Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I recently installed a custom autosound USA 6 radio in my '72 C10. This is an AM/FM CD controller no tape. First impressions are what can be expected from a $200.00 radio. It's a bit light weight and cheap feeling, power output is "just" satisfactory, the tone and left right controls are already dicey with only one week of use, donno maybe I was a bit rough when installing. I have a factory a/c truck and I can attest to the difficulity of installing this or any radio in such a tight space. Overall I am satisfied however you need to put it all in perspective. It is the only aftermarket radio that does not require you to cut the dash and it beats the pants off of the Radio Shack transistor radio I have had on the seat for the past 10 months :)

Yesterday I ebay purchased 2- 4" Blaupunkt speakers for the factory dash speaker location, I also purchased a set of Blaupunkt seperates 6.5" Mids and 3/4" tweeters. Blaupunkt is not my favorite brand however they have a very shallow mounting dept (less then 1.75") allowing me to install a 6.5" speakers in the aftermarket kickpannels instead of a 5.25" speakers. Well see how it all works out... But the crystal ball tells me there are a few amplifiers and a subwoofer in the near future...

I am curious if anyone has used this USA6 radio with any other cd changer besides the custom autosound cd changer? Any known compatibilities?

Thanks,

-Fred
"The Great State of Florida"

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

can a mod copy this over to the reviews forum, pls? just for archive's sake if nothing else.

i'm sorry i don't have an answer to your question, but there are some other posts from people who bought the same setup in the reviews forum. you might be able to PM them for info if nobody responds.

i'm skipping this setup entirely. i bought an MP3 player and an FM modulator, i'm going to use the pioneer tape deck my truck came with and play mp3's through it :)

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

Shifty,

Thanks for the response, no worries if the post were to be moved, whatever's helpful...

-Fred

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I have that same unit (USA-6) and just sent it back to Custom Autosound for repair, (no sound) and am awaiting the cd changer, it does feel lightweight, but I am going to hook up an amplifier or two, myself.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I just installed a Pioneer tape deck I had laying around. I didn't have to cut the dash. I did have to install the face plate, and you can see a small portion of the indent around the old tune and volume knobs. Impala Bob's sells these and a Kenwood unit that has been modified to fit our dash. Both of them are less than $300. The cheapest kenwood is $220. They both have RCA Preouts for whatever amp you would like.

I see the radios in my catalog, but don't see them on the website.http://www.impalas.com/

I've always thought Custom Autosound was a bit on the cheap side with their products. Not inexpensive, CHEAP.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I plan on sending my stock AM radio to these guys to be re-built
http://taymanelectrical.com/

It costs a bit more ($350) but it remains the same look and gives you full AM/FM with low level inputs for XM or CD etc. I prefer the classic look myself rather than the way the USA models look.

The unit is _supposed_ to compair to a modurn pioneer head unit, with 180w RMS output - but I have not done it myself. Once I do I will let ya'll know how it sounds. They also continue to use the stock controls for on/off, presets, volume, etc. Plus add in special key combinations for fade, tone, etc.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I realize this is an old thread, but I am getting a bit concerned. I just received a USA1, and it looks okay. It comes with all hardware, and a trick bezel that makes it look more-or-less factory. Did I just waste a bunch of money?

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

In my opinion Custom Autosound radios are the worst I have ever had in any car or truck. Mine is sitting in the dash to to plug the holes. I thought I was getting a good radio but I am completely unhappy with the power output, sound quality and clairity. I bought a cheap panasonic and just installed it in a console I made and it is sOOOOOOOOOOOO superior to the old (new) radio its unbeleivable!!! I hope your experience is better than mine but everybody I have talked to has the same opinion as me.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I like it! It looks good, plays good and works for me. I just run the dual voice speaker in the dash. I don't have to worry about cutting the truck up for lots of speakers, amps, etc.
I want a radio, not a CD player/changer/amped up/sound system.
I like to hear the local radio stations, music, news, traffic, etc. So this works fine for me.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

Yeah - I am kinda like PICKMUP. This truck is noisy and old. I really just want something that functions decently without alot of installation hassle. My Magnum has the kickazz set-up.

