Need opinions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

LUVMBDiesels · #1 07-08-2009, 08:55 AM

Hey guys...

The head unit in my SDL crapped out. It was an early 90's replacement that I liked because it LOOKED like a Becker but had a CD.

I was on Crutchfield and wanted your opinion on these four models. I don't want to spend over $200 on this so I am limited in how crazy I can go

Here are the models...

Blaupunkt New Orleans MP58

Pioneer DEH-P3100UB

JVC KD-HDR20

Dual XHD7714

Anybody have one of these?

I had never heard of Dual before but it looks like you get the most for your $ Bluetooth built in, HD radio, etc..
Is this a decent brand or will it burn out in a year?

THX!

volosong · #2 07-08-2009, 10:23 AM

I've been spending time at Crutchfield too, looking for a replacement radio for my car.

1.) Blaupunkt New Orleans MP58 - I've always had decent luck with Blaupunkt radios. Took a look at this MP58, and seems decent. I wish it were all-black instead of having some silver trim. Be aware that the bluetooth is an optional extra that will cost you eighty bucks extra. The iPod adapter is another twenty. The thing I would want with bluetooth is for the microphone to be built into the unit. This one appears to have an external mic, which means that you have to run a wire up to your visor, (or wherever you mount the microphone). If you purchase the bluetooth, it will be over your budget. The other thing that I would like to have is the illumination color to match the rest of the dash. Looks like this one would do okay, or at least get close.

2.) Pioneer DEH-P3100UB- In the past, I've had several Pioneer radios too. I love the SuperTuner receiver in them. They are good radios. This one looks nice, but the bluetooth is quite a bit more money. I don't like the green illumination either. Doesn't look like it could be changed.

3.) JVC KD-HDR20 - no experience with JVC, but I "think" that they are okay. I've just had good luck with Blaupunkt, Pioneer, and Clarion that I rarely consider other manufactures.

4.) Dual XHD7714- That nighttime blue is pretty intense. Dual has always struck me as "cheap". They are probably okay, but with my good luck with other makes, I've never even consider Dual. This model is currently "out of stock" at Crutchfield.

A couple others that I'm considering are:

Clarion CZ309 (there's that blue again)
Clarion FZ409 (no CD slot, but iPod ready)
Clarion CZ509 (nice, but external bluetooth microphone)
Jensen HD (these two intrigue me, but above your budget)
Kenwood (looks like some nice units, no direct experience, but do know that they make good ham radios)

I'm at the point where I need to decide what is most important to me. Among my considerations are, (in no particular order):

SD card slot
USB input
iPod input
built-in bluetooth microphone
all-black, so it does not look out of place in a MB
yellowish illumination to match rest of car's illumination

Several weeks ago, I was ready to place an order for a Blaupunkt Brisbane SD48, but it seems to have been discontinued and "nobody" has stock anymore. It was on Crutchfield's web site, but has since been removed. It looks like Blaupunkt is getting ready to introduce a replacement, but publicly available specs and availability are non-existent.

Good luck in your quest. Tough decision deciding exactly what to get, huh?

tbomachines · #3 07-08-2009, 12:40 PM

Blaupunkt and Pioneer are the only ones I would consider on your list. I have heard bad things about Dual, they are generally a Wally-World brand as well. I have used Pioneer HU's in my cars for years and they are fantastic, just put a DEH5000UB in my SD. JVC is iffy.

BTW getting a radio illuminated with yellow is not easy, most are red or blue, some are green.

Fulcrum525 · #4 07-08-2009, 04:04 PM

Hmm, i'd like to see pictures of this becker that isn't a becker but with a CD player

volosong · #5 07-08-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

Hmm, i'd like to see pictures of this becker that isn't a becker but with a CD player

Becker does sell a CD player for our autos, but at four and a half bills. Too rich for me, and it doesn't play a MP3 disc.

Dee8go · #6 07-08-2009, 05:13 PM

Get an Alpine. I got one of theirs that just has the MP3 input and a radio. I play the I Pod and Sirius through it and love it. I thnk they have a model like that for less than $200.

LUVMBDiesels · #7 07-08-2009, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fulcrum525

Hmm, i'd like to see pictures of this becker that isn't a becker but with a CD player

It is not a Becker, but a Panasonic that is all black, HAD yellow illumination,and had tons of little obscure buttons all labeled things like "L1" "S-3"

Like I said very Becker-like

Thanks for the info guys... I think I will look at the Blau and the Pioneer again. Maybe check out some other stores for them as the wiring is already butchered in the SDL so I don't need an installation kit...

LUVMBDiesels · #8 07-08-2009, 05:53 PM

What do you guys think about the Blaupunkt Key West MP38? It looks like it is the same as the New Orleans without the speed controlled volume (which we can't hook up - or can we?) for $30 less...

The Pioneers look good, but Bluetooth adds another $179 to the deal

The Blaupunkt Bluetooth adapter is 'only' $79.00

If ther is a compelling reason for going Pioneer, like the KW or NO will fall out of the dash on fire after three miles of driving, then let me know...

tbomachines · #9 07-09-2009, 08:54 AM

How much research have you done? I would also include Alpine (as Dee8go stated), Kenwood, Clarion, and consider Sony. I'm sure there are plenty with Bluetooth connectivity at this point.

A quick Amazon search by customer ratings:
http://www.amazon.com/s/qid=1247143888/ref=sr_st?rs=10980601&page=1&rh=n%3A1077068%2Cn%3A226184%2Cn%3A10980601&bbn=10980601&sort=reviewrank _authority Interestingly, Panasonic is at the top...didn't know they made decent HUs.

Andy_M · #10 07-10-2009, 01:34 PM

In order of preference based on quality and value........

Alpine (best iPod interface hands down)
Kenwood Excelon (Alpine and Kenwood Excelon = best sound quality)
Kenwood
JVC
Pioneer
Blaupunkt

All make many different models and you will be able to find one in your price range no matter what that is. A budget is a budget, I know, however when it comes to audio you get what you pay for and price is driven by features.....keep that in mind and really prioritize what you need Vs. just would like to have.