Custom Autosound opinions? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

muddpile · 03-11-2005, 04:28 PM

Has anyone ever used this setup? I don't want to cut the dash and reaching to the glovebox is also an inconvenience, so I figured if these things are decent, I'd try one out. I could run the speaker wires into LOC's and then into amps, so nothing would be run off the head unit itself. I would only use their radio and CD changer, the rest would be high end aftermarket. Is this idea worth exploring, or should I just live with reaching across the truck into the glovebox?

shifty · 03-11-2005, 05:11 PM

Can you link up to the product? I'd like to look at it.

**CPNE** · 03-11-2005, 05:13 PM

As you wish

shifty · 03-11-2005, 05:27 PM

I have been thinking about the audio thing also. Mainly because I have $3,000 in stereo stuff sitting on the floor of my shop that I had to yank back out of my '03 Sierra when I traded it in.

I think I'm going to do something similar to that - except I plan on getting a shaft radio (like the ones at that site) with CD/MD changer controls. I'll run out of the RCA's on that unit out to my crossover and amps.

Whatever you do, I would avoid the line-level to low-level passive devices that convert the speaker wires to RCA outputs. Those are bad news. They never do a clean conversion. I used to work at a custom car audio shop down in Florida and people always bought the PAC units to do that conversion and the audio always sounded like ass.

I would probably do one of two things (rather, I *will* do one of them

):

1) Get a factory delete panel and fabricate something to mount my CD player radio under the dash, then run the RCA's out to my other equipment

2) Get a shaft radio with RCA outputs and CD/MD changer control, then run the RCA's out to my other equipment.

Whatever you do, just be sure to isolate your ground for the stereo within 18 inches of the unit, always scrape plenty of paint away from the grounding area to ensure a good ground and *never* run your RCA cables over a power source (or in parallel to power wires). These are three of the most common causes for alternator whine and other noise.

tom hand · 03-11-2005, 06:57 PM

I have one...it's ok quality and has RCA outs so you run any amps you want. Having the CD changer controls right in reach is nice and it looks like an AM radio when it is off

farside847 · 03-11-2005, 07:09 PM

I did something a little odd that one of these days I will post some pics. I bought a marine radio and put it in the glovebox. The cool thing about it was it had all the rca/video ins and outs I wanted, plus a small wired remote with a digital readout that fit perfectly inside the ashtray. It is like this but black...

aitch · 03-11-2005, 08:06 PM

Does this installation require cutting the dash?

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom hand

I have one...it's ok quality and has RCA outs so you run any amps you want. Having the CD changer controls right in reach is nice and it looks like an AM radio when it is off

muddpile · 03-11-2005, 08:22 PM

Those custom autosound units look really good. I am looking into the USA-6 model with the optional 10 disc changer. I have a few questions though.
1. How many pairs of RCA cables are there?
2. Can I plug a standard radio antenna into the new head unit
3. Is the sound as good as the look.

For the package I want, it is 480 bucks, which isn't too bad if it means good sound, a stock look, an uncut dash and not having to drive with the glove box open all the time and reaching over to change CD's. If I want to add satellite radio, that shouldn't be too hard with the use of an FM modulator. Is there any disadvantage to my plan?

Kid · 03-11-2005, 09:50 PM

I've had for about a year now, their "hidden" stereo, display unit mounted in the back of the glove box, and the actual box under the seat. Quality seems to be very good. Sound is excellent, running thru a Precision Power amp, and JL Audio 12" sub & MB Quart 6.5's

gator2511 · 03-11-2005, 11:02 PM

I just put one in my 72 K10. It fits the dash and looks sorta stock. The radio will not drive the rear speakers without an amp. The sound quality is poor. The average factory radio will out perform this one hands down. The am band has too much static to make it good. For the money I think I paid too much for too little. The good thing is at least it fits the dash. If I had it to do over I would go for a good radio and made an adapter plate for the dash.

shifty · 03-11-2005, 11:56 PM

I have a Pioneer radio that fits wonderfully in my dash.

I haven't pulled it out to see if it has RCA outs.