My brother gave me a Sirius car installation kit w/ an FM modulator to go with it. I hope it all works out. My only battle is going to be getting access to the old radio and inserting the new. I'll post some pics later today or tomorrow.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

pickmup your heater controls are they stock mine are all black and nasty love to shiny look of yours?

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

WOW! My stereo upgrade has turned into a dash rebuild. I don't know if I will finish this weekend. A/C ductwork is cracked and disconnected in places. foam seals around vents has come unglued. Floorboard light burned out. Dash light pulled out of socket. etc etc etc

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Picture074.jpg

Oh yeah - eventually, I will install the new radio. Check out how BIG the old Sparkomatic is!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Picture071.jpg

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I LIKE IT TOO.... BUT THEN AGAIN I'M 48 & NOT REALLY A MUSIC AFFICIANTO. I HAVE PUT A COUPLE IN MY TRUCKS. I RECENTLY DROVE MY 69 TOWTRUCK ACROSS COUNTRY WITHOUT ANY RADIO AT ALL, & ONE OF THESE UNITS WOULD HAVE BEEN A GREAT IMPROVEMENT. JOHN

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I'm on my second Custom JUNK put one in my 66 nova should have learned but I had to fill the hole,should have taken the money and given it to a good cause . I even went for the kick panel speakers more JUNK . But that's just one mans opinion

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

Why do you say "junk"? That is an extremely subjective term. Was the head unit flawed in some way from the start? Did it break soon after installation?

Thanks,
-Bryan

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I have heard that they look pretty good but as far as music clarity and power...well not so good. I think if you are interested in having a great deck that rocks the music ...these USA decks should be passed on....as the kids say...NEXT!

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

My autosound radio would not drive the 4 Autosound speakers loud enough to hear them with the windows rolled down. Look at how tiny the speaker wires are. I also get lots of static and powerline buzz in the AM band. I am like you, I just wanted a regular radio not a high power set up. I bought the kick panel speakers and two 9" oval speakers with the radio. Since I installed my new radio, ($109 Panasonic) hooked up to the same speakers, there is absolutely no comparison!! The Autosound radio did not perform as well as every other radio I have ever had in any car. Nothing personal, don't be insulted, it's just the way it happened with me.
I bought the Autosound because it was the only radio I could find that fit the dash. If I had it to do over again I would put a radio delete cover in the dash and mount a good radio somewhere else.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I am not offended. I am just trying to learn all I can about these radios before I have to live with mine.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I finished the installation tonight, and I must say it turned out okay. Here are my thoughts:

1. I am generally satisfied with the installation process.
2. The hangar stud on the back of the unit is too close to the RCA jacks. Fortunately, I am not planning on using them.
3. The supplied shaft nuts have very few threads, so I almost stripped the shafts. This was remedied by purchasing 2 nuts with about twice the number of threads.
4. The primary knobs on each shaft did not fit snugly at all. I had to apply a small amount of rubber cement to hold them securely. No pulling is required to operate the unit, so this should work fine.
5. The faux AM radio dial makes the appearance look more OEM, but it interferes somewhat with the actual digital readout behind it. This is more annoying than anything.
6. The sound quality is adequate for all but the most demanding audiophiles. It isn't impressive, but it isn't bad either.
7. I could hear no alternator whine, so the little filter/fuse box seems to work.

I would say the head unit is a little pricey, but worth it if you want a factory look and no cutting.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I have the same unit and skipped the cd changer. I used that money, less actually, and bought an ipod and hooked it up to the RCA inputs. I definately see some quality amps and speakers in my future though, because the radio alone with the dual voice coil speaker just ain't cuttin it.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

Agreed. This unit pushes my two 6.5" door speakers okay, and they sound pretty good! However, if you want to really have some full-range, powerful music, then you will have to get separate amps.

