Need a headunit...Blaupunkt?

[01rangerxl]

The factory CD player in my truck has decided it wants to keep one of my Grateful Dead CDs. Sometimes it will eject the CD part of the way, then snatch it right back before I can get it. Most of the time eject does nothing. I'm not going to try to fix it.

In my previous truck I just swapped in a premium headunit with RDS from an F-150. Plugged right in and everything worked perfectly the whole time I had it. However, that CD player was taken out of a new truck, so it was basically in new condition when I got it. I'd like to go that route again, but I'm not going to buy used and run the risk of getting another CD eater.

I'm thinking aftermarket may be the way to go this time. It will make upgrading easier later on too. I wasn't happy with the Sony speakers in my old truck, so I'm not too interested in their receivers. My Kenwood receiver in my living room broke, so I'm hesitant to go to them either. Dual is definitely off the list. Anyone have any experience with Blaupunkt? In particular the New Orleans, Daytona, and Hamburg models? I'm looking for something with good sound quality, decent bass, reliability, and something that is okay with factory speakers as well as aftermarket upgrades to come later on. This truck will never have a competition sound system...but a single 10" sub may be a possibility along with some better speakers.

 

[KLowD9x]

Crutchfield has a deal on a JVC head unit with a Bonjiovi sound processing system. Something ridiculous like 500 dollars off.

I think you should check it out.

I have tow JVC head units and they are quite potent.

 

[drewjp]

Clarion has a great reputation for sound quality.

Pioneer usually gives you a lot of sound tweaking options for the money also.

I'd recommend Infinity speakers if you want bang for your buck, too.

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: KLowD9x
Crutchfield has a deal on a JVC head unit with a Bonjiovi sound processing system. Something ridiculous like 500 dollars off.

I think you should check it out.

I have tow JVC head units and they are quite potent.


Found it...definitely looks like it could be what I need. Thanks.

Quote:
I'd recommend Infinity speakers if you want bang for your buck, too.

I was actually planning on upgrading to Infinity Reference speakers. I was really happy with the Polk Audio speakers I ended up putting in my old truck, but I want to give Infinity a try. I was thinking of adding an Infinity Basslink too.

 

[drewjp]

Originally Posted By: KLowD9x
Crutchfield has a deal on a JVC head unit with a Bonjiovi sound processing system. Something ridiculous like 500 dollars off.

I think you should check it out.

I have tow JVC head units and they are quite potent.


I'm pretty sure that discount is bogus, since JVC sells it only through Crutchfield, and the car audio forums are saying the Bonjiovi is really just a fancy "loudness" button. I don't have any firsthand experience, but I did do some research on that since I was intrigued by it.

 

[Gubaru]

In the past I have always gone with Alpine.

 

[AcuraTech]

Lots of good choices but I'm sold on Pioneer head units. The first one I had (purchased in 1998) lasted almost 10 years in 3 different cars. Finally gave it up because the display was too dim to read. Otherwise still worked fine.

Current Pioneer I purchased in 2006, still works like brand new. Lots of sound tweaking options on the Pio's as well. Not bad considering the torture they go through here in the Midwest (temps inside the cars from -20 to 140) and our wash-boarded pothole strewn roads.

Good thing is that these days you can purchase a top of the line basic receiver for around $200. Which is what my bottom of the line model cost back in 98.

 

[01rangerxl]

Thinking about this Clarion now...
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020CZ309/Clarion-CZ309.html?showAll=N&tp=5684

I like the front USB port...I take it you can plug in any flash drive with MP3 files and it can play them? That would be convenient.

 

[andyd]

My latest 528e came with a Blaupunkt Indianapolis. Not impressed

 

[mstrjon32]

Just put a Pioneer DEH-5100UB in my Jeep, it's really nice. I had originally order the Pioneer HD Radio kit from Crutchfield, which included a DEH-4000UB and the Pioneer HD receiver, but the reception with HD was terrible no matter what I tried so I sent it back and got the 5100. Nice unit, front and back USB, MP3/AAC compatible, great tuner, clear screen. Sounds great with a new set of Premier 4-way 6.5' speakers, too.

My only gripe is the high-gloss finish which looks out of place in my Jeep and multifunction controller on the face is a little touchy if you're trying to use the menus while you're moving. It's fine for changing volume/songs/source, though.

 

[brianl703]

I bought a leftover Blaupunkt mp3 headunit with the variable color display.

I forget the exact model, but it worked fine until I replaced it with another headunit that has Sirius control capability.

 

[01rangerxl]

I decided on the Alpine CDE-102. It has lots of features and a clean appearance. I really like the USB port. Sound quality is way better than stock.

 

[MNgopher]

Looks similar to the JVC unit I put in the Explorer a few months ago. USB port right on the front, HD radio built in (which has been very nice) and pretty good reception too - better than any stock radio I've owned. Has some ability to tweek for the factory speakers and then bump things up for higher powered ones later...

 

[BuickGN]

I've been a fan of the Pioneer HUs.

Don't go with Infinity speakers. When I did I was warned and told I would upgrade later on and I did. If you like harsh ear bleeding highs then by all means try them. I like a silk dome tweeter like my Image Dynamics CTX65 component set. More detailed than the Infinities and I can listen to it at concert volumes all day without fatiguing my ears, something the Infinities would do at normal volumes. IMO, Infinities are good for when you are stuck with factory power as they're very efficient.

 

[AcuraTech]

"Then I let the Alpine play, bumpin' new **** by N.W.A., it was 'Gangsta Gangsta' at the top of list, then I played my own ****, it went somethin' like this:"

My 2 cents about speakers: Almost ANYTHING is better than factory. Even "premium" factory speakers are a joke compared to bottom of the line aftermarket. Also, just about any aftermarket speaker is going to sound like junk if it's underpowered. More RMS wattage = cleaner sound. Consider adding an amp for the best sound quality.