best stereo

[ghcoe]

I like the kenwoods too. I picked up a KDC-X592 last summer and my friends are always amazed at how versatile it is for the price. It can run a IPOD, has a Aux Inputs, amp outputs, reads mp3,s on disk or thumbdrive. It is a highpower unit so I have not needed to add a amp and the sound is clear and crisp. I love it and it is a great price. I will be buying two more, one for my 1900 and one for the wifes truck. Also I love the looks. I hate units that have lots of buttons that clutter things up. Plus it kind of looks like a older unit with the knobs on both sides.


Kenwood eXcelon KDC-X592 (kdcx592) In-Dash CD Receivers with MP3 / WMA Playback In-Dash Car Stereo Receivers and Head Units Car Audio and Video - Sonic Electronix

[Bill Hoffmann]

From what I understand Retro Sound is horrible.

Based on what in particular? I have been considering this unit. My experience is that the quality of an audio system is largely dependent on the installation. I have heard expensive systems that sound bad, and made cheap systems sound good.

The Retro Sound installations are geared towards maintaining the original interior, using stock speaker locations, and dual voice coil speakers where a single speaker was installed. In some of these cases I could see how this would be a major compromise in sound quality. If you properly install quality speakers, I think it would make a good sounding system in a GT without cutting the dash.

If it's a quality/reliability issue, that's something different, and I'd be interested in any objective data.

Bill

[74Opel1900]

Based on the specs (specifically the preamp outputs) for the price and two professional installer's advice. Neither of which had a bias opinion because I told them upfront that I was purchasing my own equipment. If you are dead set against cutting the dash and don't mind shelling out the money then it's fine. I would advise listening to the system before buying it. I heard it in a showroom and didn't like the quality of the sound.

This is the Retrosound Model One specs for $299
General features:
# digital media receiver designed for classic cars (no built-in CD player)
# built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/60 peak x 4 channels)
# plays MP3, WMA, and AAC music files from external sources (no internal CD player)
# InfiniMount shaft/bracket system fits most car dash openings
# adjustable-angle LCD display
# includes faceplate to match your classic car (wide variety of vehicle dash kits available)
# remote control

Audio features:
# 4 EQ presets plus user-controlled bass/treble adjustment

Expandability:
# inputs: rear USB input, front minijack input, rear RCA auxiliary inputs
# outputs: 4-channel preamp outputs (front, rear)

This is the Kenwood KDC-MP538U specs for $126
General features:
* CD player with built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
* plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs, including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC files (will not play rights-protected music files on disc)
* fluorescent 3-line, full dot matrix display
* remote control

Audio features:
* dual-zone capability for playing different sources over the front and rear speakers
* System Q Sound Control (6 EQ curves and a 3-band equalizer)
* speaker settings that let you tailor the sound to the size and type of speakers in your car
* high- (speaker and preamp outputs) and low-pass (sub out) filters

Expandability:
# iPod direct control via USB input — no adapter necessary, but adding Kenwood's optional connecting cable lets you leave your iPod cable at home
# compatible with Kenwood's satellite radio, CD changer, Bluetooth adapter and HD Radio™ tuner
# inputs: USB and auxiliary inputs
# outputs: 6-channel 2.6-volt preamp outputs (front, rear, subwoofer)

[Redskinsjbs]

If you just want a radio and a auxilary input, the Retrosound Model CS-900C has all of the same audio features as the Model One, just without as many inputs and for 230$

General features:
* Am/Fm Tuner w/ 30 Presets
* Built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/60 peak x 4 channels)
* InfiniMount shaft/bracket system for maximum installation flexibility!
* Adjustable-angle LCD display
* Compatible with optional vehicle specific faceplate and metal knobs to match your classic car
* OPTIONAL IR Remote control
* Electronic Clock Function

Audio features:
* 4 EQ presets plus user-controlled bass/treble/fader/balance adjustment
* Loudness Control

Expandability:
* Inputs: Front mounted Auxiliary input
* Outputs: 4-channel preamp outputs (front, rear)
* Separate Power Antenna & Amp turn on lead(s)

Other features and specs:
* U-bracket included for remote mounting
* Optional 94" IR cable for a hidden install
* Manufacturer's warranty: 1 year

[Bill Hoffmann]

Based on the specs (specifically the preamp outputs) for the price and two professional installer's advice.

