C3 Car Radio
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville Texas
C3 Car Radio
Wondering if anyone has had any experience and can give me some feed back on either the KHE-300, USA1, USA 5 or USA 6 car radio for the 68-76 Corvette.
I was thinking about buying one and was wondering which one sounded the best and also the most convienient for IPOD
Thanks for your input.
I was thinking about buying one and was wondering which one sounded the best and also the most convienient for IPOD
Thanks for your input.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
I have never installed one but I have heard a few and none had good sound quality. I've been in car audio for a long time and I guess my standards are a bit too high to spend all that money for something that isn't going to sound very good.
I guess it's a best option though for the guys that won't considering installing an after market single DIN head unit.
I guess it's a best option though for the guys that won't considering installing an after market single DIN head unit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 4
From: Flower Mound TX.
I have never installed one but I have heard a few and none had good sound quality. I've been in car audio for a long time and I guess my standards are a bit too high to spend all that money for something that isn't going to sound very good.
I guess it's a best option though for the guys that won't considering installing an after market single DIN head unit.
I guess it's a best option though for the guys that won't considering installing an after market single DIN head unit.
2manyvettes and I are friends and we were looking to install a knew radio in our Corvettes. We were wanting to stay in the 200.00 to 300.00 range for a knew raido. What would you recommend, trying to stay with in this price range?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
DB and I always agree to disagree on this subject 
. The KHE-300 with four 4 x 6" Pioneer speakers is more than adequate for my purposes. No you don't get strong bass but the '60s and '70s tunes (e.g. Roy Orbison, Beach Boys, etc.) I listen to don't have much bass to begin with. But sound is so subjective. You should really seek out a car at a show with these units (doesn't have to be a Corvette) and ask the owner(s) if you could have a listen.
. The KHE-300 with four 4 x 6" Pioneer speakers is more than adequate for my purposes. No you don't get strong bass but the '60s and '70s tunes (e.g. Roy Orbison, Beach Boys, etc.) I listen to don't have much bass to begin with. But sound is so subjective. You should really seek out a car at a show with these units (doesn't have to be a Corvette) and ask the owner(s) if you could have a listen.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Yeah Paul and I have had this discussion a few times. He just has different likes and tastes and prefers his listening a different way. If he's happy then that's all that matters because it's his stereo and he likes it so that makes me happy. Plus Paul is a cool guy.
I can certainly keep you under the $200 mark for a new head unit, but the ones I suggest will require you to either cut the gauge bezel for the opening the head unit needs, or buy a donor bezel, cut it, and save the stock one.
The result is a modern high quality processor with all the features you can want. However, it won't fit like the stock radio, which is why companies like USA make all the money that want on those radios. They fit with no modifications.
If you still want some head unit suggestions knowing you will have to do some cutting, I will suggest both a head unit and a set of speakers for a great sounding combination.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 478
Likes: 0
From: Lewisville Texas
Thanks much...what Elio and I are trying to do is get a good amount of base without modifying the "original" look(buying a modern radio), and also with a face plate that says Corvette.
Elio installed some Infinity speakers behind the kick panel and some Alpine 6 x 9 in the back. At present this 73 Vette has six speakers and sounds decent. It only has an 88 watt output, so if we graduate to almost any 200 watt or better radio,there should be a substantial difference. I guess? I am not a radio man, by far.
We are looking for the most base and most original look.
Your comments will always be appreciated.
Thank you!
Gene
Elio installed some Infinity speakers behind the kick panel and some Alpine 6 x 9 in the back. At present this 73 Vette has six speakers and sounds decent. It only has an 88 watt output, so if we graduate to almost any 200 watt or better radio,there should be a substantial difference. I guess? I am not a radio man, by far.
We are looking for the most base and most original look.
Your comments will always be appreciated.
Thank you!
Gene
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Gene, the 200 watts is exaggerated, as it the 88 watts you think you're getting now.
