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A sound salvatior to life on the roac

More and more drivers are travelling to thl beat thest days, for cassettes and radios ca help the motorway miles sweep by almos unnoticed. The problem is what system tc install — the choice is baffling. Let Mike Rutherford, therefore, take you through th sound barrier

THE in-car/cab/coach entertainment (ICE) market is growing fast for this is the ICE Age and there is a war among manufacturers of sound systems.

The market is like a jungle, with, it seems, an endless list of manufacturers all offering a massive variety of systems, which could leave potential buyers bemused. Buying an ICE system is a bit like trying to get across the Channel cheaply — the choice has to be made from a mass of companies providing a variety of deals that baffle understanding. ICE systems now compare favourably with domestic hi-fl set-ups. Considering that many people, especially professional drivers, spend more time at the wheel than they do in their living rooms, it is indeed a good thing that such sophisticated products are available.

But it is easy to get carried away. A combined FM radio/cassette player at between £100£200 with a couple of door mounted speakers is a safe bet. It might look impressive to have a digital rack system in your vehicle, but is it necessary?

Having seen what some of the major manufacturers have to offer, I would advise you to go for a recognised manufacturer with a system that has only the features that you know and require. There are a lot of expensive gadgets and frills on modern equipment that you may pay a lot for — and possibly never use.

Remember that speakers are as important as the unit itself and that flush-mounted speakers are advisable. Another tip is to talk to your local dealer about the power of the unit he is trying to sell to you. A 20W unit is not necessarily much louder than a 10W unit as manufacturers rate their systems differently. A 35W RMS system could peak at 60W but some manufacturers might quote the 60W figure rather than the true (RMS) figure.

The result is that buyers can be fooled. One ICE dealer that I spoke to agreed and said that there should be a standard code for manufacturers. If in doubt ask for the true tie, RMS) figure. Although a 60W light bulb is more powerful than a 40W bulb, it is not such a simple equation with ICE.

Pioneer has launched a new high-performance stereo radio/ cassette player, the KP 7800, which includes many of the features normally found on more expensive models.

The KP 7800 has auto-reverse, music search, advanced FM stereo tuner with automatic reception control (ARC), five station pre-set tuning with push button controls and built-in Pioneer noise supressor.

Pioneer says that its automatic tape slack canceller (ATSC) is the only one of its kind and that it ensures improved reliability and sound quality. A loudne switch improves sound quail at low volume, and a new facill is incorporated — a key-4 mechanism which releases tl pinch roller when the ignition switched off, so that the tape pinch roller are not deformed.

The start of the next-, previous track on a tape,:,* automatically found: 1 unit has a locking fast forwa and rewind, FM auto/mor switch and electric aerial pow lead.

The amplifier offers 6.5W p channel power output. Expect to retail at "well under" £1E this unit has plenty of rivals the same or similar price range Like Pioneer, Clarion is w thought of by dealers and use alike. The PE 971 is an auto-4 verse cassette player wi MW/LW/ FM stereo PLL synth sizer tuner and loudness al Dolby switches, as well as a rh WI/chrome tape selector switcl The list price of this unit 29.95 but it needs to be concted to an optional power amfier. Clarion's Model Z80A is a mm, easily attachable power inlifier with an output of V W. Model GA-302 has a .1 output of 40W+40W, 'lila the GA-807 has a staggerg maximum output of W+80W.

The PE 967 is an auto-reverse ereo cassette player with W/LW/FM radio. A Clarion-deloped NL (noise limited) cirit, in place of Dolby, simplifies e specification and reduces the ice of the PE 967, which herwise closely follows the deIn of the PE 971. List price is 24.95, excluding VAT.

Clarion's 1982 brochure gives mprehensive details of its Imbination units, radios, cas e players, component stems, graphic equalisers and .eakers.

