good looking CD player

[eki912]

Has anyone seen a CD player that would look somewhat original in a 1976 dash? Something with two dials on each end of the unit and so on.

I found a BLAUPUNKT SANTA FE CD32 , is that the best/only option I have?

It would be nice to have close to original looks with CD .No need for blinking leds etc.....

e k i

[CaCarKid]

I'm not even old enough to know what the stereo looked like in 1976. I put a modern one in my 76. But if you want a vintage look you can get a head unit that looks the "era" that is capable of have a CD changer hook up to it that is hidden somewhere else in the car, or trunk. They usually use these in older Chevys and stuff but I dont see why it wouldn't work in a Porsche. They are easy to find but might be a little more difficult finding one without a Chevy Bowtie or some other emblem on it.

-Alex

[jyl]

Becker CDR-220, see pics at Southwest Stereo http://www.swstereo.com and ask questions at the Becker Board http://members4.boardhost.com/beckerboard/ (no affiliation with either).

Have the traditional two knob look, some units say "Porsche" as they were OEM in some 90's cars, you can get them used off eBay or from places like the ones referenced above. Also can get adapter wiring harnesses there. Can connect Becker CD changers too.

There was some recent discussion of a related topic on Rennlist under the topic "Porsche AM/FM CD".

[82SC]

i got the nakamishi 45z...a little overkill interms of quality...but looks and fits right in...none of the flashy ricers neon lighting

[scottb]

I went through the same decision-making process. Take a look at last year's model of the Blaupunkt Heidelberg (CD-51).

As you'll see, it looks like it has two dials on either side, and the graphics are pretty subdued. You can even turn off some of the graphics that are displayed in the picture. The display looks great either at night or day. It's a great unit for the money. The new model (CD-52) has some silver/white buttons on it, and IMHO is too flashy for the Spartan interior of the older 911.

Good luck with your decision.

[eki912]

So far I think BLAUPUNKT SANTA FE or SAN DIEGO are the closest to the look I am after.Sort of black faceplate , two round knobs at ends,display in the middle.

If I can´t find , or don´t see anything better , those two are the ones then.And they are not too pricey , either.

e k i

[Eric Coffey]

I'll second the Nakamichi CD-45z. That's what I currently have, and is very subdued (zero "bling" factor) and classy. Not to mention it sounds great. If you have money to burn, I'd go with the McIntosh MX406. Dual knobs, very retro, and probably the best car CD player out there.


Nakamichi CD45z:


McIntosh MX406:

[LeeH]

Check out Midwest Electronics. Several people here have used them for cheap and older Blaupunkts.



Here's a list of their CD players.

The Calgary, Heidelberg, and Miami look OK, in my opinion. I purchased a Heidelberg CD50 from them; current price is $159. As Scott mentioned, you can turn off most of the graphics. The screen just looks gray during the day. Personally, I'm not fond of the Indiglo type display at night, but I've learned to live with it for the price.

Also, their inventory changes frequently so check back if you don't see something you like.

[Adam]

I actually went with something different. I fitted a JVC Kameleon. When it's off, it's a flat, blank, black panel. When it's on, the command keyboard folds out and the screen lights up. It's very, very cool and looks nondescript when the car is parked.

As mentioned above, with this unit you can turn off all the bling and it's quite classy at night.

[82SC]

oh...if you do go with nakamichi...they have an amber display one...I wished I had gotten that...not that green is bad, but the amber would fit even better

MJ

[jim72911t]

If you guys think finding a decent (period correct) looking CD player is difficult, try finding a cassette player! (I know, I know, step into the '90's!) The slaespeople at the stereo shops thought I was downright CRAZY! I ended up buying a the last Sony cassete player (with KNOBS, not buttons), at my local Best Buy. I think they were happy to get rid of it!

Jim
'72 911T (and LOTS of cassettes)

[nostatic]

I'm partial to Elicpse:


That's what replaced my original Blau.
I was going to go with the low end Nak, but they underwent a reorganization awhile back and there were no units in stock.

[bell]

i live and die by my blau toronto..........

[Rob McKibbon]

You can custom title the CD's in my stereo, so I customized mine to say Porsche.

Not retro though?

[jyl]

From a prior thread. I think you guys'es radios are all bling-bling

[david914]

OK Rob, I gotta ask. What kind of drink holder is that above your radio? Very BLING! (in a good "Porsche" kinda way!) Details?

[bell]

the toronto has a programable greeting everytime it powers up(40 characters i think)........
mine currently says "this is bells porsche biiiaaaatttcchhhh"
can also program cd titles (10 for the indash/100 for the changer)

[Rob McKibbon]

Originally posted by david914
OK Rob, I gotta ask. What kind of drink holder is that above your radio? Very BLING! (in a good "Porsche" kinda way!) Details?

Caught! Hah ha ha!
Yes I drink coffee while driving the Pcar.... and I sometimes talk on the cell phone (not often though, can't hear or talk)

I've actually been holding out on the threads about cup holders. I stay up late and tend to get very little sleep. Driving at 5 or 6 AM on 3 or 4 hours sleep.... Need my coffee! I even own a Starbucks top of the line Cap machine. I picked the cup holder up at a "Canadian Tire" store here in town. They're a low end auto retailer with patio furniture and home hardware.... we call it "crappy tire", lots of gimmicke stuff.

It was about $10 bucks Canadian and clips/locks onto the vent as shown. Whad'ya think?
I like it because I can clip it off anytime I want.... I just left it on for the photo to see if I'd get a reaction?

Edit:
P.S. Bell..... you got me beat!!! But I wouldn't expect anything less from you!, it just wouldn't be right if you didn't rule in the stereo/ sound department, now would it?

[SeaDweller]

I just bought a Blaupunkt Calgary from Midwest Electronics. It's a 2000 model, but Midwest has some that are brand new in the box.

It's very similar to the Santa Monica, and I would imagine the Santa Fe and San Diego replaced it. It has a more retro display, rather than the new blue, backlit displays, which fits with the car better. It also has yellow/amber button backlighting to match the instruments. I paid $90 plus shipping which is a bargain!!

It has their BP-4 CD transport, and Codem III tuner found in the newer decks, and it's about as retro as you can get. My all-time favorite radios for the P-Car are the Blau Toronto, and the earlier Miami, which looks very similar. I found a place that has a handful of the earlier Miami deck, but it's close to $400. If I were to go to that expense, I'd go with the Nakamichi.

Midwest also has the Blau RPD545, which is another retro style deck. I like the looks of the 545 better than the Calgary overall, but the 545 does not have the updated CD transport and tuner.

[SeaDweller]

Here's some pictures of the two decks: