mwpayne

Hi guys
My 89 vert has an alpine 143BT head unit with stock speakers, per previous owner. I added a sub to the spare tire area. Headrests are wired into the rear radio outputs. It actually sounds decent, but I'm considering replacing the head unit with something that illuminates as close to the orange dash lights as possible.
What unit would you suggest, and would spending any $$ upgrading stock speakers be worth it, assuming no amp?
Im not really needing any major power, thanks in advance!

WondrousBread

Many modern stereos allow you to pick the color in the menu. Mine does this, a Pioneer FH-X731BT. The amber setting is pretty close to the stock cluster colour.

As for the speakers, even without an amp a set of aftermarket speakers will outperform the stock ones.

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

If you ever seen the stock speakers you would change them without hesitation.
If you look at them they'd fall apart..they are paper type cone.
Besides they can only handle like 10 watts and now a days 10 watts is like "silence" to most people!!!

mwpayne

Thanks, ideas on speaker replacements? There are several threads on this, but pretty old. Maybe some new/improved ones to consider?
Also, I'm looking for a single din unit.

Thanks again!

misterstyx69

iTrader: (142)

When I built my sound system I went all Nuts!
You can put in up to a 7 inch Double Din.(use the stock stereo cage for install)
I used 4 inch CDT speakers in the dash and 6x9's in the bin covers..6.5 Inch Focals in the Shock tower..all powered by what should be described as a nuclear reactor..haha!

If you get a Decent deck then common sense would dictate that you use new speakers.This assures maximum power and clarity of your system.
I can only say that you pay for what you choose..and cheap will sound like **** if you decide to save.

Cadence(brand name) makes decent speakers.

mwpayne

Thought I'd bump this to see if any new units have been put in by you guys. I have a single din unit that's fine, but the signal that raises the antenna has been eliminated by factory.
Does anyone know of a unit (double din) that has the 12 v signal that raises the antenna when the unit is switched from, say CD to radio?

Thanks

Promoe2005

Most newer headunits have done away with the antenna wire. If you find a Kenwood from 2012 or before it should have the 12v antenna wire (blue), and the 12v amp turn on wire (blue/white). However you have to make sure to get something above the 2 series radios, as those had a dummy antenna wire.

Before installing a double-din I had the Kenwood KDC-352u, which operated the power antenna. I know have a toggle installed in the center console to power the antenna when I want to listen to FM.

mwpayne