Here's a picture: http://www.shifty.org/pics/68chevy/i...0_SB%20002.jpg

I wish it was easier to find manufacturers of shaft-style radios. I searched at CarDomain and Crutchfield, neither one was a go.

muddpile · 03-12-2005, 02:41 AM

Another potential problem I just thought of. Will the custom autosound CD changer handle CD-R's that I burn off the computer? I realize it likely won't do MP3, but just a plain old burned CD, is that an option?

4x4Poet · 03-12-2005, 03:01 AM

If you still hang on to ancient hifi technologies, note that the CAS cassette decks don't play Dolby recorded tapes. Bummer if you recorded all your tapes that way. No need to ask how I know.

tom hand · 03-12-2005, 08:08 AM

Yes it will play CD-Rs...thats all I play in mine and MP3s can easily be converted with windows media player

tom hand · 03-12-2005, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4Poet

If you still hang on to ancient hifi technologies, .

What's a cassette?...lol

**seacrow** · 03-12-2005, 09:10 AM

I have custon autosound, the sound quality flat out sucks, and I mean it sucks big time. It looks good but it sounds even worse than the factory AM radios. I even upgraded the speaker. It is also very difficult to use, the buttons are tiny and it has very limited features. The bass and treble adjustments are a PITA and they don't have much adjustment. I am disappointed.

neonlarry · 03-12-2005, 04:25 PM

I can't comment on the sound quality of their head units but if its anything like their speakers I would look elsewhere.

Gary Lee · 03-12-2005, 10:05 PM

I have been looking and found this one at crutchfield...Sanyo radio Sanyo isn't that high end but it does have one set of RCA out plugs... none for subwoofer... however crutchfield says its a modify fit... That doesn't seem right... shaft style is shaft style right? I figured this would be as good as those you see in the classic truck catalogs and $200 plus cheaper...

4tiresngas · 03-12-2005, 11:00 PM

Now, if ya'll find one that is XM Satellite Radio ready....I'm all over that. I don't know how we lived before XM.

shifty · 03-13-2005, 12:11 AM

Gary Lee - I think some shaft styles have larger center boxes or the posts are sometimes spaced farther apart on diff't models, so it might still be a "modify" install.

4tires - I have XM radio in my new honda. It came with the car and a 3 months free subscription. I LOVE IT. I could live with that and a single disc CD player (I have 200GB of mp3's at home) and be happy forever.

XM ROCKS!

muddpile · 03-13-2005, 01:57 AM

Seems I'm getting mixed reviews on this product. Does anyone know how many RCA cables there are? I want to run 2 amps, a sub amp and a component amp.

4x4Poet · 03-13-2005, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddpile

Seems I'm getting mixed reviews on this product....

CAS units have been routinely trashed on this forum. Note what those who stated they have actually owned CAS units have said.

NPilot1975 · 03-13-2005, 07:26 AM

Don't know if they are still making them, but Kenwood used to offer a shaft style cassette deck with CD charger controls. I still have the CD Changer that I never installed if you can find the head unit, I can give you the CD changer at a really good price.

muddpile · 03-14-2005, 12:56 AM

I'll have to keep my eyes open for a nice shaft style unit that will bolt right in with changer controls. I checked on a vette forum and they get trashed there too, so I guess custom autosound isn't a good solution to not cutting my dash.

Johnny05 · 03-14-2005, 01:33 PM

I have a CAS system setup like the one you're wanting to get and it sounds better than what was in my truck before. The PO put in a generic am/fm cassette unit that only had one channel working. The CAS system has RCA outputs which is what I used to run my amp and speakers (I only ran 4 spkrs). For I paid it's a GREAT system but than again being older than dirt I really don't need a 20,000 watt thumper either.. AND it fits in the dash really well.
Oh yeah... my 4yr old son thinks it sounds good too!

