Show us your car audio receiver

[tamo3]

I'm wondering what audio receiver & speaker you guys installed on your Z.

My Z still has factory original AM/FM receiver and plan to upgrade something that I can connect my iPhone or MP3 player via AUX or Bluetooth.

When I quick search, there are several modern receiver unit with old fashion design, but never heard about those manufacture.

Car Selector

Does anyone install this unit?

I don't mind to install more cutting edge receiver, but I have no clue which one is good for cost performance.

Can you show your audio system and spec?

Thanks,

tamo3

[spitz17]

tamo3,

I've heard good things about Retrosound. I'm sure you'll be satisfied, but are your speakers working?

Sorry, no pics of my receiver. I have a factory Datsun 8-track.

[Mike W]

So I went with the retrosound system and couldn't be happier. It was relatively inexpensive (< $300 if I remember correctly), came complete with a new faceplate, and was an easy install as the radio is so small. It looks like a basic 1970's radio but has most of the modern features you would expect in a new heradunit. About the only thing it doesn't have is Bluetooth, but I solved that problem with a $20 box from a company called Aluratek which will receive streaming BT audio and convert it to analog audio out which can be used into an aux input on the Retrosound unit. I actually connected this little box (about the size of a matchbook) to the remote aux input from the Retrosound head unit which also has a spare USB which I use for powering and charging te Aluratek.

In addition to the Retrosound head unit, I also installed a very small but powerful Rockford Fosgate 4 channel amp and it was tiny enough where I could mount it to the top of the glove box, so it is hidden from view. I also installed a small muffin fan in the glove box to provide a little bit of air flow and I power this with the antenna control from the Retrosound which has ample power for this small fan. I was a little worried about the amp overheating, especially in the middle of summer here in Texas, but so far no issues what so ever. It probably helps that I am only using 2 of the 4 channels as well.

I also purchased 2 powered subs from Retrosound which fit perfectly behind each of the seats up against the riser. You don't even know they are there but you can definitely hear them.

Finally I bought a speaker box from MSA which replaces the rear tail light panel and will house 2 6x9 speakers. I have had very good luck with Infinity brand speakers and so went with the best Infinities that I could find.

The system sounds great, is unobtrusive, looks period correct (for those parts that you can actually see) and is powerful enough to hear it with both windows open and on top of my loud exhaust.

Here's a few pictures of the head unit as I was installing it in the console, but with the console still out of the car.

Hope this helps. I have more pictures from the head unit install and can take some of the subs and amplifier if you are interested. Just let me know.

Mike.

[Gary in NJ]

Here's how I installed the speakers (http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/interior-s30/38991-front-kick-speaker-box-spacer-build.html)

If you have the original radio, why not just keep it. You could install a phantom system that you could run right from the iPhone. All of the electronics could be placed under the seats and you can mount speakers where you want/need.

[Wade Nelson]

I appreciate the retro look, but I break the rule on car stereos. I want a modern stereo with HD FM, bluetooth, remote, MP3, the whole ball of wax.

I went with the JVC. The controls seemed the most logical, AND you can dial the illumination around to any color and/or brightness you want. Like matching the 280-ZX's orange illumination.... Big round volume knob, DUH!!!

You CAN, for $15, on eBay, buy a FM transmitter to plug into your Ipod and leave your antique FM radio right in the dash. With some newer, non-brittle speakers it might actually sound half decent. Or you could add an amp /EQ and actually make it sound real decent.

Me, I'm driving a subwoofer and some monster speakers in the rear, 6x9's in the dope boxes, and tweeters on the A-pillars. I can really blow it out if I feel like it. The JVC allows me to CONTROL all those subs, crossovers, etc.

The thing you rEALLY want these days is the ability to stream Pandora from your Iphone or Ipad into your car stereo. IMHO.

[psdenno]

The thing you rEALLY want these days is the ability to stream Pandora from your Iphone or Ipad into your car stereo. IMHO.

Pandora just changed their format, yesterday, from unlimited free to 40 hours a month. There's a nominal charge if you want to go beyond the free allotment. Ever consider satellite radio?

Dennis

[Kurbycar32]

If you like audio quality satellite is terrible. They sound like a bad mp3 from the 90's

[psdenno]

If you like audio quality satellite is terrible. They sound like a bad mp3 from the 90's

Satellite radio seems to produce sound quite nicely through the Bose sound system in my Infiniti G37 convertible. Cars aren't really known for their concert hall acoustics and audio quality reproduction anyway, so it's probably a moot point. When I think of good places to listen to high quality audio, a car is near the bottom of the list. Most of the owners of cars I see with amps and big speakers are more interested loud than quality it seems.

Dennis

[Stanley]

Don't need a photo, it's a big sony blaster that sits under the hatch among the tools and junk, hooked to an inverter that sits in the ashtray, plugged into the lighter socket. Sometimes get dirty looks from people that don't like rock and roll when it's on. Guess not everyone likes James Brown and Led Zep. Especially they don't like Parliment cranked up.

Have a 2-25 watt amp that will accept the speaker line (mono,split) from the stock mono radio if I ever get it hooked up. Trying to figure where to hide it. Put a new $25 speaker from pep boys to replace the 40 year old one, sounds way better, still not good enough, the crummy old radio just doesn't seem to pick up the stations.

[30 Ounce]

Here's a link to my garage

30 Ounce's Garage :: 1974 Datsun 260Z

The spare tire well is about 1 cubic foot and that's what the Alpine sub called for in a sealed enclosure. Measures flat from 20hz-160hz which I wasn't expecting but quite pleased with.

[Travel'n Man]

If you like audio quality satellite is terrible. They sound like a bad mp3 from the 90's

I listen to Pandora a lot in my X6 - not at all what Kurbycar is saying - I have to disagree totally on satellite radio.

[Gary in NJ]

I have SatRadio in all of my cars. It's much better then FM broadcast, but is transferred at a lesser quality then a CD or most MP3's recording. If I'd had to guess I'd say the bit rate is in the 96 range. It's not 128 quality. Not a big deal for Opie and Anthony, but a little less then desirable for quality listening. FOr "just in the background" it's great.