FWIW, the Alpine unit in my TR6 is a 7870 that can be had from
Crutchfield for $159.
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-BK5X4Xz28fy/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=
300&I=500CDE7870&o=m&a=1
Does it look stock? No, none of the modern DIN units will look like an
older radio unless the guys at Custom AutoSound make one that looks
right. Those are the guys on "My Classic Car" that make radio for older
American stuff.
Also a couple of things to keep in mind. 1) the advertised watts per
channel virtually all car audio is greatly exaggerated. If it claims 50
wpc, then you can possibly count of 15. 2) the designated speaker
placement on the TR6 has holes for 2 4" speakers. The placement and
size won't allow for much more than background noise at anything faster
than 50mph. 3) If you really want decent quality audio, then you'll
have to make additional changes.
One of the main problems is that with speaker mounted down around your
feet, you simply won't be able to hear it very well, at any speed. Some
folks have cut holes in the kick panel and mounted a circular coffee can
looking piece to mount a larger speaker. That's fine, but the high
notes that emanate from the tweeters need to be more at ear level while
lower notes are less directional. There's no good solution to the
tweeter issue.
You can also mount speaker in the back somewhere and different people
have tackled this in a variety of ways. This allows for larger speaker
and a better soundstage.
If you do any of this, then you will need a separate amplifier to
adequately drive this stuff. 4 channels by 50 watts would most likely
do it just fine.
Oh, and then you would need to upgrade your alternator most likely.
And then you are left with sound that's much better than stock, but it
won't approach what comes in a new Maxima or Accord. Plus it will
hinder hearing the exhaust note.
I might make additional changes to my car when everything comes apart,
but for now, I'm living with the upgraded radio and will probably change
out the crappy Radio Shack speakers.
BTW, Merry XMAS.
R. Ashford Little II
www.geocities.com/ralittle2
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-6pack@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-6pack@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of Bob Fabie
Sent: Tuesday, December 24, 2002 12:26 PM
To: triumphs@autox.team.net; 6pack@autox.team.net; Hugh Fader
Subject: Re: TR6 Radios
Hugh:
I recently installed a Sony CA400 CD player in my car. Like you, I felt
that
most modern radios/cds just look out of place in our Triumphs. The
reason I
like the model I bought was because it appears to have the traditional
knobs
and it's fairly subdued. It's 50 watts per channel (4) and the sound is
excellent. It even came with a miniature remote control. I shopped it
and
found the best price at Sears for $143.
I am sending you a digital photo of the radio installed. If anyone else
is
interested, e-mail me and I'll send you a photo.
Bob Fabie
'75 TR6
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