Blaupunkt IDC A09

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I like it. I also have the Malibu C50 cassette receiver/ CD controller and the Thummer remote control. Everything is installed in a double DIN dash opening in my 1997 Suzuki Swift. The ergonomics are very very good, especially with the steering wheel mounted remote control. You can either sequentially select a CD with the remote control (up or down), or directly select a CD with one of the 5 buttons on the unit itself. When you go over a bump, the CD player skips, as expected. It takes maybe about 15 or 20 seconds to switch CDs, which isn't bad. It does cost more than the usual 10 disc trunk mounted changers, but in-dash is the way to go. When I was shopping around in the summer of 2001, there were only a handful of in-dash cassette/ CD changer double DIN systems available, including: Nakamichi, Eclipse, and Pioneer. I eliminated the Nak and the Eclipse systems because of their high price. The Pioneer Elite's ergonomics weren't as good as the Blaupunkt's so I chose the Blau.

Strengths:
In dash is the way to go.

Price Paid:  $189.00 from millionbuy.com

Year / Model Reviewed:
 Blaupunkt idc A09

Summary:
Very difficult install in the dash. Not for novices. Requires experience and willingness to rig-up a custom mounting bracket. Can be accomplished through ingenuity and a few dollars spent at Home Depot. May require cutting the dash. It works well, looks cute under a Blaupunkt receiver in your dash, and gives good sound quality. It's rather noisy changing CDs, and the sound cuts out for a few seconds if you change a CD while another one is playing. Instruction manual is pitiful. One should know what they're doing before installation.

Strengths:
Looks, ease of operation, convenience of having a changer in the dash, sound quality.

Weaknesses:
Installation, instruction manual, installation, installation, installation

Similar Products Used:
Blaupunkt Munchen CD receiver. It rocks. A very entertaining piece.