I need Becker Head Unit technical data
01-22-2003, 11:41 PM
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I need Becker Head Unit technical data
Dan in St Louis called me out for only having 5 posts to my name. So here goes:
I have a question, but before I ask
1) I checked the FAQ
2) I did a search
3) I read my Porsche radio manual
4) I've been to Becker's website
(Am I cleared for take-off? Can I ask now)
I have the CR-210 head unit, and I want to upgrade it. I'm probably going to buy Blaupunkt's new San Francisco head unit. I'm wondering how much improvement the head unit will bring. To know that, I need to know the total harmonic distortion figures on the Becker head unit. I'd also like to know the C/D signa; to noise ratio. Does anyone have this data, or know where I can find it.
Thank you in advance, to anyone who has already spent the time to learn this information, and is now willing to share it. <img border="0" alt="[bigbye]" title="" src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" />
I have a question, but before I ask
1) I checked the FAQ
2) I did a search
3) I read my Porsche radio manual
4) I've been to Becker's website
(Am I cleared for take-off? Can I ask now)
I have the CR-210 head unit, and I want to upgrade it. I'm probably going to buy Blaupunkt's new San Francisco head unit. I'm wondering how much improvement the head unit will bring. To know that, I need to know the total harmonic distortion figures on the Becker head unit. I'd also like to know the C/D signa; to noise ratio. Does anyone have this data, or know where I can find it.
Thank you in advance, to anyone who has already spent the time to learn this information, and is now willing to share it. <img border="0" alt="[bigbye]" title="" src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" />
01-23-2003, 04:03 AM
#2
Call Rod at CarAudioInnovations - he may know.
I spoke to him last month about an installation - I have the CDR210 and the hi-fi package). I was indecisive about the head unit (I'd like something compatable with the Phatbox and am not too keen on the look of Kenwoods and Sonys) and thought about just doing the rest of the system now (amps, speakers, subs) and waiting till later to do the head unit. He advised to just wait and do it all at once as the stock Becker was crap (my words not his).
I spoke to him last month about an installation - I have the CDR210 and the hi-fi package). I was indecisive about the head unit (I'd like something compatable with the Phatbox and am not too keen on the look of Kenwoods and Sonys) and thought about just doing the rest of the system now (amps, speakers, subs) and waiting till later to do the head unit. He advised to just wait and do it all at once as the stock Becker was crap (my words not his).
01-23-2003, 08:31 AM
#3
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C4S4ME,
I had a problem with my Becker 6 CD changer last year and called the Becker Service Center in NJ. They were extremely helpful. Why not try them if you just want some tech data on their unit? You don't have to tell them it's being replaced.
I spoke to someone in the service department, can't recall his name.
Becker of North America,Inc
16 Park way
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
(201) 327-3434
Good luck,
Mike Cap
1997 C2
Arena Red
I had a problem with my Becker 6 CD changer last year and called the Becker Service Center in NJ. They were extremely helpful. Why not try them if you just want some tech data on their unit? You don't have to tell them it's being replaced.
I spoke to someone in the service department, can't recall his name.
Becker of North America,Inc
16 Park way
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
(201) 327-3434
Good luck,
Mike Cap
1997 C2
Arena Red
01-23-2003, 10:28 AM
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Thanks for the leads all.
I just hung up with Ron from Becker. Here's what he could say: The head units are about 20 watts x 4 channels. Since the unit was never intended for aftermarket marketing, and was never sold under another name aftermarket, they don't have data on Signal to noise ratio, total harmonic distortion, radio reception sensitivity or channel seperation, etc. He said that those numbers probably existed in the development phase, but that he didn't have any information on it.
Conclusion: Either they know the data, and its shameful so they won't repeat it, or they really just never had the data. I'd guess though that if the technical specifications were worth bragging about, that they'd have some data with which to brag.
By the way, I'm interested in all of this because I already have 6 aftermarket speakers (in the factory locations) plus a JL Audio subwoofer behind the passenger seat. This is run through a Precision Power 6600 amp. I have a 6-CD Sony changer which actually manages to be compatible with the Becker head unit. The system sounds awesome, but I've always felt it was being held back by the head unit. I liked keeping the head unit so that everything would look factory, but I'm tired of terrible radio reception - losing the 1st second on songs because the head unit delays turning on the sound, etc.
Thanks again everyone. Maybe my research can now answer someone else question in the future.
