27 replies to this topic

[Minireilly]

Here goes:

I am considering an alternative to a full blown car stereo installation in my 83 City, & I wanted to know your thoughts.

Installing a stereo will mean messing about with running cables, a modern-looking stereo in my classic interior, etc, etc.

With wireless Bluetooth speakers being very good these days, and with the presence of music streaming services like Spotify/Apple Music etc, I was considering buying a decent rechargeable Bluetooth speaker for my car, such as the Sony SRS X33 or X55.

One of these will allow easy connection to my phone, hands-free calls, a fairly decent sound (according to reviews) & the ability to remove from the car for use elsewhere, like in the beach after a long run in the mini during summer.

Reviews state that the sound is good. They are small enough to fit in a shelf in the car. And they do pack a punch. Batteries in them last for a good 8-12 hours before needing a recharge.

Price-wise, I think I'd spend less than I would on a decent head unit, speakers & the necessary cables.

Concerns: Loud enough? Decent sounds?

What do you reckon?

[inim_repooc]

edit

Edited by inim_repooc, 21 February 2016 - 08:30 PM.

[vx220]

Hmmm. I think I'd want to try one before buying it. They sound impressive indoors, but against the tyre/wind/engine/gearbox noise of a mini, I think they'd be put of their depth

[Minireilly]

Yeah, I might like to try one. Maybe I'll buy & try, & if not satisfied I'll return to the store??

I agree with your comments around performance against the road noise.

Anyone else done this before?

[vx220]

A lot of places only take returns for a faulty item, so check first

Maybe have a look at some of the larger ones for the back seat?

I guess whatever one you get, security is also an issue?

[Minireilly]

Yes, but I will plan to take it with me when I leave the car unattended. ;)

[vx220]

I'm guessing if it's small enough to carry, probably too small to do much against the ambient Road noise

[Minireilly]

Probably.

I will give one a try anyway.

[New game mini]

I bought a couple of dead cheap small speakers from morrisons when my stereo exploded. The speakers sounded ok when the car was still but as soon as I was at 30/40mph sound was reduced by about 50% and at 60mph I couldn't here them at all . If you buy the speakers just make sure they sound super loud in the shop/in the house then they should be OK. If you could report back on which speakers too that would be great as I'm in the same situation.

[Minireilly]

Cheers New game mini.

I will be having a look about soon. Gonna need something loud as I removed my sound deadening material & ive just fitted an RC40 exhaust.

Will come back to you with results (but I feel I'm going to go the head-unit & car speakers route). 👍

[tomgale]

I use a bluetooth speaker bar in mine, its reasonably aidible even on the motorway, and as an added bonus its a handsfree kit. its worth getting some usb charging points and fitting them though, so you dont have to keep topping it up

[leadly]

Once im back on the road, within the next few weeks I think ill be ''borrowing'' my wifes portable speakers before I decide if I want a proper install or not. 

 

Ideally if i do get a head unit and some speakers id like them to be as discreet as possible.

[Minireilly]

Cheer tomgale & leadly,

I want a discreet unit too. I want to keep the simplicity of the interior. A decent little Bluetooth unit would be great, but I do also like a good sound. 🙄

Will look into putting a charging point in.

Arguably, I could just go all out & get a proper boombox. Sony have some quality looking ones with flashing lights & all sorts!! 😂

Lol

[leadly]

I've just ripped my dash out today and from the space that's free I could easily hide a head unit under there. Either that or under a seat. It's just the case of speaker positioning that troubles me. I'm not a fan of the under dash pods one bit and would like to keep my air vents.

[Minireilly]

Yeah, the under-dash pods look to me like I'd be banging my shins all the time!!!

Still, I may go down the head unit route.

Bit worried about the sound being lost in the speaker boards that go under the rear seats. Any thoughts/experience??

What to do?