MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGF Technical - What watts?

I am thinking of replacing my bog standard MG radio/ cassette with a better quality cd/radio in the near future.
What is the output from the factory fit radio fitted in a '96 F? No doubt many of you have upgraded and I would be interested to know if a substantial output in wattage will help towards producing better quality sound.
I will upgrade the speakers as well but at this stage some guidence from those that have been there would be very helpful.
I am not looking for a ghetto blaster with flashing lights but better reproduction especially at the higher volumes needed when travelling fast.
Thanks
Tom
N148 LBW
Tom Grayling

watts are a misleading figure, not really useful unless you also have a thd figure with them.
You will get a better sound with a new system, but don't get blinded with numbers.

Will
Will Munns

tom
you need a better cd headset pioneer is good i have a Sony Xplod unit bought it in USA also think about fitting rear speakers on T bar improves sound at high speed not that i can really attest to that because legally i cant go very fast in Bda
Luis
35460
Luis Pereira

>>What is the output from the factory fit radio fitted in a '96 F?<<

I'm guessing, but probably in the region of 25W per channel.

Almost any aftermarket head unit will surpass this headline figure and give you better sounds. Check out the local branch of Halfords! I've got a Sony tuner/cassette - purchased in combination with a 10 disc autochanger that I installed in the glove box. Your choice of head unit will be coloured by what music formats you want to listen to - ie radio/ cassette/ minidisc/ CD/ MP3 etc etc. I don't think that there is a hard and fast answer to this question!

I agree with Luis, a pair of speakers in the T-bar (they needn't be expensive ones) make a terrific difference to the audibility of sound, especially with the roof stowed.
Rob Bell

Tom

I have a Pioneer head unit fitted also with the T-bar speakers. You might find it useful to have an EQ selector/adjuster, as on the Pioneer, as this allows you infinate (or fairly simple, whatever floats your boat) adjustment for the tonal values according to road noise (speed). You can build your own EQ curve to suit yourself - mind you you will have to read the instructions several times! The rear speakers help with that 'all-around sound' feeling. You don't need lots of power as it's only a diddy cabin.
M J Roscoe-Hudson

Check out

www.caraudiodiscount.com

They offer a good selection and competitive prices. Very helpful and friendly on the phone too.

I have a Kenwood 4x45w CD tuner. Forget the numbers in terms of direct calculations, but it is a good way to compare output between differnt models. It is loud enough - cranked up to about volume 20 - to hear with the hood down on a motorway at 90mph.

NB: I have a MkII with speakers in the T-Bar - This will make a huge difference, especially on the motorway.
Billy Bob

I seem to remember a figure of 15 Watts for the original Phillips radio. I fitted a Kenwood mixer, sorry MiniDisk, with 45 Watts per channel and it sounded much better. I would imagine if you were to play it full blast for any length of time you would blow the standard speakers but as they start to distort the sound well before this level they should be ok unless you like distorted sound that is.

Any HiFi Buff will tell you that the most important part when it comes to sound quality is a decent source. Speakers come well down the list and are more a matter of preference, but yes I agree in the lousy accoustics of an MGF, speakers may appear to make a substantial difference.
T.E.D.

My first upgrade was to a kenwood head unit ( i think 4x45W)
Next i changed the front speakers to infinities, this made a massive differnce, and a normal person could stop there..
i'm not normal
Next i added rear 6x4 jbs to the TBar,
This was much better for high speed driving, but still lacking something
Next i added a 5x100W sony amp & Equaliser behind the drivers seat
WOW what a difference, sond was clear at all volume levals, also faded out the trebble to the rears to ballance the soundstage.
Still not enogh bass at highspeed with top down so in went Pioneer 150W sub tube behind the passanger seat.

This all sounds great, I;ve also added a DAB tuner and MP3 10 disk changer for long journys

You can find a good upgrade to suit any budget, most importantly read about what you're going to do on the web and seek advice in ICE forums too. lots of people know a lot about this stuff
Kingsley

Thanks guys for your comments.
I think I'm going to go with a Becker Mexico(based on looks mainly but also the quality) and also take your advice and get some speekers put in the T bar.
The Becker puts out 30 watts, so I guess that should be more than enough.
Many thanks
Tom
Tom Grayling

Some JVC headunits did automatic volume up and down with the speed of the car... i thought it was quite cool.

don't know how it works, but good idea..
Hanah Kim

>Some JVC headunits did automatic volume up and down with the speed of the car... i thought it was quite cool.

Great, if you drive slowly you don't hear a thing and if you drive fast you go deaf....:-)
T.E.D.

This thread was discussed between 30/10/2002 and 01/11/2002

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGF Technical BBS now