What is the best Retro Radio?

[TNRooster3]

My stock radio in the wife's Junebug (2003 Emerald Green Mica) is dying, thinking about putting in a Retro style radio, so who has the best one?

[Phatmiata]

Panasonic CQ-TX5500D Vacuum Tube Car Stereo

this is a photo of my old one

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5265199588_7d992d9b87_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5265131598_754461d2a3_z.jpg

[Phatmiata]

I also am fond of the Mcintosh mx406

http://image2.showyoursound.nl/Nadershado/SyS_2008_9_12_10_53_1.jpg

[Demon I Am]

That Panasonic is dreamy

[revlimiter]

http://revlimiter.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_0492.jpg
The Retrosound.

I love mine. The look is FANTASTIC and they have enough knob options that you can pretty much make the radio look like you want it to. It also happens to sound very nice. This one sounds a lot clearer and... better? Than the JVC it replaced. The sound is very full and rich.

Plus, it's basically integrated into the dash once you make up a mount for it. That makes it far less attractive to thieves than an easy-to-yank DIN model. And if you wanna make it look like an old and busted radio for parking in a poor location, just pull the knobs off.

[Phatmiata]

Here are some installed photos of the Panasonic CQ-TX5500D

http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/parts/000/003/097/108/3097108/p1.jpg

http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/200906/21/37/c0062037_17184135.jpg


another version of it, on NB Miata, Panasonic VX5500K

http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/parts/000/002/236/130/2236130/p1.jpg?ct=9ca7e0f805e9

[Phatmiata]

That Panasonic is dreamy

I know right !! :slayer:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptemnS32KnM

[revlimiter]

There's a Sony model that's kinda nice.
Sony WX-GT77UI

13933

[Phatmiata]

Mcintosh mx406 lower deck only



http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPat/1776925/p1.jpg

Double Din Mcintosh mx406S in an NB Miata

http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPat/337578/p1.jpg

[TNRooster3]

Here are some installed photos of the Panasonic CQ-TX5500D

http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/parts/000/003/097/108/3097108/p1.jpg

http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/200906/21/37/c0062037_17184135.jpg



another version of it, on NB Miata, Panasonic VX5500K

http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/parts/000/002/236/130/2236130/p1.jpg?ct=9ca7e0f805e9


I really like the look of this Panasonic VX5500K and it is going in a NB. Thx

[TNRooster3]

http://revlimiter.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_0492.jpg
The Retrosound.

I love mine. The look is FANTASTIC and they have enough knob options that you can pretty much make the radio look like you want it to. It also happens to sound very nice. This one sounds a lot clearer and... better? Than the JVC it replaced. The sound is very full and rich.

Plus, it's basically integrated into the dash once you make up a mount for it. That makes it far less attractive to thieves than an easy-to-yank DIN model. And if you wanna make it look like an old and busted radio for parking in a poor location, just pull the knobs off.
I also like this one, it is simple and clean looking, if the one in Rooster dies this might be a good replacement.

[TNRooster3]

About this Panasonic CQ-TX5500D Vacuum Tube Car Stereo. This is too cool, but why did you pull it out of your Car?

[Phatmiata]

one more of the Mcintosh

Everyone will have there own favorites

http://i.imgur.com/gmk1pij.jpg

[Phatmiata]

About this Panasonic CQ-TX5500D Vacuum Tube Car Stereo. This is too cool, but why did you pull it out of your Car?

I parted out the entire car to sell it because I did not think anyone would want the car fully modified they way I personally liked it.

I guess I was wrong? :shrug:

When I sold the car to Steve it was down to 90% bone stock again, then he asked me how much to put the red interior back in? How much to put the hardtop back on? How much to leave in the Mazdaspeed Short Shift kit installed? How Much to leave in the Racing Beat Flywheel? The ACT Stage 2 Clutch?, The Garage Vary Tail Lights, the Moon Eyes Mirror, etc etc hhahaha

Before I knew it I was putting the car back together for him :fp:

Just happy it has a good home again.

