Options for radio??

E

erikelvis

Active Member
Joined
Jun 20, 2021
Wondering what’s out there for a retro look or even stock radios for a standard Turbo T 4 speaker system. Car has some aftermarket radio that only gets one station now. Will replace at some point. Really like the look of stock appearing radios but don’t want a trade off on sound if they really don’t sound good. Bluetooth or usb would be nice. I see radios for sale that say they’re for 88+ GM vehicles that look like the factory radios that seem to go for cheaper than period correct radios. Any real difference?

Like the look of this one. If I went for an aftermarket look it would prob be something like this. Not in love with the retro sounds radios out there.
www.crutchfield.com

Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB

Digital media receiver (does not play CDs)
www.crutchfield.com www.crutchfield.com

Appreciate any feedback.

Thanks!
Erik
 
I went this way, out of a 92 Cadillac DeVille.

It has a CD player and I had a local radio shop (Jimmy's) install an aux jack. I added an old Rockford Fosgate 100 watt amp I had on the shelf. Can't 'member what speakers I used but I think they were "Boss" brand from Amazon.

It was some 11 years ago and I'm getting old..... Works great for me and looks completely stock.

They are like hens teeth to find now, but they are out there.
 

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TurboTGuy said:
I went this way, out of a 92 Cadillac DeVille.

It has a CD player and I had a local radio shop (Jimmy's) install an aux jack. I added an old Rockford Fosgate 100 watt amp I had on the shelf. Can't 'member what speakers I used but I think they were "Boss" brand from Amazon.

It was some 11 years ago and I'm getting old..... Works great for me and looks completely stock.

They are like hens teeth to find now, but they are out there.
Click to expand...
^^ x2
You can connect a 4 channel line level converter to a stock radio along with a 4 channel amp. Add a 5 channel amp if you’d like a subwoofer.
There are amps out there that have speaker level inputs as well.

Keep in mind factory radios start clipping (limiting) bass around 3/4 volume and the distortion goes up dramatically.
50 watts rms per channel is plenty (100 watts for the sub) and turn the gain (amp volume) up so you’re all in at 5/8 or so volume.
 
Cool thanks guys. Now I’m getting more confused. Do I want an amp or not? Stockish radio or not? Jeez…
 
It's all in what you want for YOUR car.

Screw everyone else, do what YOU want. :)

That opens up a great big world......
 
toofastforyou said:
I have a very similar one to the one "TurboTGuy" posted...
Click to expand...
Looks great! Man o man. We’ll technically it’s not myyy car but I’m taking the reigns to get it at least running right and more enjoyable for now. If I did an amp where is a good hiding spot?
 
toofastforyou said:
I have a very similar one to the one "TurboTGuy" posted...
Click to expand...
Have been looking everywhere for a HU like yours. Can’t find one like it anywhere. It’s a cool blend of old and new (silver knobs and a CD player) that seems to be from a short transitional period of style. Most early CD players seem to have went the black knob option.
 
Erikelvis said:
Like the look of this one. If I went for an aftermarket look it would prob be something like this. Not in love with the retro sounds radios out there.
www.crutchfield.com

Blaupunkt Bremen SQR 46 DAB

Digital media receiver (does not play CDs)
www.crutchfield.com www.crutchfield.com
Click to expand...
Fair warning, Blaupunkt is NOT what it used to be.

That said, I'm using a JVC Media player. It has a decent built-in amp and the outputs for the sub in the trunk. Works well enough, and I get bluetooth and hands-free calling.

All of the retro looking stuff I've seen is short on features and long on price. You need to decide if you want the looks or the functions, because you really can't have both right now.
 
So I’m driving to ocean city Maryland in three days and my stock radio just ate a cassette and won’t work. So I did a bunch of looking and ordered a head unit, install kit, rear deck and door speakers, and wiring harnesses (radio and speakers) and total was like $320. Which is crazy to me because 20 years ago I paid $800 just for a head unit. This one looks subtle but has a mount that pops out and holds your smart phone using it as the radio screen. Smart. Great reviews, we’ll see how it works.
 
Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't there a guy on here that you could send your factory unit to
and he'd go through it and add some up to date features? Recall it was very reasonable cost wise.
 
KC87 said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't there a guy on here that you could send your factory unit to
and he'd go through it and add some up to date features? Recall it was very reasonable cost wise.
Click to expand...
There was, but IIRC he was fixing blown caps and adding an aux input.

Which is fine, but not really up-to-date.
 
Turbo6inKY said:
There was, but IIRC he was fixing blown caps and adding an aux input.

Which is fine, but not really up-to-date.
Click to expand...


Like ANYTHING on our cars is "up to date" ......... LOL :cool:

OK, well, I do have a Dragy.........
 
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Anyone tried the Retro Sound radios?
www.retromanufacturing.com

1984-87 Buick Regal New York 1.5 DIN Radio

The RetroSound Newport is a direct-fit replacement radio for your classic. Newport looks and fits like the original factory radio, but boasts the most modern technological features. An Apple Made-For-iPod interface is built in, as is Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free phone calls and wireless...
www.retromanufacturing.com www.retromanufacturing.com

They are the correct 1.5 din and look period correct. They are a bit pricy though.
EDIT: just re-read the OP's post. These are the ones he is not a fan of.
 
I'm curious about the RetroSound units. Might give it a shot, I like the look.
 
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