BTW, I am thinking of getting some XTC foam door baffles to protect the backside of my new door speakers from water/dirt damage. Are they worth the trouble? I have read that you must cut a hole in the bottom of them to keep the speaker from sounding like a clock radio.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

Here is what I ended up with. That is a Sirius receiver mounted to the windshield. I love satellite radio!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...cture003-1.jpg

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

Check out what I found on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Class...spagenameZWDVW

Could be a decent solution.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

It looks very similar, but until someone tries it out - we'll never know.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

Im glad I looked at this. Would an amp help ? Ive been thinking about getting one of the units that doesnt have a cassete player. Ive got a 2 channel amps & a pair of 6x9s mounted in custom corner boxes. Do you think these USA units would sound good through an amp. Ive got a 30 yr old craig AM/FM cassete in it now, hoping the Autosound unit would be a big improvemt.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

The key is to find one as cheap as possible. They look the part, but the quality if not even close to Sony-Alpine-Pioneer standards.

If I had it to do over again, I would probably go with the Sanyo MAR-B1021. They make a solid, reliable head unit that fits in our dash opening and a much better price. They are not nearly as big either. Here is a link to the Owner's Manual.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

That Sanyo is apparently out of production now, but you can get this Dual XC4100 through Crutchfield for $40. No digital tuning though. Or maybe you can still find a Kenwood KRC-2007.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

Check ebay. You can score a solid 2 post deck for about $50 that's 100% better than that Dual.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

Agreed! You are better off with a gently used Alpine than any Dual - even brand new out of a box.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

Although post/shaft style radios can still be found on ebay, yard sales, flea markets and swapmeets . The most important information to have on hand is the dimentions of the stock radio for fitment. Distance between knobs and the actual size of the rectangular opening in the dash. I believe that the center of knob to the center of knob is 6.25" and that the opening is 4.5" by 2.25", someone help me here I'm going by memory.

For the most part any old school name brand shaft style radio; Alpine, Sony, JVC, Kenwood, Sanyo, ect is going to out-perform any of the USA radios. If you are planning to install an amplifier be sure that the replacement radio has at least one set of preamp outputs or at very least speaker-level inputs. If you have neither you will have to use a line output converter, to install an amp, and this will only deteriorate the oversound quality.

-Fred

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

Any good 2 shaft radio from a major manufacturer has adjustable shafts. There is a nut that holds the shaft to the body and you can slide it in and out to adjust the width to fit the dash opening.

I think the center opening is standard, but I'm not 100%.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

fred...with a decent amp & speakers do the USA srereos do ok, or are they still crap.. I want to be able to use an IPOd in mine , thats partly why Im interested in the USA units...I dont care for cassete at all. John

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I'm curisous about it too. I posted a similar question in the review forum to see some more opinions...
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=234671

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

year one has a stock setup for $150 with bulit in cd and mp3 plugin and for $200 more sub and amp for a 5 speaker setup sound great slips wright in to factory posts. need pic's I will be more than happy to post them.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

B.O.B. Please post pix!

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

John,

To answer your question, I am currently using a older 4x60 Rockford Fosgate amp.Two of the channels are running the Tweeter and 6.5" seperates two are bridged mono at 4 ohms for the 6" bazooka located in the stock jack position and the USA-6 is powering two 4" custom autosound speakers in the dash. For what it is it sounds reasonable. Part if the issue is the placement of the speakers combined with road noise, even with the addition of a bit of dynomat the interiors of our truck are basically "hard" materials. They really don't lent to sound quality. I am hoping to replace the current amp with another that has a bit more power, maybe 100x4 that might help a bit I donno. I'll keep you all posted.

-Fred

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

I don't know how much of a difference it makes, but the USA-6 was bumped up to 240 watts last year.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

good work Ryan.

Re: Custom Autosound Stereo Review and Question...
 

My custom box with JL 13TW5 power by a JL 500/1 man this thing SLAMS HARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!