Minimalist Early 911 Audio

[kstar]

Well, I just spent a couple of days researching and thinking about a new audio system for my '72 911T and just completed a series of on-line purchases.

I've already 'invested' the amount of money it would take to buy a nice, true '72-'73 "S" in a car that I paid just a few clicks over $10k. Amazing what a rebuilt 2.7 race motor, rebuilt 915 and suspension costs these days.

I have the correct Blaupunkt radio in storage and I thought about installing it in the dash and hiding a CD changer in the trunk . . . but I think I have found a solution that will allow me to sleep well tonight.

I looked at the Focal and MB Quart speakers (5 1/4") which look like outstanding products; I especially liked the German aspect of the MBs in a German car. I have heard these are awesome sounding as well.

I looked at the Nakamichi 6-disc CD in-dash player/receiver as well - very nice unit!

With the Nakamichi and a pair of MB 5 1/4" I was already near $1000 without any of the needed 'support equipment'.

Since I am a married fellow with a 3 year old daughter, I listen to more AM radio than I used to as a single barfly - don't ask about the metamorphisis if you are single; all others may understand.

I like to pop in a REM or Jay Farrar/Uncle Tupelo/Son Volt disc from time to time, so I think I found a solution that answers my needs. (Present system is paper cones and a cassette deck)

I went with a Blaupunkt Heidlberg CD Receiver for about $215, Blaupunkt 5 1/4" PCXT 542s for about $40, Hirschmann Chrome Manual antenna for about $30, some Dynamat, baffles and bass blockers all for about $30.

Total cost just over $300 - and all major components German in origin. Don't call me a 'purist' . . . with a 2.7 in a '72 T, I just like to keep it all 'aligned' in a twisted sense.

I will replace the non-functional power antenna with the chrome, manual Hirschmann and maybe save a pound or two - early 911s with no A/C and roll up windows should not have power antennas, IMO.

I also believe, IMO, early 911s should not sport 30 pounds of hi-fi gear - especially when the real music is provided by Weber!

I will be installing this modest system and I think it will be more than adequate. The present system sported a dead left speaker so all music/talk/news was truly mono from my passenger side speaker - and the cassette receiver tended to lose power over bumps!

I also look forward to cleaning out a rat's nest of wiring under the dash!

Hopefully will be installing this stuff this time next week, and will try to take some pictures.

Best to all of you,

Kurt

http://www.911restorations.com

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/pmpre/pm.cgi?login=kurtstarnes&action=display&

[This message has been edited by kurtstarnes (edited 09-29-2001).]

[This message has been edited by kurtstarnes (edited 09-29-2001).]

[This message has been edited by kurtstarnes (edited 09-29-2001).]

[bfranklin]

I agree with the 'minimalist stereo' approach when it comes to early 911S. Hi fidelity equipment is pretty much wasted on a car like that because it is so noisy. The only thing you'll get is a system that is loud enough to hear well over the engine & exhaust, but you won't hear any of the 'high fidelity' unless you listen to the stereo with the engine off...and who could show that much restraint!

Brad

[Doug Zielke]

Thoughtful approach to car audio, Kurt. Much appreciated.

My "dream" car audio system would consist of hybrid amplification (vacuum tubes/semi-conductors,), and custom designed speakers by Richard Vandersteen. A nice in-trunk CD player by Moon Labs ( driven of course with carefully selected bottles), makes up the head-end.

But then again...there's the "Song of the Fan", almost rendering other music bland and superficial.

------------------
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website
"If it ain't broke...we'll help you fix it 'til it is!"

[This message has been edited by Doug Zielke (edited 09-29-2001).]

[RoninLB]

911 audio is subjective. I need to hear Jim Hendrix out on my front hood. I need to hear Beethovens coral in the 4th movement of his 9th extend from outside my window across dash to outside passenger window. I need to hear everything in a street/track exhaust system at 75 mph with the roof open. I need Rod Birch [removeable] sub woffer system. I need a seperate amp/speaker for my laser/radar system