Date: Tue, 16 May 2000 09:43:42 -0700
Reply-To: Scott Semyan <scottse@MICROSOFT.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Semyan <scottse@MICROSOFT.COM>
Subject: Re: Audio options for a Westfalia...
Does anyone have an opinion (a dumb question) about what type of
audio
system works well in a Westfalia?
Well, here is my opinion. I agree with you about keeping the same speaker
size, and not doing a changer. Since I will be using fairly small speakers I
don't think I need additional amplification. Yes, the van gets loud while
driving down the road but I will also be listening to it a lot while parked.
Therefore, just about any decent deck should be able to provide enough
power. I am using a Blaupunkt deck I took out of my Fiat. I like the simple
looks of the deck and it is basic enough for my needs. For not much
additional money, the Nakimitchi decks are beautful and sound great. When I
replace the Blaupunkt it will be with a Nakimitchi.
Whatever deck you put in, you will probably need to get a 'can' to fit the
new deck in the original location. Any install shop should have these. Also,
take the little rubber mount off the back of the stock deck and screw it
onto the new deck to hold it in place better.
You will also need to consider how to power the deck. Most decks want two
power sources -- one always on to keep the stations in memory, and one that
turns on when the car is on. Because VW's don't have an 'accessory' mode on
the ignition, you will have to either power the deck all the time or install
a manual switch to serve as an accessory switch. Powering the deck all the
time is probably not that big of a deal. I didn't want to do that because my
Fiat had a habit of draining it's battery when not in use and I thought it
might be the radio. So, I installed a switch to turn off power to the deck
when I am not driving the van for a while.
The remote sounds like a good idea. Many decks have this and I also think it
would be great to switch it off from bed.
For speakers I am going with Infinity speakers. I want to use the original
speaker covers so that people are not tempted to break in to my van. For the
front I am using the 3.5" 3012cf (~$50). To use the stock speaker holders I
need a small speaker in front. I plan to just bend back the metal flanges on
the speaker and slide it into the stock holders (after carefully popping out
the original speakers). For the back (in the AC housing), I will be using
Infinity's 4" Kappa Speakers (top of the line) at ~$120. These speakers
sound great with plenty of bass and putting them in the AC housing I hope
will add to their bass resonance. To 'hide' them, I will be mounting them on
the back of the opening and then using the original flush-mount speaker
covers (will probably need to cut them)..
I have been using http://www.crutchfield.com to do side by side comparisons
but you really need to hear the speakers in person to know what you like.
Crutchfield does not really offer any price advantage to the stores around
me so I will probably buy locally (that way I can take things back or call
with questions if needed).
Hope you find this information helpful.
Scott Semyan
'85 Westie
Seattle, WA