03-11-2005, 04:28 PM	#1
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Custom Autosound opinions? Has anyone ever used this setup? I don't want to cut the dash and reaching to the glovebox is also an inconvenience, so I figured if these things are decent, I'd try one out. I could run the speaker wires into LOC's and then into amps, so nothing would be run off the head unit itself. I would only use their radio and CD changer, the rest would be high end aftermarket. Is this idea worth exploring, or should I just live with reaching across the truck into the glovebox? __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

03-11-2005, 05:11 PM	#2
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Can you link up to the product? I'd like to look at it. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

03-11-2005, 05:13 PM	#3
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	As you wish __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

03-11-2005, 05:27 PM	#4
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	I have been thinking about the audio thing also. Mainly because I have $3,000 in stereo stuff sitting on the floor of my shop that I had to yank back out of my '03 Sierra when I traded it in. I think I'm going to do something similar to that - except I plan on getting a shaft radio (like the ones at that site) with CD/MD changer controls. I'll run out of the RCA's on that unit out to my crossover and amps. Whatever you do, I would avoid the line-level to low-level passive devices that convert the speaker wires to RCA outputs. Those are bad news. They never do a clean conversion. I used to work at a custom car audio shop down in Florida and people always bought the PAC units to do that conversion and the audio always sounded like ass. I would probably do one of two things (rather, I will do one of them ): 1) Get a factory delete panel and fabricate something to mount my CD player radio under the dash, then run the RCA's out to my other equipment 2) Get a shaft radio with RCA outputs and CD/MD changer control, then run the RCA's out to my other equipment. Whatever you do, just be sure to isolate your ground for the stereo within 18 inches of the unit, always scrape plenty of paint away from the grounding area to ensure a good ground and never run your RCA cables over a power source (or in parallel to power wires). These are three of the most common causes for alternator whine and other noise. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

03-11-2005, 06:57 PM	#5
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	I have one...it's ok quality and has RCA outs so you run any amps you want. Having the CD changer controls right in reach is nice and it looks like an AM radio when it is off Attached Images __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

03-11-2005, 07:09 PM	#6
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 995	I did something a little odd that one of these days I will post some pics. I bought a marine radio and put it in the glovebox. The cool thing about it was it had all the rca/video ins and outs I wanted, plus a small wired remote with a digital readout that fit perfectly inside the ashtray. It is like this but black... __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

03-11-2005, 08:22 PM	#8
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Those custom autosound units look really good. I am looking into the USA-6 model with the optional 10 disc changer. I have a few questions though. 1. How many pairs of RCA cables are there? 2. Can I plug a standard radio antenna into the new head unit 3. Is the sound as good as the look. For the package I want, it is 480 bucks, which isn't too bad if it means good sound, a stock look, an uncut dash and not having to drive with the glove box open all the time and reaching over to change CD's. If I want to add satellite radio, that shouldn't be too hard with the use of an FM modulator. Is there any disadvantage to my plan? __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

03-11-2005, 09:50 PM	#9
Kid Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas Posts: 702	I've had for about a year now, their "hidden" stereo, display unit mounted in the back of the glove box, and the actual box under the seat. Quality seems to be very good. Sound is excellent, running thru a Precision Power amp, and JL Audio 12" sub & MB Quart 6.5's __________________ The kid Build threads: 51 Jimmy http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=154951 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=219902 http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 68 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=50348

03-11-2005, 11:02 PM	#10
gator2511 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: tampa florida Posts: 776	I just put one in my 72 K10. It fits the dash and looks sorta stock. The radio will not drive the rear speakers without an amp. The sound quality is poor. The average factory radio will out perform this one hands down. The am band has too much static to make it good. For the money I think I paid too much for too little. The good thing is at least it fits the dash. If I had it to do over I would go for a good radio and made an adapter plate for the dash.

03-11-2005, 11:56 PM	#11
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	I have a Pioneer radio that fits wonderfully in my dash. I haven't pulled it out to see if it has RCA outs. Here's a picture: http://www.shifty.org/pics/68chevy/i...0_SB%20002.jpg I wish it was easier to find manufacturers of shaft-style radios. I searched at CarDomain and Crutchfield, neither one was a go. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

03-12-2005, 02:41 AM	#12
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Another potential problem I just thought of. Will the custom autosound CD changer handle CD-R's that I burn off the computer? I realize it likely won't do MP3, but just a plain old burned CD, is that an option? __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

03-12-2005, 03:01 AM	#13
4x4Poet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: "Under Montana skies." Posts: 1,836	If you still hang on to ancient hifi technologies, note that the CAS cassette decks don't play Dolby recorded tapes. Bummer if you recorded all your tapes that way. No need to ask how I know. __________________ '71 GMC K20 Suburban, '71 GMC K10 Suburban, '72 Chevy C10 CST Suburban, '72 Chevy K20 clunker pickup.

