Our take on the Soundgate™ Powerstage™ System by Kicker

by Buck Pomerantz

Transform your Mustang's factory sound system

You've got a great set of wheels, but something's missing: the sound of the Ford factory radio leaves a lot to be desired. Low power, less-then-ideal speaker placement, and dialed-back bass all contribute to the unhappy situation. This Soundgate Powerstage system upgrade by Kicker will transform your Mustang's stock radio and speakers into a high-fidelity sound system capable of giving you full, accurate, and richly-textured musical pleasure. And it does it without changing the look of your Mustang's interior or dash.

The digital processor/amp and the wiring
are custom-fit for your vehicle.

It plugs into your factory wiring with no cutting

The heart of the system is the Powerstage processor/amp module that plugs in between your car's stock receiver and speakers with the help of a Mustang-specific wiring harness. Kicker's technicians measured the acoustics of the Mustang's interior, then developed a program to get the strongest and cleanest audio performance possible from the stock speakers. The Powerstage module breathes new life into your vehicle's factory system, automatically correcting for the limitations of the factory speakers, then adding plenty of power so the speakers can sound their best.

Of course, there's a subwoofer with it

It wouldn't be a sonic upgrade without a subwoofer to bring bass magic to the mix. Kicker includes a custom-fit, powered subwoofer that mounts in the trunk, neatly tucked into a recess on the right side. A 200-watt amplifier provides the power you need to feel the bass from the 10" sub in the front seat.

Substage™ for the Mustang
mounts in the trunk.

Do it yourself and save

This Soundgate upgrade package comes with all the hardware and brackets you'll need, and all the wiring is pre-cut and terminated to help make the installation easier. Step-by-step, illustrated instructions make this sonic upgrade a fun and rewarding project.

Important Note: This upgrade package will only work with the 2011 hardtop Mustang with the basic, 4-speaker system. It will not work in the convertible, or in a Mustang with the factory navigation radio or the premium (Shaker) sound system.

See more info on this item

Highlights:

audio upgrade system
fits 2011 Ford Mustang coupe with basic, 4-speaker factory system
package includes:
- digital signal processor with built-in 4-channel amplifier
- processor features pre-set high-pass filters, EQs, and speaker time alignment
- amplifier: 50 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms
- vehicle-specific harness connects processor to factory stereo
- Soundgate Substage SMUS05 custom-fit powered subwoofer
- molded plastic enclosure fits in trunk
- 10" square subwoofer
- 200 watts RMS sub amp
all power and signal wiring pre-cut and terminated, ready for installation
custom-engineered processor/amp mounting bracket
illustrated installation and setup instructions
warranty: 1 year
Our 60-day money-back guarantee

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

Subwoofer assembly (enclosure/ 10" square subwoofer/ amplifier)
Amplifier assembly (full range amplifier/ mounting brackets)
11' Subwoofer body harness
4.5' Subwoofer power harness (with in-line fuse holder)
One M6 nut
Two 30 amp ATO blade fuses
Twelve 6" Zip ties
42" Amplifier body harness
4.5' Amplifier power harness (with in-line fuse holder)
One star lock washer
Installation instructions
Warranty information

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

Overview: Kicker's SoundGate PowerStage factory audio upgrade kits are designed to fit in specific year/make/model vehicles. The PMUSB10 is compatible with select 2010 and 2011 Ford mustangs having the base factory sound system (please confirm fit with the Crutchfield vehicle selector, not compatible with the convertible or the factory navigation system). Included with the system are a square 10" subwoofer in a custom enclosure, subwoofer amp, multi-channel amp with custom mounting brackets, all the necessary cables to power the amplifiers, and adapter plugs to connect to the factory radio and speakers without cutting into any of the factory wiring.

Multi-Channel Amplifier: The multi-channel amplifier is rated at 50 watts RMS x 4 channels and powers the front and rear factory speakers. The amp also has a built-in computer-optimized, 32-bit DSP (Digital Signal Processor) programmed specifically for the car's interior and factory audio system. Custom brackets are bolted to the amp to mount it behind the glove compartment. The included wiring harness has adapter plugs that connect between the factory radio and factory harness, so cutting/splicing/testing the existing wires is not necessary. The included power harness is connected to the fuse box in the engine compartment, and specific wire routing instructions are included.

Subwoofer: The custom enclosure is loaded with a single, square 10" Kicker subwoofer, powered by a 200-watt amplifier mounted to the enclosure. The subwoofer is mounted in the trunk on the passenger's side and the included wiring harness has an adapter plug that connects to the multi-channel amp's harness (for subwoofer signal input). The power cable is connected to the fuse box in the engine compartment and specific wire routing instructions are included.

Electrical System: Both amplifiers are designed to have minimum impact on the car's charging system.

Dimensions: The listed dimensions do not include the mounting brackets (regardless of these measurements, the amplifier mounting brackets and subwoofer enclosure are custom built to fit in the vehicle):

Amplifier:
- Width: 8-1/4"
- Height: 1-3/8"
- Depth: 6"
Subwoofer Enclosure:
- Width: 25-1/2"
- Height: 15"
- Depth: 7-1/4"

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Video: Kicker Soundgate Powerstage System

Zak Billmeier

2/20/2013

The Soundgate Powerstage system upgrade by Kicker will transform your compatible vehicle's stock radio and speakers into a high-fidelity sound system capable of giving you full, accurate, and...

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