7 replies to this topic

[beardylondon]

I’ve always been cautious about over installing ICE, and spoiling the look, but I’m older now and think why not, my car isn’t concours and I just want a decent system.

I currently have a Retrosound headunit I’ve had ages, and bought for looks not features, as I didn’t get Bluetooth at the time, as was more expensive! I have since added a separate Bluetooth receiver, which is a pain and needs manually restarting/connecting every time I enter the car.

There are 2 x 25-year-old Pioneer 17cm 3 way speakers in the rear parcel shelf.

So what I’m looking for is a retro head unit which can handle more speakers and with a quick and painless Bluetooth connection.

I was thinking of possibly adding 6x9s under rear seats and maybe tweeters under front parcel shelf, maybe even a small amp?

I don’t want to go nuts cost wise, maybe a few hundred.

I’ve done some research and found some suggestions, but all advice greatly appreciated.

Edited by beardylondon, 02 October 2026 - 08:26 AM.

[slidehammer]

What about a more modern Retrosound headunit? as they have bluetooth and usb conectability and still look fairly fitting with the age of the vehicle. 

If I was honest with the amount of noise a Mini makes at any speed good sound is very hard to achieve without lots of volume to drown the car out. 

I upgraded the headunit and speakers on my MGTF and it sounds brilliant on the drive or stopped in traffic but once you get moving wind noise robs alot of the frequencies away.

[beardylondon]

New retro sound are very expensive for not a lot more!

[beardylondon]

This might be ok

https://amzn.eu/d/0hDOPYT5

And it’s £33 on Ali express!

https://a.aliexpress.com/_EyMSbyS

One of the reviews says no need for an amp.

Just need to work out what speakers now!

Edited by beardylondon, 02 October 2026 - 12:55 PM.

[StudioTwo]

I just fitted these speakers and they sound great - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07573XF6G

 

Removed the grills from the original speakers, popped the new speakers in place (they only just align with the original holes in the parcel shelf but bolts are a little wonky). I also have carpet as a spacer between the speaker and the parcel shelf. Popped the new grills over the top of them and thinking of using a bit of velcro between the grill and the speaker to keep them in place.

[beardylondon]

Cheers. Funnily enough I just had these Pioneers delivered, not fitted yet

https://amzn.eu/d/0c3BM71Q

I have installed the new AliExpress head unit (same one available on Amazon but £37 cheaper) and it’s great, but not heard it with new speakers.

Are you running an amp?

Edited by beardylondon, 13 October 2026 - 09:51 AM.

[StudioTwo]

Nice, they look good. If you use the original grills, you should find a snug fit. I didn't use an amp, and have found the sound levels good enough for your own entertainment when you're flying along at 60mph with the windows open. If you want people to hear you coming from a mile away over the roar of the engine, then you would probably need an amp and sub!

 

I like the look of that head unit. May get one myself. Was it an easy install? Slide in and and connect jobby?

[beardylondon]

Cheers, yes head unit was a straight swap from what I had before and this one has built in Bluetooth, which connects quickly. No note of RMS on listing, from my research it’s quite low, 25 RMS I believe. There are all sorts of different designs from same company.
Mine came in a box marked Dovox and I found the original distributor website:

https://www.dovox.st...ry/all-products

The only issue I have, is that it doesn’t quite fit flush my 25 year old under dash mounting, so I may have to remove the internal metal cage and adapt it.