Sound quality on command vs audio 20 vs aftermarket

[prc]

My audio 20 is on the fritz again...
CD's not ejecting again..and getting "cd error" on screen. Seriously considering upgrading to ...dunno what

Wondering if the command has much better sound quality? Not really interested in the GPS part (nice but not important). Sure this will be a hassle to get programed as well.

Also wondering if anyone has installed with success a nakamichi or becker with steering control?

Also wondering if anyone using a nak or becker has had warranty issues?

Spend 5hrs a day in the car so need something that won't be breaking down.

thanks,
Paulo

 

[Barney9304]

Would comand not add to the cars attractiveness?

 

[prc]

TBH would love command BUT...

my biggest problem with command is the coding needed to get everything working correctly. Spoke with Alfie a while back, but I'm in Portugal, so not road tripable...LOL
Have heard some horror stories about chop shops here doing the install, then nothing ever working...so basically sort-of side lining that idea.
For the cost of a replacement audio 20 I could get a nice aftermarket HU (with a OE look).

Have looked around and the becker grand prix HU runs below £300. Not sure it interfaces with the car.

Any help ideas would greatly appreciated.

 

[Alfie]

My audio 20 is on the fritz again...
CD's not ejecting again..and getting "cd error" on screen. Seriously considering upgrading to ...dunno what

Wondering if the command has much better sound quality? Not really interested in the GPS part (nice but not important). Sure this will be a hassle to get programed as well.

Also wondering if anyone has installed with success a nakamichi or becker with steering control?

Also wondering if anyone using a nak or becker has had warranty issues?

Spend 5hrs a day in the car so need something that won't be breaking down.

thanks,
Paulo

How about a replacement Audio20 unit instead?

 

[x332race]

I just retro fitted an Audio 50 APS to my C270 repalcing the Audio 20. This seems to work "plug & play" and did not need any recoding.

 

[prc]

audio 50 is a straight swap, but the command APS isn't. Replacing the audio 20 as Alfie mentions is another option. Just checking out what else is available in OE look aftermarket. Thanks

 

[Alfie]

Comand is almost a straight swap. Its as easy as Audio50 in a W203 C class.

 

[prc]

Comand is almost a straight swap. Its as easy as Audio50 in a W203 C class.

hmmm! Thanks alfie.Will see how things go over the next few months. Then give you a ring.

 

[miro]

I have Harmon Kardon so the sound from the radio / COMAND isnt even a factor.

 

[verytalldave]

My COMAND in my W203 sounds fine.
I cant compare it to anything else as I havent heard an Audio50 unit.
And its the first in-car audio system that I have ever owned where I havent EVER cranked it up to full volume just to hear how loud it goes.
Suffice to say, its goes more than loud enough for me. And good quality - even when up high.

 

[x332race]

I've had an Audio 20 and an Audio 50 in my C270....I must say they both sounded good to me (mind you, I am tone deaf!!)

 

[Baron_Samedi]

The Audio 20 I have is better than any stock audio I have experienced. As mentioned before, I also have no need to max it at any time and the clarity is very good.

The tuner is definitely sensitive - my system can reproduce stations from the car's original home (Leicestershire) and I live in Wiltshire....

 

[kbekl]

it all depends what you want from a system tbh almost any brand can be made to look oem or even blended in with the dash

its just a matter of what you want ie mp3, dvd, dab etc

 

[prc]

Thanks for everyone's responses..

Not a headbanger....
TBH was not impressed with sound quality from facotry. Then swapped stock speakers for rainbow direct drop-in counterparts (IQ line). Speaker quality is great and sound quality is much improved (almost night and day). Highly recommend this upgrade on the w203.
Happy with rest of sound but since I will most likely be dishing out cash over the next month or so might as well try to improve sound quality..

 

[prc]

it all depends what you want from a system tbh almost any brand can be made to look oem or even blended in with the dash

its just a matter of what you want ie mp3, dvd, dab etc

Interested in good radio reception and excellent cd playback (mp3 is a +). Not interested in a trillion inch sub with megawatt amp or a HU that looks like a X-mas tree when litup....
Spend around 4-5hr in the car everyday..

 

[kbekl]

i have had a few after-market headunits

as you not really wanting to have subs etc just nice sound and easy to use functions

again price is a big factor if you just want a mid range unit i would look at the pioneer or the alpine or even the panasonic they can range in price

i found pioneer were the better option when i was parting with my cash i like the look of this one http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products/25/121/DEH-P88RS/accessory.html

had this one in my old 318 and realy enjoyed the sound (not mine)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pioneer-DEH-2920MP-CD-Player_W0QQitemZ250412893055QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Audio_TV_Electronics_In_Car_Entertainment_GPS_In_Car_Audio_Players_PP?hash=item250412893055&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1689|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

i have to have the mp3 player now as i couldnt go back to changing the station or keep changing the cd when i can have 1 cd for the whole day and a different one for the following days and so forth

id depends if you want one to look like you have the oem version fitted

 

[br0ke]

I changed from Audio20 to Comand a few months back
Audio20 was good but the Comand is better.

I didn't bother with the recode. I don't have a CD changer but the phone worked fine. The only thing the recoding appears to do is give the NAV directions on the dash display.

It may give more but I can't see it. If I add a CD changer I will have to get it done then.

 

[prc]

Besides added cost and features am sure the command will/would bring some sort of value to the car..but still unsure if it's worth it..Need to start saving up..

 

[Chris Akabusi]

I too have considered 'upgrading' from Audio 20 as i'm not too impressed with the quality, but not sure exactly what my options are.

I had stock stereo in my last car, a Lexus IS200 and it was far, far superior to Audio 20.

I'm not sure if its is because Audio 20 isn't that great, or that it is simply because Lexus put in a top notch stock system.

 

[prc]

IMHO weekest link with the audio 20, isn't the unit itself, it's the speakers. Even lower-end component speakers make the unit sound much better. Do feel it should be better considering the car segment. Not superior to the stock system in the Seat I still own.

Dunno about the lexus. Only system I ever heard was one of those top of the line McIntoch ones.