Audio Systems....options

[KatoKid]

Ok, so first to admit I'm not up to speed on this subject but have a pretty good idea what I want.

 

Back story: The opening for the radio in my new reproduction heater control panel from MSA  is not correct single DIN size. Its only a few mm smaller in both width and height smaller but I'm not prepared to take a grinder to my $250 piece of plastic as it will be dangerously close to compromising the strength and integrity......so has anyone got suggestions on a smaller more compact head unit?

 

I don't want or need a CD player just FM radio and iPhone compatability with a USB port for charging. Bluetooth preferable but not a must.

 

The other option is to mount a normal single DIN unit somewhere else. The one I've got has a remote but will need to be line of sight to work. I've considered passenger side kick panel or on a bracket under the glove-box, maybe even under the front of the drivers seat???

 

Suggestions and pics please?

 

Cheers.

 

 

[mossy]

http://www.retrosoundusa.com.au/index.php?l=product_detail&p=362

[Ponyo240z]

Nissan offered Radio blanking plates that would allow you to have a small storage compartment and mount a small modern music device out of site.

I made a blanking plate for mine, just out of sheet metal, wrapped in faux leather. I'll take a pic if needed

 

 

 http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0407/7553/products/IMG_8134_1024x1024.JPG?v=1475812775

[C.A.R.]

Install an original head unit, then turn the S50B32 up to 11!

[KatoKid]

 mount a small modern music device out of site.

 

 

 

Care to elaborate on what you mean by small modern music device as this is what I'm leaning towards.

Edited August 24, 2017 by KatoKid

[KatoKid]

Install an original head unit, then turn the S50B32 up to 11!

 

Haha....will lose my license in no time!

[Ponyo240z]

This should work

https://www.amazon.com/SallyBest®-Digital-Amplifier-3-Electronic-Control/dp/B015OBJFMS

[Hokin]

Im quite sure a good quality exhaust is the best audio to get out of the Z. From the vids in your build thread It already has one installed

[Cozza]

This should work

https://www.amazon.com/SallyBest®-Digital-Amplifier-3-Electronic-Control/dp/B015OBJFMS

That looks cheap and nasty like my kids car DVD players. I wouldn't hold my breath on sound quality.

 

I like the look/idea of the retro sound units. Has anyone here used one?

 

I'll be interested to see which way you go Kato, no doubt it will be top notch like the rest of the build. ?

[Ponyo240z]

I agree it looks cheap, the point I was making is there is devices out there that allow you to plug just a USB in to listen to music

[dat240z]

I use an alpine media player. Streaming or USB only. I tried a CD deck but with the coilovers it was skipping more than a kindergardener at recess. I'd consider a carbon blanking plate with the unit located in the glovebox.

[nizm0zed]

Another option is to mod a head unit.
Just extend the detatchable faceplate away from the deck.
Mount that somewhere discreet maybe? Like in the sunvisor?
Or just put it where the factory radio face would have been, You wouldnt need to make the hole bigger, just secure it in front of it.
Big bonus being that you have a huge range of affordable stereo's all with various functions.
I have a JVC unit in one of my cars that doesnt use CD, but still does USB, Ipod, Bluetooth ect. Only $100 from supercheap

I helped a mate do this with his toolbox a few years back, the faceplate was on the underside of the top lid, the unit was mounted out of the way in his side box.

(Random pic i found on the net)

Edited August 25, 2017 by nizm0zed

[PZG302]

I've got the latest retro sound for my Charger, also got a set of Valiant knobs and face plate for it.

 

As I wanted an original look for the Charger, it suits it perfectly. They are old school in looks so not sure if it will suit the look you are going for, or if they do a Datsun kit yet.

 

In terms of compatibility it has all you need with radio, plus Ipod/USB input plus bluetooth, and some adjust-ability in size for what you see poking out of the hole.

 

From others I know they are happy with the sound they make, I only want radio and Ipod so I have something to listen to when driving, as an old valiant on triples and a side pipe is not a really good environment for audiophile spec gear.

[Six_Shooter]

I've tried all sorts of audio options for classics, seeing as I've worked in the industry for about 23 years and the conclusion I've come is to simply dive in and trim the opening to put in a head unit that actually works, and is within reach, meaning something current from the mainstream and in the stock location.

I've tried several of the offerings for classic vehicles and all but one of them had a problem shortly after installing. Replace them with something mainstream and no more issues.

yeah it sucks to trim the opening on a new or original piece in good condition, but it's really the best way to get something that you will use and enjoy instead of fucking with and getting pissed off at it because it doesn't work the way it's supposed to.

That being said I have tried several non mainstream things in my 240, no audio (bored of that quickly), to an amplifier that was fed from my phone, to using a mainstream radio that I mounted from behind so that I didn't need to trim the opening to relinquishing and just trimming out the corners and the tad more that was needed to front load the mainstream unit. I got tired of messing with getting the headunit to line up properly every time I needed to get into the dash. My headunit  has a motorized face that requires the unit to be EXACTLY in the right spot, otherwise it will hang up on the original opening when trying to move. I have no regrets about front loading the unit now with a sleeve, because it makes working on the dash so much easier, and the unit has the proper trim ring on it that makes it look better.

I also have the speakers mounted in custom kick panel enclosures. Currently I haven't had time to add an amplifier and subwoofer to the system, so I just have the 6.5" and tweeter component set running off the headunit.

[PB260Z]

Hi

 

I also have the retro sound in mine - reasonably period looking with all the modern techology.

No cutting the console - still working out speaker placement.

 

Cheers

 

PB

[KatoKid]

Hurry up and let me know how it sounds!

[PB260Z]

Hurry up and let me know how it sounds!

Yeah, hoping to have that done for the next roadtrip.

The only problem is I can't currently get the Z into workshop as the driveway is blocked with rubble from the landscaping and other works going on around the house.

[NEW260]

Fitted this recently to my 240, now have Sat/ Nav, Handsfree,

Reversing camera etc. Have mx5 seats which lnclude speakers

in headrests. Shifted fuse box to glovebox, needed to cut

bottom of heater fascia.

[NEW260]

Sorry could not pic to work.

[NEW260]

Finally.