Blaupunkt Heidelberg CD51 CD Receiver

Price Paid:  $208.00 from SoundDomain

Year / Model Reviewed:
 Heidelberg CD51

Summary:
I purchased my Heidelberg to replace the old factory head unit in my 1987 325is. After a couple weeks of use, I must say I am very impressed. Installation was straightforward, with the wiring diagram being printed right on the unit. The hookups are in multiple blocks and can be removed if not used. I first wired the Heidelberg to my car''s factory "premium sound" system- an 8 speaker system which uses a factory amplifier. This sounded great, but I soon replaced some of the speakers and added two amplifiers (bypassing the factory amp). The system now sounds excellent. The CD sound from the Heidelberg is really outstanding. Although I don''t have a ton of experience with aftermarket CD players, this one is easily the best I''ve ever heard. As Blaupunkt claims, the radio reception is also exceptional; it pulls in stations I''d never heard with my factory unit (and it was quite good). I picked this unit (over others) because of its relative simplicity of styling and operation. I wanted simple, straightforward, European design- and the Heidelberg came through. It was very easy to learn to use; I really only needed (to read) the manual for a few minor things. Even more important, the unit looks great in the car. I was worried that it would stick out too much and mess up the lines of the instrument panel- well, it does stick out a tad but not nearly as much as other models I looked at. Plus, its buttons and styling match the BMW very well. The fit and finish are excellent and the buttons feel good (they are the ''soft-touch'' variety). The buttons are illuminated red and match the BMW instrument lighting well. The blue display also looks great; it doesn''t distract at night and looks like a (no color) LCD during daylight. It doesn''t wash out or become difficult to see in even the brightest sunlight. The display had some animated jumpy stuff on it, but this was very easy to turn off. My only criticism is the equalizer. It is quite customizable (although somewhat complicated) but offers no presets. Quick selectable presets (with names like ''rock,'' ''techno,'' etc) would have improved the Heidelberg but otherwise I have no complaints.

Strengths:
Simple european design Good ergonomics Great sound

Weaknesses:
Could use a simpler EQ Installation instructions are minimal

Similar Products Used:
Other Blaupunkt, Pioneer, factory units