suggestions for 72 convertible audio

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Dec 11, 2006 | 07:28 PM

brdd

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 3,268

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From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter

suggestions for 72 convertible audio

I will be changing out the whole system in my 72 convertible. I am not a big audio guy but I do want a decent system. I am willing to cut the bezel. I also want it Sirius compatible. CDs probably. Just good basic sound.

Any input is appreciated. Experienced C3 guys especially. Pics are even better!

Dan

Dec 11, 2006 | 09:55 PM

VinceC5

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 2,847

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From: Spring Texas

A couple of suggestions for one of my favorite cars....

1. High Powered radio (Clarion, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer), 4 x 6 two way in the dash, 6 x 9 in the rear. I have a set of JBL's that would sound great in this car. PM me if you are interested.

2. Add a 4 - channel amp to #1 (50w x 4 )

Do you have room for this box?
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...dept%5Fid=1021

If you want suggestions for specific models, let me or us know.

Dec 12, 2006 | 09:11 AM

TheKomoman

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 9,289

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From: Skippack PA

St Jude Donor '13

I put a single DIN Alpine head in my '80 and cut the bezel. I know the dash is a little different, but it still should be a pretty easy thing to do. I know some guys have done speakers in the kicks but I think the dash 4x6's will probably give you better results, windshield reflections and all.

I had hesitated to post because I wasn't sure about space behind you, you know it's very different than my '80s realtively big fastback area. A box like Vince suggested with 6x9's is a good suggestion, would give you some cone size to give you some lows that the little 4x6's in the dash just aren't going to do. An amp is always a nice option, but you're certainly going to run into space issues for mounting. Since you said you're not a "big" audio guy a high powered head may give you enough oomph to satisfy.

Dec 12, 2006 | 10:27 AM

brdd

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 3,268

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From: Minnesota in the summer, Las Vegas in the winter

Thanks much for the replies. I am looking at the Kenwood EZ 500 if it will fit in the area. The 72 does have room for that box evenwith the top down.

I am willing to spend 500-600 to get the job done plus the Sirius. Do you really think I need an amp? The 72 actually has room in the compartment area for an amp. I need to disassemble the dash (again) in the spring (don't ask

) so new speakers in the dash won't be a problem.

Input is appreciated!

Dec 12, 2006 | 11:18 AM

-=Jeff=-

Race Director

Joined: Mar 1999

Posts: 12,597

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From: Bartlett Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by brdd

Thanks much for the replies. I am looking at the Kenwood EZ 500 if it will fit in the area. The 72 does have room for that box evenwith the top down.

) so new speakers in the dash won't be a problem.

Input is appreciated!

I think the amp will help especially when you are out in it cruising with the top down.. There are some older Amps that have a small footprint as well.. a/d/s PQ10 comes to mind but is quite pricey for used stuff..

Dec 12, 2006 | 11:19 AM

TheKomoman

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 9,289

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From: Skippack PA

St Jude Donor '13

Quote:

Originally Posted by brdd

Thanks much for the replies. I am looking at the Kenwood EZ 500 if it will fit in the area. The 72 does have room for that box evenwith the top down.

) so new speakers in the dash won't be a problem.

Input is appreciated!

An amp will help you get the most out of your speakers, but it really does depend on how you intend to use the system. Outboard amps are almost always better than any internal head unit amp, and I say almost because there's crap components out there for everything. But to add an amp adds a layer of complexity to the installation and you have to decide whether it's worth it to you or not. An outboard amp should really be wired to the battery with an inline fuse or circuit breaker, and then you also have to run signal wires from the head to wherever you install the amp. So do you *need* an amp.. well no you don't need an amp, but installing one will give you the best results. You're the one that has to answer the question of whether or not that's worth it to you.

I'm not a huge fan of Kenwood in general, preferring Alpine electronics. If I'm helping someone price-sensitive I often look at Pioneer as they deliver alot of bang for the buck. But much like speakers, head units are in the eyes & ears of the beholder so you need to go to a store & play around.

Dec 12, 2006 | 11:32 AM

DPG

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2005

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From: DP(oh you know where) IL

St. Jude Donor '06

this is outta my old 74:

I also suggest getting a small amp. It will give you enough head room. I wish I would have gotten an amp for this car back in the day. Open windows with the tops down, i started losing the sound level adn turning it up higher made it sound worse and an amp would have helped this out.