Stock 8-track Radio - Small Internal Amplifier?

I have the 8-track player on the bench out of my warlock and noticed it seems to really distort decent quality speakers when I try to run up the volume. I’m assuming that’s due to a lack of power.

Is there a way to boost the output internally on the radio without too much tear up? Or should I be shopping for a small inline amplifier?

Not sure how old that 8 track is. decades I assume. Could be a case of dried out caps changing the output. Probably wouldn't hurt to replace them and retest.

Nope U need an external power amplifier, the built-in amplifier within the 8 track player is only 4 watts...
Since the 8 track has no pre-outs U will need a low level adapter to convert the 8 track speaker outputs to line levels..
How much power U need for the external amplifier really depends upon a couple of things; ur average playback level & brand/model of connected speakers.

Just my $0.02...

Thanks! I think I found a small one that will run behind the dash and also offer bluetooth sync up to my phone. That could be entertaining as well.

I'm pretty sure the speakers in that truck use a common ground. You'll need to rewire them with a dedicated ground back to the radio. Just doing this while still using the factory radio you'll probably notice an increase in sound quality.

Good point about the OE factory common speaker ground..
Mike...
Note that if U add an aftermarket amplifier be sure to use ungrounded speakers & wiring. Most likely the aftermarket amplifier has internal bridging circuit as to obtain higher power output.. Whenever an amplifier is bridged all speaker output terminals are above ground, if an output terminal is grounded the amplifier will likely shut down and/or damage may occur..

Just my $0.02...

Stock radios & am or am/fm 8 tracks require 8 ohm speakers & most new high performance speakers are 4 ohm...so you you have to wire them in series if you're using the 4 ohm speakers. That may be the issue. Turnswitch makes & restores factory 8 ohm speaker with better magnets so the sound is much better, so I'd check out their website.

is "crutchfeild" [sp ?] still in business ? if so, they were the guys to ask for good info on radios, amps, and speaker systems back when.
i didn't google them, so i don't know if they are still around or not.

Yup... Crutchfield is still around...
They are great to do business with and very knowledgeable about present day 12V head units, amplifier, speakers but I would check closely to find out their knowledge about our older 50 year Mopar stuff...
There are big technical & compatibility differences between the old and present day stuff...


Just my $0.02...

good point made about the new stuff sinitro. may be tough to find an "oldster" working there these days that remember our old stuff.

http://turnswitch.com/speakers.htm

Is interesting.
I might try a few of their speakers in 1960-1980s portable AM/FM/SW radios like the Panasonic RF-2200 or the GE Super Radio II (7-2885F) or original Super Radio 7-2880B