News:

www.W116.org - By the people, for the people!

Main Menu

looking for 21th century car audio ideas

Started by mrkozzy, 18 April 2020, 09:09 PM

mrkozzy

Hi all.

I have the original Becker radio cassette installed.
It works but is no longer wired in. I leave it there "redundant" for show only as it correctly reflects the era of the vehicle.

I no longer have an external aerial, (filled that in and painted over long ago)
I no longer have rear speakers. Replaced my back parcel shelf recently and did not make cutouts for any speakers. (not yet anyway, trying not to).

I am reasonably convinced I would like a USB & bluetooth type system for radio, music, spotify, whatever. It will work from any app on my phone. Just like any current day vehicle system.

There are one or two quite small unit available that fit inside the glove compartment, (mine is empty anyway), or possibly hidden in the trunk/boot. I'm waiting to find out if there is one available that has digital radio included also.

I'm being told these "today" type units come with extremely small yet extremely powerful speakers, which sit and look like a speakers on a home system. (ie. they sit on top of the rear parcel shelf not "in" it).

My question is does anyone have unit of this type already?  Any feedback I get would be greatly appreciated.  Pics would be even better.
I haven't purchased an aftermarket "car stereo" for nearly 40 years.  I know I desire a good one. I know they can be quite reasonably priced nowadays.
I'll be letting the professionals install it.  Couldn't be bothered!

Thanks in advance

I just want to make sure I get the correct unit that adds to the pleasure of driving my car (even tho the unit will be hidden)
MrKozzy

floyd111

There's been a lot of talk about w116 hifi on the forum over several threads. I would check those out for sure. What you can take to the bank are 2 things.. There is no way to achieve full spectrum volume without a largish, heavy amp. A light version will only give you mids and highs. There is also no way to achieve bass at a decent volume without a decent size cone. It's just the way sound works. You need to move an x-amount of air in your car for your ears to register bass. If you give up on all frequencies below 80hrtz, life will be lots easier, with options galore. But, that isn't decent audio, to me. A full spectrum starting at 50hrtz is really a minimum requirement, and at the same time, since the (windows closed) car cabin is such a perfect space, not just for perfect spatial sound, but especially for bass, it would really be a shame to give up on the 25-50hrtz spectrum. And with that, you've made full circle and you're back where you know you need to be.. a heavy amp and some decent cone(s) for your bass. Mids and highs remain easy as before.

mrkozzy

Thanks Stan.

It makes sense what you say.
I will do some more research with the car audio guys.

Having said that, the days of me playing loud DOOF DOOF are lonnng gone!  ;D  I'm happy just to hear something clear at regular volume.   :-[
MrKozzy

floyd111

Yeah, I'm also not talking about such a boom boom boom system, but something that will play loud, while still able to hear the person next to you talk. -with matching mids and bass.

revilla

Quote from: mrkozzy on 19 April 2020, 12:59 AM
Thanks Stan.

It makes sense what you say.
I will do some more research with the car audio guys.

Having said that, the days of me playing loud DOOF DOOF are lonnng gone!  ;D  I'm happy just to hear something clear at regular volume.   :-[

If you're not looking to impress anybody but to enjoy good quality sound at a decent volume, you could take advantage of the space under the front seats. I also replaced the parcel shelf and like it better without holes on it.  So I placed a couple of Bose speakers facing backwards in that 'cave' under the seat.  They are the little self-contained type, but that confined one-way out volume provides some decent resonance, enough for me without being at all invasive on the car structure.  They don't interfere with seat adjustments.  Passenger's feet won't access that far neither, so not an issue.  Cables were so easy to re-route using the same pair that used to go to the parcel shelf mounted old speaker.  For cleaning, they can be easily moved away as they are not attached.  Works for me.

Cheers

ptashek

You could use my offset-adapter method, which would let you install 130mm speakers in the back, using the original space. Modern two-way speakers of this size can produce really good sound, including decent enough bass. It won't win any audiophile awards for sure, but will be good enough for a proper road trip :)

I'm quite happy with my setup.
https://zv9485.wordpress.com/2017/09/09/installing-rear-speakers/

In action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6JpbDmlCAg

You could also add an under-seat subwoofer for some added low-range fill.
There's plenty of options: https://www.crutchfield.com/g_51000/Powered-Subwoofers.html?tp=114#&nvpair=FFCompact_Design|[rank1]Yes
1993 "Pearl Blue" W124 280TE
1988 "Arctic White" W124 200T
1979 "Icon Gold" W116 450SE

TJ 450

#6
There are a number of good options even in the stock 4" size for component speakers up front if you want quality sound. I have mounted tweeters on the angled area of the knee bolsters right where the duct enters the doors. This works really well, and won't damage the interior (I have them clipped on with a bracket that was made for the purpose).

You can easily fit 5 1/4" speakers in the rear.

The panel behind the fuel tank is good for mounting power amps but the screws need to be countersunk and have to be in such a location that they will never touch the fuel tank.

Tim

PS, you can get compact subwoofers such as the Audison 10" and place it either in the front passenger footwell or in front of the rear seat. Up front works best and when crossed over correctly with the front 4" allows excellent bass up front.

The 4" when crossed over at 80-100hz will handle a lot of power so the system in my car will reach deafening levels as the 4" are being powered by a 180wpc Alpine power amp.
1976 450SEL 6.9 1432
1969 300SEL 6.3 1394
2003 ML500