Good looking Head unit for a w123 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Chad300tdt · #1 03-10-2009, 09:31 PM

I ordered a head unit tonight.

I got a Kenwood KDC-MP538U.

I think it has a similar feel to a McIntosh without the insane price:

I plan to run the USB cable so it allows me to plug a thumb drive or iPod into the spot where the fader wheel currently resides. Since I won't be using the fader wheel anymore, the spot is free.

I'll post pics when I'm done with the install. I hope to have it here so I can do it this weekend.

bgkast · #2 03-11-2009, 04:47 AM

Not bad, what does it look like when it's off?

Chad300tdt · #3 03-11-2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgkast

Not bad, what does it look like when it's off?

Here's the only pic I could find of one when it's off:

I'll take some better pics once mine arrives.

Dee8go · #4 03-11-2009, 10:26 AM

What unit are you replacing, Chad? I can't remember what you have in there now. Good idea, using the fader knob opening for the USB connection. I have mine just snaked out the side of the console. It works, but isn't too attractive.

Chad300tdt · #5 03-11-2009, 10:35 AM

I have a JVC KD HDR1 in my wagon and I'm happy with that system as is.

The Kenwood will be replacing the Blaupunkt cassette player that's incorrectly installed in the CD. The console fader was never bypassed, so the controls on the head unit don't work properly. I could just rewire the current setup, but I wanted to be able to play MP3s without a tape adapter.

Here's what being replaced:

Dee8go · #6 03-11-2009, 10:43 AM

Yes, I've been completely spoiled by my I Pod, too.

iwrock · #7 03-11-2009, 01:35 PM

The ones that in there now looks OK.

My Pioneer looks really out of place in my car. Its bright blue at night, while the rest of the lights are that dim, glowing yellow.

The new one looks good. What are the specs? (I am too lazy to look them up.)

TheDon · #8 03-11-2009, 01:39 PM

The McIntosh is niceeee. It would really be at home in these cars.

the headunit you're getting chad will look good as well.

Chad300tdt · #9 03-11-2009, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

The McIntosh is niceeee. It would really be at home in these cars.

the headunit you're getting chad will look good as well.

If money was not an issue, I'd go for the McIntosh. There's a stereo place near me that's a McIntosh dealer. I played with their display for a bit. Their stuff is REALLY high quality.

Thanks Joe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

The ones that in there now looks OK.

My Pioneer looks really out of place in my car. Its bright blue at night, while the rest of the lights are that dim, glowing yellow.

The new one looks good. What are the specs? (I am too lazy to look them up.)

Yeah, I like the look of the unit that's in there already. It just lacks any features I want.

Here's the specs for the new one:

Quote:

Kenwood's KDC-MP538U CD receiver delivers great sound with style. The gloss-black control panel eliminates the clutter of buttons — simply use the two control knobs and the fluorescent, 3-line display to navigate the stereo's onscreen menus. The CD slot accepts all of your CDs, including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC files, while the display shows song and artist information.

Kenwood's strongest amplifier adds plenty of impact to your music. The 3-band parametric equalizer gives you extensive control over the bass, midrange, and treble, and you'll find built-in filters that can remove bass from your smaller speakers and send it to your subs.

Connect your iPod® to the USB input, and use the control knob to search through folders to find your favorite tune in a flash. You can also use the USB input to connect a thumb drive or hard-disk drive loaded with music. Or if you prefer, check out your friends' playlists by plugging their MP3 players into the receiver's auxiliary input.

This versatile receiver will control all of Kenwood's outboard gear, including satellite radio, HD Radio™ tuner, CD changer, and Bluetooth® kit. And, if you're building a full system, you can connect and control your outboard amps with the three sets of 2.6-volt preamp outputs. This unit also comes with a remote control, so your passengers can run the show from the back seat.

General features:
CD player with built-in amplifier (22 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs, including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC files (will not play rights-protected music files on disc)
fluorescent 3-line, full dot matrix display
remote control

Audio features:
dual-zone capability for playing different sources over the front and rear speakers
System Q Sound Control (6 EQ curves and a 3-band equalizer)
speaker settings that let you tailor the sound to the size and type of speakers in your car
high- (speaker and preamp outputs) and low-pass (sub out) filters

Expandability:
iPod direct control via USB input — no adapter necessary, but adding Kenwood's optional connecting cable lets you leave your iPod cable at home
compatible with Kenwood's satellite radio, CD changer, Bluetooth adapter and HD Radio™ tuner
inputs: USB and auxiliary inputs
outputs: 6-channel 2.6-volt preamp outputs (front, rear, subwoofer)

Much more here:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113MP538U/Kenwood-KDC-MP538U.html?tp=5684&tab=detailed_info

Dee8go · #10 03-11-2009, 02:40 PM

How much is that McIntosh? I know what the home stuff goes for, but have never seen the car stereos before.

TheDon · #11 03-11-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

How much is that McIntosh? I know what the home stuff goes for, but have never seen the car stereos before.

MSRP is $1k

iwrock · #12 03-11-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDon

a little north of a g note

If you search around, they can be had for like $600-700.

I *almost* bought one for my car, but wanted XM, Bluetooth, iPod, etc.

Plus, $700 will buy you a nice set of speakers.

Chad300tdt · #13 03-11-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

How much is that McIntosh? I know what the home stuff goes for, but have never seen the car stereos before.

It retails for about $1300, but you can find them for less than $1000. You have to run an amp though so add like another $1000 for that if you stay with the McIntosh line.

Dee8go · #14 03-11-2009, 02:44 PM

Do you ever find good deals on used ones?

iwrock · #15 03-11-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

Do you ever find good deals on used ones?

Do you want one?