Converting ash tray to audio controls

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EastAustinSawdust

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Did you use a Retro sound amp/sub? I'm thinking about adding their powered sub to my system.

I used a similar sub that I bought off Amazon: Sound Storm LOPRO10 Amplified Car... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CY13W2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It’s a SoundStorm under-seat amp + sub unit. Has a 10” sub (retrosound one has an 8”). This one cost $103 (though currently it shows a higher price) which is about half the price of the retrosound. For me, the SoundStorm unit does the job. It rounds out the sound profile nicely, and if you crank it, it’ll thump. It’s not gonna give you the thump of twin 12s in a bandpass box, but for the space, the price, and the ease of installation, I can’t be beat.

Here’s another way to put it...after installing it, I couldn’t go back to not having the sub. My system has 2 6.5” full-range speakers in the front and 2 4x10” full-range speakers in the back. With a setup like that I’d highly recommend a sub.

I don’t have the speakers amped. They’re just playing off the head unit, which is 25wx4 RMS. So far I’d say the Hermosa head unit has enough juice that you don’t need to amp up your speakers.



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EastAustinSawdust

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I'm not a big stereo guru but I like a little tunes when I drive. How does that head unit sound? I was thinking of getting the same one and hooking it up to one of those GM shark fin antennas. Probably keep the 1 center speaker though lol

It sounds great, but it only sounds as good/full as the speakers you have it hooked up to. So far I’m impressed.


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EastAustinSawdust

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For those interested the above pic is what the head unit looks like installed.

The pic below is of the factory head unit.

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Scottserado

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Kasey 1977 K10

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I like your ashtray control panel! I also put in a retrosound and love it! My pops had already cut holes in the doors for 6x9's in the 80's I think so why not use them. I have a pioneer 5 channel amp, 2 x 6.5" + 2 x tweeters in the doors, 2 x 5.25" +2 x tweeters in the cab corners and 2 x 10" behind the seat. Subs are shallow subs so I can put the seat back almost all the way. Sounds pretty damn good. Now I just need to repaint the steering column.

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MikeB

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I replaced the ashtray with an insert to fit an iPhone. Still have to select a USB charger. Looking at one that displays voltage. Only about a couple hundred to choose from!


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MikeB

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As for radio and speakers, someone gave me an old NOS Alpine brand new in the box.Ended up cutting the dash, but now wish I hadn't.:(

Speaker is a RetroSound 4x10 with two voice coils for L and R radio outputs. It sounds OK for news and sports talk, but I will probably add 6x9s in cab corner boxes some day.

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