[Phatmiata]

I also like this one, it is simple and clean looking, if the one in Rooster dies this might be a good replacement.

If you have the radio I sold to Steve the Silver MSSS2 then it probably still needs the auxiliary amplifier that goes with that radio. Not sure if he ever found one for it?

[mx54life]

Still on the works as I am replacing the low powered 4 amp McIntosh amplifier with the 6 channel JBL amp. FM and CD sound was so clear when I fired it up. 6 CD player and can take an iPod/Iphone adaptor.

http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a578/ebaradas/IMG_1493_zpsaee8dc89.jpg (http://s1284.photobucket.com/user/ebaradas/media/IMG_1493_zpsaee8dc89.jpg.html)

[TNRooster3]

If you have the radio I sold to Steve the Silver MSSS2 then it probably still needs the auxiliary amplifier that goes with that radio. Not sure if he ever found one for it?
It still works but is really really loud, doesn't matter if it is the radio playing or a listening to a CD, the volume will not turn down. Is that due to the missing Aux. amp maybe?

[Phatmiata]

mx54life, very nice!!! :bow:

[Phatmiata]

It still works but is really really loud, doesn't matter if it is the radio playing or a listening to a CD, the volume will not turn down. Is that due to the missing Aux. amp maybe?


Sounds like it could be, not sure since it was not doing that for me when I owned the car, and I did not have the aux amp either.

..... side note,

TNRooster3, do you still have the red seat belt tower trim that I trimmed for the rollbar? I have nice unmodified ones here that I was going to cut up for the rollbar but since you dont have the rollbar anymore I though you might want to trade? shoot me an email if so.

[TNRooster3]

Mcintosh mx406 lower deck only



http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPat/1776925/p1.jpg


Double Din Mcintosh mx406S in an NB Miata

http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/carlife/images/UserCarPat/337578/p1.jpg

Where do I find a clock like that to mount in the tombstone?

[Grip Driver]

http://www.7ent.com/products/clock-smiths-black-sib110.html?gclid=CMrAzfqJ7cQCFerm7AodLEAA3Q

[Madaboutmx5s]

I've got this. Not the most expensive unit, around I guess us$140/150, suited me as I wanted a 60's looking radio with the ribbed metal effect finish and 2 large control knobs.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn216/madaboutmx5s/classic%20car%20radio%202_zps2xavsxeh.jpg

[Cxmoney]

I love my retrosound model two

[TNRooster3]

I've got this. Not the most expensive unit, around I guess us$140/150, suited me as I wanted a 60's looking radio with the ribbed metal effect finish and 2 large control knobs.

http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn216/madaboutmx5s/classic%20car%20radio%202_zps2xavsxeh.jpg

What brand and model number is this?

[TNRooster3]

There are several of these Mcintosh Suburu PF-23431-A CD/ Cassette units on eBay for around $150 and since the wife is still into her cassette collection how hard could this be to install in a NB?

[mx54life]

There are several of these Mcintosh Suburu PF-23431-A CD/ Cassette units on eBay for around $150 and since the wife is still into her cassette collection how hard could this be to install in a NB?

It depends on how involve you wanna get. Both wiring schematics are needed; there is a step-by-step guide if you google it. If you reuse your OEM radio brackets you will have to redrill the mount holes to the Macintosh. If you don't mind the plastic, Metra makes one for the Miatas. When approaching projects like this you will need to think outside the box so to speak. Some degree of soldering skills required. There are aftermarket wiring harness for your car to make the job easier but make sure "you get the Mcintosh's wiring harness/pigtail" when you buy one from eBay. Also get the "US/Canadian version as JDM won't pick up US FM signal unless you decode it, can be done but a lot of work. This may not be the actual DIN size for your Miata so keep all plastic parts of the Metra as you may have to trim one to keep the gap in check if your dash hole is bigger than the Mcintosh which my NA was. Also these babies are not amplified so you will need an amp to run this. Subaru speakers are 4 ohms so the amp and they are low powered so you will have to source out another amp. This will be another project as you will have to match PIN both Mcintosh and your Amp. Pretty straight forward as this has been down many times before. Look up the Subaru forum BTW. Bottom line if you want it bad enough, it can be done. G/L.

