hans14914

I get asked the question, quite frequently, "What is the best option for a headunit for my 928." I used to have answers to this question years ago when manufactures were making good products and cared about sound quality. In recent years, most of the good products were phased out for flashy and gimmick-laden units which looked and sounded awful.

So, I recently set off to research what is currently available, looks appropriate in a 928, sounds good, and has the modern features people want.

The recommended option as of 1/7/2013 is the Pioneer DEH-80PRS.
This unit has a predominately black face, and clean styling. Backlighting is discrete for the screen and buttons, and either are indefinitely adjustable using RGB parameters. It is easy to mimic the 89+ digi-dash colors by setting the screen as amber, and buttons as warm white. While there are the "mandatory" flashy animated screens, thankfully there is simple display option, which just displays text, in a normal looking font. Sonically, the unit uses Burr-Brown 24bit DACs, and also is based on a DSP core which allows time-alignment, flexible crossover options, and lots of EQ. Feature-wise, it supports iPhone/iPod with complete control and digital audio via USB, dedicated Pandora mode, as well as front mount auxiliary input for other devices. It also has built-in Bluetooth receiver for pairing with any smartphone. Streetprice on this unit is as low as $295 so its also a great value. More information on the unit can be found here on Pioneer's website:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...vers/DEH-80PRS

Pioneer also offers a less featured version, the DEH-X9500BHS. It offers the same aesthetics, but the audio section is drastically simplified. The only advantage to this unit, is the built-in HD Radio tuner. I would not recommend this option over the more DEH-80PRS unless it was used in a more budget minded installation, or in a car where the exhaust/engine is really what you want to listen to and you need something for occasional listening and to fill a hole in the dash. With a streetprice as low as $195, it is also a strong value. More info available from Pioneer's website:

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...s/DEH-X9500BHS


Currently available, but quickly vanishing option, is the Nakamichi MB-VI or MB-X. It would appear as though these have been officially discontinued, but there is still stock available. Both offer comparable features with different quality. First the similarities. Both units are an 6-disch in-dash CD changer, and have red, amber, white and combinations of the above available to match the 928 lighting (as well as some other colors such as blue and green). Styling is very compatible with the 928, with a similar aesthetic to 80s and 90's Becker and Blaupunkt, as used by Porsche. Both also feature auxiliary inputs for connection to additional sources, but there is no direct iPod control. The difference comes in the way of quality. The MB-VI is a self-contained unit, with 1-bit DAC and analog auxiliary inputs. The MB-X separates the transport from the electronics, and offers a 24-bit DAC, as well as a digital auxiliary input in addition to analog. There is also a DC/DC converter to supply clean power to the unit. This unit is recommended, as it is one of the few available that both look correct in a 928 and offer an easy method of connecting an alternative source.

I will try and keep this post/list updated as offerings become available or are discontinued.

Hope it helps,
Hans

G8RB8

Thanks Hans. How's the carputer project coming along? Any suggestions for double DIN nav units?

jayc67

I bought a NOS Nakamichi MB-VI a couple of years ago and it's working OK for the most part. It is VERY sensitive to bumps in the road, the CD skips a lot on anything other than a very smooth surface.

The removable amplifier section is a bit hard to hide inside the dash but I managed. Only running 4 speakers instead of 8, but with new speaker elements I don't hear that I am missing anything.

The styling I particularly like, fits in very well with the rest of the interior. Hardly notice it and the amber color matches pretty close, just a tad brighter than the other dash elements.

Hilton

This depends heavily on which continent you're on Different radio standards (XM, HD Radio, DAB, DAB+, ISDB-TSB), even AM(MW)/FM tuning steps etc. all compound to mean different models are available in various places.

The colour adjustment of buttons and screen is mandatory for 928 install

Pioneer do seem to be leading the pack - for the last couple of years only JVC and Kenwood have had decent colour adjustment, but Pioneer have just launched a few models with it, including, finally, some with DAB+ digital radio (Australia uses DAB+, not just DAB like most of Europe.. ).