I'm still not sure what you mean. It has four preamp outputs vs. six on the Kenwood, but from the system you described you are using the internal amplifier only (or two channels of preouts max if you have an amp).

I would use an ipod as the primary source, so having a CD player is no advantage for me. As far as sound quality, with a digital source I find it hard to believe the internal amp in a Kenwood is going to sound better than any other. In fact, most of these units are probably using the same amplifier IC.

Professional installers might be biased against a unit that can fit practically any car without modification. Not only that, but if you look at what the pros consider the hottest installations, they tend to be the flashiest, most obnoxious creations possible, which is far from the intent of the Retrosound unit. I would take their advice with a grain of salt.

I agree the best thing would be to listen to it, but even in a stereo shop this can be a misleading comparison. It all depends on how and with what other components they have connected it. I don't want to sound like I'm endorsing this unit, but also don't think it's fair to dismiss a product as 'horrible' without good reason.

[opelgtboy70]

Im gonna go with secret audio. Ive heard these units and they are good.

Karl

[74Opel1900]

Bill, You make some valid points. I listened to the Retrosound head unit using the same speakers as some other head units I tested and thought it sounded horrible compared to the others. The reason why I like the Kenwood better is the price and I can adjust the settings (including volume) of the subwoofer from the head unit. Any subwoofer will need it's own amplifier but being able to control the settings from the head unit is a big plus for me. It also has a preamp specifically for a subwoofer. When I want to add a powered subwoofer like the Bazooka BTA6100 all I do is wire it to the head unit. I don't need anything else to make it work (it has a built in amplifier). I can also adjust each speaker so that it does the job it was specifically designed. My midrange speakers will not try to produce bass allowing them to produce better sound. If you are going to use an iPod the Kenwood is also better. You can control the device from the Kenwood head unit and it will display the song and artist and it will also charge your iPod. The Retrosound head unit can not do this. Retrosound only has an aux in to connect your iPod so forget using the remote either which I find is a great feature. I never had a radio in my Opel so the dash was getting cut either way. Ease of installation was never an issue. Now I have a standard single din installed which also has it's advantages. If the head unit ever breaks then finding another one is no problem. I'm not stuck using the same brand again either. Please read the specs carefully there are even more advantages the Kenwood has over the Retrosound and for less than half the price. 6 EQ preset (plus midrange and subwoofer settings), 3 band equilizer and high and low pass filters. Sat radio ready, HD radio ready and it has bluetooth. Who knows what technology you will want to use in the future. At least with the Kenwood head unit you'll be ready. Oh and if one of you friends has a cool new CD you'll be able to play that too.

[Bill Hoffmann]

OK, peace. Understand that I wasn't questioning your Kenwood choice. Just that when the ipod came out was when I stopped carrying tapes or CDs with me in the car. It seemed to me there was a market for a 3-hole AM/FM unit that could accept an auxiliary input, and the Retrosound appeared to be the answer. If the price was lower I would probably have bought one by now. Also, if they offered HD radio & bluetooth, I would be more interested.

It is possible they had a good idea but poor execution. I will have to look for a stereo shop that has one on display to listen to.

Bill

[74Opel1900]

They have a good idea but the execution is half baked. I took a serious look at Retrosound before going with Kenwood. I couldn't justify purchasing a head unit with limited features and mediocre sound for that price. Don't get me wrong, the sound isn't that bad. It's just not as good as other head units that are cheaper. For the price it's horrible though You would be better off using a USB thumb drive than an iPod if you decide to purchase it. At least then you could use the included remote (or head unit controls) to scroll through the directory structure and it will display the artist and song title. It is limited to 999 songs but that should be more than enough for the average listener. One more thing to add. You will find the sound quality very different between using aux in and directly connecting with the iPod cable. The main reason is that aux in is using a jack that is designed for a pair of headphones. I don't want to get too deep into why it's difficult to produce high quality sound that way.

[Mahoney]

I am going all out for a stereo in my car and i am planning on using an allpine head unit and then allpine speakers with planet audio amps with 2 12" treo subs for it my dad and my uncle are car stereo installers and one of them is an authorized allpine dealer so that seems the best way for me to go i think

[hrcollinsjr]

... is an authorized allpine dealer ...