Even the best head units in the world that claim 25 RMS watts per channel don't deliver more than 17 RMS watts per channel. The small size of the head unit just limits what they can do and the ratings they sell them with are inflated using controlled testing. They use around 15V power inputs and record a split second highest reading as the advertised RMS output.
The basic reality is you just don't have the processing or power for any substantial bass or even mid-bass.
Also, more speakers doesn't equal better sound. In fact, I find I get my best results with ONLY front speakers, powered by an amp. If I want bass, I add a sub, also powered by an amp.
I have not ever found what I consider to be an easy middle ground for someone that wants bass and a stock look. A lot of money will get spent and the outcome is usually not sufficient or worth it. It's very polar...stock, or after market. Obviously with after market head unit, amp, and speakers, you can have a very well rounded system that sounds amazing and is rich with bass.
Even the best head units in the world that claim 25 RMS watts per channel don't deliver more than 17 RMS watts per channel. The small size of the head unit just limits what they can do and the ratings they sell them with are inflated using controlled testing. They use around 15V power inputs and record a split second highest reading as the advertised RMS output.
The basic reality is you just don't have the processing or power for any substantial bass or even mid-bass.
Also, more speakers doesn't equal better sound. In fact, I find I get my best results with ONLY front speakers, powered by an amp. If I want bass, I add a sub, also powered by an amp.
I have not ever found what I consider to be an easy middle ground for someone that wants bass and a stock look. A lot of money will get spent and the outcome is usually not sufficient or worth it. It's very polar...stock, or after market. Obviously with after market head unit, amp, and speakers, you can have a very well rounded system that sounds amazing and is rich with bass.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 13
From: Doha
St. Jude Donor '08
If I will have to take anything less than 50W X 4 and a decent subwoofer for a decent bass tunes, I will just stick with a good, re-conditioned stock radio, and thats what I did actually. I removed the radio which the PO had installed (I cant remember the model, it was either a KHE or Custom Auto Sound), and put a nice and clean stock radio instead, actually I think it sounds a little better!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 4
From: Flower Mound TX.
DB and I always agree to disagree on this subject . The KHE-300 with four 4 x 6" Pioneer speakers is more than adequate for my purposes. No you don't get strong bass but the '60s and '70s tunes (e.g. Roy Orbison, Beach Boys, etc.) I listen to don't have much bass to begin with. But sound is so subjective. You should really seek out a car at a show with these units (doesn't have to be a Corvette) and ask the owner(s) if you could have a listen.
. The KHE-300 with four 4 x 6" Pioneer speakers is more than adequate for my purposes. No you don't get strong bass but the '60s and '70s tunes (e.g. Roy Orbison, Beach Boys, etc.) I listen to don't have much bass to begin with. But sound is so subjective. You should really seek out a car at a show with these units (doesn't have to be a Corvette) and ask the owner(s) if you could have a listen.Yeah Paul and I have had this discussion a few times. He just has different likes and tastes and prefers his listening a different way. If he's happy then that's all that matters because it's his stereo and he likes it so that makes me happy. Plus Paul is a cool guy.
I can certainly keep you under the $200 mark for a new head unit, but the ones I suggest will require you to either cut the gauge bezel for the opening the head unit needs, or buy a donor bezel, cut it, and save the stock one.
The result is a modern high quality processor with all the features you can want. However, it won't fit like the stock radio, which is why companies like USA make all the money that want on those radios. They fit with no modifications.
If you still want some head unit suggestions knowing you will have to do some cutting, I will suggest both a head unit and a set of speakers for a great sounding combination.
I can certainly keep you under the $200 mark for a new head unit, but the ones I suggest will require you to either cut the gauge bezel for the opening the head unit needs, or buy a donor bezel, cut it, and save the stock one.
The result is a modern high quality processor with all the features you can want. However, it won't fit like the stock radio, which is why companies like USA make all the money that want on those radios. They fit with no modifications.
If you still want some head unit suggestions knowing you will have to do some cutting, I will suggest both a head unit and a set of speakers for a great sounding combination.
you always seem to have good Info. I enjoy reading your all your teck post. You have helped me many time with my car " THANK YOU " ! Gene and I are trying to keep the look that Paul67 has in his car. Pluse as much as I would like to be able to get a donor bezel, I have to keep cost down and I don't feel good about cutting up mine. I have thought about putting a radio unit in the back storge compartment and just using a remote control. I know that a infrared remote will do little good with the compartment door closed. But I was wondering if there is a FM signal remote that can be used. I plan on just using my ipod to hook up to the radio. I do not cary CDs. Have you seen or heard of anyone putting the radio in the storage compartment behind the seats? Or is that a waisted effort.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,891
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore MD
Yeah Paul and I have had this discussion a few times. He just has different likes and tastes and prefers his listening a different way. If he's happy then that's all that matters because it's his stereo and he likes it so that makes me happy. Plus Paul is a cool guy.
I can certainly keep you under the $200 mark for a new head unit, but the ones I suggest will require you to either cut the gauge bezel for the opening the head unit needs, or buy a donor bezel, cut it, and save the stock one.
The result is a modern high quality processor with all the features you can want. However, it won't fit like the stock radio, which is why companies like USA make all the money that want on those radios. They fit with no modifications.
If you still want some head unit suggestions knowing you will have to do some cutting, I will suggest both a head unit and a set of speakers for a great sounding combination.
I can certainly keep you under the $200 mark for a new head unit, but the ones I suggest will require you to either cut the gauge bezel for the opening the head unit needs, or buy a donor bezel, cut it, and save the stock one.
The result is a modern high quality processor with all the features you can want. However, it won't fit like the stock radio, which is why companies like USA make all the money that want on those radios. They fit with no modifications.
If you still want some head unit suggestions knowing you will have to do some cutting, I will suggest both a head unit and a set of speakers for a great sounding combination.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 945
Likes: 1
I have the Custom Auto USA-1 radio in my '73. I like the idea that it fits in the opening with no mods at all. It's running 2 in dash speakers and sounds o.k. but no bass. It does have RCA preamp outputs so I think with an amp, a sub and some rear speakers it would be o.k. for not a lot of money. I don't need the CD changer interface since it has an auxiliary input. I have seen some attractive rear sound bars for the back of the car that would certainly help the sound, fit nicely and look good. I've also seen the rear sound bars with cutouts for 6 X 9 and room for other speakers.
Honestly, good sound in my '73 is not a priority for me and it's only a rare driver.
Radio:
http://www.metropartsmarket.com/cata...dio_51527.html
Soundbar for Corvette:
http://www.metropartsmarket.com/cata...dio_51544.html
http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/di...d%3A%20speaker
Honestly, good sound in my '73 is not a priority for me and it's only a rare driver.
Radio:
http://www.metropartsmarket.com/cata...dio_51527.html
Soundbar for Corvette:
http://www.metropartsmarket.com/cata...dio_51544.html
http://www.corvetteamerica.com/cf/di...d%3A%20speaker
Last edited by Bobz08C6; Nov 18, 2008 at 11:26 AM.
7th Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
If you want to keep the original radio and have IPOD capability- you can have both at Ray's Auto Stereo in Sacramento CA. They refurbished my existing/original AM/FM/FM Stereo unit. He has the the IPOD connector/wire coming out of the rear of the head unit and you can hide it anywhere you like when not in use. Unit will still retain all original inerts- just refurbished. Around mid $300 ish.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 4
From: Flower Mound TX.
I'm looking at 200 to 300 for a radio unit. and 200 max for a speaker combo. I would like to have 2 speakers in the back and 2 up front for that price. The radio unit must have a ipod hook up.
Last edited by in2fun; Nov 18, 2008 at 11:25 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
What about this. A Custom Auto USA radio that has RCA output. If you like bass, use the RCAs for small 2 channel amp and sub and run a set of front kick panel speakers off of the radio.
If you don't need the sub, use the RCAs to power an amp to power front speakers. I think that will get you the best sound, it'll look stock, and it'll sound better than even four speakers powered by the radio itself.
