CD MP3 Player
02-11-2002, 04:02 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
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CD MP3 Player
I was thinking of changing my radio/CD player to one that can play MP3, CDR-RW. Don't want satellite radio yet though.
I want the text display, etc. but this time it should look more like it belongs in the 928 ( current one looks like Star Trek
)
Any good suggestions on types or sources? I looked at Crutchfield.com and they have a Blau San Jose that looks pretty good.
<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />
I want the text display, etc. but this time it should look more like it belongs in the 928 ( current one looks like Star Trek
)Any good suggestions on types or sources? I looked at Crutchfield.com and they have a Blau San Jose that looks pretty good.
<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />
02-12-2002, 10:26 AM
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I'm currently running a Philips Expanium MP3 player(External discman type unit), feeding via a dummy cassette unit. So far I am not willing to sacrifice access to cassettes, which most of the current single CD players do. There is an Aiwa MP3 player/head unit, and Sony make one, dont know of others yet.
jp
jp
02-13-2002, 04:20 PM
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Jerry-
I have 2 players I reccomend thru personal experience. #1 Kenwood's Z919 or other Excelon player. Ranked as the best in all publications-
I use mine and love it to death. 650.00
#2 the Rockford Fosgate 9000 model. This baby is going into my 928 as we speak. Again a top rated model, but lesser features and Price tag. 200-350.00
Match them against all comers for cost over specs and you'll buy with confidence.
Check ebay- save a hundred bucks.
I even got a set of polk MOMO 6.5 in systems for 190.00. reg 650.00
I have 2 players I reccomend thru personal experience. #1 Kenwood's Z919 or other Excelon player. Ranked as the best in all publications-
I use mine and love it to death. 650.00
#2 the Rockford Fosgate 9000 model. This baby is going into my 928 as we speak. Again a top rated model, but lesser features and Price tag. 200-350.00
Match them against all comers for cost over specs and you'll buy with confidence.
Check ebay- save a hundred bucks.
I even got a set of polk MOMO 6.5 in systems for 190.00. reg 650.00
02-13-2002, 07:11 PM
#4
Burning Brakes
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Rep, sound like you know your systems. I really like this Kenwood because it has a black frame and red lights ( matches my car) plus it plays CD R-RW and is satellite ready. It doesnt say MP3 so I will have to check this, but anyway, any comments on this one?
KDC-V7017
$268.99
Variable Color Display
CD Changer control
Sirius Satellite Radio Ready
D Mask Motorized Faceplate
5x7 dot matrix LCD
47watts x 4
Reads CD-R/RW
Wireless Remote Control
2 Pre outs
The Rockfords look good but none have a black frame which I think I need?
KDC-V7017
$268.99
Variable Color Display
CD Changer control
Sirius Satellite Radio Ready
D Mask Motorized Faceplate
5x7 dot matrix LCD
47watts x 4
Reads CD-R/RW
Wireless Remote Control
2 Pre outs
The Rockfords look good but none have a black frame which I think I need?
02-13-2002, 08:38 PM
#5
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Hi Jerry,
There are lots of head units out there, unfortunately most of them now look something like star-trek!! : ) lots of things to consider, like:
Do you need the preamp outputs for an external amp/amps? (strongly suggested 2 pair 4 volt)
A remote is kind of a waste when you are 2 feet away from the head unit, although in a short period of time you will be able to remember the buttons and hit them while driving and not looking at the head unit.
Expandability and the costs incurred. e.g. Alpine accessories are more expensive than sanyo!!(CD changer, XM radio, EQ, etc.)
As far as brands.....it's a crapshoot, like most of the audio enthusiasts out there, experience with different brands is key. Spend some time researching the net for possible units you are interested in and then spend an equal amount at Circuit City, Best Buy, actually using the head units. In this subject, more often than not you will get what you pay for.
For the money, I tend to think that Pioneer will give you great results. (DEH-P7400MP 250.00 Ebay) Of course it depends on how much $$$ you are willing to fork out. I'm at around $2500 with alpine/infinity/precision power and still not satisfied!!!!
Concerning the install (black plate/s) most units will come with generic install pieces, other install kits are available through Wal-Mart/Radio Shack or online outlets like Crutchfield.
There are lots of head units out there, unfortunately most of them now look something like star-trek!! : ) lots of things to consider, like:
Do you need the preamp outputs for an external amp/amps? (strongly suggested 2 pair 4 volt)
A remote is kind of a waste when you are 2 feet away from the head unit, although in a short period of time you will be able to remember the buttons and hit them while driving and not looking at the head unit.
Expandability and the costs incurred. e.g. Alpine accessories are more expensive than sanyo!!(CD changer, XM radio, EQ, etc.)
As far as brands.....it's a crapshoot, like most of the audio enthusiasts out there, experience with different brands is key. Spend some time researching the net for possible units you are interested in and then spend an equal amount at Circuit City, Best Buy, actually using the head units. In this subject, more often than not you will get what you pay for.
For the money, I tend to think that Pioneer will give you great results. (DEH-P7400MP 250.00 Ebay) Of course it depends on how much $$$ you are willing to fork out. I'm at around $2500 with alpine/infinity/precision power and still not satisfied!!!!
Concerning the install (black plate/s) most units will come with generic install pieces, other install kits are available through Wal-Mart/Radio Shack or online outlets like Crutchfield.
