Help me pick out a new high end headunit for my e30.

[Schniddy]

Just throwing this idea out there for ya...It's what I have

CLARION DXZ735MP
1 24-bit D/A Convertor
100db s/n ratio
3 sets of pre-outs
analog volume knob
Aux Input in the Rear



And it's "mandarin" color setting matches our amber interior lights PERFECT

Unfortunately,
It has an internal amplifier (17wx4ch) (52w max)

But it's cheap! $144 after shipping and handling on Ebay (it's discontinued)

have ya been reading the thread at all, sry, but he wants something a little better?

[Mot]

ya but i Love my clarion, i have that exact model and the colors fit perfectly, but jordan doesnt want internal amp.

[Eric Giles]

Regarding the Clarion model-rcwells and I both bought the Clarion DXZ835MP earlier this year for just over $200 shipped. On paper this looks like an excellent unit-and for the discounted price it is ok-but nothing more. I personally hate mine, and rcwells feels the same about his. Yes, you can match the display lighting to the dash, but due to the mounting location in the E30 the display becomes almost totally unreadable in the daylight-and it is not much better at night.

The buttons are very small and the overall ergonomics of the unit leave a lot to be desired. And to the most important part-the sound quality. It's not bad, but it's not that great either. The Clarion is in my E30 M3, replacing an Alpine 7894 that I switched over to my E36 M3. The Alpine has MUCH better sound quality, features, and usability. If I actually drove the E30 M3 more I would have already long replaced it.

OK, so I know my post still does not technically stay on topic. Jordan, it sounds like you really want one of the Nak head units and I don't think anyone else's suggestion would change your mind. And I agree the Nak would be a great choice. My only reservations are a reputation of not so good reliability and a tendency to skip more than others.

Regarding some of the specs you are looking for in the unit you want (24bit DAC's, very high S/N ratios, etc.)-there is nothing wrong with wanting that at all. And I am sure you have excellent hearing (as I like to think that I do also). However, in a moving vehicle do you really think you will be able to hear those differences above road, tire, and wind noise-especially the amount generated in an E30?? Sorry, but I doubt it-as long as the models you are comparing are of similar quality. If the car is parked with the engine off, well that might be a different story. Also as you know, there are times when the manufacturers' published specs might not be totally accurate-so there is the proverbial grain of salt.

On that note, I would have to recommend the Alpine units. Take a look at the Alpine 7998. I believe it is discontinued, but can be found on ebay for around $350-400 used. It has no internal amp, higher quality electronics, and the Biolite display is nice and informative without being gaudy. Just a thought....

[mgold]

Yes, you can match the display lighting to the dash, but due to the mounting location in the E30 the display becomes almost totally unreadable in the daylight-and it is not much better at night.

The buttons are very small and the overall ergonomics of the unit leave a lot to be desired.

I agree on some of your points. I noticed the same display issue you mentioned, but once I adjusted the contrast, it was no longer an issue.

As for ergonomics, I'm luke warm about them. Most functions are fine and I find that once everything has been programmed I find myself adjusting the volume, turning it on or off, and changing sources, so the other buttons don't get much use. I do think one problem with the E30 is that the steering wheel visually blocks the left buttons and controls. I'm sure this affects most aftermarket head units (some more than others). It almost makes me want to get the european center panel without the OBC/clock location as it shifts the radio over to the right, centering it better in the dash.

[dgspikes]

i didnt read any of these pages, but my friend just got a pioneer avic n1 on ebay for 1100, and this deck is amazing. maybe too flashy with the fold out screen, but if you were looking to spend 800 on a deck, 3 hundred more and you would have this thing. i dont know about the specs about this thing, but my friend is one of those computer genius' and he seemed very impressed with it. he opted for the rear camera view too which i though was pointless, but looked cool on the screen.

[Jordan]

I will pass on anything pioneer.

[DSchultz325e]

I will pass on anything pioneer.

Haha, Premier head units aren't that bad :) You don't want anything with a flipout LCD screen, I take it?

[panasoanic]

How about a Becker Monza or Mexico Pro? You won't be able to use the radio stock as the units are only sold in Europe and tunes to different frequencies than what is broadcast in the US. However, other than that, you have a top quality unit with excellent sound quality.

https://www.becker.de

Becker Monza



and for a bit more money ...

Becker Mexico Pro

[KenC]

Becker decks are the shiz! Hard to find though...

[parkerbink]

Kenwood KDC X 869 meets all of your needs except has internal power which can be totally turned off. I love mine. Just a thought for you.

General Features: CD Text, Clock, MP3 Support, Multi-Color Display, Remote Control, Sirius Satellite Radio Ready, Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display
AM/FM Tuner Presets: 24
Anti-Theft Type: Removable Faceplate
CD Changer Control: Yes
Maximum Power Output: 200 W
Number of Discs Supported (in-dash): 1
Number of Pre-amp Outputs: 3
Signal To Noise Ratio: 105 dB
Standard Mounting: DIN
Satellite Min Frequency Response: 10 Hz
Warranty
Labor Warranty: 2 year(s)
Parts Warranty: 2 year(s)
Reference

[KenC]

Kenwood KDC X 869 meets all of your needs except has internal power which can be totally turned off. I love mine. Just a thought for you.

General Features: CD Text, Clock, MP3 Support, Multi-Color Display, Remote Control, Sirius Satellite Radio Ready, Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display
AM/FM Tuner Presets: 24
Anti-Theft Type: Removable Faceplate
CD Changer Control: Yes
Maximum Power Output: 200 W
Number of Discs Supported (in-dash): 1
Number of Pre-amp Outputs: 3
Signal To Noise Ratio: 105 dB
Standard Mounting: DIN
Satellite Min Frequency Response: 10 Hz
Warranty
Labor Warranty: 2 year(s)
Parts Warranty: 2 year(s)
Reference

Will Captain Kirk explain how to use it?

[parkerbink]

AFter you are used to it it is much easier to use than a "normal" knobless unit.

Sure I will but I know any of you guys aftr 10 minutes with the manual would master it.

[DEV0 E30]

Becker decks are the shiz! Hard to find though...

They look so factory. Very shiz.

[DSchultz325e]

How about a Becker Monza or Mexico Pro? You won't be able to use the radio stock as the units are only sold in Europe and tunes to different frequencies than what is broadcast in the US. However, other than that, you have a top quality unit with excellent sound quality.

https://www.becker.de

Becker Monza



and for a bit more money ...

Becker Mexico Pro

That's red, not amber. Matches a VW not a BMW :?
Also that Kenwood deck has an onboard amp.

[panasoanic]

That's red, not amber. Matches a VW not a BMW :?
Also that Kenwood deck has an onboard amp.

True, but it was the closest approximation to the BMW illumination out of all the colors Becker offers. For those that are really bothered by it, I am sure you can replace the backlighting by switching out the LEDs.

I really liked my old Blaupunkt Toronto head unit. It had a neat variocolor feature so that you could adjust the color of the LCD and buttons to exactly match your dash. The only thing it really needed was a volume knob. It is a shame that the newer Blaupunkt head units look so tacky.

edit: It looked like this, not the newer model Toronto



oh and it was in an Audi 5000 at the time :oops: