best stereo

[opeldean]

the best stereo value for a gt is a sony explode with the DSO
feature..It compensates for the poor acoustic postion of the opel speaker locations.

[West Coast GT]

I've found the same speaker problems you did. Our 1st GT I mounted rear speakers in the package tray under the rear window. Sounded OK as long as the windows were shut.

My son's GT, we put speakers in the back panel, below the vinyl flap for the spare tire, and facing the back of the seats. But anything like luggage in the back, and you block the sound.

So I'm looking at the Overhead Speaker System found in JC Whitney. Its got 2 woofers, 2 mid-range, and 2 tweeters and mounts to the under side of the roof.

The other option I'm looking at is replacing the GT seats with Miata seats that have the built-in speakers in the head-rests. This looks like a real clean solution.

For the system, I'm thinking of a JVC CD with MP3 capability, and a ten-disc CD changer. For the changer, I'd like to build a lockable compartment in the back. Ya know where the luggage platform is. I'd like to extend that up by 10"-12" with a hinged lockable lid. One of the big problems with the GT is the inability to secure wallets, laptops, etc.

I make it a practice not to lock my cars, so I really need a secure compartment.

Anyone else found a good solution?

[West Coast GT]

So tell me about the Sony DSO. I haven't come across this yet. How does it maximize the poor speaker position? And how much does it cost? And is it a matter of just replacing the in-dash unit, or did you have to do anything to the speakers?

[opeldean]

I ran across the dso by accident. the dso-(dynamic sound organizer)..is NOT the same as an equilizer.

again.... the dso is amazing.


look at the above photo from the manual.


although my speakers are hidden in the kick panels and also
in the vertical wall below my flap. ,,,my speakers sound as if they
are in my headrests or window area!

there are 3 settings on the dso..I used the 3 settting..with eac level//it got better.The dso is part of the receiver $189 total

[Washout]

I'm now in the market for a sound system for my 70 GT and I'm looking for suggestions. I'm way too old to keep up with the latest in stereos so I'm looking to you younger guys on this one. I've looked at the Sony dso, that takes care of the stereo, what do you suggest for the speakers, will I need an amp to run this setup. I really don't need to make the windows rattle, I just want to be able to hear my tunes clearly above the ... well, distinct song of the Opel. I was planning to mount the speakers in either the kick panels or door panels in the front and below the luggage platform behind the seats. Any suggestions from those of you who have done this? Thanks

[opeldean]

the sony mentioned has 45 watts a channnel..its loud enough
for me.

I think if you put speakers in the door ...it is harder and changes the original appearance of the door...plus you have to feed wires thru properly...I like the way Jimsky put his in the kick panel and I
like the way I removed the old wrinkled vinyl and covered them with stretch lyrcra...my speakers are all invisible ...I like it that way..
I like the kick panel speakers..I like the sony with the DSO...
it is well suited for the low postion of the speakers..

Just my 2 cents

[pvcar]

i odnt no what u guys want from a stereo but im most likely gonna get the JVC arsenal has 200 watts built in and mp3 playback capibilitys, a pretty sweet head unit for 260. also im working on doing a sub in the spare tire and found that if u get a nice carvin 200 watt sub speaker and flip ur stock aprae upside down the speaker fits right inside and is held down by its coil magnent havnet tested it in the car yet but when i get a chance ill post the results, although that subs gettin a dedicated amp like the alpine m350 for 200 bucks.

[Washout]

pvcar,
I definitely want MP3 capability but I'm still unclear on how it works in a car stereo. Is there a separate mp3 player that is controlled by the stereo like with a separate CD disk player or is it an internal memory in the stereo that can be programed with the mp3 files through downloads? I've got a small personal mp3 player that I can plug into the audio panel on my airplane that can then be played throughout the aircraft through the speaker and headset system, is this similar?

Bucky,
I like the lycra idea, that gives you the sound without changing the look. I'm looking at the Sony CDX-MP40 because it has the DSO and MP3 capability. Has anyone else used this stereo?

Yes, I know this will change the look of the car as it will not have the original radio anylonger, my humble apologies to the purest here. But music to me is sorta like changing the Solex out for a weber, there's a point were performance is more important than remaining perfectly stock.

[opeldean]

ON MY SONY THERE IS NO FRONT JACK TO PLUG IN AN EXTERNAL PLAYER...(I would like to have this feature for my portable mini disc music player)

i believe mine will play mp3's ..just have to burn them on a CD...
then insert cd.

on kick panel verses door...why would you want to put speakers in the door?

if you got the dso...the sound is the same despite the phsical location of the speaker...

so therefore ..put the speaker where access is easier..

I dont know how big a speaker the Kick panel will accept..i used 3 1/2...jimsky usede 4in

my 2 cents

[pvcar]

yes thats what u have to do u burn ur mp3 files to a cd and then pop it in ur cd player and boom it plays for 4 hours on one cd. the coolest part about most of the mp3 capable cd players u can use cdr-w's so u can burn a cd with ur mp3s take it on a road trip come home erase that cd burn new mp3s on it and go on anthor road trip, i find that a good quality to mp3 capable stereo units. but like u said with the mp3 player or minidisc player u would need that little 1/8 in. input on the front to plug ur external device into. they did several years ago make a stereo u could stick a mini disc in.

