TX GS

I almost never hear people talk about Blaupunkt head units.

However, when I compare 20 or 30 various models in the $300 to $500 price range, Blaupunkt seems to be ahead of the pack. In my mind, numbers such as FM Mono Sensitivity, CD Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Preamp Output Voltage and Preamp Outputs were the most important, or at least important numbers to look at.

Blaupunkt is better or at least equal to the other models I've looked at.

What do you guys look for in terms of a head unit? Is my thinking off base?

I don't care at all about the lcd circus show that is the state of many receivers today. So, the display isn't a concern at all. I just want a super clean signal with plenty of volts...

Any help from the sound gurus would be appreciated.

Derek

Mean Gene

Derek - I've always like Blaupunkt from a quality standpoint. However, there's been a shift toward multimedia in the automobile environment & I don't think Blaupunkt has a foothold in that market like Alpine, Pioneer & a few others. I agree that the output voltage is VERY important in terms of getting a clean signal to the amps. Another Member just changed out his older Pioneer head unit to an Alpine model which had more than double the output voltage of the Pioneer & he lost some system noise that he'd been unable to clean up previously. Of course, the light show of some of other manufacturer's units seem to cause the younger guys ( like my two early 20 year old sons! ) to be drawn to them.

TX GS

Thanks for the info Gene...I respect your knowledge a great deal so it's good to hear your thoughts.

I'm not for multimedia so I think I might be on the right track w/ the Blaupunkt 5 volt units.

I agree with the LCD statement...My son would go wacky for all that color, but I could care less about the eye candy.

Mean Gene

Derek - Judging from the specs U threw out, I'd guess that U're looking at the Blaupunkt "San Francisco" CD receiver? Great output voltage of 5 VDC; 108 dB S/N ratio & one of the lowest FM sensitivity measurements of 7.8 dBf. No, I don't know these figures off the top of my head - happen to have a Crutchfield catalog in front of me ( I'm cheating!!:eek: ). The Alpine unit that I mentioned above had a 4 VDC output so the SF's even better & it has a basic but clean looking face. Good choice!

TX GS

You got it Gene...I think the San Francisco will be my choice..

Although, I just found a Clarion HX-D10 CD Player for $349.95...the MSRP is $800...I still think the San Francisco is superior

Adjustable 3-Band Parametric Equalizer with BEQ Selector
Rotary Volume Control
High Contrast White Backlit LCD Display
Fully Motorized Slide-Down Detachable Face
CeNet Multi-Changer Control
6 Channel/4 Volt RCA Line Level Output
Non-Fading Subwoofer Output with Level Control
TV Tuner/EQ/DSP/Crossover Control
Zero-Bit Detector Mute Circuit
8X Oversampling Digital Filter
24-Bit D/A Converter
CD Text Compatibility and Disc Title Memory
Dual Color Key Illumination
Magi-Tune+ Tuner with 24 Station Presets
Rear Auxiliary Inputs
Sirius Satellite Radio Ready (requires seperate Sirius tuner pack)
Wireless Steering Wheel Remote Control Included

CD Player Specifications

Anti Theft: Removable Faceplate
Preamp Outputs: 3 sets
Preamp Output Voltage: 4 volts
CD Changer Controls: Yes
Remote Control: Yes
RMS Power: n/a
Peak Power: n/a
CD Frequency Response: 5-20,000 Hz
FM Mono Sensitivity: 11 dBf
CD Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100 dB
Amp Total Harmonic Distortion: n/a

spykedawg

since you're into quality and not flash, me and retro would suggest the nak 45z...same price range but i do have to give it up, those blau's are great also

retrodrive

I had pioneers, alpines and clarions before, but they could not compare with Nakamichi. Almost impossible to find this kind of quality for the price. I have the mb75 (in dash 6 disc changer) and the only problem I've ever had is that it does not play some burned CD's. You would have to use high quality blanks to record your stuff. It would play them flawlessly.

Look into Nakamichi line for sure...great piece!

TX GS

Guys, thanks for the heads up on Naks...I'll add them to my spreadhseet and see how they stack up.

I had a Nak years ago and I was very happy with it.

Percy

Nakamichi aftermarket units are well known in the SQ community. They rank up there with the Clarion DRX9255, McIntosh MX406, Pioneer ODR Reference system, Sony XESP1, Sony XESZ50 and Sony C90 among others. Nak uses a 7th order butterworth filter after the d/a section which accounts for it's smooth sound. The C90 also has this feature but it's selectable. DSP works wonders on the C90.

As for tuners, Ken C. Pohlman tested the Z50 and the MX406, tuner section only. McIntosh beat it by a little bit, but they make great tuners. That's saying something, a $900 MSRP MX406 beating out the 8k$ XESZ50 by a bit! Mc is one of the few to take advantage of dual diversity antennas, something we have in the GS..that's why there's two antenna plugs!

The specs on the Blaupunkt looks good. The only real way to compare them is to listen to them and the competition.

Percy

TX GS

Thanks Percy.

Do you have an opinion on the Clarion model I listed above?

Have a good weekend guys.

Percy

The specs sound very familiar to the MX406/DRX9255 units. Give it a listen...seems quite promising!

Percy