Blaupunkt Florida RD168

Price Paid:  $250.00

Summary:
This is my second Blau, my first CD player. I like Blaupunkts because you can touch-identify controls without looking, perfect when driving on winding roads at highway speeds. Designed with functionality in mind. At first I thought the styling was too wacky after getting used to the more formal NAD-looking older Blaupunkts, but when I fitted it to my previous '85 Audi and transferred it to my newer '92 Audi it looked perfect. I still wish Blau would stop trying to look too contemporary and daring, the Skyline series looks modern but smart and formal enough, but the newer Blaupunkts just don't look as timeless. The "signature" sound of the new Blaupunkts these days appear to be less crisp than those of previous years. If I change stereos I'll have to listen carefully and if need be I'd change to Nakamichi - the only Jap stereo whose controls are as logical and proper as Blaupunkt's.

Strengths:
Ergonomics - The problem with Jap stereos is that they're designed to be played with at traffic jams, too many small buttons, difficult to locate functions, too fadish. Love the rotary volume, don't have to look while operating it. Location of the on-off-mute is also perfect, easy to find in a hurry when the cellphone rings (yes, I use a hands-free headset). And the digital display is not teenager-ish Star Wars pseudo space-age.

Weaknesses:
The CD volume is set low vs. radio, so the moment I hit the Source button to shift to FM I immediately have to wind the volume down. The variable loudness doesn't seem to be any good - even at maximum I can't hear a significant difference. The frequency cutoffs for bass and treble don't seem to be spot-on vs. my older Blau Verona cassette, but then it could be my speakers -- I decided on a basic stealth installation and use 4" 2-way dash and retained the 5" factory components on the rear door.

Similar Products Used:
Blaupunkt Verona cassette -- the Verona, though far more basic and older, for some reason I think sounds better.Heck, even the Blaupunkts fitted as factory stereos to Holden/Opel Astras and Vectras with tone controls sound better.

Summary:
Great price on online auction $139

I have it installed a month or so now. More features than most buyers would want or care to explore. In my opionion a very good unit and recommend highly. Misses perfection by not having jog dial.

Strengths:
Styling,power,features,price.

Weaknesses:
Display could be a bit brighter. Funky volume control,takes a lot of turns to raise/lower. Jog dial would be ideal.

Similar Products Used:
First car cd player. Compared to Sony,JVC,Pioneer. The Florida wins out for me due to it's power and looks.

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1999

Summary:
$300 austrlian money
yes i would recommend it and i have recommended it

Strengths:
i like this product because it one the most powerful rated cd recievers with a 4x25 rms out puts and has 2 rca outputs.

Weaknesses:
it doesn't have a graphic equaliser

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer deh2050

Summary:
It has a more reserved, European styling without cheap looking plasic parts and red light district lights. The mechanism is silent and smooth, the buttons are easy to use except for scrolling thru the menu. I like the jog dial for the volume but a dial for the radio tuner would help. The Digiciever feature is excellent in locking in radio stations I never knew existed. Some radio stations transmit their identification/call number back to the Digiciever.

The most enduring and important thing about this receiver is the sound quality. I love it. It has a warm and rich sound even with my factory speakers. It reminds me of the warmth of tube powered amps for electric guitars. I have since upgraded the speakers to mid-quality Kenwoods and it sounds fabulous.

Strengths:
styling, sound quality

Weaknesses:
jog dial for tuning would be helpful. brighter display helps during sunny days. pricey.

Similar Products Used:
Sony

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1999

Summary:
About 5 month ago I finally upgraded from my factory installed Alpine radio/tape player to Blaupunkt “Florida” CD player/receiver for about $200 from Crutchfield and so far it has been a treat. This CD player is one of the new generation players that use much fewer parts that it’s predecessors. The CD sounds very clean & clear and has a better than average, digital radio reception. Esthetically is very pleasing and has ton of features. The removable faceplate also comes with it’s own carrying case. I recommend it highly.

Strengths:
Ergonomics, Great sound, lots of features

Weaknesses:
Have not found one yet.

Similar Products Used:
Alpine