The USA-230 is Custom Autosound’s entry-level classic car radio that delivers key features without going into the premium tier. It’s ideal if you want authenticity, good sound, and minimal cost.
Key specs:
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200 Watts peak (4 × 50 W) power.
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Fits stock dash without modifications.
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Auxiliary input (rear RCA to 1/8") for connecting phones, iPods, or satellite tuners.
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Digital electronic tuner, with 16 presets (12 FM, 4 AM).
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4-channel RCA pre-outs, 4-way fader, and front/rear balance control.
What the USA-230 omits or limits:
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No built-in USB port.
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No built-in Bluetooth or hands-free calling.
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Doesn’t include multiple auxiliary inputs (just the rear).
USA-740: Premium Feature-Rich Option
The USA-740 is a top-of-the‐line offering from Custom Autosound, aimed at those who want modern convenience and more control alongside classic looks.
Key specs:
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300 Watts peak power, 2-ohm stable design.
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Built-in Bluetooth plus remote microphone for hands‐free calling and audio streaming.
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USB port for audio playback (MP3/WMA/FLAC/WAV) from thumb drives, etc.
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Two auxiliary inputs: one front mini-jack and one rear RCA.
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Hi-volt 4-channel RCA pre-outs plus a subwoofer line-out. Includes adjustable crossover and sub control.
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Multiple LCD color choices (7 color options) + dimmer, display song/station info (RDS tuner) and more advanced tone controls (bass, mid, treble, DSP EQ).
| Decision Fac | Why USA-230 Works | Why USA-740 Is Worth it |
| Budget |
Lower cost; fewer bells and whistles. Great if you just want reliable sound and classic look.
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Higher price but includes features that save money on add-ons (Bluetooth, USB, etc.). |
| Modern Features | Basic auxiliary input only; no Bluetooth or USB. |
Full set: USB, Bluetooth, dual aux, subwoofer control, color LCD etc.
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| Upgrade Potential |
Offers RCA pre-outs so you can add amps or subs later.
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More powerful pre-outs, dedicated sub out and crossover capacity for richer system builds. |
| Authenticity / Appearance | Looks just like the stock setup; preserves dash integrity and vintage feel. | Also maintains classic appearance, but with more modern display and features when visible. |
| Complexity | Simpler setup, less to worry about. Easier for DIY installs with fewer features. | More to configure (color settings, EQ, aux switching, etc.). Slightly more complexity but more control. |
Conclusion
If your priorities are keeping costs down, retaining vintage style, and getting good sound without needing every modern feature, the USA-230 is a very solid choice. It provides more than enough power for most classic speaker setups and gives you essential functions.
If, however, you want modern conveniences out of the box—streaming, USB playback, expandability, adjustable display—and plan a system with subwoofers or amps, then the USA-740 is the better investment. You pay more up front, but you get a richer feature set that can satisfy tech-friendly builds and performance expectations.
At Vintage Car Radio, we guide many customers toward the USA-230 for simpler builds and the USA-740 when they want premium functionality. Either radio will preserve your dash and deliver sound you’ll love—with the USA-740 giving you more options earlier on.