I just hung up with Ron from Becker. Here's what he could say: The head units are about 20 watts x 4 channels. Since the unit was never intended for aftermarket marketing, and was never sold under another name aftermarket, they don't have data on Signal to noise ratio, total harmonic distortion, radio reception sensitivity or channel seperation, etc. He said that those numbers probably existed in the development phase, but that he didn't have any information on it.
Conclusion: Either they know the data, and its shameful so they won't repeat it, or they really just never had the data. I'd guess though that if the technical specifications were worth bragging about, that they'd have some data with which to brag.
By the way, I'm interested in all of this because I already have 6 aftermarket speakers (in the factory locations) plus a JL Audio subwoofer behind the passenger seat. This is run through a Precision Power 6600 amp. I have a 6-CD Sony changer which actually manages to be compatible with the Becker head unit. The system sounds awesome, but I've always felt it was being held back by the head unit. I liked keeping the head unit so that everything would look factory, but I'm tired of terrible radio reception - losing the 1st second on songs because the head unit delays turning on the sound, etc.
Thanks again everyone. Maybe my research can now answer someone else question in the future.
01-23-2003, 11:32 AM
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C4s4me,
I have also been trying to upgrade a CR-210 and have been told by two different shops that I can not just replace the amp while keeping the head unit because the head unit doesn't have enough power to even drive an aftermarket amp. I am told this is the case because the head unit alone, without the factory amp under the seat, only puts out less than .5 watts which isn't enough and the connections are not standard. From your post above it sounds like you were able to do what I have been told could not be done.
Can you give more detail on your current set up?
I have already upgraded my speakers and it helped but I need better sound!
Thanks.
I have also been trying to upgrade a CR-210 and have been told by two different shops that I can not just replace the amp while keeping the head unit because the head unit doesn't have enough power to even drive an aftermarket amp. I am told this is the case because the head unit alone, without the factory amp under the seat, only puts out less than .5 watts which isn't enough and the connections are not standard. From your post above it sounds like you were able to do what I have been told could not be done.
Can you give more detail on your current set up?
I have already upgraded my speakers and it helped but I need better sound!
Thanks.
01-23-2003, 11:59 AM
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Kevin-
The head unit was never designed to drive the system, although it could but that would be worse than the factory amp set up. With an amp the head unit simply sends the audio signal to the amp, which is then amplified to get to the speakers. The head unit also controls the radio reception, balance, fader, and tone (bass & treble). It could be argued that it does a lousy job of tone control, but the radio reception, volume control (to an extent), presets, delay are all acceptable to me, and of course looks are awesome. I have heard that the head units themselves maybe don't send out as clean of a signal as some others but I don't know for sure. I do know that with my install I was never able to get the ground just right until I ran it straight to the battery. There is a lot going on in our cars electrically and that head unit does seem to pick up where the Sony I tried did not. So, you can pick up some OEM RCA pre outs from Becker, run them to your new (good) amp under the passenger seat, wire new speakers with the factory loom (have to cut the tweeter connector off) & go down the road - with great tunes!
The head unit was never designed to drive the system, although it could but that would be worse than the factory amp set up. With an amp the head unit simply sends the audio signal to the amp, which is then amplified to get to the speakers. The head unit also controls the radio reception, balance, fader, and tone (bass & treble). It could be argued that it does a lousy job of tone control, but the radio reception, volume control (to an extent), presets, delay are all acceptable to me, and of course looks are awesome. I have heard that the head units themselves maybe don't send out as clean of a signal as some others but I don't know for sure. I do know that with my install I was never able to get the ground just right until I ran it straight to the battery. There is a lot going on in our cars electrically and that head unit does seem to pick up where the Sony I tried did not. So, you can pick up some OEM RCA pre outs from Becker, run them to your new (good) amp under the passenger seat, wire new speakers with the factory loom (have to cut the tweeter connector off) & go down the road - with great tunes!
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01-23-2003, 12:13 PM
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Kevin,
I have a Precision Power 6600 amp. There are line-outs on the back of the Becker head unit. In my case, rca jacks have been soldered into the plug. These run straight to the amplifier under the front hood. I checked the manual for my amp, and it shows a sensitivity of .15v. I don't know what other amps normally require, but if the Becker head unit has low output, you can find amps out there like mine with better input sensitivity.
My amp model is no longer for sale and has been replaced with a newer line - also with .15v sensitivity. I don't know what price range you're interested in, but this amp was around $900 retail, with a typical internet price of $600.
Hope this is helpful.
I have a Precision Power 6600 amp. There are line-outs on the back of the Becker head unit. In my case, rca jacks have been soldered into the plug. These run straight to the amplifier under the front hood. I checked the manual for my amp, and it shows a sensitivity of .15v. I don't know what other amps normally require, but if the Becker head unit has low output, you can find amps out there like mine with better input sensitivity.
