In-car entertainment conundrum

[ian65]

So here's the problem...



Gus is completely stock and has the standard Clarion E950 radio cassette. It looks great and stock but the FM reception is patchy and it can only offer the MW / FM radio or the cassette player, not to mention the sound quality is very mediocre. Having said that I really want to keep it in situ as it's original and period and modern stereos are gaudy and nasty looking ( although packed with all the features I want.... DAB, bluetooth, USB playback etc).

So my question is...

how can I find /conceal / install an entertainment system that offers all modern features yet still allow me to control it from somewhere discreet near to hand?
My Audi A3 daily driver has such a system built in but its all controlled via the steering wheel which obviously isn't possible in the RX7.

Any thoughts / suggestions....?

[A7RXY]

A very interesting post Ian, I used to have a sony discman played through a dummy cassette set up thou it sounded better I always felt the speakers let it down.
If I want to listen something now I use a Bluetooth speaker and my phone.
I'm sure there is one of our younger members who have the answer.

[Hobbawobba]

How about installing a small modern headunit under the glovebox where people won't notice it? Or something along those lines

I'm currently upgrading my audio setup also haha

[spirit r]

Bridgeport your engine and you did not like to hear anything other!

BTW in Germany some company rebuild the inside of classic car radios with modern equipment!

[myatt1972]

https://www.radiorescue.co.uk/fm-and-dab-upgrades/
Don't know anything about these guys but it would be a good solution.

[KiwiDave]

Just had a quick search ... What do you think?? Retro look with modern features or a completely hidden solution?

https://www.classiccarstereo.co.uk/clas ... 46-dab-bt/

https://www.classiccarstereo.co.uk/clas ... ar-stereo/

https://www.classiccarstereo.co.uk/hidd ... amplifier/

[DeanRX7]

https://www.classiccarstereo.co.uk/hidd ... amplifier/

This option Dave looks super! Bluetooth connection to original stereo via amp. Nice way to keep original look and still be able to listen to podcast/phone music. Love it.