[namba209]

I've got a Sony Walkman mini-disc player I use continuosly in the garage, and when we go to dog shows in the motorhome, I plug the unit into the tape deck and listen to the MDs while on the road and use the AC power setup at the shows. Granted there are a couple of wires going to the MD player from the cigarrette lighter and the tape deck, but it's a small price to pay for having your tunes on the road with you. I've got a MD burner and I've recorded all my CDs to MDs, so I can listen to the CDs in the house and MDs on the road, and 70 plus MDs take up a lot less room the 70 plus CDs.

Ron

[West Coast GT]

Originally Posted by West Coast GT ... I'd like to build a lockable compartment in the back. Ya know where the luggage platform is. I'd like to extend that up by 10"-12" with a hinged lockable lid. One of the big problems with the GT is the inability to secure wallets, laptops, etc. I make it a practice not to lock my cars, so I really need a secure compartment. Anyone else found a good solution?

That quote was from 4 1/2 years ago. So it took me a long time, but I've finally added lockable storage to the GT by replacing the spare tire vinyl flap with a solid bulkhead to seal off the spare tire / jack / storage area above the gas tank. It's hinged, upholstered in light foam and black vinyl, and it locks. Now I can discreetly secure my discreetables.

The only thing left to do is to add a hydraulic strut to hold the door open. Otherwise sliding a spare tire or other stuff into, or out of, the compartment one handed could get a bit dicey.

[namba209]

Originally Posted by West Coast GT The only thing left to do is to add a hydraulic strut to hold the door open. Otherwise sliding a spare tire or other stuff into, or out of, the compartment one handed could get a bit dicey.

Keith, if you can't find a strut at your local auto parts store, check out Camping World, they have an assortment of struts in various lengths and pressures that may suit your need.

[West Coast GT]

Ron, thanks for the tip - it makes a lot of sense.

I bought replacement struts today for the weakened units on the Chrysler's trunk lid. I'm hoping the old units will be weak enough for use in the Opel, thereby killing two birds with one stone.

But I suspect that in the end I'll be off to the local Camping World as you suggest.

I'm happy with the way it turned out, and am pretty confident that only an Opel owner would spot that it's not original. One giveaway is the brass lock & trim ring. I would prefer it be black and somewhat hidden.

[Johnvan]

I'm thinking of mounting an I-pod Mp3 player and installing a 12volt power converter to 110 volt and powering wireless home speakers which could also be used to recharge the I-pod.I would hide the converter.The speakers could be small with good sound and placed where- ever and the i-pod and speakers could be put in a bag and taken out when not in use or put in another car with a converter if I wanted. That way I could keep the original radio and avoid cutting any panels.I might get hit in the head with a speaker in a panic stop but I may accept that or figure some attachment which could be removed john

[BlitzGT]

Long term a car inverter will probably kill your Ipod battery (sine wave is close but not close enough) I like Alpine decks, they all have Ipod connections now I think. They have a similar technology called the "Sound Imprint" you adjust it for your car and then set it.

[GTRoy]

Hi, has anyone used Retrosound products? Crutchfield is selling reciever with adjustable knobs, usb connection,etc, should fit opel dash with no cutting. I have original am tube radio for my 69 gt 1.1, but have am from 80 olds omega installed (same size, same knob location, almost same look), but would like to upgrade without cutting dash. Retrosound web site has video demos of "model one" but not a lot of specifications. any ideas?

[West Coast GT]

Back in October of 2003 I decided to try an overhead 6-speaker arrangement I spotted in a JC Whitney catalog.

I finally ordered it in Fall of 2008, but didn't install it until last weekend. Although advertised it would "fit any car", it does not fit the GT as the roof is too narrow. Even cutting it down (the speaker housing - not the roof) didn't help.

So it's now installed on the package tray under the rear window. It has not improved the situation. I still cannot hear the music once the car is up to speed.

Bottom Line: System is not a good choice if one wishes to listen to music while the windows are rolled down and/or the rear vent windows are open.

[BQS4]

Originally Posted by West Coast GT Back in October of 2003 I decided to try an overhead 6-speaker arrangement I spotted in a JC Whitney catalog. I finally ordered it in Fall of 2008, but didn't install it until last weekend. Although advertised it would "fit any car", it does not fit the GT as the roof is too narrow. Even cutting it down (the speaker housing - not the roof) didn't help. So it's now installed on the package tray under the rear window. It has not improved the situation. I still cannot hear the music once the car is up to speed. Bottom Line: System is not a good choice if one wishes to listen to music while the windows are rolled down and/or the rear vent windows are open.

I have this same system in my 75 Sportwagon, it fits and works great. I understand that every situation is different, but, in my case, it worked great.

[74Opel1900]

From what I understand Retro Sound is horrible. I would not recommend getting any of their products. Everyone that was at the TOO Shakedown meet can testify to the quality of my sound system. I have a Kenwood KDC-MP538U head unit and two 4" Infinity Reference speakers mounted in the rear deck. The head unit has a USB pigtail in the back that I plug a USB thumb drive into for MP3s. I just copy the MP3s onto the thumb drive and that's it. I can scroll through the directory structure with the included remote and it displays the artist and song title (ID3 tag). I paid $126 for the head unit and $60 for the speakers from Dealer Cost Car Audio. Shipping is free for orders over $99 but it takes about 3 weeks to arrive. I paid $200 for a professional installation because the dash needed to be cut. Some of you may doubt the quality of sound two 4" speaker can generate but I'm telling you, it's good. The only time I have to jack up the volume is when the windows are down and I'm going 70+mph on the highway. Anyone who is going to Carlisle is welcome to listen for yourself.

[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]

Originally Posted by 74Opel1900 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]

Originally Posted by 74Opel1900 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.