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This past weekend I converted my double DIN stereo setup back to the stock radio and dash configuration and I must say I am very pleased with the results.
Backstory
When I purchased my 88S4 two years ago, it have a rather unattractive head unit that didn’t match the interior and was not compatible with external devices like Bluetooth or AUX inputs.The stock speakers were there but the Amp was long gone and the radio wire harness was as mess and the sound was terrible.
I spent the better part of last spring working on a stereo upgrade that included a modern double DIN touch screen (Alpine iXL-007), new speakers, and a new amplifier. The goal was to ad some modern convenience and still maintain a very stock appearance. The installation required modifying the center console configuration and coming up with some custom mounting solutions for the speakers. I was fortunate enough to find an amp that fit in the stock location.
I was very pleased with the sound quality and the modern features. But as I have owned the car my desires have shifted a bit to make things look more stock. Functionality and durability aside I really am in love with all of the design elements of the car and I’ve been wanting to revert the dash back to stock.
The Reversion
So with the weather being warm enough to work on the brittle plastics in the dash, I decided to take on the project to revert everything back. When I did the double DIN conversion, I used spare dash parts from a donor car, so the reversion was a simple case of putting the original parts back in. Last fall, I acquired a Blaupunkt Reno SQR- 46 and had it refurbished and added in a AUX input and a DIN to RCA pre-amp cable made by SW Stereo. I also found a stock radio harness and restored the hacked wires from at least three non stock radio installations. Now everything is back to stock on the dash and I couldn’t be happier with the results (for now at least).
Impressions
The center console looks awesome. The head unit and sounds really nice with the modern amp and modern speakers, especially after tuning the amp to match the output of the head unit. The sound quality and tuning capability is not as good as the awesome sounding Alpine iXL-007 I had in the car, but it’s close enough that I don’t care. The one added benefit of the stock head unit is that I very quickly adjust the sound using bass/treble/loudness as I change music, whereas, changing the sound quality on the touchscreen was more involved.
The details
Here is an overview of the audio components if the current setup:
- Head unit: Blaupunkt Reno SQR46 with AUX input added by SW stereo.
- Interconnect cable: DIN to 4-chanel RCA made by SW Stereo to connect the head unit to the amplifier.
- Stock noise suppressors
- Door speakers: Morel 4" component Tweeter + Midrange + crossover
- B-Pillar speakers: Morel 6" Mid Base
- Rear Deck speakers: None
- Amplifier: Diamond Audio Micro4 Fits in stock location
Unresolved Details
The radio signal is not very good. It wasn’t very good on the Alpine unit either. I need to check the antenna booster. I have confirmed 12v supply to the booster wire but not to the booster itself or the connection to the windshield.
Last edited by Michael Benno; 03-30-2017 at 01:19 AM.
hey Mike, well done as usual. I'm glad you went back to original. I look forward to seeing and hearing how this works out.
BTW if any one hasn't checked out Mikes Blog, its really good as are all of his posts here. I appreciate the information he gathers and the method he follows to get things done.
Compact Class D amplifier for factory and aftermarket receivers
Universal plug lets you send signal from RCA outputs or speaker-level wiring
Runs off same power circuit as receiver.
45 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms (CEA-2006 compliant)
Dimensions: 7-7/8"W x 1-1/2"H x 2-9/16"D
I have a double din setup like the one pictured. I enjoy it, but I would make sure you can adjust down or turn off the screen while driving. That's the one thing I have found annoying. This is a nice compromise as original is coming back.
Any particular reason you didn't just upgrade to a double DIN with bluetooth, etc.?
AESTHETICS. I really prefer the look of the stock configuration. I much rather preferred the functionality of the Alpine head unit. Great sound and really nice interface and a nice assortment of outputs: pre amp, subs, etc.
But in the end form won over function.
Last edited by Michael Benno; 03-30-2017 at 05:29 PM.
Wow, very nice (both installs). What are your plans for the double DIN center console? I've debated doing such an install in my 87.
Looking back over your previous threads was a fun trip down memory lane following them the first time.
Did you ever share the files for the 3D printed grill pieces?
RE: 3d Grills - my friend did the cad designs, I asked him a few times to export them and send them over, but no dice. If I get them, I will update that thread.
RE: The old DD center console. I was thinking of offering them up for sale on the forum. Haven't considered a price yet. A couple of people have expressed interest so I think the best way to go about it is to post a fore sale post. Ideally I would like to get rid of everything together, but I realized headhunts are very personal choice.
03-29-2017, 10:18 PM
Double DIN undo - revert to stock
