Best, most reliable, and least expensive car cassette decks?

[vinyldavid]

Well the stock radio in my Roadmaster is very flaky.

I'd like to put in something really really nice, but period correct.

What's good? I know that Alpine made some good stuff, but what's lasted, doesn't cost a fortune, and performs well?

I also need to get some different 6x9's and door seperates.

[retrokeeper]

I've always like Pioneer car stereo,installed quite a few decks when I was in the business back in the mid/late 80's,they always were reliable,had great sound and features.My other faves were Clarion,Kenwood,& Blaupunkt.The problem now is finding a deck in good shape,that's been re-belted and has minimal head wear....and of course the features you want/like. Rob

[vinyldavid]

Any specific models or series'? I dunno anything about this stuff..

[retrokeeper]

There were quite a few models,your vehicle could accept a DIN or Universal Chassis (with an install kit),or if I remember,one of their specific sized decks,I'll need to drag out one of my old catalogs to show you which one.They made them for Dodge/Plymouth vehicles. Rob

[CK1991]

check to see if your roadmaster has 4x6s or 6.5s in the front doors. if it has 4x6's and you want the bracket for 6.5's, lmk. I have a set floating around I have no use for anymore.
as for HU's, alpine, kenwood, and clarion made some great stuff in the 90's.
personally, my favorite tape deck I had was a jvc ks-fx490 with the optional remote and 12 disc changer. 18 watts rms x 4. 4 preout channels. not sure it would fit the period correct part (introduced in 1999 IIRC) but it was a great deck and looked nice. I had it, a set of 4 inch blaupunkts in the front and 4 ohm delco 6x9s in the back of a 91 cutlass mini wagon. sound wise, it was excellent with the speakers I had with it. bass was pretty tight and it could be cranked up to 35 out of 45 with the bass boosted before it started distorting (that was loud enough to give anyone in the car a headache). the tape deck was one of the best I've heard as far as sound quality.
it also survived a severe crash and still works great (someone turned in front of my dad and the wagon drove through the side of a car doing about 40 mph), so I guess that counts as reliable.
as for speakers, I'd recommend blaupunkt. I have a set of 4's from their transparent series (circa 2000) and a set of 6x9s from 1994. the 4's sound alot bigger and unlike most smaller speakers, provide good bass. the 6x9's are the best I've had (even though the surrounds are crumbled). even without surrounds, they hit hard- and the magnets are massive.
alpine used to make good speakers (I have a set of late 90's 6x9s I love), but I'm not a big fan of their newer stuff- no bass response. also, I've seen alot of newer alpine speakers in the junkyard that were shattered or cracked (probably from them being cranked too loud in winter before they got warmed up).
same thing with kenwood. I love their older stuff, but their newer 6.5's only give good bass if used with a kenwood stereo.
infinity makes some awesome speakers in their reference line. I have 4x6 plates (highly recommend them) and 6.5 woofers with crossovers (again, highly recommend them). both the 6.5' woofers (components) and their 4x6 plate's really bring the bass, even with a factory or low output system. I used a set of 6.5 woofer's with my clarion 2 shaft radio as the rear speakers in an old van, and I had to run them as full range because the bass with the x-over was too much (the whole van shook like crazy, and they were only being run by an 80's jensen mini amp). their 3.5's left me disappointed though, as they seemed to filter out the lows. they're fine for tweeters though.
I'd keep away from newer plastic pioneer speakers. I've only seen 1 or 2 usable sets in the junkyard. the cones seem to crack or they get locked up voice coils, which shouldnt happen on speakers less than 5 years old. I do like their stuff from the 80's/ early 90's though.

[Warped Bezel]

Remind me to stay the heck out of the way of your dad *hypnot*

[Warped Bezel]

Well the stock radio in my Roadmaster is very flaky.

I'd like to put in something really really nice, but period correct.

What's good? I know that Alpine made some good stuff, but what's lasted, doesn't cost a fortune, and performs well?

I also need to get some different 6x9's and door seperates.

Tell me what you me by FLAKY?

Is that truly a head unit as somebody called it? Are your speakers amplified separately like Delco/Bose?

If that IS a headend, what is wrong with the tape deck or tuner? Did you check the antenna grounding? That might be broken. You have a 1.5 DIN sized unit, Delcos have pretty nice tuners in general, engine noises in them tend to indicate poor grounding under and behind the hood and you've got a usable 5 band EQ as I remember, autoreverse and CrO2 capablilty as well as I would guess music search.

Answer 1: Not the same dimension layout as 70s-80s "GM 2000" chassis. "Theftlock II" isn't quite right. The trim is different to use this stereo. A Caprice fits better with a UX-1/Symphony Sound...the stereo in this sits high while more others put it in the center pod.

Answer two: This is a good fixer, I believe and outboard amps would create so many great possiblilities if it really IS a head unit.

The Delcos I've used ran like a dream and where more than flexible.

If you have a head unit you can go to a junkyard and toy with a correct amp section to work more in or DIY.

I loved Mom's GM stereo in her old Silverado although she listen to only a microwatt/millivolt usually. It was head unit and amp and it worked soooo well.

[Rat44]

David,you can't go wrong with an Alpine unit.
That's all I have ever used in Semi's and my own Scouts and Jeeps.
They have a great chassis and the electronics are pretty good too.
A Pioneer would be my second choice.

[CK1991]

Remind me to stay the heck out of the way of your dad *hypnot*
the other driver was an 87 year old lady who thought she had a green light (probably couldnt see over the dashboard) and made a left turn in front of my dad as he entered the intersection (he did have a green light). it wasnt pretty.
http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae356/jetthreatkevin/cutlass%20cruiser%20accident/th_P1021008-1.jpg (http://s987.photobucket.com/albums/ae356/jetthreatkevin/cutlass%20cruiser%20accident/?action=view&current=P1021008-1.jpg)
http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae356/jetthreatkevin/cutlass%20cruiser%20accident/th_PC311094.jpg (http://s987.photobucket.com/albums/ae356/jetthreatkevin/cutlass%20cruiser%20accident/?action=view&current=PC311094.jpg)

[vinyldavid]

Flaky: the car bounces and the sound changes. Also the cassette deck is sounding progressively worse and worse. I might just shove a cassette -> 1/8" thing in there for the moment and be done with it.

The reception sucks. When it's properly working, it sounds pretty damn good, especially on the normally good sounding stations (IE, the ones that sound good on a HiFi).

I do not know if it is a head unit or has an amplifier, I'll research it.

As far as alpine goes, I see those on ebay and they're going for a TON of money...I'll check CL and stuff. They'd be nice.

CK1991, I'm assuming that's your birth year, I'm vintage 1992, and we're in the same city...I might need some help installing the stereo when the time comes!

Also, two TH'ers in one city calls for a gathering!

[Warped Bezel]

Cracked/loose wiring

You are likely thinking of rewiring with your preferred wires
Check the connectors
Harnessing

receivers have a multi-sectioned wire harness similar to the PS spot on a motherboard (20 or so)
Antenna can be

Loose at the back
Improperly grounded, meaning DX will be weak/cut out.
There are two sizes of antenna plug used on more modern model like yours. An auto parts store of car stereo place may have an adapter to use the other type.
Power antenna equipped cars may have to amp fed actively (guess) and this would help explain that.
Amplified head units will have a stalk going to the amp. You would want to check the amp and connection. Visting a GM/Buick dealer may provide details or literature on the unit(s) and help you to convert the system must better.

Ohm and Roam.

[CK1991]

Flaky: the car bounces and the sound changes. Also the cassette deck is sounding progressively worse and worse. I might just shove a cassette -> 1/8" thing in there for the moment and be done with it.

The reception sucks. When it's properly working, it sounds pretty damn good, especially on the normally good sounding stations (IE, the ones that sound good on a HiFi).

I do not know if it is a head unit or has an amplifier, I'll research it.

As far as alpine goes, I see those on ebay and they're going for a TON of money...I'll check CL and stuff. They'd be nice.

