Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Tired of waiting for the 'right' MP3 HU

I was planning on waiting for a MP3-CDR HU with a reasonable price (i.e. less than the Kenwood @ $650), nice controls (i.e. better than the Aiwa), and simple display (i.e. less showey than Sony or Pioneer are likely to release and less wasted space than the Aiwa). It occured to me this weekend that I was probably going to be waiting a LONG time to get rid of my stock CD 'premium' HU.

Looking around for CD receivers with the same criteria (sans MP3 playback obviously), and my wife's criteria for minimum cost for the features that I am likely to use, the Blaupunkt Florida jumped to the top of my list. It is a 99-model series-5 HU (entry point for series).

Does anyone have experience with this HU in particular or the series 5 HUs in general? I already have the 2-way pioneers in all doors (may upgrade to the 3-ways in front), don't plan on adding a sub or external amp (do plan on bypassing 'premium' amp), but may upgrade the wiring some day.

Yeah, I know what you mean about the lack of MP3 players out there, that's why I've got Easy CD Creator and a 96-cd case in my car

Regarding the Florida. Yes, it is more or less an "entry" model. I understand your desire for a simple layout and all, but time and time again I recommend the newer Pioneer "mosfet" head units for people that are not using an external amp. 22x4 out of these units just sounds better than ~22x4 out of other models. Plus, they have much better CD s/n ratios and FM sensitivity than units such as the Blaupunkt. Dunno what kind of deal you were getting on the Florida, but I'd suggest a deck such as the P4100, which has plenty of features for you, and also includes a remote. $229 from Crutchfield, I'm sure you could find it for cheaper elsewhere (although crutchfield will send you the harness' and stuff for bypassing the factory amp and everything).

Thanks for the detailed recommendation!

Since I don't think I'll need changer controls, a remote (unless it is on the wheel, I can't see myself using it), or multiple pre-amp outputs, it seems that the Pioneer DEH-P3100 would satsify my needs at $189 versus $229 for the P4100.

So, it looks like the entry points for my 'best' options are:
Pioneer DEH-P3100 (better power) $189
Blaupunkt Florida (nicer controls) $169

Hi there. Just my $.02........... Why not go with the Rockford Fosgate HU and the 8 card changer....... The unit comes with a loading dock that conects to your computer. Just download the MP3's onto the card,i believe they are 64mb,and slip it into the changer. No need to burn MP3's onto CD. Or go the route of downloanding a MP3 to WAV program, convert the MP3's to WAV's, and burn the CD. Works for me. If your intrested in the program, go to ZD.net. Sorry so long.

They are very UNpracticle. The Changer only comes with an 8 meg card. A 64 Meg card is WELL over $100 and you would need a couple of them for a decent amout of music for long trips. 64meg = about 10 songs at 128/44. You would need 10 64meg cards to come close to an 80minute 700meg CD.

Later


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Michael Amisano
1998 SVT Contour E1
New Engine: 09/00
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