Alabama version of Alpine? Sorry, couldn't resist!

Harold

[Jeepsbeme]

Alabama version of Alpine? Sorry, couldn't resist!

Harold

Could they be a subsidiary of KenWOOD?

[opelwasp]

This is going in my Manta!
Boss BV8970 In-Dash DVD Players (with monitor) In-Dash Car Stereo Receivers and Head Units Car Audio and Video - Sonic Electronix

http://images.sonicelectronix.com/im...big/bv8970.jpg

These prices are amazing!

[74Opel1900]

Opelwasp, is there enough clearance for that head unit? Looks like it will be a tight fit.

[Mitch Manta]

guys: I have been mulling this over for awhile, experienced Brian's sound system at the T.O.O. gathering, and have been weighing the pros and cons of old skool shaft style units frequently available on Ebay. One can find unused, little used and refurbished "no extra holes" units, and at reasonable prices. Add a power amp, and your good to go. Any experienced installer can probably at an external imput for your ipod, cuz all these old stereos have only cassette (although, I still got plenty of product on cassette). I'm not sure it really "hurts" the value of our Opels to cut a larget hole in the dash, but I want to keep mine period looking nevertheless, and I think I can piece together a pretty good sounding experience. I really wish there was some kind of vintage car stereo guide........

Mitch Manta

[neuropel]

I originally installed an Alpine DIN unit in my Manta, and I cut the dash opening myself for the install. It had never had a radio before. To each his own, but I never gave it a second thought. My rationale was:
1). It's an Opel, not a Ferrari. How am I going to "hurt" the value of the car? Is anyone REALLY not going to buy it down the road because it has a radio? I mean, we all love these cars, but they're not flying across the Barrett-Jackson stage quite yet. If they were, I wouldn't have one.
2). I bought the car to enjoy, and part of the enjoyment comes from having a nice radio in the car.
3). I considered one of the units designed for the retro look, but quite honestly the sound quality of the ones I looked at didn't come anywhere close to the Alpine.
4). I didn't want to fool with hiding the deck. The cost:benefit ratio didn't appear to be in my favor. Plus I like seeing the unit in the dash, especially at night, where I can turn the knobs and press the buttons. I'm shallow like that...
5). If the Opel miraculously becomes a rare car and ascends enough in value that I could sell it and retire, I'll spend the $1000 and have Just Dashes refurbish the dash and close the opening.

For me, the beauty of these cars is that they're an affordable way to enjoy the nostalgia of driving a classic. A nicely prepped Opel will turn heads in a manner similar to cars costing 10x more, and customized touches such as stereos do very little to hurt their value. Make it the way YOU want it, and don't concern yourself about value. You lost money on it the day you bought it...

[74Opel1900]

Mitch, only the people at the TOO meet and maybe a few others know that I am the Brian you are speaking about. Please tell them how good just those two 4 inch speakers sounded

Neuropel, you are the voice of reason and I agree with everything you stated 100%.

[BQS4]

I'm gonna have to wade in on this one, but, not to stir things up, but, just offer my point of view. OK, everybody's tastes in stereo equipment is different, there are those who want "concert hall" sound, there are those who want to rattle the windows for blocks, there are those who just want to be able to hear their music, be it cassette, CD, MP3 XM, yadda yadda. Ok, We have some here who don't want to sink a ton of $$$ into an Opel, because of the cars value, or lack there of, or they just don't want to invest that kind of $$$ just to get it stolen. Here's my idea, and this may get ones like Mitch "off the fence" First, go old school, get an old, 2 shaft, cassette Pioneer, Alpine, Blaupunkt, Sony, whatever floats your boat, but, for grins, lets try this:
eBay Motors: Sony ES-R11 AM/ FM cassette shaft stereo, 12v radio (item 330325593008 end time May-03-09 09:35:59 PDT)
OK, this is cheap, fits the Opel dash, no one gives it a second look, and you still can get good reception. As it has been stated, get a good pair of speakers, either hide them, or make them as unnoticeable as possible, then you get one of these:
NEW CAR CASSETTE TAPE ADAPTER FOR MP3 IPOD NANO CD MD - eBay (item 230336626337 end time May-11-09 09:26:16 PDT)
With this you can run your MP3, and CD, still dirt cheap, but, makes good sound. This is what I have done in my Sportwagon. To me, works great, if I want to listen to news or talk radio, just turn it on. Want to listen to that Oldies station? Just turn it on. Now, you want to listen to YOUR stuff? load up your MP3, or burn a few CD's connect to the cassette adaptor, and cruise!!

