I want a head unit that looks right.

[Rocla]

I think I'll be buying Blaupunkt Essen MP3.

http://www.guenstiger.de/gt/main.asp?produkt=365676

[DrMcDave]

how much is that crossover and is that the digital one? i've been thinking that my crossovers are holding my system back. They pretty much suck, nothing is playing where it should be considering my setup. I have my CDT's running off my focal passive x-overs and i can honestly say i hate them.

i am overwhelmed by the instruments if that makes sense. Perhaps my 4 needs an enclosure.

i like the look of that business class- clean

[StereoInstaller1]

Hmm, I didn't know they were that good. Usually OEM stereos kinda suck. What makes the Business heads so good?

OK, so it goes like this...Virtually all aftermarket companies make the decks that are used as factory decks. They use basically the same components as the aftermarket decks, but generally do not offer pre-amp outputs.

The point of Preamp outputs is to send a signal to the amplifier that has not been through a major gain stage. Major gain is ALWAYS noisier than the preamp, subject to higher distortion, etc.

That is why feeding a stock deck into an amplifier makes shitty sound, just as running an amp off of the speaker leads of an otherwise fine sounding deck makes poopie sound too. Major gain stage into a additional major gain stage, FTL.

BMW "Business" decks do not have a major gain stage, but instead have a HUGE preamp stage...that is why ALL newer BMW's have a factory amp.

I often use BMW factory amps and speakers in nicer installs by using a crossover like the MTX LSC3 or the Audiocontrol 6XS to highpass the stock amp, allow sub level control (in dash) and use aftermarket amps in conjunction with the stock stuff. You would not believe what a E46 system can sound like set up like this. Stock deck, stock amp running the front and rear mids, but with an aftermarket amp running the bass...as an added bonus, I sometimes use a tiny little amp to seperate the tweets...unbelievable sound quality, from stock speakers.

Feed a Business Class deck into an AudioControl 6XS. Run the front with a 4 channel, so the tweeters are powered seperately form the mids (and electronically crossed over) run a small 2 channel for the rear (if you must run rear, I say don't in an E30) and a decent amp/woofer combo for the rear.

Even on the stock speakers, you would be amazed.

Luke

[DrMcDave]

man i wish i would have planned better the first time i did my stereo. sigh.

[e304me]

are there any bmw headunits that play mp3's and fit e30's?

[optimusp517]

I'll take a picture of my naka 500 for you tonight if possible, if not I'll have it for you tomorrow

[cahomey]

The only thing that isnt selling me on the business player deck is there is no AUX in

[Tim Flat4]

I really like the way this looks but I'm wondering if they make the Business deck with a AUX input so I can plug my ipod in to it?

[netcsk]

you could learn electronics; then wire an aux hook up into the cdplayer input I'm sure.

[Tim Flat4]

you could learn electronics; then wire an aux hook up into the cdplayer input I'm sure.

You're just helpful aren't you :roll:

Anyone with some real information?

[Febi Guibo]

there is a BMW cable for the E46 radios that provides an aux input (runs from the CD changer plug to the glovebox. Also, the mini cooper radio has the same thing.

[cochran]

You guys are right about the BMW business class head units. They look the best in the car. The JVC I just installed sounds good, but I have to say the gray/silver color doesn't really look like it "goes", if you know what I mean. I wasn't really thinking about color at the time, but now wish I had.

[LINUS]

Alpine CDA-9847

No doubt the Business looks dead stock, but for my money I chose the Alpine - Last of the dark grey faces, switchable illumination, MP3, sat radio ready, 18w x 4 rms.

Box says "ready for ipod" - I don't have one so I don't care about that personally.

Best Part - $200 from an 'A' list Alpine dealer last January. Full warranty.

They ought to be making it to eBay for even cheaper if they aren't already there.

---Ben

[Koony]

Maybe StereoInstaller can answer this; I've read that a guy can switch out the LED's in the HU. Somewhere specific to get these various colored LED's?

[StereoInstaller1]

Maybe StereoInstaller can answer this; I've read that a guy can switch out the LED's in the HU. Somewhere specific to get these various colored LED's?

Yes. YOU can...I won't. I quit drinking 9 years ago, and no fucking LED swap is gonna make me drink again. Nothing less than Glenfiddich, or Johnny "Black" would be required for this task.

Sorry, just not for me.

Luke