[Phatmiata]

would be cool to convert this to US frequency

Adzest DMZ846MP

http://i.imgur.com/i2hGc51.jpg

[TNRooster3]

It depends on how involve you wanna get. Both wiring schematics are needed; there is a step-by-step guide if you google it. If you reuse your OEM radio brackets you will have to redrill the mount holes to the Macintosh. If you don't mind the plastic, Metra makes one for the Miatas. When approaching projects like this you will need to think outside the box so to speak. Some degree of soldering skills required. There are aftermarket wiring harness for your car to make the job easier but make sure "you get the Mcintosh's wiring harness/pigtail" when you buy one from eBay. Also get the "US/Canadian version as JDM won't pick up US FM signal unless you decode it, can be done but a lot of work. This may not be the actual DIN size for your Miata so keep all plastic parts of the Metra as you may have to trim one to keep the gap in check if your dash hole is bigger than the Mcintosh which my NA was. Also these babies are not amplified so you will need an amp to run this. Subaru speakers are 4 ohms so the amp and they are low powered so you will have to source out another amp. This will be another project as you will have to match PIN both Mcintosh and your Amp. Pretty straight forward as this has been down many times before. Look up the Subaru forum BTW. Bottom line if you want it bad enough, it can be done. G/L.

I'd have to get someone to help install it, my skills at soldering are not the best. I retired from being a property manager for a small retail chain, and had to do carpentry, build displays and remodel stores, but electrical I am not good at.

[mx54life]

Grab a soldering kit and practice its not that bad. I attended classes in youtube lol.

[BlitzWing]

do any of these radios have a USB input? all my music is on a tiny USB so I'd love to have a retro head unit but keep my USB drive.

[TNRooster3]

do any of these radios have a USB input? all my music is on a tiny USB so I'd love to have a retro head unit but keep my USB drive.

I looked up the one 'Madaboutmx5s' has pictured in his post and it does have the USB port here is a link where one is for sale on ebay:
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzMwWDE2MDA=/z/b30AAOSwpDdVAmhq/$_58.JPG

I also looked up the Retrosound model Two that Cxmoney has in his post and it has a bunch of inputs including a USB if I remember right, there is also a Youtube video about it.

[mx54life]

As for the Mcintosh, yes you can buy an an adaptor with USB and/or iPhone/iPad adaptability. I think "AgentOrange" did a good DIY on how and where to mount them. The Mcintosh has a phone socket at the back that you can use to plug the adaptor and mount the end of it somewhere in center console.

[Madaboutmx5s]

What brand and model number is this?

It's a Caliber RCD 110

Im not too bothered by the ICE in my roadsters but the features for what it means on this unit.

Retrolook car radio with CD player and FM tuner in chrome (black finish also available).
Plays music from USB and SD card
Detachable flip-down frontpanel
Built-in iso connector

[modernbeat]

Depending on what you consider retro, there are some simple radios that match the Miata's 25 year old age. Here are some that I've seen that are good looking and styled to match the OEM interior.

The VDO TR7311U-OR is about as simple as you get.
13949

The VDO CD7326U-OR which has dual knobs, a little chrome and a CD player
13950

The Bosch Dover USB40
13951

Of course the -best- would be one of the Alpine units from the era. They all look good with their green illumination that matches the Miata. The one that's long been championed as the best cd player ever, and was even re-released for it's 25th anniversary would be the 7909. Though it didn't come with USB input, and was a pullout, it can be converted to fixed install and aux input. That's what I have waiting to go in my Miata.
13952

[jux]

Love that era of Alpine deck. I had an Eclipse ECD 414 at the time.