[Redskinsjbs]

I guess that I'll give my two cents on this subject.

If I can have Concert hall acoustics in a car, I'll take it.
If I can have Rock Concert noise in a car, I'll take it.
If I can have a radio for the price on my lunch, I'll take it.

The thing here is everyone wants all three of those qualities inside of a package that fits thier aestetic preferences.

In my opinion, these are old cars without a hint of design time devoted to the reduction of ambient interior noise.
One---It just wasn't too high up in the list of priorites of the times.
Two---This is a reletively inexpensive car, so the gains from the investment would never be sufficient.
Three---At the time, (sorry old timers), people could never expect to have a stereo system at all like those we have today even on the cheapest of cheap cars. This was simply because speaker technology was hinderred by the reletively rudimentary magent technology. Rare earth magnets hadn't even been invented! Let alone the processes developed to make them cheap enough for use in car speakers.

Everyone, of a certatin age and me because my Uncle insist his 35 year old stereo can't be beat by todays tech, remembers the massive floor speakers that were required in a home stereo setup in order to develop a good sound with both depth and range. Nowadays there are stereos like that Bose thing that is the size of 10 LPs and is makes both better and more sound than that of your cherished set of floor speakers of the past.

This is where I think comparing the quality and quantity of sound for a certain price loses its value. Because of the cars initial situation in the stereo department. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the car came with 1 speaker and an AM radio. ANYTHING, and I mean ANYTHING shy of no stereo at all better than that original system.

It is true that you need a good amp to deliver good sound, but you also need good wires, good speakers, a properly designed enclosure, proper materials, and a good reduction of the car's ambient noise.

In order to get lound sound you need a big amp. Its just physics with the whole consesrvation of energy thing.

I think that the best investment for a good stereo is taking the time to really identify the goals which they would like to achieve with thier stereo. ANYTHING can be had for a price, BUT many things can be dona on a budget.

What I plan to do with my stereo is to get a old style shaft stereo that has a quality amp inside, get some middle of the range speakers and some good wire. I'm not after Concert hall or Rock hall sound. I simply want to be able to hear Radar Love as I cruise in my slick GT.

[hrcollinsjr]

I guess that I'll give my two cents on this subject.

I do not like digital anything in old cars. That being said if you want to upgrade much you don't have any other option!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the car came with 1 speaker and an AM radio. ANYTHING, and I mean ANYTHING shy of no stereo at all is better than that original system.

There were stretches of road I traveled between college and home, many years ago, that had NO reception for my factory Dodge AM radio. That's why I upgraded to an AM/FM 8-Track.

It is true that you need a good amp to deliver good sound, but you also need good wires, good speakers, a properly designed enclosure, proper materials, and a good reduction of the car's ambient noise.

Amen!

In order to get loud sound you need a big amp. Its just physics with the whole conservation of energy thing.

Having it doesn't mean you have to use it. Just because you're too stupid to care about YOUR hearing doesn't give you the right to try to take everyone with you. When I'm in a modern car with the windows up and I can't hear my music for yours', IT'S TOO LOUD! I listen to mine a little too loud because I am hard of hearing.

I think that the best investment for a good stereo is taking the time to really identify the goals which they would like to achieve with their stereo. ANYTHING can be had for a price, BUT many things can be done a on a budget.

I believe the Army backs you up on this one with it's 6 P's. Something about "Prior Planning Prevents P*$$ Poor Performance.

What I plan to do with my stereo is to get an old style shaft stereo that has a quality amp inside, get some middle of the range speakers and some good wire. I'm not after Concert hall or Rock hall sound. I simply want to be able to hear Radar Love as I cruise in my slick GT.

Retrosound has a slick setup. The tuning knobs are attached by wires allowing for almost any spacing. It is in a Hemmings write up in the June 2009 issue.

Harold