When upgrading the stereo in your classic car, the two ends of the Custom Autosound line—USA-230 and USA-850—represent very different levels of features, flexibility, and investment. Both look great, both install without cutting your dash, but each serves different needs. Here’s a breakdown to help you pick what fits best for your build.
What the USA-230 Offers
The USA-230 is the entry-level model in the current lineup. It’s ideal for a project where you want solid sound, correct looks, and minimal complexity.
Key features of the USA-230 include:
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200 Watts peak power (4×50W) – enough to drive decent speakers without needing an amp right away.
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AM/FM stereo tuner with electronic/digital tuning and a digital clock.
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16 station presets: 12 FM and 4 AM.
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Auxiliary input (rear RCA to 1/8" jack) so you can hook up a phone, MP3 player, or satellite tuner.
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Four-channel RCA pre-outs plus a 4-way fader and left/right balance. In other words, you have expansion options for adding amps or a subwoofer later.
What the USA-230 does not include:
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It lacks built-in USB audio playback.
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No built-in Bluetooth or hands-free calling.
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More advanced display options, subwoofer outputs, DSP-EQ, etc., are not part of its feature set.
What the USA-850 Brings to the Top
The USA-850 sits near the top of Custom Autosound’s line for a reason. It layers in modern conveniences and high flexibility while retaining that vintage aesthetic.
Here are its standout features:
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300 Watts peak power (75W×4) with strong output.
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Built-in Bluetooth for streaming and hands-free calls; USB inputs for flash drive use (playback of MP3, WMA, FLAC) plus charging.
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Dual subwoofer pre-outs and 6-volt RCA pre-outs for powerful external amplification. More headroom for upgrades.
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DigaDial™ display with multiple modes: a working analog dial option, multiple digital/RDS screen styles, and the ability to match instrument cluster lighting color.
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DSP EQ settings (Flat, Classic, Pop, Rock), separate bass, mid, treble & midrange controls, plus fader, balance, loudness options.
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It fits over 450 classic vehicle applications with no dash cutting, using a simple 3-wire harness and clearly labeled speaker wiring. Installation is easier despite the extra features.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | USA-230 | USA-850 |
| Peak Power | ~200W (4×50W) | ~300W (4×75W) |
| Bluetooth | No | Built in |
| USB Playback | No | Yes (playback & charging) |
| Display Styles | Basic digital LCD, fixed style | Multiple modes including analog-style dial + digital RDS etc. |
| Subwoofer Output / High-volt Pre-outs | No dedicated subwoofer pre-outs; smaller pre-outs for speakers/amps | Dual subwoofer outputs; 6V RCA pre-outs for stronger external amp use |
| Price / Value | Lower price; great value for what it gives. | Higher price; more features, more upfront cost, but more capability. |
Which Model is Right for You?
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Choose the USA-230 if:
— You want a simpler system; fewer extra features are fine.
— You’re on a tighter budget.
— Your build emphasizes authenticity, basic upgrades, maybe adding amp or rear speakers later. -
Choose the USA-850 if:
— You want modern convenience right away (Bluetooth, USB, stylish displays).
— You plan on expanding your audio system (subs, higher-power amps).
— You like the idea of a premium radio that still looks period correct but offers cutting-edge features.
Final Thoughts
Both the USA-230 and USA-850 preserve that timeless dash-look that classic car lovers want while offering remarkably better sound and functionality than the old stock radios. If your goal is just better radio without complexity, the USA-230 hits that sweet spot. But if you want the stereo experience with tech, displays, upgrade paths, and maximum versatility, the USA-850 is worth the extra.
At Vintage Car Radio, we help customers choose the radio that matches their style, budget, and how much modern tech they want versus vintage authenticity. Either radio will look right in your dash—and sound much better down the road.