[91BRG]

Here are some of my picks

Nakamichi CD-45z
http://i.imgur.com/z0cRUVm.gif

(in my car)
http://i.imgur.com/S6mKs3B.jpg

I also had a Nakamichi TD7 tape player
http://i.imgur.com/2qNOwTL.jpg

Really any old school Nakamichi Looks good though

https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4063/4711754592_57c233440e_b.jpg
http://www.dieboxhifi.de/media/TD-45z(550).jpg
http://www.kit.hi-ho.ne.jp/~gto_yama/caraudio/head/td700cltd1.jpg

& Kenwood KRC999

http://i.imgur.com/itYJjNk.jpg

Look how cool this looks when it's playing (https://youtu.be/dZ0l7dzB0y0?t=43)

[TNRooster3]

Depending on what you consider retro, there are some simple radios that match the Miata's 25 year old age. Here are some that I've seen that are good looking and styled to match the OEM interior.

The VDO TR7311U-OR is about as simple as you get.
13949

The VDO CD7326U-OR which has dual knobs, a little chrome and a CD player
13950

The Bosch Dover USB40
13951

Of course the -best- would be one of the Alpine units from the era. They all look good with their green illumination that matches the Miata. The one that's long been championed as the best cd player ever, and was even re-released for it's 25th anniversary would be the 7909. Though it didn't come with USB input, and was a pullout, it can be converted to fixed install and aux input. That's what I have waiting to go in my Miata.
13952

Like the ones with dual knobs, to me that is at least part of the retro look.

[MemphisMiata]

Of course the -best- would be one of the Alpine units from the era. They all look good with their green illumination that matches the Miata. The one that's long been championed as the best cd player ever, and was even re-released for it's 25th anniversary would be the 7909. Though it didn't come with USB input, and was a pullout, it can be converted to fixed install and aux input. That's what I have waiting to go in my Miata.
13952[/QUOTE]

7909s are sweet for sure. Do you have an original, or the re-issue with the copper chassis?

[modernbeat]

Of course the -best- would be one of the Alpine units from the era. They all look good with their green illumination that matches the Miata. The one that's long been championed as the best cd player ever, and was even re-released for it's 25th anniversary would be the 7909. Though it didn't come with USB input, and was a pullout, it can be converted to fixed install and aux input. That's what I have waiting to go in my Miata.
13952

7909s are sweet for sure. Do you have an original, or the re-issue with the copper chassis?[/QUOTE]

Mine is an original, though I did have the CD transport and the DAC changed out for new when I had it serviced. The volume switch and a few caps were also replaced. I've also got a NIB Alpine 4100 kit to convert it from a pull-out to a fixed installation.

http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv198/aaa-111/blackcubed/AudioIdeas/2ppg4np_zpse1f583d7.jpg

[modernbeat]

Like the ones with dual knobs, to me that is at least part of the retro look.

Eh. Dual knobs were already disappearing by the time the Miata was on sale. Five years before the Miata showed up (30 years ago) the radios that were in vogue had one knob and a bunch of chicklet buttons and maybe a slider or two. Look at OEM Blaupunkt radios for '80s era Porsches to see what was hot.

13979

[TNRooster3]

Eh. Dual knobs were already disappearing by the time the Miata was on sale. Five years before the Miata showed up (30 years ago) the radios that were in vogue had one knob and a bunch of chicklet buttons and maybe a slider or two. Look at OEM Blaupunkt radios for '80s era Porsches to see what was hot.

13979

OK, will do, Thanks

[Phatmiata]

How about this? PIONEER DEH-P77MP

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/UjQAAOSwqu9VJ6RY/$_57.JPG

[Phatmiata]

this is the one I bought 10 years ago for the '96 Miata, but sadly it's still sitting in the box in storage, have not had time (or motivation) to install it. :fp:

http://www.strefacaraudio.pl/uploads/monthly_12_2012/post-9121-0-29176400-1354381179.jpg

[Phatmiata]

BUMP..... :zombie:


I found that in moving I have acquired (2) of these head units, actually thought the movers stole the other, but it turns out it was just me misplacing things as usual.


