First off I’m new to all this so forgive me for any mistakes I make!

 

Ive got a 1988 coupe s and I love the look and functionality of the original radio. Only problem is the sound quality is terrible.  I’ve upgraded the two rear deck speakers to Rockford punch which has made a small difference. 

 

Front middle speaker has no wiring too it so I’m not going to use it.  

 

I’m set on keeping the original radio as it just looks right.  Someone mentioned putting a modern radio in the glove box so it’s hidden but I’m not a fan of this idea as it means the original radio will be disconnected.   

 

Has anyone got any advice/ideas for adding something to enhance the audio experience. All the car amplifiers I can see are huge ‘chavvy’ bass boxes! 

 

Tia

Miles 

 

Edited 19 January, 20206 yr by Willysmiles

dont see you improving it without adding anything

 

yes hiding a better quality modern unit somewhere is a easy solution , no point in amplifying bad sound as it wont improve the quality  

Edited 19 January, 20206 yr by steveo3002

All car hi-fi is low-fi.

 

For what music?

 

Does radio have aux-in?

 

If not

For radio, you  get a DAB car radio adaptor that transmits FM and a good DAB aerial.

https://bestradios.co.uk/best-plug-and-play-dab-car-radio-adapters/

 

For your own tunes Bluetooth to FM adaptor (eg Belkin Tunecast)

and send music/podcast from phone, mounted in a way

that it can function handsfree.

 

Does existing radio have RCA phono out sockets?

 

If so, for volume - a slave amplified subwoofer in boot.

Or a 2 channel amp for the Rockford speakers.

eg

https://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product_m-kenwood-car-audio-kac-ps702ex_p-40192.htm

Look at RMS power rating and THD not peak max power.

For quality, a separates system in the doors with tweeters on the dash.

 

If existing radio only has speaker outputs it is hard to get the levels right without distortion even if the amp has speaker-level inputs.

 

 

 

Edited 19 January, 20206 yr by dvderlm

Thanks for the quick replys,   Radio has no aux or output sockets. I’ve got a cassette tape to aux adapter In there which I can then use my phone to get good reception in both dab and fm.     I was thinking if anyone has fitted a small lepai amplifier ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lepai-Tripath-TA2020-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI) or similar and had any success.     I understand amplifying poor quality sound to start with is not a great idea but I’m not looking for booming car shaking bass, just would like a little more range between highs and lows.   

Thanks for your help!

Inductive cassette adaptor will give poor frequency range: something like 35hertz  to 12kilohertz.

 

Don't see why 3.5mm aux to RCA phono cable to a little amp connected direct to speakers and run off fused 12 volts would not be big improvement into 4ohm stereo speakers.

Depends how efficient your speakers are whether it is loud enough to overcome road/engine noise.

 

Also, how well it can cope with in-car temperatures in summer?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

what about hidden amp and ipod /phone connection?

 

you can often add an input to a old radio , but theres no getting around that 30 yr old tech 

 

no harm in having a play around ...you wont ever get amazing sounds from 4x6 speaker anyway...ive often considered running some 6x9 in a box in the rear footwells , so they can be taken out /no mods to the car  

if you search google for "add aux input car stereo " theres alot of vids etc