DReuther

My car came with a Pioneer DEH-P835R CD player / tuner, which in my opinion does not fit into a Porsche at all. I would like to replace the Pioneer device with the TA-25 head unit from Nakamichi. The TA-25 has a very clean, kind of minimalistic design. From a technical point of view Nakamichi is normally great.

I just wanted to see, whether somebody has any experience with the TA-25 head unit. I am adding a link to the TA-25 tech specs on Nakamichi's web page.

<a href="http://www.nakamichi.com/auto/tuner/ta_25_specs.htm" target="_blank">Nakamichi TA-25</a>

Kevin Reilly

No doubt that Nakamichi is the most "OEM-like" of the aftermarket makers. I like the look of the <a href="http://www.nakamichi.com/auto/cdplayers/cd_40_specs.htm" target="_blank">CD-40 series</a> myself. It looks very tasteful, and I think is available with the amber backlighting.

That is on my wishlist for later this year after I get some other stuff done.

E. J. - 993 Alumni

I have the CD-40 and love it. My only gripe (and it is very insignificant) is that the volume adjuster is a fine adjust. IN other words, you have to turn it a lot of turns to actually adjust the volume.

I love that cd player.

E. J.

Jeff 993TT

Thanks for the tips guys. I've been searching for a decent head unit with a rotary volumne control. I absoultely hate the pushbuttons.

Jeff

Viken

A couple of years ago, I had the top-of-the-line <a href="http://www.nakamichi.com/auto/cdplayers/cd_700specs.htm" target="_blank">Nakamichi CD700</a> head unit installed in my car. It has rotary controls for volume, bass, midrange and treble as well as balance and fader. I had this item for about a month before I decided to go back to my, not so great but more versatile, factory Becker CDR-210. The Nak's CD player sounded excellent but the tuner downright sucked. It was the worst reception I have ever had on any car radio. Upon inquiring about this issue, I was told that high-end car audio manufacturers no longer put an emphasis on tuner design as much as CD or cassette players. Looks like they have done some research and found that people who replace their factory radios do not care about reception as much. If this is true, I suspect that the other Nak's would be the same. But, I just had to go back to the Becker because I listen to the radio more than the CD.

E. J. - 993 Alumni

[quote]Originally posted by Viken:
<strong> The Nak's CD player sounded excellent but the tuner downright sucked.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Haven't noticed it yet yet on mine Viken. I am sure you knew to remind the installer that the aftermarket unit still needed the powered antenna lead, right???

E. J.

Viken

[quote]Originally posted by E. J.:
<strong>Haven't noticed it yet yet on mine Viken. I am sure you knew to remind the installer that the aftermarket unit still needed the powered antenna lead, right???</strong><hr></blockquote>

In this case, the installer was way too experienced for me to remind him of anything. Also, we switched units just to see if the first one had a problem but same with the second one. In addition, I happen to know others who installed the MB-75 and MB-100 units and thought the reception was poor. Maybe, the CD-40 is better the rest?

Jim Carmichael

I installed a Blaupunkt CD/Tuner and am very happy with it. I also wanted something unobtrusive without flashing lights and circles...

dcpmark

Anyone have experience with units that have the small wireless remotes that attach to your steering wheel? I hate having to lean over to adjust the radio........

Rod Birch

I highly recommend the Nakamichi units not only for their oem appearance, but also for great tuners and CD/Tape players.

I suspect that Viken's installer, though perhaps very experienced, didn't connect that elusive factory antenna booster connection. I see this all the time, since the installer doesn't see a power antenna, they don't think to connect anything to the antenna booster lead in the car, which is essential for the windshield antenna to work properly. This is the antenna setup from 1985 to present. Symptoms of this booster not being powered are minimal FM reception, and usually non-existent AM reception.

I feel that oem radios are usually best at AM reception, but the aftermarket FM tuners are superior. Aftermarket manufacturers seem to favor music lovers tastes' over the fans of talk radio. (Great FM reception, usually not so good AM reception).

I used to love Blaupunkt, until their quality started slipping in the early 90's with a flurry of marketing (the wave, etc) changes and different directions. All of a sudden we were seeing poor quality units available that looked like low end Toshiba car audio (Toshiba does well with other things, as Panasonic and JVC do, but not on par with the other major brands...) I had to stop selling them. Even the units that were still made in Germany had sloppy connectors on them, and cheesy remote controls.

On steering wheel remotes, I absolutely love them. Pioneer and Kenwood are my recommendations for steering wheel remote compatible stuff. I keep my eyes on the road, and I'm changing volume, source, track, station, etc. This, coupled with a handsfree car kit and cellular interrupt to my radio make driving safer. (I no longer miss calls with my music cranked up too loud!)

Another thing that installers miss, besides the antenna booster on the windshield antenna 911's is the alarm lead at the radio on the 993 and 996. If this lead is left to contact ground, it will prevent the alarm from arming, signalling an "open trigger" with a rapid double flash, and on the 996, a brief horn honk when locking the car. Oopsie. (Don't ask me how I learned this!)

Questions, comments, feedback always welcome. Our website has more details and info, and any Rennlist members can email me directly for an emailed document on 911 radio, amp, and speaker installation. <a href="http://www.caraudioinnovations.com" target="_blank">www.caraudioinnovations.com</a>

Incidentally, in terms of tuners and reception, the Pioneer Supertuner really does pull in stations with a slight edge over every other brand. I don't think they fit the 911 dash as well as my other favorites, the Kenwood or Nakamichi.

I don't check these bulletin boards that often, but I do receive the daily 911 digest, and direct emails are always welcome.

-Rod Birch

Nicole Kidman

Hey,

Interesting reading on the stereo info. My car has the base (i.e. lousy) system in it, and I was thinking of upgrading... but I'd have to put an amp or two in the trunk (I guess) to make it sound good. Is there an easy access between the passenger compartment and the trunk? I'd really prefer to do it all myself rather than have some 16 yr old pimply-faced kid drilling holes in the firewall (and through the gas tank).

Thanks!

n.

leslie

With regards Nakamichi systems, I agree that they are really nice looking and sounding sets but you might want to take note of the fact that Nakamichi has just filed for bankruptcy in Japan.
<a href="http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/story/0,1870,103729-1014242340,00.html" target="_blank">http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/story/0,1870,103729-1014242340,00.html</a>
<img src="graemlins/crying.gif" border="0" alt="[crying]" />

neunelf

[quote]Originally posted by Nicole Kidman:
<strong>Is there an easy access between the passenger compartment and the trunk? </strong><hr></blockquote>

Yes, one place is behind the fuel level gauge. There is a large opening there which you can slide wires thru. Nothing to drill.

Nicole Kidman

Thanks Brad!

n.