Custom AutoSound USA66

geordie · Feb 4, 2011

Getting around to thinking about audio for my '65 Coupe.
I like the look of the CAS USA66, however, I'm aware that CAs has a suspect reputation. I've been trawling through some of the forum threads on the subject. Some say that they have overcome initial product problems and that their reputaion and reliability have improved significantly.
I don't want to cut the dash.
If i do go with a modern DIN head unit, i don't want is visable.
I like the CAS USA66 vintage look, but it ain't cheap.

So my question is, has the reliability of CAS's products improved with the USA66? Would anyone recommend the USA66 over a DIN type head unit?

65coupe408w · Feb 4, 2011

I have used two different Custom Sutosound head units. I like both and never had any issues with either, maybe I just got lucky?!

iskwezm · Feb 4, 2011

geordie said:
Would anyone recommend the USA66 over a DIN type head unit?

i wouldnt recomend one but im biased because car audio is my business.id rather pay the same amount for a DIN unit with more features and flexibility.

2+2GT · Feb 5, 2011

iskwezm said:
i wouldnt recomend one but im biased because car audio is my business.id rather pay the msame amoung for a DIN unit with more features and flexibility.

Sure, but not everyone is willing to chop the dash to do that. Now if it's already chopped, you either get it fixed for about half a grand, or deal with it.

iskwezm · Feb 5, 2011

2+2GT said:
Sure, but not everyone is willing to chop the dash to do that. Now is it's already chopped, you either get it fixed for about half a grand, or deal with it.

never said you have to cut the dash

other_shoe · Feb 5, 2011

There is some good discussion in this earlier thread, http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/829095-usa-630-some-engineering.html

tx65coupe · Feb 7, 2011

I really would like to have the USA 66 radio, but can not decide. I'm worried of the quality.

geordie · Feb 7, 2011

Same here.
I'm seriously worried about the quality of Custom Autosound. At best it seems hit and miss 'if you get a good one'
I don't like the appearance of Retrosound.
Both are expensive for what you get.
I don't wanna cut the dash. I don't need CD or tape, I do need IPoD connectivity.

I'm thinking about a marine radio, with a hard wire remote, like the Clarion CMS1.
Mount the head unit in the glove box, it's just a box, run it off the remote, near the shifter. Looks slick, it'll be cheaper than either Custom Autosound or Retrosound. Make / buy a radio delete panel.

Newegg.com - Clarion CMS1 Marine Mechanism-less Source Unit

tx65coupe · Feb 10, 2011

I feel the same way about the Retrosound. I have heard good things, but just don't really like the looks all that much. I don't like the idea of hidden radios with remotes. Id rather have a radio where its supposed to be, but thats just me.

That Clarion marine radio idea could be cool. I think I'd rather have the Retrosound unit though.

2+2GT · Feb 10, 2011

iskwezm said:
never said you have to cut the dash

Well, since DIN units are about twice the size of the opening in the 64-66 dash, it's kinda obvious.

iskwezm · Feb 10, 2011

2+2GT said:
Well, since DIN units are about twice the size of the opening in the 64-66 dash, it's kinda obvious.

You can put the radio anywhere you want.it doesn have to go into the dash.

2+2GT · Feb 10, 2011

iskwezm said:
You can put the radio anywhere you want.it doesn have to go into the dash.

Such as where?

skywalker · Feb 10, 2011

2+2GT said:
Such as where?

You can mount the unit anywhere and mount the faceplate on the dash...or build a custom console...or the glove compartment...

geordie · Mar 2, 2011

Just to close out the thread from my point of view. There was enough negative feedback from this and other bulletin boards to put me off buying either Custom Autosound or Retrosound. I've bought a Sony Digital Media receiver, no CD player. Don't know exactly where I'll be mounting it, but it'll probably be in the glove box.

tx65coupe · Mar 3, 2011

I think I'm with you geordie as far as not going with any retro stereo.

Custom AutoSound USA66

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