Clarion PE971 (ETA3)
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CLARION made available for testing its Model PE971 (ETA3) auto-reverse cassette audio stereo with long-wave, mediumwave and FM. The unit came with a stereo power amplifier model GA311 together with a set of three-way car speakers model GS515E (12cm Woofer, 5.1cm Squawker, 4.8cm Tweeter). The complete system was fitted to a Cortina 1.6GL in Tunbridge Wells by Road Radio Ltd.
The unit itself fitted easily into the space left by the standard Ford radio and the power amplifier was neatly hidden behind the Ford mounting unit. Fitting the three-way speakers into the doors posed a problem. Clarion states on its promotional introduction that the speakers are a small size.
Road Radio, however, found the speakers too large to fit into a Cortina's door and instead of being fitted horizontally they had to be fitted vertically. This did not overcome the problem of damaged knuckles when using the window winder. However, these speakers would be ideal for a commercial vehicle door.
The performance of the unit was to a very high standard. The speakers reproduced a high quality sound.
The radio with its select pushbutton station control was simple to operate. There was no distraction to the driver when he chose to change channel while on the move.
The radio reception was only average, because of the limitations of the rubber aerial. This proved to be unsuited to picking up stations like Luxembourg when in Kent, which was easily achieved with a three-part metal aerial.
The cassette player was by far the best part of the unit and the sound produced was better than I have experienced from any cassette unit. The unit plays either side of the tape without the driver having to eject the tape while driving the vehicle. The "loud button" gives a full bass sound, and adds to the quality of beat music. The Clarion is highly recommended for sound reproduction.
The unit complete with fitting instructions costs around £229.95, the amplifier costs £38.95 and the speakers cost £61.95. The aerial, which I cannot recommend, costs around £12.
*Alan Talbot