Radios in Alfas 1990-91?

Victor Lee · July 04, 2016, 01:14:05 PM

Hi all,

Anyone remember what was the standard radio installed into Alfas 1990-91 period?

I think radios were left to the each respective country's Alfa distributor to instal.

So in the 1990-91 period, the only cars still being imported were the 75s and 164s, just before Alfa Romeo Australia closed up shop?

Thanks!

Victor

PS: Yes, I'm looking for one!

ANG156 · July 04, 2016, 01:21:20 PM

My 16 valve 33 had an original pioneer Alfa Romeo radio. Had Alfa written on the casette slide. I swapped it for a CD player when I owned the car but i kept the radio and when I sold the car I gave it to the buyer.

Victor Lee · July 04, 2016, 01:39:47 PM

Oops, as mentioned by ANG156, the 33 16v was still in production at that time.

ANG156: Can you remember the year of your 33?

Yes, I thought it might have been Pioneer but my 1984 Alfa 33 had the Eurovox radio, but not sure when they changed to Pioneer.

VeeSix · July 04, 2016, 02:03:38 PM

I have quite a few in stock from that era, I can put up some photos if you want?

V AR 164 · July 04, 2016, 02:38:30 PM

They did use pioneer units. 2 of my 164's have the factory headunit although one is a different model. These headunits can also be 'pulled out' with the handle that flicks up so you can take it with you.

Edit: If you are looking for one, I'd advise against it. They sound pretty awful with a lot of noise and distortion up loud and are also lacking in the power department.

Andrew.

Victor Lee · July 04, 2016, 05:24:54 PM

Quote from: VeeSix on July 04, 2016, 02:03:38 PM
I have quite a few in stock from that era, I can put up some photos if you want?

Thanks VeeSix! Are your units similar to V AR 164 (Andrew) pictures?

Quote from: V AR 164 on July 04, 2016, 02:38:30 PM
They did use pioneer units. 2 of my 164's have the factory headunit although one is a different model. These headunits can also be 'pulled out' with the handle that flicks up so you can take it with you.

Edit: If you are looking for one, I'd advise against it. They sound pretty awful with a lot of noise and distortion up loud and are also lacking in the power department.

Andrew.

Yes Andrew, agree that the sound quality compared to today's head units would be pretty average

Basically not sure now whether to go the "period" look and get a radio that was available then, or just go modern???

Thanks everyone!

V AR 164 · July 04, 2016, 05:51:34 PM

No worries,

What car are you planning to install it in? If it's a 164, go for a modern unit as you can pull down the flap and hide it away for a 'stealth' look. If it's a 75 the unit is quite low down in the dash and not as noticeable as some other cars.
Also newer stuff have the advantage of having new technology such as Bluetooth. Something I wish I had! Although the flashy lights and digital screens look horrid and are just another 'Theif magnet'.

Cheers, Andrew.

ANG156 · July 04, 2016, 08:49:06 PM

My 33 was a 1990 build. The radio identical to VAR164

ScottS · July 04, 2016, 10:44:11 PM

My 33 16V had a Pioneer KE-1600QR until a few years ago.

Victor Lee · July 05, 2016, 08:06:41 AM

Thanks all for the feedback and confirmation that Pioneer radios was the brand radio fitted into Australian Alfas at the time.
Good to know!

Now looking at what features those radios offered compared to today ... wow things have changed in aftermarket car stereos in 25 years.

Quote from: V AR 164 on July 04, 2016, 05:51:34 PM
... newer stuff have the advantage of having new technology such as Bluetooth. Something I wish I had!

Hey Andrew, how about this: http://www.cartoys.com/catalog/product/view/id/42249/s/ismj38/category/309/

There are companies making retro look radios with modern tech. Problem is those radios are 50's and 60's styling
http://www.retrosoundusa.com.au/

I think some more googling needed!

Cheers all

jazig.k · July 05, 2016, 09:09:59 AM

I've got the original accessories booklet with every head unit option for the 1988 Twinspark. There's about 6 of them. I can get some photos of it for you if you'd like?

jazig.k · July 05, 2016, 09:18:36 AM

Quote from: Victor Lee on July 04, 2016, 05:24:54 PM

Basically not sure now whether to go the "period" look and get a radio that was available then, or just go modern???

Thanks everyone!

Check out the McIntosh range for some beautiful modern-retro looks.

Sheldon McIntosh · July 05, 2016, 10:37:58 AM

Quote from: Victor Lee on July 04, 2016, 05:24:54 PM
Basically not sure now whether to go the "period" look and get a radio that was available then, or just go modern???

That tape thing you posted would be an awful solution IMO. Your sound quality is determined by the weakest link in the system, and the tape-player in the 90s head-unit is definitely the weakest link.

You could put in a period head-unit just for looks, and get a mini amp you can hide behind the dash or in the glove-box, which has RCA inputs. Then you can just plug whatever you want into the amp; phone, digital tuner, tablet, whatever. I had a $20 one from China in the Giulietta shitbox, and the sound was surprisingly good, definitely better than a 90s head-unit. But you can get some good quality branded ones also. This is a pretty common solution in classic cars these days.

Or just get a Becker Mexico. http://www.becker-mexico-retro.de/en/

V AR 164 · July 05, 2016, 11:46:11 AM

Funny you should bring up the tape:

Hahahaha, I'm not going to lie, it actually sounds really good. Of course not as good as an aux in, but I can live with it. And you can take my word for it as I am a bit of an 'audio fanatic'.

I never knew McIntosh made headunits for cars! I always drool over their home stereo amplifiers and that headunit looks the business! Might need to start saving

I have always wanted a factory standard looking headunit with newer guts inside it. I was actually debating whether or not to pull my other unit to bits and replace everything with newer tech and uprated components, but keep the stock appearance. I never got around to it sadly.

Cheers, Andrew.

Sheldon McIntosh · July 05, 2016, 12:11:47 PM

Quote from: V AR 164 on July 05, 2016, 11:46:11 AM
Funny you should bring up the tape:

Hahahaha, I'm not going to lie, it actually sounds really good. Of course not as good as an aux in, but I can live with it. And you can take my word for it as I am a bit of an 'audio fanatic'.

I never knew McIntosh made headunits for cars! I always drool over their home stereo amplifiers and that headunit looks the business! Might need to start saving

Ah ok, fair enough. I've only had a few days experience with one of those tape adaptors, 3.5 days from Perth to Melbourne, in a pretty shit factory sound system. Mostly listened to podcasts so the sound quality wasn't overly important, but the few times I listened to music through it I was pretty disappointed.

McIntosh head-units were stock on many Subarus in the 90s and 00s, you might be able to find one at a wreckers.