Still no models with DSP with DAB+ yet.. grr.

SeanR

I prefer the Kenwood KDC series. Been installing the KDC-BT752HD or KDC-HD552 depending on what the customer wants. I also think they look the best in our cars.

hans14914

Jim,

I want to keep this thread dedicated to the subject of direct-fit replacement units, to try and help people looking for a simple installation.

However, to briefly answer the question, there currently are no double-din units that will fit in the 928 without serious, destructive modification, or any flip-out units which will not interfere with critical systems (climate control, door locks... etc). My proposed carputer system would not have required modification to the car, but I ran into several issues finishing the climate controller and concurrently there was some kind of change to the polymer I was working with, and it is now brittle and wont bend as it did during the prototyping. I have yet to find a replacement material. Current financial state does not allow for any more speculative tinkering on the project.

Thanks
Hans

david_alford

So far I'm very happy with my Blaupunkt Toronto 420BT. At only $149 it has Bluetooth audio streaming and iPhone integration w/ built-in mic, as well as USB and SD card input. Might be suitable for those with cat-less 928s too noisy to justify audiophile-level equipment.

G8RB8

Thanks Hans, didn't mean to side track the thread.
If it's about recommendations from anyone the only thing I can add would be to the folks putting CDR-220 units in. They're getting old and a common problem cropping up is permanent failure to eject the CD. Porsche's recommendation when this occurs is replacement. Ask how I know.

hans14914

Sean,

I did look though all the current Kenwood offerings, but it seems as though they have strayed a bit on the pre-out side of things. Most offer only a 2.5v output. My current recommendation DEH-80PRS does a 5v output to help mask the ever-present 928 electrical noises. Even the step-down DEH-X9500BHS offers 4v output. There is no single best option for everyone, but after spending around 20hours over the past three weeks carefully evaluating the ~150 units currently available, those Pioneers are honestly the best option out there from an unbiased standpoint. There are many historical "vintage" items that I would consider better, but for the money and availability, ease of use... etc, its still my recommendation.

Although, I am a bit critical about stereo stuff. I have had source units, like the Clarion ADCS which retailed at over $14k (actually had three of them, its was one of those back storage room mega-deals, and a great story)

Always good to get other opinions and reviews though.

pcar928fan

TOTALLY agree and I also like my CDR-220! The CDR-220 looks like it absolutely belongs in the car, but the Toronto has all the bells and whistles of today and is dirt cheap!

Jim Morton

Hans:

I have the Pioneer DEH-80PRS installed in my tow rig as of a few weeks ago. It may not be in a 928, but my review of the head unit is very positive. The audio quality of this unit is much better than the more common technology of the Kenwood unit the Pioneer replaced.

All the DSP functions within the DEH-80 made for great tunability for my 4+1 channel installation.

As my install in not in a 928, PM or e-mail me if you have more detailed questions.

Regards

ROG100

Recently added a Nakamichi CD300 alomg with Han's front speakers and rear sub - awesome and I am a deaf old coot.

SeanR

You have to look close because it seems that 1/2 of the Kenwood offerings are 2.5v and the other 1/2 are 5v.

My issue with the Pioneers are the looks, I simply don't like them

ammonman

+1 for the Toronto 420BT. It gives me more fidelity than I can discern, a very nice feature set, and a reasonable price. Plus, it looks "right" in the dash.



Mike

Alan

I think there are few units that look really right in a 928... Though the Pioneer units are black and not too "bling" - to me they still don't look quite right. Some of the older Blaupunkts/Beckers just looked so much more period correct... (used to have a old old Blau Toronto - wasn't great but looked great...).

I do think though that if you aren't going strictly "true to period" - the days of CD's / CD changers etc are seriously over already... New units should support iPod, Satellite, SD card, USB Key, USB Drive, Bluetooth, Hands Free Phone ...

Now finding one that looks good & sounds good is certainly the challenge...

Alan