03-12-2005, 08:08 AM	#14
tom hand CCRider Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Olive Branch,MS,USA Posts: 2,232	Yes it will play CD-Rs...thats all I play in mine and MP3s can easily be converted with windows media player __________________ 72 GMC Sierra SWB almost finished---- 84 Softail Olive Branch MS

03-12-2005, 09:10 AM	#16
seacrow Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Bradenton, Florida Posts: 366	I have custon autosound, the sound quality flat out sucks, and I mean it sucks big time. It looks good but it sounds even worse than the factory AM radios. I even upgraded the speaker. It is also very difficult to use, the buttons are tiny and it has very limited features. The bass and treble adjustments are a PITA and they don't have much adjustment. I am disappointed. __________________ 71 GMC Custom. 350, 4bbl., auto. Restored in memory of my grandfather. 2008 Ford F-250 Super Duty CC King Ranch, moonroof, heated captains chairs, 6.4 PowerStroke. 2007 Suzuki Hayabusa, all black 1985 Mustang GT T-top, 5 spd. 54K orig miles.

03-12-2005, 04:25 PM	#17
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	I can't comment on the sound quality of their head units but if its anything like their speakers I would look elsewhere. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI



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03-12-2005, 10:05 PM	#18
Gary Lee fixer of 72 GMC LWB Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Newnan GA Posts: 111	shaft radio/cass I have been looking and found this one at crutchfield...Sanyo radio Sanyo isn't that high end but it does have one set of RCA out plugs... none for subwoofer... however crutchfield says its a modify fit... That doesn't seem right... shaft style is shaft style right? I figured this would be as good as those you see in the classic truck catalogs and $200 plus cheaper...

03-12-2005, 11:00 PM	#19
4tiresngas An American Soldier Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Grumolo D' Abadessee, Italy Posts: 503	Now, if ya'll find one that is XM Satellite Radio ready....I'm all over that. I don't know how we lived before XM. __________________ Dan dan.brue@us.army.mil

03-13-2005, 12:11 AM	#20
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	Gary Lee - I think some shaft styles have larger center boxes or the posts are sometimes spaced farther apart on diff't models, so it might still be a "modify" install. 4tires - I have XM radio in my new honda. It came with the car and a 3 months free subscription. I LOVE IT. I could live with that and a single disc CD player (I have 200GB of mp3's at home) and be happy forever. XM ROCKS! __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

03-13-2005, 01:57 AM	#21
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Seems I'm getting mixed reviews on this product. Does anyone know how many RCA cables there are? I want to run 2 amps, a sub amp and a component amp. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

03-13-2005, 07:26 AM	#23
NPilot1975 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Plymouth, MA Posts: 891	Don't know if they are still making them, but Kenwood used to offer a shaft style cassette deck with CD charger controls. I still have the CD Changer that I never installed if you can find the head unit, I can give you the CD changer at a really good price. __________________ 1972 Blazer body...need to get a thread started for the rest of the story

03-14-2005, 12:56 AM	#24
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	I'll have to keep my eyes open for a nice shaft style unit that will bolt right in with changer controls. I checked on a vette forum and they get trashed there too, so I guess custom autosound isn't a good solution to not cutting my dash. __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

03-14-2005, 01:33 PM	#25
Johnny05 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 73	I have a CAS system setup like the one you're wanting to get and it sounds better than what was in my truck before. The PO put in a generic am/fm cassette unit that only had one channel working. The CAS system has RCA outputs which is what I used to run my amp and speakers (I only ran 4 spkrs). For I paid it's a GREAT system but than again being older than dirt I really don't need a 20,000 watt thumper either.. AND it fits in the dash really well. Oh yeah... my 4yr old son thinks it sounds good too!

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