Nak CD-400 vs CD-500

[mreloc]

I'm looking for alternatives to my factory setup in my 88 ic. I'm trying to take the weanie way out and not have to install an amp, pretty much because I don't want to butcher my car for a sub and want to keep it as factory as possible without spending more than the car is worth. I understand, per Luke, that the CD-43 from an e36 is a great headunit, but really requires an amp to make it work properly, and it also requires a bit of modification to the dash to sink flush. Is this true? Also, a used one on Ebay will cost $400 or so and I'm worried a bit about the longevity of a 10+ year old deck.

Given all of the above, I'm considering one of the nakamichi decks. I guess they have decent quality sound out of the box. I could add an external amp down the road, and I may plan connections that will be easy to access without the need to remove the headunit. I'll plan on running new speaker wires, and will probably buy a set of 5.25 components for the front, and maybe use a component 5.25 woofers for the rears, if any... any recommended model of these speakers would be welcome- I like some tight bass, but I'm an old guy and can live with the limits of what the potential would be... I just want something better than stock.

Now to the original point of my post - finally- I understand the display color on the Nak cd400 is not spot-on to match the interior lighting. The cd500 has I guess nine different options for display color. Do these include anything that is closer to the interior lighting than what the cd400 provides? I am willing to spend the extra dough if I can get a closer match. Also, anyone have a dealer to recommend?

Thanks

[StereoInstaller1]

I tried to get a GB together on Nak...they would accept another dealer, since the nearest to me is about 100 miles. Seems a shame no one here was as interested.

As far as quality, I bet no better than any other deck in that price range, but less features.

Check out the Panasonic CQ-C7413 before you buy. A tiny bit gaudy, but amazing performance/price/looks with excellent ergonomics.

Luke

[mreloc]

Thanks Luke for the input. I actually ended up going with a blau bahamas. Second best looking IMHO- but I'm almost worried since it was so cheap. We'll see..

[StereoInstaller1]

Thanks Luke for the input. I actually ended up going with a blau bahamas. Second best looking IMHO- but I'm almost worried since it was so cheap. We'll see..

Please post your results. Those Blauchunks are supposed to be solid performers: their history is crap-ola.

I keep hoping for the best.

Luke

[alex]

Specs on that blaupunkt are nowhere near nak's specs.
Hence the price.

I'd get CD-500 in ideal world.
Brought back to reality by affordability I recently bought JVC KD-HDR1 from Crutchfield. It could definitely use a sub. I'm running all stock premium system speakers still.

[mreloc]

Yeah, I realize that about specs. But, given Nak's policy about not honoring internet sales for warranty support and all the bad stuff I read about Nak quality I just couldn't justify the risk. Crutchfield offers a 30 no questions asked return policy so we'll see if I'm disapointed with where I settled. Pretty much want something better than the pitiful stock set up that doesn't look like shit so much. I wanted a system I could reverse back to stock if need be, so no cutting for speakers allowed. I'll run new wiring, but will leave the original wiring intact. The blau was cheap enough that I can pull it and throw it away if some other better alternative comes down the pike. I think I'm going to do chrome guage rings in the instrument panel to complement the unfortunate chrome on the face of the blau.http://www.blaupunkt.com/us/7646490510_main.asp

I'm one of the few guys in their 40's here (hi Luke!)- if that gives you any frame of reference. I'm going to run polk 5.25" components in the front, and a 10" powered sub in the trunk (unfortunately in the vert it is sealed up from the cabin) and I'll use something cheap for filler in the rear side panels. I think I'm at something like $500 for this set up and I can add an amp later if need be.