Adding a nice SOUND SYSTEM, theft-proof, w/ str.wheel remote

[TurboRagtop]

Any ideas for me on what system to go with? I am adding Miata seats with speakers in headrests, want a removeable faceplate CD/MP3 system. Anybody figured an elegant way to get remote buttons mounted to the steering wheel?

[dbrick]

Why not get a Marine stereo with wired remote or RF wireless. Can put head unit anywhere the remote is tiny might fit in the ashtray. Look at Boatus.com or Westmarine.com to start.

[TR]

There is also Secret Audio...

I think custom rods use the Painless horn button to trigger commands, don't know how, though...

[dbrick]

And the secret is.......

[TR]

I know Victorias...

Wait, back on subject:

www.customautosound.com/SecretAudio.htm

On eBay:

SECRET AUDIO HIDDEN RADIO/STEREO CD CHANGER
Item number: 4541384436

[dbrick]

I just looked, nice stuff. I'm using the free am fm cassette the stereo shop gave me because it only fits very old Japanese cars I think it's maybe 5 watts, but that's PER CHANNEL!! and there's 2 channels!!
Suprisingly, sounds like crap but fit in the console nicely.http://www.311s.org/phpBB2/album_pic.php?pic_id=158

Next step, 100 watt Infinity amp, as soon as I find a big enough spot for it.

[TurboRagtop]

Thanks, great links.

[NiceGuyInSanJose]

I have the Secret Audio system in my Roadster, with the control head mounted on the consoile just in front of the ashtray. The power unit is mounted to the firewall where the speaker box used to be.

The system works well for radion, but... the CD Changer unit doesn't have anywhere near sufficient damping and memory for the ride that comes from our cars... it skips horribly !!

If you find a good stereo shop, they can fabrictae an adapter that lets you plug an iPod into the CD Changer inputs...

I am also using Miata seats and in-seat speakers (upgraded speakers from http://www.gomiata.com/clhesp.html ). The sound is OK... really needs a separate subwoofer.

Just my 2 cents... I can send pics of the installation if you want them.

[TR]

That is great info to know! I have had one of those systems on my wish list, maybe I will only get the radio portion of the secret audio...

Maybe we can meet up at a ride sometime so I could check it out, I would appreciate it! TR

[dbrick]

We just did an install for a customers' resturant sound system that included a recessed wall mount plate that an Ipod clips into, really slick and gives you line level outputs. The one we used was not very strongly built, but there must be others. I think the factory Ipod base might fit in the ashtray if one was creative and that has line outs too.

[TurboRagtop]

Ipod integration, led by Europeans and Japanese. Check out Apple's website for details and pictures. CD changer is now out of the running for my roadster; MP3's are where it is going.

Apple Teams Up With Acura, Audi, Honda & Volkswagen to Deliver Seamless iPod Experience
iPod Integration Now Available from 15 Car Companies Around the WorldSAN FRANCISCO—September 7, 2005—Apple® today announced it has teamed up with Acura, Audi, Honda and Volkswagen to deliver iPod® integration with their car stereos for 2006 model lines. Seamless integration of iPods in cars allows music lovers to enjoy high-quality sound through their car’s stereo system, easily access their entire music library and take their music with them everywhere they go. There are now 15 car companies around the world offering iPod integration, and more than 5 million cars will ship with iPod support in the US in 2006.

“We’re thrilled to team up with Acura, Audi, Honda and Volkswagen to provide drivers with a seamless iPod experience,� said Greg Joswiak, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing. “Car companies are embracing the iPod, and over 30 percent of the cars sold in the US in 2006 will offer iPod integration."

The Honda and Acura Music Link iPod integrations will be the first to include text-to-speech capabilities or VoiceID, which is used to search for playlists, artist and album names or genre information. Acura and Honda will feature iPod integration in the majority of their lineup beginning later this year.

Beginning in November, Audi will feature iPod integration in the A3, A4 and TT models and Volkswagen will offer iPod integration for the majority of their 2006 US lineup.

[TurboRagtop]

Here are some pics of the iPod installation in a VW Golf.
http://www.tomshardware.com/mobile/2005 ... no-05.html

[camronware]

miata seats with speakers in the headrests? Where can I aquire such things?

[NiceGuyInSanJose]

Camron:

All of the early ('90-'97) Miatas had speaker cutouts in the headrests... the seats are available from many locations for a reasonable price (less than $200 a pair in good condition).

The factory speakers are pretty weak, but upgraded speakers are available from www.gomiata.com for about $125 that sound pretty good.