just ordered a new radio

Secretaudio SST http://www.casmfg.com/Secretaudio.htm has satellite input ...CD player input AND I-Pod controller and it is small and compact...

 

Some secret!! (Re: just ordered a new radio)

Hi Sean and V-8 Buick audiophiles,

:grin: Like, I don't get it man, if it is a secret what's the big idea of telling everyone about it? :laugh:

Seriously do let us know how you like it. Since I'm still waiting on the super-deluxe engine that Jim is building for me, I haven't done much of anything for my Custom Autosound stereo of 1995?? One of these days I'll have to do better. I have the original AM radio, so I could go this route. Also, I might give into the convenience of of modern set of controls in something like the latest Custom Autosound units. Since I've had this for close to 20 years . . . . kind of have gotten used to it!!

Thanks again for sharing your experiences with us! :TU:

Cheers, Edouard :beer

 

well as you know I do not mess around when I am motivated. The hardest part was getting the old radio out of the glove box. As the previous owner had done a really good job of installing it including electrical connections installing the new head unit was a breeze. the old radio was only 25 watts per channel and this new one is 50 watts per channel so it is louder. This weekend I will install my Amp and Sub Box. The FM stereo reception is far better than the previous unit. I hooked up my I-pod classic and it worked without any issues. It is nice to be able to control the head unit by the Wired commander and also the RF remote...even from outside the car...

 

Thanks for sharing!! (Re: new radio)

Hi Sean and V-8 Buick Audiophiles,

:grin: Okay I promise to stay out of the way!! :laugh:

Sounds really nice and thanks for sharing the pictures!! I was interested to see how you set up your additional gauges under the dash. Your 67 looks a lot like a certain 65, and I looking for ideas!! :3gears:

Just one question though:

:grin: FM!?!?! I thought FM Radio when extinct with the Woolly Mammoth!! :laugh:

Please do keep us posted on you progress!! :TU:
Cheers, Edouard :beer

 

previous owner installed the gauges and Tach,,,thanks for the positive response....just trying to share...

 

Good Heads up on that system. I just had the factory radio reconditiond and its still not what I want in the sound quality. However I really want to keep the dash as clean and stock as possible and this looks like it will be just the ticket.

 

yes and it is loud...but you loose some sound quality at higher levels...the amp will help that...with that big trunk the bass is already good...but I want a thump so I can turn it up and drown out the fart can ricers..:Smarty:

 

Custom Autosound did a good job! (Re: just ordered a new radio)

Hi Sean and V-8 Buick audiophiles,

I finally got around to cruising over to the Custom Autosound website to read up on what you have just bought. Golly, this is a vast improvement over the previous generation of secret radios!!

If anyone is considering such a purchase,in addition to reading the product description that Sean posted initially: http://www.casmfg.com/Secretaudio.htm, definitely download the installation instructions to get more details and specifications:

http://www.casmfg.com/SRMS manual.pdf

I was ribbin' you a little about the FM reception because (at least in my opinion) even if the FM reception quality improves, it cannot do a thing about the FM station degradation in content quality! :rant:. At least around here broadcast stations are so obnoxious that I never listen to live radio except to get a quick traffic report. So the sound for my trusty wagon is more or less exclusively iPod. At the moment, I've got an old Custom Autosound in dash stereo replacement and a discontinued SoundGate iPod interface that connects via the audio in jacks. The SoundGate has a wired remote that is reasonably convenient. My only problem with this arrangement is that occasionally the iPod "loses it place" when you stop the car. So when you return from an errand, the iPod reverts to playing its entire collection instead of continuing on the last playlist selected.

So I am indeed interested in getting something better sooner or later. Sean could you please keep us informed on how well the iPod interface works? If your experiences continue to be positive, I'll have to think about this!! :idea2:

Thanks again for sharing your installation experience with us! :TU:

Cheers, Edouard :beer

 

I actually got the SST model I got this update on what they want the car for...http://www.casmfg.com/images/sst_manual_web.pdf as the one that has the big remote has been on back order for months and none of the authorized dealers expect them anytime soon.