Although it is easy to spend indreds of pounds on a Clarion E system, it is equally possible buy a basic radio for less than The Toronto is the latest dio/cassette combination to be fered in the UK market by aupunkt, a division of Robert )sch Ltd. The Toronto has fully ectronic controls, night time ilmination (with dimmer), LW, W and FM stereo wavebands us mono/stereo switch, icroprocessor-controlled emory touch buttons providg six FM and six MW/LW preilected stations, self-seek tung with high and low sensitivity ttings and rocker switch facilr for easy operation, automatic aise supression unit (ASU) on 11, digital frequency display on all wavebands, separate bass and treble controls, a Dolby noise reduction facility, a metal/chrome tape facility and a permalloy tape head giving wide frequency response on tape. Other tape features include lockable fast forward and rewind, auto-reverse with track selector switch, and automatic tape eject when the unit is not operating.

The set can deliver 4x7W through four separate amplifiers. A built-in fade (for front to rear volume) is incorporated along with balance controls. Its price, excluding VAT is around £275.

Blaupunkt's Stockholm 21 is another neat looking unit, while the Montreal SM 21 boasts a number of features including an electronic tuning system (voltage synthesis), microcomputer-controlled station finder in both directions for FM and automatic ETC fine tuning.

Hitachi has just launched a new radio/cassette, which at £150 or less offers performance that is normally found in systems costing 50 per cent more. The Hitachi CSK-41313X, it has a push button, 3 band hi-fi type tuner with Dolby system, chrome/metal tape facility and auto-reverse. Stereo output is a maximum 8W per channel (6W RMS).

The unit also features Hitachi's latest offering Automatic Sound Level Control — an innovation which is said to eliminate the irritation of fluctuating sound levels and constant volume adjustment, and which is suitable for almost every type of road vehicle.

"To compensate for noises created by different driving conditions from engine, transmission, tyres, wind and the like — the ASLC circuit automatically raises or lowers the audio system's volume, so that the sound can always be clearly heard," says the manufacturer.

The radio features a wealth of sophisticated circuitry, including a dual-gate MOS FET system which gives improved FM performance and stereo separation. Further circuits reduce noise interference and enhance weak FM signal reception.

Apart from the usual facilities like FM, MW and LW radio, tone control and aerial trimming, the CSK-413BX is fitted with a power-cable connector at the rear for use with an automatic electric aerial.

Hitachi has published details of its 1982 range in two, new, full-colour publications — a pocket-sized guide and a comprehensive 16-page catalogue. Both brochures contain illustrated descriptions of every Hitachi ICE product from high performance stereo radio/cassette units to aerials and speaker kits. The full range includes both mono and stereo radios, cassette players, power boosters and various accessories like aerial extension cables and noise suppressors.

The brochures are available from Hitachi dealers, selected high street retail outlets or the Sales Manager, Hitachi In-car Equipment Division, Hitachi Sales (UK) Ltd, Hitachi House, Station Road, Hayes, Middlesex.

Highlight of the new range of Panasonic equipment is the CQ88. With its FM optimiser cir cuitry to reduce external noise and maintain optimum FM stereo reproduction, 18 station preset and auto-seek tuning, three-band tuner offers radio reception of the highest quality, says Panasonic.

Apart from quartz synthesizer electronic tuning with digital frequency/24-hour time display, the CO-883 features auto-replay, (which is similar to auto-reverse) auto-stop and locking fast forward and rewind, with a radio monitor switch for checking radio programmes with the cassette in pause mode. There is also a volume control switch. The unit has a maximum output of 8W per channel (4 ohms) and its recommended retail price is £199.95. Panasonic says that a separate amplifier or graphic equaliser can be used with this unit for improved results.

The CQ-483 boasts a maximum output power of 25W per channel (4 ohms), enough for four-speaker connection without any additional application. Features include FM optimiser and EIA (electronic interference absorption) circuitry to minimise external interference and noise and to improve signal reproduction. The auto-replay cassette player has Dolby and metal/chrome selectors. The unit also has separate bass and treble controls, and at a recommended price of £133.50, seems good value.

Panasonic's CQ-583 also has many features including FM/MW/LW radio with pre-sets and auto-repeat (again, similar to the more common and useful auto-reverse) cassette player, and has a recommended price of £110.95.

