Want an in-dash CD Player - BMW Forum

earthwormjim · 08-06-2004, 02:12 AM

Hey guys, I just got my new 1996 318is and I love it. Only thing is I really would like to have an in-dash cd player. Currently it has the stock C43 radio and alpine 6 disc cd changer in the trunk.

What's a good replacement for the C43 that can play mp3's, control the CD-changer, has an in-dash cd player, and looks fairly good. I really don't want to spend much, and I'm not looking to upgrade the sound of my current radio. What should I get for under $200 that will sound equally good (or possibly a little better) than the stock radio?

*edit*
How is the Alpine CDM-9821? It doesn't have mp3 playback, but it's awefully cheap.
http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&...0&oid=86197&m=0

jllphan · 08-06-2004, 06:25 PM

Using the seach feature in this forum, you can find as many opinions on replacement head units as you want. Alpine is good. You can always spend more and get more from them...

brien4787 · 08-06-2004, 07:08 PM

why does everyone like alpine so much? i am sure that they are decent cd decks, but they are ugly. doesnt anyone else agree?

jllphan · 08-06-2004, 08:19 PM

If you are merely concerned with asthetics, I can see why you question Alpine. But the fact remains that they are the standard by which other head unit makers are compared. They are a car audio company. Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, Panasonic, or many others cannot say the same. They make car audio and car audio only. This is very important when it comes R&D time!

Not only that but they sound great and hold up as well as any other decks on the market. Their regulated 1bit DAC is legendary, sounding better than many multi bit D>A converters...

brien4787 · 08-07-2004, 03:14 AM

ok ok i see your point, they are the best in the business quality wise. that is what matters most. how does sony or other companies compair to them?

jllphan · 08-08-2004, 11:11 AM

I am in agreeance with most on this site. I'm not a fan of Sony car audio. It's not horrible, but there is just so much better out there. Kenwood, Pioneer, Alpine, and Clarion all make better decks for the same price as a Sony. Sony head units are getting better, and this year's line up is very impressive compared to previous year's, but they will have to continue to churn out such products for the next few before I start recomending them.

docrobot · 08-09-2004, 12:40 AM

I have taken a wee bit o' heat here for saying I am buying a SONY CDX8805X from the local Future Shop (a division of Best Buy up here in Canada). :P

B) I like the fact that the display blacks out to a solid black face without buttons when not in use. I got tired of being a slave to the detachable faceplate of my Pioneer H/U that I had in my last car...

:P Frankly, a high percentage of the discrete digital chips, and audio transistors and MOSFETs in the new HUs are exactly the same. There are many simularities in the various audio subsections of many modern H/Us; big brands, and less popular brands alike.

EWJ, read the other threads you find of interest in this section; you will get a quick, excellent primer on whats hot in BMW aftermarket audio. Most of the Posters here are in the know, and many are willing to answer honest questions.

Just be aware that some here (me included) prefer some brands more than others, and are quick to wave their favorite brands in your face...

jllphan · 08-09-2004, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by docrobot@Aug 9 2004, 01:20 AM
I have taken a wee bit o' heat here for saying I am buying a SONY CDX8805X from the local Future Shop (a division of Best Buy up here in Canada).* :P

:P Frankly, a high percentage of the discrete digital chips, and audio transistors and MOSFETs in the new HUs are exactly the same. There are many simularities in the various audio subsections of many modern H/Us; big brands, and less popular brands alike.

This is true, but to my knowledge sony does not outsource much for their car audio products. I vaguely recall the Sony rep telling us (during my last product training session) that they manufacturer internals not distribute others.

I would believe this, as I have A-->B their decks with others running through the same power source and powering the same speakers. SOny headunits have a unique sound. It is colored when set flat, much warmer and fuller (to the point of exageration) in the upper midbass frequencies. Also the hi-end tends to be a little shiny to the point where various symbols in a drum kit sound artificial. Much of this can be compensated for with the use of the internal shelving EQ, but this is a gripe I've had for years.

They are getting better, and Doc, you have a fine radio, don't worry about what others (including myself) think.

Q_BMW · 08-10-2004, 01:18 AM

hey
i got a pioneer primeier model of ebay with some cool 3d graphics, MP3 playback, and most important, a steering wheel remote for 230 shipped. was a great deal and would highly recommend it.
Q

cycoc · 08-10-2004, 03:37 AM

Hi

I own a jvc KD-LHX 501 feat voice confirmation, mp3, wma, nice display that can show some pic you put in each mp3 folders (f.ex. pict of album cover).

Quite nice an affortable (about 500€).

BlantonG13 · 08-11-2004, 02:16 PM

Eclipse and believe it or not, Blaupunkt have very nice and reliable head units...Blaupunkt used to be a German OE brand for some mercedes and porsches back in the day.

I will however stand by my preferred choice of Alpine...I'm waving this one at you...haha. I like the way it looks. Some of them have color changing buttons, one of the colors of which is an orange that matches the lights of a Bimmer interior...

Nakamichi makes a decent head unit, that looks VERY OE to a Bimmer...

Hey Q, where you been lately, haven't heard anything from you in awhile...

docrobot · 08-11-2004, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BlantonG13@Aug 11 2004, 02:56 PM
I will however stand by my preferred choice of Alpine...I'm waving this one at you...haha.

Wave it again Blanton, but higher next time. I couldn't see it from up North, here in Calgary...