Retrosound troubles again?

[ninjazombiemaster]

Hey guys,

'Couple 'a days ago my radio (Model One Retrosound) got super quite. It seems like all the individual speakers work as they should (stock and 6x9s in a rear box) just at a super low volume. I emailed Retrosound, but while I wait for their response I figured I'd post here. Anyone have a similar issue? At this point, I'm inclined to think its an amp problem. Since the radio and speakers work otherwise normally.

[Travel'n Man]

Call Retrosound - there is a reset they can walk you through if you think that will help. Are all the buttons working on the head unit? If so, you may not need a re-set.

[ninjazombiemaster]

They got back to me with an email. All the buttons work, and it beeps at normal volume when you press them. I'll pull it out and check my cables tomorrow - I can get it to work temporarily by fiddling with them a bit but it gets quiet again after a few minutes. Not really sure what to think of that - maybe a loose connection in the unit somewhere.

[jfa.series1]

I'm sure this is somehow related to the burnt clutch!

[ninjazombiemaster]

I'm sure this is somehow related to the burnt clutch!

You can tell its been my week

[toni]

Hey guys,

'Couple 'a days ago my radio (Model One Retrosound) got super quite. It seems like all the individual speakers work as they should (stock and 6x9s in a rear box) just at a super low volume. I emailed Retrosound, but while I wait for their response I figured I'd post here. Anyone have a similar issue? At this point, I'm inclined to think its an amp problem. Since the radio and speakers work otherwise normally.

Hi, I have same the problems with my retrosound. Have you found out what cause this weird sound problem?

[ninjazombiemaster]

Hi, I have same the problems with my retrosound. Have you found out what cause this weird sound problem?

Sorry - didnt get a notification you replied. I haven't found out for sure. But the shared theory between myself and the folks at Retrosound is that the internal amplifier has failed - and therefor it is running only on the preamp, which can only make minimal volume.

[ninjazombiemaster]

Ok, just to close this up - After sending it back and getting a new radio from Retro it works great. So good news for anyone hearing this problem is its probably not your wiring. Bad news is its probably your expensive radio. I have a theory that you can probably work around this by upgrading the amp to an external one, which would also likely allow for a more robust speaker system. Cost would be less than a new radio and you might get a better sound, too.

[Mike W]

That's exactly what I did.

I used a Rockford Fosgate which is a 4 x 75 Watt amp that is about the size of a paper back book. It was small enough to mount inside the glove box on the top panel so it is out of the way but still very accessible if I need to make any adjustments (ie gain, crossover freq, etc). I only use 2 channels as I only have a pair of Infinity 6x9's in the rear box (the one from MSA that replaces the tail light finisher). Amp works great and it has no problem driving the infinity's and I have 2 spare channels just in case I decide to add a couple of more speakers down the road. I was worried about the heat generated by the amp in an enclosed space so I even added a small 12v computer muffin fan to the side of the glove box and actually use the antenna lead from the Retrosound to power it. Works like a champ and I have had no over heating problems even in the hot Texas summers.

For bass, I used 2 Retrosound low profile powered sub's and mounted each of them on the "wall" behind each of the seats. They fit perfectly, are out of sight, and sound great. The space they take up is pretty much unusable anyway, so it was a perfect spot for them. Would highly recommend these to anyone looking to add a little more bottom end to their system.

Mike.

[Curtball]

Hey Mike W. Where in Texas do you live. I'm going through the wiring on my 73' now, and I have a retosound model 2, but haven't bought any speakers yet. It would be great to link up, and check out what your car has going on

[Mike W]

Curtball,

I'm in austin but my son actually lives in Dallas and he has done a lot of work on the car with me.

Would be cool to hook up by phone so I can give you all of the details on my stereo install as well as anything else you may be interested in.

Send me a PM and we can exchange numbers and set up a time to talk.

Mike.

[ninjazombiemaster]

Cant catch a break. My alternator shorted, temporarily bypassing my voltage regulator. Blew my fusible link, and radio fuse. Replaced them both, as well as the battery, installed an internally regulated alternator and still no audio from the Retrosound. I don't know if they'll replace it *again*, especially since it was my electrical system, not their unit itself. However, their fuse did fail to protect the unit.. Couldn't have blown the speakers, because they don't get battery voltage, plus they put out absolutely no sound at all. So it must be the amp again? I'm considering just installing an external power amp alongside the Retrosound to fix it, but if the preamp blew there may be no way?