CD stereo for an SVO

[sar4497]

I'd like to get an affordable (~$200 or less) CD head unit for the SVO, but I'm pretty picky about what it looks like. Seems like everything that is available right now looks like it belongs in a spaceship. I want something that matches the car. Specifically, my requirements are...

• Black--dull, not shiny
• As few buttons as possible
• Small display
• Good internal amp--won't be using an external amp
• One set of preamp outputs--just in case
• Red backlighting
• No other colors

Blaupunkt used to make stereos that fit that general description, but even they are turning Star Wars on me.

Any suggestions? I'd like to stay away from E-bay if possible. Might consider a used stereo through a message board, but I'm not ready to buy yet. Just figuring out my options.

Also, what sizes are the speakers, front and rear?

[richsvo]

sar4497,

Check out a brand of stereo called Lanzar. They make exactly what you are lloking for. They are a high quality, low price manufacturer. Speaker sizes are (I think I remember right...)

Front 4.5"
Rear 6 X 8 or 5 x 7

HTH,

Rich

[GAboySVO]

sar4497,

Seems like everything that is available right now looks like it belongs in a spaceship.

You are right about that.... I think they got the same designers who do all of those rediculous tenna-shoes.


You might check out Crutchfield's web site. You can see the faces and read the specs on a lot of different manufactureers there. I don't know if they have exactly what you want, but it is a good place to shop. Uou could always opt for one of the remote mounted Multi CD players that plays through the FM side of your existing radio. Just a thought.

[Philc]

I agree- todays stereos are all about bling bling.

try checking on eay for an older pioneer (1 year old+). I have a pioneer in the 9L svo, and it is great. the screen matches the dash, it is all black, and sounds great too!!

[bigwingsaleen]

cd unit

Clarion Proaudio.

One of the many display colors match the SVO color PERFECTLY.

I think I went with the model 535...Look at Crutchfield on-line and check out the different models. I bought mine off eBay after deciding which model and saved over $40.00 off the Crutchfield price.

I am very happy with this unit, it has all the goodies you could want. I just wish the rear speaker placement was better, facing each other is not the ideal situation!

[NY eric]

why not a changer

Use the factory radio and hide a changer under the seat. you get the look of stock but you dont have to listen to all the crap from the DJ.


I would check you speaker sizes again. the fronts are 3.5" Infinity makes a nice set and so do MB quart. spend the money and get some quality sounding speakers here. with the window down the rear 4x5s are prety worthless with a stock amp.

If you want to be real creative you can mount 5 inch speakers in the kick pannels but you will have to take out the dead pedal to fit the box in.

4x5s out the back. I would get a pair of 4s and a tweeter and drop them in the crutchfeild conversion kit along with a small amp 50 w/c or so.

BTW sony speakers are the most worthless peices of crap I have ever used. Inexpensive but they just dont sound right.
Just my opinion.

[svobud]

Re: CD stereo for an SVO

Originally posted by sar4497
Seems like everything that is available right now looks like it belongs in a spaceship.

NO Kidding!!! I bought a CD player for my daily driver mode of transportation. I was getting to the point of saying "fer git it" .. and then I saw they still carried the brand Everyone wanted when I was in HS ... it was OEM for a Lamborgini .. and it was ONLY $100. WTF?!?!? If you grew up in the 70s-80s .. then you know brand I'm referring to .. ALPINE. heck ya .. my mini-SUV has the same brand CD player that's found in a Lamborgini Countach !!! ROCK ON!!

Sorry for getting off topic sar4497 .. cause I really can't help you with this one as it relates to a SVO. I'm pulling my stock radio out and putting in a delete plate. I Never listen to music in the SVO.

[sar4497]

Re: cd unit

Originally posted by svogary
Clarion Proaudio.

One of the many display colors match the SVO color PERFECTLY.

I think I went with the model 535...Look at Crutchfield on-line and check out the different models. I bought mine off eBay after deciding which model and saved over $40.00 off the Crutchfield price.

That is the exact unit that I am considering right now. $200 from Crutchfield, but like you said, it can always be found cheaper.

The cheaper Alpines would be great, if only the lights were red.

[bigwingsaleen]

Re: why not a changer

Originally posted by NY eric
Use the factory radio and hide a changer under the seat. you get the look of stock but you dont have to listen to all the crap from the DJ.

Keep in mind with a CD changer you are connected through a radio frequency and sound quality is only as good as your FM.....I hate the changer is my Expe compared to the SVT Contour or the Saleen's in-dash units.

[90lx86svo]

When I got my 86 it had an old school Alpine in-dash slide out cd player. I took it apart and took the little green bulb condoms off and painted them red. Looked great. Then it died a while later. I went to Circuit City and got the least pimpy one I could find (I told the employee that). I found a JVC> At least it had a real volume dial (not a + - rocker switch) and I coan turn off the light show on the display. I does not look as good but it sure does sound better.

Bud

[sar4497]

This one is pretty close! I'd rather have red lights instead of amber, but the SVO interior has a bit of amber also. I also don't care for the Aiwa brand, but the price is right, and the specs look pretty good.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GSAspWDrRGo/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?i=055CDCX144

[Mr. Pink]

sar;
I just went through the same thing a few months back. I wanted to replace the shaft style radio with something with CD Changer Controls and multiple RCA outs. The color of the display was also important to me. I ended up going with a Kenwood Excelon model (sorry, can't remember the model#). This offered me everything I was looking for. I do admit though that it is getting harder and harder to find decent decks with red lighting.

I also went with MD Quart 3 1/2" up front and MB Quart 5x7 for the rear. Now I need a good 4-channel amp and I'll be good. Thinking about JL Audio on this, but I'm not 100% set.

[1HOT4OT]

I have a sony xplode in black with red backlight,about 180.00.

Tim

[KraigW]

suggestion

I have the Secret Audio system in my '84 GT Turbo 'vert. It's a radio delete car, so I wanted to keep the delete features. The Secret Audio system's great because the control unit fits perfectly in the ashtray! Almost looks like is was designed to fit there. The main unit with all the wiring is small enough to go under the seat, behind the back seats, or up in the dash. Comes with a remote too. I got the model that includes the 6-disc changer; it attaches with wingnuts, so I can easily remove it for shows. Until I hit "Power" with my remote, no one knows I even have a stereo in the car. I plan on doing the same set-up in my SVO so I can retain my stock radio.

-Kraig

P.S. the Secret Audio has 4 RCA pre-outs too; real easy to set up!

[Pat_in_L.A.]

There was a great show on Speed TV this weekend that was about the history of car audio. There are companies out there installing all the new whiz-bang stuff behind the stock faceplates.

The example that they showed was a stock looking mid 70's T-bird radio similar to the SVO 84 unit. They replaced all the guts with circuit boards and all sorts of options The average install was anywhere from $300 to $1500 depending on what you wanted.

See if there's a repeat coming up. It's well worth watching.