Just ordered my CDR 220 Becker with Ipod cable
#1
Racer
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I just ordered my new Head unit from Becker and found them extremely helpful. Just gave them my info and I should have it shipped to my door in a week or so. $600 plus shipping. I am certain there's better performing head units, but I wanted to retain the OEM look. I also ordered FOCAL speaker set to replace the stock ones. Has anyone installed them ?? ( Polyglass 130VRS )
http://www.focal-america.com/
Thoughts ?
http://www.focal-america.com/
Thoughts ?
#3
Three Wheelin'
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It's a definite improvement over the 210; you should be happy with the upgrade. Remember to remove the cage that holds the 210, you won't need it anymore with the 220.
#4
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yeah I have the cdr 220, amp under the passenger seat, pod if and focals front speakers and the Rod Birch subs in the rear footwell. It rocks but nothing like the sound of the car as you run her thru the gears.
Last edited by jlb_94611; 03-17-2010 at 02:08 AM.
#5
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Turbo-951,
Sounds like you are well on your way to a great set-up. I have the CDR 220 with iPod cable and I'm interested in knowing more about Focal's.
Can I plug and play the 130VRS speakers without changing the factory door speaker covers/grills?
What about that Focal crossover box? Do I need to use it? I have the factory Hi-Fi option. Will I really hear any difference without changing an amp?
Sorry I'm not an audiofile, but this speaker upgrade has my interest.
Sounds like you are well on your way to a great set-up. I have the CDR 220 with iPod cable and I'm interested in knowing more about Focal's.
Can I plug and play the 130VRS speakers without changing the factory door speaker covers/grills?
What about that Focal crossover box? Do I need to use it? I have the factory Hi-Fi option. Will I really hear any difference without changing an amp?
Sorry I'm not an audiofile, but this speaker upgrade has my interest.
#6
Nordschleife Master
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I suggest a good amp to power those Focals. The CDR-220 doesn't really have the power to do them justice.
If you are running the iPod thorough the aux input, the head unit won't much matter, as it becomes a gatekeeper at that point.
I also have a CDR-220. as long as your music is recorded in AAC at the highest sample rate, it will sound pretty good. The CD and tuner aren't bad, though with weak radio stations, sound will suffer.
I rarely listen to CDs anymore since my iPod has everything on it anyway and when I listen to the radio, it usually is for news updates, traffic, or sports, so sound quality isn't much of a factor.
Mark: absolutely use the crossover that comes with the component set, it filters the proper frequencies to go with each component speaker, without it, all the speakers will be playing full range.
Better speakers WILL make a difference, however, there is never a single answer, as everyone has different musical tastes and likes. While MANY like Focals, everyone should listen to speakers playing their favorite music to see what THEY like the best.
I assume you are referring to the stock Nokia amp in your question. Without a doubt, you will hear a difference by changing the amp. More power will most likely sound better, particularly low frequencies, they simply require more power to move the speakers.
Stereo systems can be a bit like suspension or motor upgrades, they can get addicting, and can also get expensive. My advice is always, set a budget and then select components within that budget. Nearly everything will be an upgrade over the factory system, and by now, the factory speakers are probably all dried out and the baffles damaged.
fortunately you CAN purchase stereo equipment like baloney, in slices, so you can upgrade speakers now, the head unit next month, then the amp next year. you will pay for 3 separate installations unless you do it yourself, but it can be done.
Good luck.
If you are running the iPod thorough the aux input, the head unit won't much matter, as it becomes a gatekeeper at that point.
I also have a CDR-220. as long as your music is recorded in AAC at the highest sample rate, it will sound pretty good. The CD and tuner aren't bad, though with weak radio stations, sound will suffer.
I rarely listen to CDs anymore since my iPod has everything on it anyway and when I listen to the radio, it usually is for news updates, traffic, or sports, so sound quality isn't much of a factor.
Mark: absolutely use the crossover that comes with the component set, it filters the proper frequencies to go with each component speaker, without it, all the speakers will be playing full range.
Better speakers WILL make a difference, however, there is never a single answer, as everyone has different musical tastes and likes. While MANY like Focals, everyone should listen to speakers playing their favorite music to see what THEY like the best.
I assume you are referring to the stock Nokia amp in your question. Without a doubt, you will hear a difference by changing the amp. More power will most likely sound better, particularly low frequencies, they simply require more power to move the speakers.