02-14-2002, 12:12 AM
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Go higher get the excelon model. The specs are better than that one. don't buy based on matching looks- you'll be taking the faceplate out anyway!
Hey, It's going in a Porsche after all!
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Hey, It's going in a Porsche after all!
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
02-14-2002, 03:09 AM
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I have to agree with rep on it going in a Porsche, spend the extra bucks for a good head unit, after all it is the only piece you really see. What ballpark range are you looking in Jerry?
One item to consider with E-bay and some other online retailers, the manufacturers usually DO NOT warranty the items sold online, unless of course they are explicity listed by the manufacturer as authorized retailers. The online exception generally is Crutchfield, they seem to be well respected by manufacturers within the electronics business and are most commonly listed on manufacturers sites.
One item to consider with E-bay and some other online retailers, the manufacturers usually DO NOT warranty the items sold online, unless of course they are explicity listed by the manufacturer as authorized retailers. The online exception generally is Crutchfield, they seem to be well respected by manufacturers within the electronics business and are most commonly listed on manufacturers sites.
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02-14-2002, 08:45 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
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I already have a very nice Alpine with AMP and all 8 new speakers. I should add a sub woofer but just havent decided where yet. I wont put it in the spare tire area though. My amp is mounted on the passenger tray area and looks good.
I am just upgrading for looks really but would like to have MP3 capability and possible sat. ready.
You guys may not remember my car inside but I have the red shifter, momo, grey carpet and grey with red 928S4 letters with red exterior. I have always thought the Porsche interiors to be a little utilitarian. So I just need a decent CD player that enhances the looks.
I do appreciate your replys because I would never have looked at Rockford.
I am just upgrading for looks really but would like to have MP3 capability and possible sat. ready.
You guys may not remember my car inside but I have the red shifter, momo, grey carpet and grey with red 928S4 letters with red exterior. I have always thought the Porsche interiors to be a little utilitarian. So I just need a decent CD player that enhances the looks.
I do appreciate your replys because I would never have looked at Rockford.
02-14-2002, 12:57 PM
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My final words:
Any real upperend deck will be less apt to appear gaudy- whereas the mid range decks a re built for the kids- y'know the little rooster types.
So if you look at the Rockford - you'll notice that it's a simplistic yet stylish face and packed with quality- even has it's own heat sinks built in, and actually provides true performance to match the quoted specs (these are usually hyped up).
You'll have to deal with the deep chrome look- but I think that it'll serve itself well with the grey carpeting. If you feel the need to tie it in better- get a new shift ****.
The Kenwood excelon series I use, has survived serious flooding, extremely high humidity, and daily jolting from my 81 Scirocco race car. You may never put a deck through this type of hell, but let me tell ya- Thats a tough SOB of a head unit. And MP3's means I can have 200 songs on a single disk- all of them for free. It pays for itself in music and storage space savings.
Definately get the MP3 option.
Reptile <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />
Any real upperend deck will be less apt to appear gaudy- whereas the mid range decks a re built for the kids- y'know the little rooster types.
So if you look at the Rockford - you'll notice that it's a simplistic yet stylish face and packed with quality- even has it's own heat sinks built in, and actually provides true performance to match the quoted specs (these are usually hyped up).
You'll have to deal with the deep chrome look- but I think that it'll serve itself well with the grey carpeting. If you feel the need to tie it in better- get a new shift ****.
The Kenwood excelon series I use, has survived serious flooding, extremely high humidity, and daily jolting from my 81 Scirocco race car. You may never put a deck through this type of hell, but let me tell ya- Thats a tough SOB of a head unit. And MP3's means I can have 200 songs on a single disk- all of them for free. It pays for itself in music and storage space savings.
Definately get the MP3 option.
Reptile <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />
02-14-2002, 05:50 PM
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Does anyone have any experience/opinions about the Blau San Jose as an option for an MP3 capable head unit? Looks pretty conservative, although the silver face doesn't really match the 928 console. Thanks, TJ
02-14-2002, 09:51 PM
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I read most of the publications on the topic, and they NEVER mention Blaupunt as being quality anymore. They used to be in the 80's now they are just cheap mass produced decks. They never score beyond satisfactory, and the only decent article I have read on them pertained to the digital signal conversion in the tuner. But who really listens to the radio much anymore?
Reptile <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" /> <img src="graemlins/sleep.gif" border="0" alt="[sleep]" /> <img src="graemlins/sleep.gif" border="0" alt="[sleep]" /> <img src="graemlins/sleep.gif" border="0" alt="[sleep]" />
Reptile <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" /> <img src="graemlins/sleep.gif" border="0" alt="[sleep]" /> <img src="graemlins/sleep.gif" border="0" alt="[sleep]" /> <img src="graemlins/sleep.gif" border="0" alt="[sleep]" />
02-14-2002, 10:36 PM
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[quote]Originally posted by reptileis:
<strong>But who really listens to the radio much anymore?
</strong><hr></blockquote>
It's still handy for traffic reports. <img src="graemlins/sleep.gif" border="0" alt="[sleep]" />
Curt -- Seattle, USA
'91 GT
<strong>But who really listens to the radio much anymore?
</strong><hr></blockquote>
It's still handy for traffic reports. <img src="graemlins/sleep.gif" border="0" alt="[sleep]" />
Curt -- Seattle, USA
'91 GT