CK1991, I'm assuming that's your birth year, I'm vintage 1992, and we're in the same city...I might need some help installing the stereo when the time comes!

Also, two TH'ers in one city calls for a gathering!

the 90's delco radios were an all in one unit. there were no external amps (except for the delco bose systems which was a delco HU with no internal amp and a blaupunkt tape mech.) I've always wondered what an 80's- 92 delco bose HU would sound like with a quality external amp.
car bounces and sound changes? I know how to fix it- get new shocks. if its in tune with the car bouncing, its either A. a loose connection at the speaker or HU (not that likely). B. the radio has had something come loose internally or had an internal amp failure (just get a new radio if it has internal issues)
as for reception going in and out, that shouldnt happen in Stl as long as youre not listening to 104.1, 105.7, 107.7, or sometimes 106.5. its a possible sign the radio is going out or the antenna might have a loose connection
cassette deck sounding progressively worse- it either needs to be cleaned or its overly used and wearing out.
I say get a new radio. if you want a factory radio, check out speedway salvage in madison Illinois. $10- $15 for a radio (you pull it yourself). dont get a theftlock radio though (they might be locked and have no code). delco did have some nice units though.

if you need any help (or just want to hang out), let me know. if you want to get used speakers (i.e. are on a shoestring budget), check out the local salvage yards. eventually you'll find some nice aftermarket stuff in a car. almost all my car audio equipment comes from salvage yards.
heres some stuff I snagged in about 4 hours at speedway salvage in the rwd GM and GM truck sections (granted I was also pulling car parts in that time). might have paid $40 or $50 for all those speakers (they all work great) and the toast pioneer radio.
(click for larger view)
http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae356/jetthreatkevin/cadillac/th_PB132016.jpg (http://s987.photobucket.com/albums/ae356/jetthreatkevin/cadillac/?action=view&current=PB132016.jpg)
and yes, 1991 is my "vintage".
Kevin

[CK1991]

also, what year is your roadmaster?

[vinyldavid]

This one's a 1994 Roadmaster. First year of the LT1.

I was driving along down by 270/Big Bend/Dourghty Ferry area, and trying to keep 88.1. Didn't work too well.

I don't listen to 104.1 or 105.7, but KSLZ and WARH come in pretty decently.

I don't think this is a BOSE system, as there's no BOSE badge on there, and it's marked Concert Sound II on the doors...and knowing BOSE (Bring Other Sound Equipment), they like to badge EVERYTHING.

This'll be a shoestring budget affair once I GET the strings to spend ;). Right now I'm concerned with getting the damn suspension and steering sorted out, so I can comfortably drive it.

[CK1991]

This one's a 1994 Roadmaster. First year of the LT1.

I was driving along down by 270/Big Bend/Dourghty Ferry area, and trying to keep 88.1. Didn't work too well.

I don't listen to 104.1 or 105.7, but KSLZ and WARH come in pretty decently.

I don't think this is a BOSE system, as there's no BOSE badge on there, and it's marked Concert Sound II on the doors...and knowing BOSE (Bring Other Sound Equipment), they like to badge EVERYTHING.

This'll be a shoestring budget affair once I GET the strings to spend ;). Right now I'm concerned with getting the damn suspension and steering sorted out, so I can comfortably drive it.
as for shocks, get Tenneco. they're monroe shocks with a different paint scheme (for cheaper). tenneco is the parent company of monroe. specs are the same and IIRC Tenneco's even have a better warranty. if you want firm shocks, go with 9c1 (aka severe service) shocks.

as for stereo equipment, hit the junkyards. theres audio gems to be found amongst alot of junk.

concert sound was buicks fancy stereo system. olds had dimensional sound and caddy had symphony sound. it was all the same thing.
IIRC, the delco UX1 stereos were good in their day. 5 bar eq. blaupunkt tape mechanism. bass boost, cr02/ metal selector, and a couple other buttons. one of these days I'll pick one up so I can see if its as good as I remember them being.
delco 6x9's are usually (but not always) pretty good if the car had the fancy stereo system in it. granted, they wont compare to blaupunkt, infinity, etc., but if you're choices are low end el cheapo special 6x9s or delcos, keep the delcos, they're just as good.
I'd replace the front speakers first ( if you need the 6.5 holders instead of the 4x6 holders for the doors, lmk)
delco 6.5's, 4x6's, and 3.5's are really weak though (thin paper cones). my 6.5's are on their way out and one of my 4x6's just blew out in my van- had the bass on max and cranked up the radio (delco premium unit with external rear booster amp only used on vans)- and there went my rear speakers. now they just make funny noises on hard bass hits.