My amp model is no longer for sale and has been replaced with a newer line - also with .15v sensitivity. I don't know what price range you're interested in, but this amp was around $900 retail, with a typical internet price of $600.
Hope this is helpful.
01-23-2003, 12:47 PM
#9
Pro
Sorry for the thread-jack, but could someone tell me (electrical no-nothing) how I can check to see if my Becker CR-210's ground is properly attached?
In the past I've posted that I experience many gremlins with the radio...
When I turn on the rear window defrost -no sound from radio.
Turn up the fan - no sound or reduced sound from radio.
Turn on fog lights - reduced sound from radio.
Sometimes step on the brake, reduced sound from radio.
Radio also no longer produces sound (though it lights up like it is working) when turned on without engine running.
My battery and charging system are in perfect working order. I was told that many of these electrical systems share are grounded in the same spot, so maybe a loose ground on the radio could be the culprit. But I looked under the dash and couldn't make head or tails out of anything (I'll admit it). Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
In the past I've posted that I experience many gremlins with the radio...
When I turn on the rear window defrost -no sound from radio.
Turn up the fan - no sound or reduced sound from radio.
Turn on fog lights - reduced sound from radio.
Sometimes step on the brake, reduced sound from radio.
Radio also no longer produces sound (though it lights up like it is working) when turned on without engine running.
My battery and charging system are in perfect working order. I was told that many of these electrical systems share are grounded in the same spot, so maybe a loose ground on the radio could be the culprit. But I looked under the dash and couldn't make head or tails out of anything (I'll admit it). Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
01-23-2003, 02:34 PM
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Kevin
As you might expect, I don know! The head unit is grounded I think by the brown wire in the wiring harness attached to the back of it. There is also a seperate green wire that I beleive attatches to the back via a plastic plate. I have heard that it is for the immobilizer and that if it is cut and not taped (or is touching metal) it can cause strange problems. Do you have the factory amp under the passenger seat? You might want to check those connections. A ground issue is sure a tough one to fix sometimes, but unless you are getting engine noise or nothing I would not suspect it in your case. As for stepping on your brake and getting dimished sound perhaps that is from speed dependent volume control. Are you also saying that at one time you could turn on your radio with the motor off, key out and get sound, and that now you can't? I have forgotten, but I know that my unit will now turn on but will not turn on the aftermarket amp. Hope this helps some.
As you might expect, I don know! The head unit is grounded I think by the brown wire in the wiring harness attached to the back of it. There is also a seperate green wire that I beleive attatches to the back via a plastic plate. I have heard that it is for the immobilizer and that if it is cut and not taped (or is touching metal) it can cause strange problems. Do you have the factory amp under the passenger seat? You might want to check those connections. A ground issue is sure a tough one to fix sometimes, but unless you are getting engine noise or nothing I would not suspect it in your case. As for stepping on your brake and getting dimished sound perhaps that is from speed dependent volume control. Are you also saying that at one time you could turn on your radio with the motor off, key out and get sound, and that now you can't? I have forgotten, but I know that my unit will now turn on but will not turn on the aftermarket amp. Hope this helps some.
01-23-2003, 02:51 PM
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</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by NM98CAB:
<strong>Do you have the factory amp under the passenger seat? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Yes, I do...I'll look there as well.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"> <strong>As for stepping on your brake and getting dimished sound perhaps that is from speed dependent volume control.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">I was thinking it was related to the 3rd brake light going on...I don't think I have speed dependent volume control.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><strong>Are you also saying that at one time you could turn on your radio with the motor off, key out and get sound, and that now you can't? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Yes, I was able to do that...now the radio turns on, but no sound. Thanks
<strong>Do you have the factory amp under the passenger seat? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Yes, I do...I'll look there as well.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"> <strong>As for stepping on your brake and getting dimished sound perhaps that is from speed dependent volume control.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">I was thinking it was related to the 3rd brake light going on...I don't think I have speed dependent volume control.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva"><strong>Are you also saying that at one time you could turn on your radio with the motor off, key out and get sound, and that now you can't? </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Yes, I was able to do that...now the radio turns on, but no sound. Thanks
01-24-2003, 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by NM98CAB:
There is also a seperate green wire that I beleive attatches to the back via a plastic plate. I have heard that it is for the immobilizer and that if it is cut and not taped (or is touching metal) it can cause strange problems.
Last edited by Dan 96C2 St.Louis; 08-09-2004 at 12:19 AM.