Philips has an impressive 1982 car audio catalogue which is highly informative whether you intend to buy a Philips system or not. It lists a wide range of equipment and gives advice on where it can be fitted, along with a wealth of general ICE information.

Sanyo is expanding its range of equipment with an array of new products which includes slim-line speakers. The FT280LE is its top unit with auto-reverse stereo cassette player which has phase lock loop frequency synthesizer. There are numerous features on this unit including a digital quartz clock. The FT280LE works alongside Sanyo's FTA630E amplifier and the price of the two units is £249.95.

At the other end of the scale, the Sanyo FT210 underdash 6W output stereo cassette player, which has auto-stop locking fast forward, with tone and balance control, will sell for about E30. Sanyo's speakers range from about £18-£50.

Sharp units are recognised as a good buy in the lower price range. The latest addition to its list is the RG6050E stereo radio!cassette player, featuring the Sharp auto-program search system which allows the driver to search, select and playback tapes at the push of a button. it has a lockable fast forward/rewind mechanism, metal tape selector, auto-eject to save wear on tape heads, and Dolby.

The three-wave-band radio (MW, LW and FM Stereo) incorporates a stereo/mono selector on FM for use in areas where reception is poor, and the Sharp ANSS (automatic noise suppresor system) which reduces noise on FM caused by a vehicle's electrical system. There is also an antenna trimmer control, a built-in loudness control, and tone control — all for E90.

Uher is another company with an extensive range of high quality equipment. Its flagship is the 40W output UHER CR5000 radio cassette. It includes electronic control for AM, FM and FM s reo auto and manual tuning, L digital frequency readout whl doubles as a 24-hour tir display, station memory a auto seek, automatic tone a noise separation, and indept dent volume and balance cont of front and rear speakers wht a four-speaker system is us The CR5000's cassette pla) has a number of features, inch ing fast forward and rewind, a the unit retails for about £160.

The Uher CP8000 is a 3( component system which can removed from a vehicle via I hanger mounting and convert to a transformer which conve it into a mains-powered dorm tic hi-fi. It sells at about £150.

Unlike some manufacture Uher claims that its watta figures are true (ie RMS) figun the 30 RMS unit will peak at 45W and the 40W unit at arou 50W.

Mike Turner, managing din tor of Turners Car Radio, Cr( don, feels that a constant I problem is the buyers' unc tainty about exactly what th require. His advice is to coniul dealer, preferably a Car Rat Independent Specialists As ciation (CRISP) member, and I him what vehicle thP system to be installed in and what I user will be listening to most the time.

"Like buying a new vehic analyse what features and ful tions you need," is Mike's vice. "Give the dealer as mu detail as possible." Turners are well used to fitting stems into commercial vehicle eets. Most heavy goods hides opt for push-button dios, although the trend is mly moving towards stereo ssette/radios. As the majority

heavy goods vehicles are volt and most ICE systems :volt, there is an obvious probT1, but this can be easily ,ercome by a voltage divider in

e power line. (Always use a iltage divider that has a recogsed brand name, advises Ike.) What does Mike Turner think pout the equipment currently the market? Manufacturers e responding to the needs of insumers by introducing more id more functions, he says. iatures like music search, fast rward and rewind, chrome/ etal, loudness and Dolby butns, until recently only avail)Ie on systems at the top end of e market, now retail at half eir former price.

As for the manufacturers emselves, Mike Turner feels at Philips and Sharp offer good value at the lower end of the market, Sharp, in particular, being attractively priced. Clarion and Pioneer are robust units that Turners, like many others, think highly of, while brands like Binatone, Amstrad and Harry Moss are not seen so favourably.

Many buyers ignore the fact that quality speakers are of immense importance. Mike recommends that flush-mounted speakers should be used whenever possible, and that pod or box speakers — the ones that sit on parcel shelves — should be shunned. Anyone who has tried both varieties will appreciate the high quality sound that is delivered from flush mounted speakers. Pods distort, and "create a row," according to Mike.