So with that being said, I have 1 extra for sale now! Check my for sale thread link below

http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?15417-Phatmiata-s-Garage-Sale-Parts-JDM-OEM-etc/page13

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/785/26323577657_acc3555a75_c.jpg

[xcoldricex]

and i have one of the mcintosh radios for sale in a ddm works bracket.

18229
http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?15512-Pitcrew-part-out-JDM-and-other-high-quality-parts!&p=217167#post217167

[xcoldricex]

i think i have one of those alpine units around too haha.

[Fantanya]

Panasonic CQ-TX5500D Vacuum Tube Car Stereo

this is a photo of my old one

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5265199588_7d992d9b87_z.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5265131598_754461d2a3_z.jpg

Best Radio IMO, this is my one :)

19707

[Greasemonkey2000]

I wanted one for Warbird so bad but the few times they came up for sale the would go for over $500+:shocked:

[Fantanya]

I wanted one for Warbird so bad but the few times they came up for sale the would go for over $500+:shocked:

I had the TX5500 before this, it is lovely also, they tend to be a lot cheaper but still look fantastic with twin VU meters and still sound awesome :)

[DarylSibcy]

I had the TX5500 before this, it is lovely also, they tend to be a lot cheaper but still look fantastic with twin VU meters and still sound awesome :)

Do you know the watt output of the Panasonic? I've never been able to find that info on it :shrug:

I have to side with Adam on this one though, having a Retrosound unit behind a blank panel gives you limitless customisation to make the tombstone look however you want it to. It's a good place for a nice clock, switches and anything else you want. Good spare space for a boost gauge for those who need it to :slayer:

[Fantanya]

Do you know the watt output of the Panasonic? I've never been able to find that info on it :shrug:

I have to side with Adam on this one though, having a Retrosound unit behind a blank panel gives you limitless customisation to make the tombstone look however you want it to. It's a good place for a nice clock, switches and anything else you want. Good spare space for a boost gauge for those who need it to :slayer:

Watts means little, It will make enough sound for you to enjoy the stereo at 70mph roof down, with out it being distorted, I have 6" Rockford Fosgate speakers in my doors and that is it, doors are Dynamatted. I run a Bluetooth adapter on the Aux input, so I can stream from Spotify, Listen to a CD or the Radio.

I do like that people use the Centre console to Guages and Clocks etc. It's all personal taste after all :)

[DarylSibcy]

Watts means little, It will make enough sound for you to enjoy the stereo at 70mph roof down, with out it being distorted, I have 6" Rockford Fosgate speakers in my doors and that is it, doors are Dynamatted. I run a Bluetooth adapter on the Aux input, so I can stream from Spotify, Listen to a CD or the Radio.

I do like that people use the Centre console to Guages and Clocks etc. It's all personal taste after all :)

Okay, good to know! Thanks for insight :lol:


What are people's thoughts on running a system without a head unit altogether? There's part of me would love to keep the tombstone neat and tidy, clock, a few switches and a single on/off volume knob to control my music.

I only ever sync music via Bluetooth anyway, I can't see that changing in the future either.

Does anyone have any write ups on setups like that or know how it could be done? :shrug:

[HarryB]

You can hide a small 12V amp plus a Bluetooth receiver unit (or one with a built-in BT receiver) behind the tombstone. Maybe on-off via a small switch?

[DarylSibcy]

You can hide a small 12V amp plus a Bluetooth receiver unit (or one with a built-in BT receiver) behind the tombstone. Maybe on-off via a small switch?

It's what I'm thinking of yeah, just seeing if anyone on here has done it before to see what they used :shrug:

Currently looking at the Soundstream Stealth ST4 1000DB. 4x90w RMS, comes with bluetooth built-in. Plenty of power and can be hidden wherever, just thinking of how I could wire in a volume switch on the tombstone.

I'm not overly savvy with electronics so my questions can seem vague or stupid from time to time hahah :lol: