What time is it? Time for a new CD player...

[Doodle]

Well, looks like the Pioneer head unit in the C250 has packed up and died for the second time in 2 years. After having the main IC board replaced under goodwill 9 months ago, it's now started making a noise like a jackhammer when trying to start playing a CD. I'd also noticed that it had been getting quieter over the past couple of months, needing more volume to maintain the same sound level. The fact that my friend's one is also playing up indicates a significant disturbance in the force.

This leaves me with a bit of a problem. The P77MP was one of the few units out there that didn't look naff in the W202's dash. It's now out of production, but I'm not sure I'd have another one anyway. However, I'm struggling to find a suitable replacement.

I don't really need/have time to watch DVD playback, so there's no point in getting an AV unit, as nice as the Pioneer 5700 is.
I'd love a Nakamichi unit, but cannot find anyone in this country who seems to have them.

I just need a top quality, MP3 compatible headunit, that doesn't look like a Max Power reader's wet dream, to head up the rest of the install. Any suggestions?

 

[1998K]

I'd suggest the following:
Becker (perfect integration and best radio reception, good CD section)
Alpine (quite sober and really good CD section)
JVC (for me better sound than Alpine but lack of elegance for our dashboard)

This as per my opinion, considering in particular Alpine and JVC highest quality units (I means nont the entry level).

Marco

 

[GrahamC230K]

I have a lovelly Alpine you could make me an offer on!

CDA9835R - plays MP3s and does everything else you would expect. You can make it match the w202 illumination colour perfectly.

When I bought it about a year ago it was the highest spec Alpine you could buy that still had an internal amp.

Displays CD info, MP3 info etc

Still have manuals and remote control etc etc.

Umm - well actually just use this as a suggestion - highly recommended unit. Just looked at the prices these have fallen to and you wouldn't pay what I would want for this! Doh!

 

[1998K]

I confirm that Alpine 9835R is really one of the best Head unit you can wish:bannana:

PS: I've the same CD holder...oh yes your W202 is gone

 

[Doodle]

Well, I've had another, much harder look at the Alpine website...

The CDA-9855R is looking very tempting, very similar in style to Graham's unit, and would integrate nicely with a pair of their V12 amps
I'm very much considering using the 4-channel MRV-F345 to make the front components fully active, and leaving the head unit to power a set of midbass, relocated to the rear doors for fill. Then use the smaller of the V12 mono amps to power a 10" sub.

The ironic thing is that the Pioneer unit started working when I got in the car this morning...how much longer it continues working for is up for debate, however.

 

[1998K]

Yes 9855R is relly beautifull, I've just installed a 9853R, I've preferred this due to the black frame that in my opinion match better the interior of my W202.

9855R have a silver frame.

It's a personal taste!

 

[Doodle]

Well, went to look at a 9855R yesterday, and discovered that the Glidetouch is a bit of a pain to use, especially on the move. Alpine have also had some reliability issues with this model, it seems.
9857R is much more user friendly, but drops a few of the nice features of the the 55, such as the amp link. That said, I think the ability to control the amp settings from the head unit is a little overkill, once the amp is set, it's set, and most of the important features are still there.

I have spotted the 77MP's replacement, the P88RS, and have fallen in love.
http://www.pioneer.co.uk/eur/product_detail.jsp?product_id=12303&taxonomy_id=25-121
However, it's £450, and being an PRS product, is only available from selected dealers.

Also considered a Becker Mexico Pro, dull as dishwater to look at, but sonically supposed to be up with the best. Mono sub output put me off a bit though.

Out of interest, what figure did you have in mind for your unit Graham?