Turners charges about £20 for fitting a unit, loudspeakers, aerial and suppressors. It recommends a new rubber mast roof aerial for goods vehicles, which is priced at about £8.50 and aptly named "The Trucker." Staff are very willing to discuss customers' requirements, and trade discounts are offered on its normal, cut-price rates.

The largest ICE specialist in the London area (and one of the biggest in the country) is the Car Radio Station. Its main premises are near Vauxhall Bridge, with branches in the Edgware Road and Dulwich.

It is a slick operation and gears itself very much to the needs of the customer with competitive prices, well-laid-out showrooms and keen staff.

Recognising the annoyance that faulty systems can cause to their users, the Car Radio Station has an efficient workshop which can normally repair a set within four days. If it cannot, a loan service is available. Should a brand new system be faulty, the company is quick to replace it.

Its professional approach to ICE attracts a variety of customers from impulse buyers who pass the impressive premises, to transport managers who have complete vehicle fleets fitted out with ICE systems.

About 150 vehicles are fitted every week, mostly fleet cars, private vehicles, and to a lesser extent, vans and lorries. What with tachographs and relatively small wage increases recently, George Christos reckons that the lot of the lorry driver has not been a happy one. By installing an efficient sound system in a vehicle, operators can give a lorry driver something back, he says.

There is also the added bonus that with an efficient radio, a driver could avoid traffic jams, thereby saving the operator time and money (and at the same time making his driver a little happier in his work).

Company car users are being forced to keep their cars longer, but, by way of compensation, more and more companies are installing ICE to keep the users happy. They are often content to keep their company cars longer if they have the incentive to do so, says George Christos. A £150 ICE system sometimes does the trick.

In the opinion of Car Radio Station, Pioneer leads the field. Clarion, Blaupunkt and perhaps Philips rival Pioneer, while Sharp gives good value for money. George's one reservation about Sharp is that it provides too many features for the prices it charges and that, as a result, there is a lack of basic quality. Pioneer is also at the forefront with its range of speakers: "So far ahead that no other company can fight against it," says George Christos.

Most of the systems fitted by the Car Radio Station are FM radio/stereo cassette combination units. Fitting takes as little as one-and-a-half hours, though exceptionally, on a sophisticated system, it may require up to three days. Cost of fitting is usually about £20.

Installing a 12volt system into a 24volt vehicle is no problem, says George Christos. A voltage dropper or divider is one answer, although other methods of installation are possible, and often better, he says.

What types of systems does he recommend for goods vehicles? The essential, basic equipment, with a simple-tooperate radio and a fast-forward-only cassette player, is his answer. The simpler the unit, the less there is to go wrong.

Both George Christos and his sales manager, Gary Sparks, strongly believe that a CRISP member should be consulted b any buyer, whether a flee operator or private individua They are both convincEtcl that nationwide guarantee (Whic CRISP members offer) is impoi tant — especially for a fleE operator.

The Car Radio Station is nc the cheapest but it is not mw sive discounts that bring in th customers. Being an acknovs ledged ICE specialist, -.land on of the men behind CRISP George Christos should know.

The advice that buyers shoull contact a CRISP member is sensible tip. The association wa formed to give buyers guidano in choosing the right dealer ti supply and maintain ICE equip ment.

Every member has beei checked by the Asiociation ti guarantee that his sales, service installation and staff facilities an of the highest standards. 13, making sure you trade with ai authorised CRISP member, then is the advantage of a guarantel with a national warranty facility.

"It isn't always true that yol get what you pay for Sometimes the quality of i system isn't obvious from it price. . . whether its too high o even too low. Your CRISP deale can help you save money IT suggesting systems that an compatible with your chequ, book and give good value for till money you want to spend. He'l also make sure that you .'don' waste money on a system whicl doesn't give its best perform ance in your model of vehicle,' proclaims the organisation.

There are less than 100 CRISI members, because it is ex tremely selective in who it re cruits. A list of members is avai' able from CRISP's Nationa Secretary, Trevor Mollett, 87 Thi Drive, Ilford, Essex. Tel: 01-55: 1966.