Date: Tue, 16 May 2000 22:24:17 -0400
Reply-To: Marc Perdue <marcperdue@ADELPHIA.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Marc Perdue <marcperdue@ADELPHIA.NET>
Subject: Re: Audio options for a Westfalia...
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Here's my 2 cents:
The reason Crutchfield says there is only one head unit that'll fit is that
the space to put it in is fairly shallow with a depth of 6 1/4". The other
dimensions are indeed fairly standard. I opted to put in the Kenwood
(KRC-2007) because it popped right in there, no muss, no fuss. It required NO
mounting kit whatsoever, though they do include a universal adapter and wiring
harness. I wired it to be always on. I was thinking about using the Infinity
speakers as others have, but thought the Kenwood KFC-1077's would match up
nicely. I put the two in the back cabinet (no A/C) with minor modifications.
I haven't had the opportunity to put the front two in yet, but the system
sounds pretty good so far! I'm not a great connoisseur of fine audio and have
had few stereo systems that I would call great. It was a newfound joy to me
to crank this system up and not have any distortion or fuzziness! Next step
is the Kenwood KDC-C510FM CD changer (with remote) which I was thinking I
would put in the glove compartment, but I'm not dead set on that idea,
partially because I don't seem to have a key for the glove box, partially
because I like to keep other things there . . .
Once all that is done, I'll see what kind of bass response I get out of those
little speakers and, if need be, will toss in Crutchfield's USAcoustics 2050
amp and a subwoofer, model as yet TBD.
I'm also intrigued by the modifications that Bulley did to his van for
noise-proofing, but daunted by the task of doing the whole interior. Perhaps
a good winter project . . .
I like this topic and am enjoying hearing other's experiences in this area.
BTW, picking up the equipment in Crutchfield's "scratch and dent" area saved
me some bucks, but there were screws and wire and other minor things missing.
I'd probably stick with new next time.
Just my few thoughts,
Marc Perdue
Scott Semyan wrote:
> Well, my German Blaupunkt radio required this sleeve but I'm sure any
> install shop can help you out. Also I assume it varies by radio.
>
> BTW, don't believe Crutchfield when they say there is only one radio that
> fits the Vanagon (using their vehicle selector). Any radio should fit.
>
> I have found a few more sites that offer almost wholesale prices for audio
> equipment:
>
> http://www.carmedia1.com
> http://www.zebaudio.com
>
> The prices are great but don't expect any hand-holding or install help
> (something Crutchfield is really good at I hear). However if you know what
> you want and don't need the help you can save a lot of $$ by using sites
> like these. Example: my Infinity Kappa 4" speakers are listed at $120 on
> Crutchfield but only $79 at CarMedia1.com
>
> Scott Semyan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Mark Mages [mailto:wasserbox@yahoo.com]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2000 12:35 PM
> To: Scott Semyan; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Audio options for a Westfalia...
>
> Do you mean the mounting sleeve?
>
> > Whatever deck you put in, you will probably need to
> > get a 'can' to fit the
> > new deck in the original location. Any install shop
> > should have these.
>
> If so, that's not exactly right. The vanagon has a
> DIN opening. 99% of the radios manufactured in the
> last 10 years come with that size sleeve stock. VW's
> are one of the few vehicles I have seen that do NOT
> need some sort of adapter plate.
> _________________________
> Off Crutchfield;s website:
> What does "DIN" mean?
> DIN is an acronym for "Deutsche Institut fur Normung,"
> a German measurements and standards organization. For
> our purposes, DIN simply indicates that a device
> complies with generally accepted dimensions or
> configuration. Example: a DIN receiver will fit a dash
> opening with a width of 7.2 inches and a height of
> 2.11 inches, and mounts in the DIN sleeve provided
> with the receiver.
> _________________________
>
> Crutchfield is great for those of us in rural areas
> (i.e. no Circuit City or BB within 200 miles), and
> their closeout prices are EXCELLENT. I got a brand
> new sony cdx-860 that was originally $700 for $300
> even. It was only one year out of date. I also got
> killer deals on some 5.25" components, and 4X6's for
> my Scirocco. This was when I lived in Houston with 4
> best buy's within 15min of my apartment. Crutchfields
> prices were always lower. Even if only by a couple
> $$$. If you have to go retail, they are very good.
> Plus they give you all kinds of mounting accessories
> for free with your purchase.
>
> =====
> Mark
>
> 87 Westfalia Gl
> 84 Scirocco 8v
>
> http://student.fortlewis.edu/~mwmages/
>
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