap: I attached a bolt\washer where the spare tire goes, there are two spots to put a screw, this works even with the spare tire.

I Hope this helps someone. The difference with this sub is night and day, even with the seats up.

Aside from the Rockville, do you have an amp for your front and rear speakers?

 

[CricketSP]

Aside from the Rockville, do you have an amp for your front and rear speakers?

Nope, just standard base audio setup plus the Rockville.

 

[William518]

Nope, just standard base audio setup plus the Rockville.

Thanks. I'm going to do this.

 

[CricketSP]

Thanks. I'm going to do this.

Attached pic so you can see how It fits

 

[m3incorp]

I've never heard of Rockville subs. How do they rate compared to JL Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Kicker, etc?

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