[vinyldavid]

I'll definitely be getting used upgraded things from ebay, CL, etc. I don't mind spending money (especially on good audio gear), but I only spend it once when possible.

If all it needs is the shocks for the air suspension system to work again (hoses good, compressor good [I can hear it running], etc), I'll do that. Otherwise I want to put on air shocks because I intend on hauling massive amounts of stuff.
I'd love to get some nice Bilsteins in there...like I said, I'm not opposed to spending money *when* I have it, it's just I never have it.

I guess I'll start looking for the antenna ground, and seeing if I can get the dash apart to get to the unit....I'm not good with fixing things myself most of the time.

This is the unit that's in there now, looks to be a generation later than the UX1's, but very similar: http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii317/kshefan/1994%20Buick%20Roadmaster%20Estate%20Wagon/16.jpg

I'd love to source the same unit that was in my Park Avenue (I liked the features of that), but I think that it used the theftlock system, and without the wheel controls, I guess it isn't all that special.

One thing I like is lots of FM presets. Like I said earlier, I'm completely new to all this.

[Mr_rye89]

Vintage Alpine is a good bet but is pricey. I run an Alpine 7525 in the Supra with some Pio 6.5 inch 2 way components and big @$$ Jensen speakers in the trunk, the cassette section is fantastic with Dolby B&C, but the radio stinks, or maybe its my crappy antenna*headache* Maybe if the Delco unit has an external amp you can run the preouts from an aftermarket deck to it through some kind of modification.

An Alpine of the same vintage would look at home in that car IMHO, or maybe you can just find a factory head unit.

as a sidenote I've liked the sound of Bose car systems, at least in my sister's Maxima and a buddy's 626.........But everything else is Bring Other Sound Equipment*grin*

[vinyldavid]

With use the cassette section is starting to get better, but it's a bit dirty. Reception is still crap. Gotta check the connections on the antenna about that one...as it gets used, it gets better overall though. The radio and cassette section probably do not have much of any use.

I might be just replacing the back 6x9's then...

[HarvestmanMan]

I saw a factory Bose unit in some mid-90s Infiniti last time I went to the junkyard. Is it worth getting?

[CK1991]

@ HarvestmanMan
IMO, no. the bose amps often fail in about 10- 20 years, so most of the ones you find will be going out/ about to go out. the bose speakers are mediocre (and are 1 ohm speakers, so they cannot be used with a normal amp, only bose amps).
I installed a delco-bose stereo system in my 86 fleetwood brougham. waste of time and $50. the delco head unit was nice (as I'm sure the infiniti HU is nice- probably their high end unit without the internal amp), but the bose supplied amps and speakers are junk. (GM and infiniti bought the same amps and speakers from bose). I still have the HU and the amps/ speakers boxed up somewhere. I went through 10 amps with that car. the rear 2 were from a 1986 vette and were excellent (never had an issue with them). the front 2 were constantly being replaced with ones from various cadillacs. I ended up running out of amps to buy at the junkyard (at $5 a piece with speaker) so I had 1 amp that half worked (wasnt loud at all) and the other one whined (not from electrical noise). I got fed up and swore off bose. When the amps worked, it provided a nice sound. bass wasnt really there, but it was still a good balanced sound (I believe thats due to the bose processors in the amps). each amp was 25 watts rms at one ohm.
If you want to do a custom install using a factory head unit, buy the bose version and provide your own amps and speakers. otherwise, leave it in the yard. the constant headaches arent worth it, and much better sounding stereos can be had.