I want a head unit that looks right.

[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]

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

[Rocla]

I think I'll be buying Blaupunkt Essen MP3.

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

[ZinRot325i]

Yeah my friend's e46 said 'BMW Business' on it too.

The newer cars just have a slot for the CD to load, plus the changer magazine, and then a slot for Nav/Software/DVDs.
I guess that's cause they mostly have the Logic 7 sound system.

Now that they don't use DIN slots I wonder how people will upgrade their HUs....

Logic 7 is great as long as you can screw around to get it to work right. Much better than the stupid DSP that they had before.

Whatever. I still say BMW Business FTW.

[MrK]

They call it "Business" kind of as a class of player. I know that for e46 cars, the "Business" is below the "Professional" and above the "Basic" or some-such.

Don't quote me on that.

[Lair]

^ftw.

Why do they call it a "Business CD" player?

Good question. I bought my ex-wife a '99 E46 328i back in '99, and it also had a "Business" head unit. That was the first time I'd ever seen one.

wycoco - that's what I'm talking about.

[325iCabrio]

IF you feel OK spending the dough, a "Business Class" cd fed into a AudioControl 6XS crossover is better than any $1000 deck on the market in every way, IMHO.

Luke

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

[ZinRot325i]

^ftw.

Why do they call it a "Business CD" player?

[wycoco]

[dude8383]

Alpine CDA 7894

[StereoInstaller1]

I've seen the BMW Business heads on eBay and actually thought about going that route, but they were going for $250+, and I figured I'd rather get an aftermarket unit that sounded better. You can find the Nak CD400 for $300 or so if you look.

IF you feel OK spending the dough, a "Business Class" cd fed into a AudioControl 6XS crossover is better than any $1000 deck on the market in every way, IMHO.

Luke

[Nick325is]

My JVC arsenal kd 860 looks perfect in my dash. Its satin black and lights up red like the e30 interior lights. The display can also be changed around to match perfectly if you want.


Nick

[Mless5]

I found cd 45z for $150 on CL. Look good.

[325iCabrio]

I've seen the BMW Business heads on eBay and actually thought about going that route, but they were going for $250+, and I figured I'd rather get an aftermarket unit that sounded better. You can find the Nak CD400 for $300 or so if you look.

[Lair]

I've never seen an E36 in-dash. I have seen the CD33 from the Z cars, though. They go for rather large coin on Ebay.

I've been checking out the new BlowPows. They look a little too spacey fo sho.