Blaupunkt vs. Becker

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

what were the highest quality vintage radios?

Did Porsche use any other brands?

al lkosmal · 02-07-2009, 04:23 PM

Randy,
I just scored a very nice Becker Europa II for my 71E. The Europa (mono ?) was an option in 71. I chose to go for the Europa II vs. the Europa because it is stereo, but otherwise correct. My impression is that Becker is considered to be high quality, but they are extremely retro-cool, if nothing else. I'll post regarding sound quality as soon as soon as I hook it up.

I have an option list for the 70 911 and it lists Blaupunkt... Boston, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Koln, and New York, also Becker... Europa, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix. There is also a Phillips radio w/cassette player listed.

crater64 · 02-08-2009, 03:54 PM

Al,

I've been thinking about picking up a Europa II for my '70 as well. I have the car's original non-stereo US-spec Frankfurt; the PO installed a later Blaupunkt Aspen AM/FM stereo cassette player, but it's not working properly and the cassette part is shot.

Do you know whether any of the correct-for-70 units have AM/FM stereo/SW? None of the SW units I've seen have FM stereo. Given the choice between shortwave and stereo reception I'll take the latter; still there's a part of me that hopes to pick up BBC World Service in the car without having to shell out for satellite. (Yes, I know World Service stopped transmitting to North America several years ago; it's sometimes possible to pick up its West Indies signal here however.)

Thanks,
Ed

the · 02-08-2009, 04:03 PM

Blaupunkts were considered high quality radios? I guess maybe for the really vintage one (like 1960s).

I've had lots of stock blaupunkts in Porsches and BMWs from the late 70s to the late 80s, and they were all pretty crappy in every respect (other than they looked pretty good). They got bad reception, tape players were mediocre at best, low power and, to add insult to injury, lost functions piece by piece.

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

so what is the real difference between a

Becker Europa II

and the Mexico??

is it just that the latter had a cassette player in it?

al lkosmal · 02-10-2009, 07:49 PM

My Europa II just showed up today. Bad photo, but the unit is in very nice shape. I'll let you know how it sounds, after I locate a wiring harness. If it doesn't sound great, I may just polish it and look at it.

al lkosmal · 02-10-2009, 10:24 PM

Check this out

http://www.beckerautosound.com/Classic/index.htm

Hesse James · 02-10-2009, 11:09 PM

Hi folks,

her is the thing for you:

It is the Becker Mexico Retro 7942 with all the features you need today:

Navigation, MP3, Bluetooth name it - this cool thing has it!

crater64 · 02-11-2009, 06:43 AM

Heiko: That unit is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. I've been watching the multi-part German series on the restoration of a 911T targa on YouTube* and they fitted one of these to that car. Unfortunately I think these haven't been made available for the North American market yet.

Al: Thanks for the link. It looks like the Euro-spec Europa and Grand Prix offer AM/FM stereo/SW capability, but they also appear to cut off the upper end of the FM range that we receive here. That may still be a viable option as I tend to listen to the left end of the FM dial anyway.

Ed

(*Currently at the office where YouTube is blocked; will update with links later if someone doesn't before I can.)

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

that thing is $1,100 right? and it doesn't have pushbuttons for the FM channels -- does it?

note the buttons on the old Europa II...

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

and what about the "blue dot" Blaupunkt models?

saw one on flea bay for $850!!

crater64 · 02-11-2009, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWebb

that thing is $1,100 right? and it doesn't have pushbuttons for the FM channels -- does it?

note the buttons on the old Europa II...

Good question. With all the bells and whistles it has it would be silly not to have the ability to preset radio stations.

A quick Google search turns up several ads that state it has 20 AM/FM/SW presets...and this link http://www.soundlabsgroup.com.au/p/Becker-Mexico-Retro-7948/Becker+Mexico+Retro+7948 takes you to the manual (245 pages!). It looks like you have to scroll to a menu once you push the "radio" button, then use the left rotary knob to select your presets.

While I still like the concept of modern features in a period-correct body, I'm starting to look at this thing with the fear and loathing I reserve for BMW's i-Drive. I think I'd be better off with an AM/FM stereo with SW or WB and an aux input for the day I have to break down and buy an iPod or other digital music player.

Ed

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

yes!!

it is like the "fear and loathing... for BMW's i-Drive"

and it costs a bundle just to eff up your head....

ergonomically disreputable....

f3nr15 · 02-11-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWebb

so what is the real difference between a

Becker Europa II

and the Mexico??

is it just that the latter had a cassette player in it?

The Mexico has a cassette sction and an external amplifier- does the Europa II have an external amp?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hesse James

Hi folks,

her is the thing for you:

It is the Becker Mexico Retro 7942 with all the features you need today:

Navigation, MP3, Bluetooth name it - this cool thing has it!

It doesn't have a CD PLAYER!!! How can they charge such a whopping great price for a unit that can't play CDs?

Hesse James · 02-11-2009, 03:37 PM

yes, the cd changer unit is an option, but who needs it if you can playback mp3 from CF-Card, MMC, Microdrive or SD-Card?
I would not miss it...
It is expansive but I have an old Becker Mexico with the washing machine knobs in my mercedes convertible. It plays back cassettes but it's awfull - the tuner as well is not competitive to any tuner as of today - it looks cool but the functions are crap. So I just put in an amplifier with a hidden subwoofer and attached the IPod - here you go.