Stereo systems can be a bit like suspension or motor upgrades, they can get addicting, and can also get expensive. My advice is always, set a budget and then select components within that budget. Nearly everything will be an upgrade over the factory system, and by now, the factory speakers are probably all dried out and the baffles damaged.
fortunately you CAN purchase stereo equipment like baloney, in slices, so you can upgrade speakers now, the head unit next month, then the amp next year. you will pay for 3 separate installations unless you do it yourself, but it can be done.
Good luck.
#7
Racer
Thread Starter
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I suggest a good amp to power those Focals. The CDR-220 doesn't really have the power to do them justice.
If you are running the iPod thorough the aux input, the head unit won't much matter, as it becomes a gatekeeper at that point.
I also have a CDR-220. as long as your music is recorded in AAC at the highest sample rate, it will sound pretty good. The CD and tuner aren't bad, though with weak radio stations, sound will suffer.
I rarely listen to CDs anymore since my iPod has everything on it anyway and when I listen to the radio, it usually is for news updates, traffic, or sports, so sound quality isn't much of a factor.
Mark: absolutely use the crossover that comes with the component set, it filters the proper frequencies to go with each component speaker, without it, all the speakers will be playing full range.
Better speakers WILL make a difference, however, there is never a single answer, as everyone has different musical tastes and likes. While MANY like Focals, everyone should listen to speakers playing their favorite music to see what THEY like the best.
I assume you are referring to the stock Nokia amp in your question. Without a doubt, you will hear a difference by changing the amp. More power will most likely sound better, particularly low frequencies, they simply require more power to move the speakers.
Stereo systems can be a bit like suspension or motor upgrades, they can get addicting, and can also get expensive. My advice is always, set a budget and then select components within that budget. Nearly everything will be an upgrade over the factory system, and by now, the factory speakers are probably all dried out and the baffles damaged.
fortunately you CAN purchase stereo equipment like baloney, in slices, so you can upgrade speakers now, the head unit next month, then the amp next year. you will pay for 3 separate installations unless you do it yourself, but it can be done.
Good luck.
If you are running the iPod thorough the aux input, the head unit won't much matter, as it becomes a gatekeeper at that point.
I also have a CDR-220. as long as your music is recorded in AAC at the highest sample rate, it will sound pretty good. The CD and tuner aren't bad, though with weak radio stations, sound will suffer.
I rarely listen to CDs anymore since my iPod has everything on it anyway and when I listen to the radio, it usually is for news updates, traffic, or sports, so sound quality isn't much of a factor.
Mark: absolutely use the crossover that comes with the component set, it filters the proper frequencies to go with each component speaker, without it, all the speakers will be playing full range.
Better speakers WILL make a difference, however, there is never a single answer, as everyone has different musical tastes and likes. While MANY like Focals, everyone should listen to speakers playing their favorite music to see what THEY like the best.
I assume you are referring to the stock Nokia amp in your question. Without a doubt, you will hear a difference by changing the amp. More power will most likely sound better, particularly low frequencies, they simply require more power to move the speakers.
Stereo systems can be a bit like suspension or motor upgrades, they can get addicting, and can also get expensive. My advice is always, set a budget and then select components within that budget. Nearly everything will be an upgrade over the factory system, and by now, the factory speakers are probably all dried out and the baffles damaged.
fortunately you CAN purchase stereo equipment like baloney, in slices, so you can upgrade speakers now, the head unit next month, then the amp next year. you will pay for 3 separate installations unless you do it yourself, but it can be done.
Good luck.
I'm not an audiophile by any means, but appreciate good sound. These cars were never designed with a great sound system, even with HI FI. Adding quality components makes the drive just that much sweeter !
BTW: Optioned for the revised face plate. Well worth the extra $$
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#8
Racer
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[QUOTE=Mark Harris;7398029]Turbo-951,
Can I plug and play the 130VRS speakers without changing the factory door speaker covers/grills?
Yes I believe so
What about that Focal crossover box? Do I need to use it? I have the factory Hi-Fi option. Will I really hear any difference without changing an amp?
^^^^^ Exactly what Kika said ^^^^^^
Can I plug and play the 130VRS speakers without changing the factory door speaker covers/grills?
Yes I believe so
What about that Focal crossover box? Do I need to use it? I have the factory Hi-Fi option. Will I really hear any difference without changing an amp?
^^^^^ Exactly what Kika said ^^^^^^