I'm finally going to get an in-dash cd player in my 97 A4. I have a couple of requirements that I have not seen addressed:

- 5 pre-outs - I like to have a sub level control to turn the bass down on certain types of music and pump it up for others. I plan on using amp power for all signals and don't need any deck power

- Quality CD player - I drive over some crappy roads and don't want any skipping. I also play some cds with some scratches. maybe I'm just being picky, but I had a Fosgate deck before that would play some trashed CD's

- Aux input - I want to plug my iPod into the deck. Something that doesn't have wires coming out of the dash is necessary, otherwise too much business and wires getting in the way of shifting. Do blitzsafe adapters work with most decks or are they just for factory decks?

- Deck face - Something flush mounted that is black with red lights. I am going to manufacture some kind of black plastic surround that doesn't leave a 2 piece look to the dash. I don't want a deck that sticks out of the dash either.

Anybody have any ideas on decks? I have been out of the car audio scene for awhile and I don't know much about current cd players. I don't really want anything aiwa, jvc, or sony because of cheap look.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Oh yeah, price isn't too much of a concern because I would rather be happy and broke than pissed off with a bunch of coin in my pocket.

 

the 735 or 835 MP models. I believe RedAudifor has pictures of his install in his picposter. They are great units for the dollars, and I believe they have all the features you want.

That being said, I have a Kenwood excelon x769 deck with flip-down face... 3 pre-outs (F, R, non-fading) and 1 aux input for my ipod that will hopefully be arriving wrapped Christmas Day from my girlfriend ;-)

 

<center><img src="http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/graphics/bugs/CrutchfieldR200x66.gif"></center><p>
Hi,

In answer to your question about a CD receiver, I think we can help you out.

For the matching Color, Clarion is usually the best at matching the European display. Kenwood has a couple of models that have a variety of colors that you can personally set to match your display ( 67 different colors ). Also, Alpine's buttons can be changed to an "orange ish red" that might match.

For the Aux input.With the Alpines and the Kenwoods,you will have to purchase an aux adaptor to give you the input. Those will be on the back. You can use a little piece of velcro and attach the cord "up and out of the way, under the dash" when not in use. The Clarions have an aux input already built into the unit, but it is on the back of the unit.

For the 5 sets of preamp outputs, I haven't seen a radio with that many. Usually 3 sets of preamp outputs will do everything a person needs. Just get one with the 3rd set non fading and you will be ok.

To see will fit in your vehicle, just point your browser to the following link.

Good luck!

Dixon
Solutions Expert
www.Crutchfield.com
Dixon@Crutchfield.com
1.800.388.2911.4040
An Audiworld sponsor<ul><li><a href="http://www.crutchfield.com/i-rad1cdix/cgi-bin/AutoInfo/AutoInfo.asp">What fits my car?</a></li></ul>

 

I checked out redaudifor's install, pretty tight. I am going to make a new panel from just below the fog switches to the top of the climate control, though.

My old RF 8130 had 5 preouts. Front L+R, Back L+R, Sub. I am going to check up on the clarions to see if they fit my req's.

 

I checked out Clarion's site and am set on the 535. I don't have a need for mp3 cd's - iPod baby! Also checked out crutchfield.com and they have it listed @ $199. I am on my way to Fry's electronics to check on the deck and any deals on other stuff - amp, speakers, battery operated toys.

 

You can kind of see it in this pic. Sorry it's the only one I have.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/31095/own3d_d_2.jpg">

 

Looks Good. I Spied them @ Fry's and the 535 should do just fine.

 

I am assuming your old deck didn't have 5 PAIRS of preouts but actually 5 preouts. Decks nowadays have pairs of preouts. Front, Rear, sub. Which ones would depend on the HU. I think that is what you are refering to.

 

Does that mean you can't adjust the ballance?

However it works, the deck had 5 channel preout. I don't really adjust the ballance anyway.

 

On your 835mp, is your face motorized? When you push on eject do you hear anything at all (motors or things turning)
I installed 835 mp and face is not moving at all. No noise or readouts (eject) on lcd! I can get it to go down with my help, but without me nothing happens.
I just want to know what it is supposed to do
Thanks