iPod OPERATION
This unit is equipped with an iPod ready function that will allow you to control
your iPod (if compatible) using the control panel control buttons. The following
iPod versions are supported:
iPod 3G (firmware version 2.2 only)
iPod Mini
iPod 4G
iPod Photo
iPod Nano (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation)
iPod 5G (Video)
iPod Classic
NOTE: iPod Touch and iPhone are not supported.
iPod sold separately.
Accessing iPod Mode
The unit will automatically switch to iPod mode
when an iPod is plugged into the iPod cable.
To return to the iPod menu from any other source,
press the MODE button (9) on the control panel or
remote control until iPod appears on the display.
Turning the iPod On/Off
The iPod power turns on automatically when an
iPod is connected to 30-pin iPod cable, as long as
the vehicle ignition is turned on. You can turn the
iPod off by disconnecting it from the cable or by
turning the ignition off. When the ignition is turned
off, the iPod will pause and then enter sleep mode after 2 minutes. While the
iPod is connected, the power cannot be turned on or off from the iPod itself.
NOTE: The iPod will continuously recharge when connected to the unit, as long
as the vehicle ignition is turned on. Please note that the SST will not support
charging of the iPod Nano 4th generation (Chromatic) or any iPod models
released after September 2008.
NOTE: iPod Connectivity through the USB is not supported.
Controlling Playback
Pausing Playback
During playback, press the 1/>|| button (10) to pause the iPod player. Pause will
appear on the LCD. Press 1/>|| again to resume playback.
Repeat Play
During playback, press the 3/RPT button (12) to repeat the current song.
Repeat will appear on the LCD. Press 3/RPT again to stop repeat playback.
Random Play
During playback, press the 4/RDM button (13) to play all songs in the current
category in random order. Random play will begin once the current song has finished
playing. Shuffle will appear on the LCD. Press 4/RDM again to stop random
playback.
Selecting Tracks
During playback, press the TUNE/TRK |<< / >>| button (2/3) to play the previous
or next track in the current category. Press the TUNE/TRK |<< button (2)
once to play the song from the start position or press TUNE/TRK |<< twice to
play the previous track. Press and hold the TUNE/TRK |<< / >>| button (2/3) to
fast reverse/forward the song.
NOTE: If you press and hold the TUNE/TRK |<< / >>| button to change the current
song to the previous/next song, you will exit fast reverse/forward mode.
Alternate Display Information
Press Display button (6) to change the display information in the following
order:
ARTIST NAME > SONG TITLE > FOLDER NAME.
Search Mode
Press and hold the BAND/SEARCH button (8) to enter iPod search mode.
Press BAND/SEARCH again to access Playlist, Artist, Album, Genre, Song, or
Composer (consecutively).
When search mode is selected, press the select button (5) to confirm selection.
Use the VOLUME +/- knob (4) to navigate through various list selections.
Press Select (5) to make your final selection.


it works just as described above....I am very happy with it.

 

Probably best to use an iPod Classic (Re: a new radio)

Hi Sean and V-8 Buick Audiophiles,

Oops, sorry about the wrong reference. Actually SST model looks more pleasant and discreet than the more expensive model (that is vaporware anyway!! :laugh

While going through the iPod compatibility list, I was just reminded of something that I had wondered about before and forgotten. I'm using an iPod Nano in my trusty wagon and the last version of the Nano that supposedly works with the Custom Autosound iPod interfaces was built over 5 years ago. It turns out that the Nano I have is a 5th generation Nano, so I don't know if it will work or not. It ain't easy to figure out which iPod you have once you have bought it. There is a webpage on Apple's website to straighten us out and it isn't that easy to follow either: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1353.

So it might be a good idea to stick with an iPod Classic if you want it to work with your venerable classic car. I just dredged up the documentation on my SoundGate iPod interface system and it claims it should work with my Nano, but I sure wouldn't be surprised in minor differences between iPod Nano models could explain the weird problem I'm having.

Bummer dude, I just might have to buy another iPod to boot!! :laugh:

Cheers, Edouard :beer

 

my kids have a Nano...i will have to try it and report back

 

it works with my kids nano...and its only 2 years old...edit remote does not work with nano but head unit does


---------- Post added at 07:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:56 PM ----------

the advantage I saw was there is no visible control panel so interior will still look stock...it does come with AUX in so you can really hook up anything...you just would not have control on the head unit

 

oh I just played White Wedding by Billy Idol...50 watts is enough...re-thinking the whole amp idea...as well as the Sub...

---------- Post added at 08:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:12 PM ----------

http://classiccarstereos.com/ they called me back back 5 mins after I placed order for other unit and explained the back order problem...total price was $319.95

 

the only issue I see is they are not listed as a dealer...would be worried about repair and warranty