Classic car owners often find themselves deciding between two mission-critical upgrades: preserving factory looks and adding modern audio features. Custom Autosound offers two distinct solutions on either end of the spectrum: the USA-230 and the Slidebar Radio. Both are built to fit stock dashes with no cutting, but each caters to different priorities. Here’s how they stack up.
Key Specs of Each
USA-230
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AM/FM stereo with 200 Watts peak power (4×50 W) for solid front/rear speaker setups.
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Auxiliary input (rear RCA to 1/8" jack) for devices like phones, MP3 players, or satellite tuners.
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16 station presets (12 FM / 4 AM), electronic tuner, digital clock.
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Four-channel RCA pre-outs, a 4-way fader, power antenna lead.
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Appearance matches higher-end models; CNC bezels, correct knobs, stock styling.
Slidebar Radio
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Peak power of 300 Watts, giving more headroom for louder, more demanding systems.
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Dual functionality: analog slidebar face that slides aside to reveal a full digital display beneath. Gives you a classic look when you want it, and modern functionality when you need it.
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Full feature set: USB port, iPod dock/control, auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth (via BLUKIT), RDS tuner with song/artist display, multiple LCD color options, subwoofer line-out with level and crossover adjustments, DSP EQ, volume/balance/fader controls.
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Four channel RCA pre-outs plus separate subwoofer output make this radio more flexible for systems with external amps or subs.
Strengths Compared
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If you’re building a show car with period-correct aesthetics and want basic modern features without adding display gimmicks, the USA-230 delivers great value. It's simpler, more budget friendly, and runs the essentials—radio, aux input, good power, decent pres-outs.
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If you want maximum flexibility and modern connectivity—streaming, USB, customizable display, built-in subwoofer control, digital song info—the Slidebar Radio steps up. It’s built for people who want their system to do more, and be more visible, while preserving vintage styling when parked or judged.
Which One is Best for Your Build?
| Your Priority | Go With USA-230 | Go With Slidebar |
| Respect original dash look & minimal modification |  |
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| Lower cost while getting decent power and basic features | |
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| Aftermarket expansion later (amps/subs etc.) without replacing head unit | Either | Slidebar gives more upfront options |
| Want USB, streaming, song/artist display, Bluetooth | |
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| Looking for more pre-outs, subwoofer line-out and DSP options | |
Final Thoughts
Both the USA-230 and Slidebar Radio from Custom Autosound make excellent choices if you want to upgrade your classic car's audio while keeping its vintage look. The USA-230 shines as a no-nonsense, budget-conscious radio with reliable performance. The Slidebar pushes things further—more connectivity, a dual display aesthetic, and more control over your sound.
At Vintage Car Radio, we often recommend the USA-230 for builds where cost and simplicity matter most. But for enthusiasts who use their car a lot—cruising, commuting, streaming music, or putting in serious sound systems—Slidebar gives you that extra polish and power.
Whichever you choose, you’ll get a radio that fits the dash, preserves your car’s character, and shores up what original radios couldn’t offer: modern sound in a classic shell.