Blaupunkt Pasadena CD71 CD Player

Price Paid:  $137.00 from ebay

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 Pasadena CD71

Summary:
This is my first aftermarket car stereo so I have nothing to compare it to, but I currently have this powering Rockford FNX 1414 components up front, and 4" JBL Power series coaxials in the rear doors. So far it sounds pretty good, I still am hoping the speakers will continue to break in as time goes on. Sound is nice and clear, very little distortion that I can hear, and some of the highs are actually breath taking. The one problem I have had though is that with some songs the voices and other parts of the music that would usually appear more up front and present sound muted and behind the rest of the track. Because of this I am buying an external amp to give these small speakers as much clean juice as they can take. If you had larger speakers I'm sure this would be less of a problem. That said, the rest of the unit is flawless. The layout, once you learn what everything does, is actually very easy to use, and at night the blue back light with the multi color face looks uber-cool. If you have a german car, especially a VW with the blue lighting, Blau is the only manufacturer that makes something of the same build quality as your car. For the tuner, it isn't as miraculous as everyone has said, but I like the RDS and PTY functions with the only problem being you can't manually dial in a station. Lastly, using the internal amp causes the unit to get VERY hot over the course of an hour or two and on long trips I feel like I have to give it a break every couple hours. With an external amp I don't see how you could go wrong with this reciever.

Strengths:
Great looks, superior build quality, nice layout, good sound if you have the right setup (external amp), digital EQ on board

Weaknesses:
Some sound isn't up to par with the stock amp (I am really particular about imaging and clarity), can get hot

Similar Products Used:
I had a Bose system in my 95 Audi S6 before this which probably sounded better for some music (Jazz, Classical, Softer Rock), but I just wanted to build a system to fit my needs and it is proving diff

Price Paid:  $148.00 from EbaY

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2001 Pasadena CD71

Summary:
Really nice sound, great controls and a nice looking system. Blaupunkt historically does a nice job on stereo's and this is no exception. It is truly a great unit.

Strengths:
Keycard security, strong construction, very durable, tons of controls that are easy to use, looks awesome.

Weaknesses:
None I can think of.

Similar Products Used:
Older Blaupunkt receivers/CD players. Blaupunkt CDC-A08 changer (not good).

Price Paid:  $299.00 from The Zeb

Summary:
The Blaupunkt Pasadena is a great set. Great reception, crystal clear sound quality and a great looking stereo make this a great buy. I have owned sets in the past from Kenwood, JVC and Sony, and in my opinion, Blaupunkt tops them all. The Blaupunkt also has superior "build quality" - metal parts and hinges in the flip down face.

Strengths:
Sound Quality Construction Reception Look and Feel

Weaknesses:
Thummer steering wheel remote not included - $49.99 extra is a little steep

Similar Products Used:
Blaupunkt Munchen Kenwood KDC-MPV7019