Radio update.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Radio update.
For those who have been following my posts on the kenwood/custom auto sound. I determined that the tuner was not workong exactly right. Sometimes it was louder than others and some stations had a lot of distortion. It never really sounded too good. So I had the original radio that was in a bag when I got the car. Well I hooked it all up, wired the speakes in series so it would have 8 ohms. I wired the left front and rear and the right front and rear. It works very good. It is almost as loud as the kenwood, which is an $89 radio by the way. The 34 year old delco sounds cleaner and has better reception.
FWI... The kenwood radio will not fit directly into the 68-76 dashes. The ***** need to be moved out and up and the face needs to be trimmed about 1/8" on each side. That's what custom autosound does, along with duct tape.. and charges over $200 for the cheapest radio kenwood sells. I would never recommend the Kenwood to anyone.
[Modified by bluevetteman, 2:08 PM 7/27/2003]
FWI... The kenwood radio will not fit directly into the 68-76 dashes. The ***** need to be moved out and up and the face needs to be trimmed about 1/8" on each side. That's what custom autosound does, along with duct tape.. and charges over $200 for the cheapest radio kenwood sells. I would never recommend the Kenwood to anyone.
[Modified by bluevetteman, 2:08 PM 7/27/2003]
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 5,635
Likes: 4
From: Orlando Floriduh
Re: Radio update. (Sixty9)
The only reason they get away with it is the fact that NOTHING else fits the dash. You can send you original Delco out for restoration for $300 and they will wire it for RCA pre amp outs. That would be the better choice The kenwood is definatly not an upgrade by any means. I had one (custom autosound) a few years ago in another Corvette. Pure garbage. :bs
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
Likes: 0
From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Radio update. (bluevetteman)
I tend to agree with you guys. I replaced my stock radio in the '74 with a Kenwood and hooked it up with Alpine speakers/amp. Seriously sounds lousy. Maybe it has to do with a 50W(25/channel) reciever trying to push the power. I'm tending to think there's junk somewhere in that loop. :yesnod:
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 6,493
Likes: 6
From: Bloomington MN
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Radio update. (bgrice)
I used to have the Kenwood unit too. I didn't like it either and gave it away as I couldn't justify asking any money for it. I got the radio faceplate kit from Vette specialties, and an Alpine head unit. This should sound better, and looks pretty good too.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Radio update. (A C)
I used to have the Kenwood unit too. I didn't like it either and gave it away as I couldn't justify asking any money for it. I got the radio faceplate kit from Vette specialties, and an Alpine head unit. This should sound better, and looks pretty good too.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 9
From: Science Bitch! Mississauga, Ontario
Canadian Events Coordinator
Re: Radio update. (Alwyn678)
alot of people like Alpine.....I prefer Panasonic myself
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Radio update. (bluevetteman)
Bluevette, I apologize for suggesting that radio. It was the only unit I knew of that fit without a hole bunch of modifications. But I never knew anyone that used that unit who expected great sound or used their vette alot. Thats probably why my father in law never complained about it....
Again, I am sorry.
Again, I am sorry.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 240
Likes: 4
From: Mendon MA
Re: Radio update. (bluevetteman)
This is my first time posting; I've been reading the fourm for the past month, some great advice. I've just purchased my first (hopefully of many) corvettes. A 1969 350hp convertible (Lemans blue with blue interior). Nice rally wheels and factory sidepipes. All original and frame on restored in late 80's. It came with tank sticker, original keys owners manual and original hubcaps. Also came with original 1969 AM/FM. I've read some of the reports on the Kenwood upgrades, unfortunately too late. I just odrered the USA5 radio/CD package from Direct.Source. I am assuming this is probably a Kenwood? So much for my dream of listening to Nazareth at 90mph!!!
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Wyandotte MI
Re: Radio update. (JAMES69)
I don't think the USA5 is a Kenwood--I think CustomAuto makes that one. I just had bad luck w/my Kenwood but I have a home entertainment system(Kenwood) that I Love and wouldn't trade. I'm sure it'll be fine. They need to make some higher end audio for our C3's w/out doubling the price. Good Luck! :D
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,844
Likes: 0
From: Pearland TX
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Radio update. (JAMES69)
JAMES69....
I don't know who the manufacturer is behind the USA-5 units. The vette catalogs show it as "Custom Autosound", but might be an off-brand of Kenwood. I bought the Kenwood KRC-2007 unit and not impressed at all.
LAVetteman....
Thinking I was advised against buying the Kenwood, but I did it anyway. At $259 you'd think there was something quality about it. So much for that purchase and chalk up one for "stupidity". No telling who is going to pipe in and agree with that one. Be nice guys/gals! I just might be a moderator one day who can chunk your percentages. I'm a firm believer that if BSeery can coordinate Arizona events there is potential for curing cancer soon. I feel it coming. :cheers:
Humor folks! Just humor!
I don't know who the manufacturer is behind the USA-5 units. The vette catalogs show it as "Custom Autosound", but might be an off-brand of Kenwood. I bought the Kenwood KRC-2007 unit and not impressed at all.
LAVetteman....
Thinking I was advised against buying the Kenwood, but I did it anyway. At $259 you'd think there was something quality about it. So much for that purchase and chalk up one for "stupidity". No telling who is going to pipe in and agree with that one. Be nice guys/gals! I just might be a moderator one day who can chunk your percentages. I'm a firm believer that if BSeery can coordinate Arizona events there is potential for curing cancer soon. I feel it coming. :cheers:
Humor folks! Just humor!
