Another Aftermarket Stereo Thread....
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 4
From: Palo Alto CA
Another Aftermarket Stereo Thread....
I am looking to add an aftermarket stereo for a 1969 Corvette. In a perfect world, I would much prefer to not be forced to cut or modify anything to make it fit. Also, I prefer the look of the old rotary dials in an old car. Getting a modern Pioneer or Kenwood deck with digital display and EQ looks odd to me in an old car. I wouldn't mind a small digital display if it is not over-the-top with graphics and the such like many stereos are today.
But from the threads I read here, all of these head units that are designed to fit with no modifications are really poor quality.
So my question is this: If I get a 4 channel amp would this remedy the majority of sound issues? Or do the issues with these head units go beyond their built in amp?
I'm not looking to build a "system". I'd just like a unit that sounds good when play some old school rock or metal. I am seriously into music, and I don't want my music to sound horrible. Also, being able to connect to a CD changer, play MP3s, and iPod connectivity are high on my list.
I just don't want my stereo/deck to stand out. I want it to blend in with the natural beauty of a '69 Vette and it's interior.
Thanks in advance!
But from the threads I read here, all of these head units that are designed to fit with no modifications are really poor quality.
So my question is this: If I get a 4 channel amp would this remedy the majority of sound issues? Or do the issues with these head units go beyond their built in amp?
I'm not looking to build a "system". I'd just like a unit that sounds good when play some old school rock or metal. I am seriously into music, and I don't want my music to sound horrible. Also, being able to connect to a CD changer, play MP3s, and iPod connectivity are high on my list.
I just don't want my stereo/deck to stand out. I want it to blend in with the natural beauty of a '69 Vette and it's interior.
Thanks in advance!
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
I don't think this looks too horrid.
It sounded great on the 3 hr trip to the beach and back last weekend!
It sounded great on the 3 hr trip to the beach and back last weekend!
Last edited by xCCTer; May 20, 2008 at 08:00 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
alot of the pretty flashing lights and what not can also be disabled within the stereos user preferences.
for my stuff, i just have it set to the buttons illuminated and a simple text on the screen that displays the artist/song.
for my stuff, i just have it set to the buttons illuminated and a simple text on the screen that displays the artist/song.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 4
From: Palo Alto CA
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 4
this is what i had in my 69 
it looked a little out of place, but i thought it fit in well.
theres no comparison though between the old radio and a new one, even with out an amp. even some cheap speakers from walmart would be a massive upgrade over the original stuff.
it looked a little out of place, but i thought it fit in well.
theres no comparison though between the old radio and a new one, even with out an amp. even some cheap speakers from walmart would be a massive upgrade over the original stuff.
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
Go to the Audio section (or wait until the mods move this one there) and ask Durango_boy for his advise.
He is the Guru of all things C3 Audio.
He is the Guru of all things C3 Audio.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 8
From: Hamilton NJ
If you want the full range of digital functions you're gonna have to chop the bezel and bite the bullet and get a nice modern CD head unit.
Good luck!
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 196
Likes: 0
From: Vero Beach Florida
I've an old Alpine in my '81 that I was gonna yank - until the wife plugged in her CD player adapter in the cassette slot. Sounds GREAT!
Find an older unit - Ebay, whatever - you'll be pleased!
...Alan K.
Find an older unit - Ebay, whatever - you'll be pleased!
...Alan K.
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Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 712
Likes: 4
From: caraquet N.B Canada
You've answered your own questions...the aftermarket direct fit stereos don't sound good. Your best bet would be to troll our favorite auction site and come up with a decent OLD Pioneer/Alpine/Kenwood cassette deck to suit your needs. It'll save you a buck and sound a ton better than the aftermarkets. You could get a cassette adaptor to lay your CD or MP3 player through (line out or headphone jack) for next to no $$.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
I too was having the same issue and wanted to keep rocking instead of the hip hop thing.So I went ahead and purchased a crappy head unit (supposedly)from custom Audio Sound I believe it was the USA 5,I then purchased top of the line 6x9 Alpines for the rear,top of the line 4x6 Infinities for the dash,a 4-channel Memphis amplifier,10 disc Sony changer and I bought a good quality FM transmitter for my I- pod.The sound is incredibly "Loud AND Clear" from Sabbath to Rush to Zeppelin.It sounds so good that I even throw in some hip hop every now and then just cause It can handle it....Worked for me!!!
Last edited by redcruz1120; May 22, 2008 at 12:05 AM. Reason: spelling
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: Fort Washington PA
I took this out of my 69 when I bought the car, It's relatively a new head unit but it fits the original slot. It's collecting dust so you can have it if you want, it works fine, I just wanted a newer look. It was powered with a small amp which I used in a different car.
