Blaupunkt Alaska RDM168 Car CD Player
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- Player Type: CD
- Controlled Devices: CD Changer
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Not "blau" over my Blaupunkt
Pros
Lots of station presets and comes in fun colors
Cons
Too many options, manual not detailed enough
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
The Nevada is an inexpensive, stylish stereo with lots of options. Navigating the advanced options is not for the fainthearted, though, and the manual is little help.
When I bought a new car in January, I realized that (a.) the factory CD player was not worth what the dealer wanted to charge and (b.) the CD player in my trade-in was on its last legs and probably wasn't worth moving into the new car. So, while awaiting delivery of my new car, I ordered the Blaupunkt Nevada. It was a good price (about $150 at Crutchfield) and I could (and did) get it in a cheery blue color. Besides, my husband still really liked his Nevada after a year and a half of use.
While waiting for my husband to install the stereo, I tackled the manual. It seemed quite thick and I was quite eager to learn about the "Direct Software Control" (a plethora of "advanced menu options" to make my stereo experience more personal and "fun"). Turns out that it was thick because it had directions in five languages.
I was rather disappointed in the manual. It seemed to gloss over most of the more advanced features of the stereo (like how to change the sensitivity of the receiver so that it can pull in weak FM signals or reduce interference). Their website wasn't much help, either. I don't understand all of these advanced controls enough to change them from their factory presets. So far, that tactic is working just fine for me.
It is ultimately the day-to-day operation that is important. I have adjusted rather quickly to the display and the basic functions of the stereo (which have a very different look / feel compared to my former stereo).
When I turn on the car, the stereo is at my preset "on volume". I can turn the volume up by using my index and middle fingers to quickly spin the volume ring. If I need to drop the volume in a hurry, I just hit the glowing blue dot (a.k.a the power button) and the sound drops to my preset mute volume. If I need to power off, I simply hold the dot for a few extra seconds.
When I purchased the stereo, I also purchased the optional "Thummer" remote. It attaches to the steering wheel and provides controls for changing track/station and volume. I have yet to use it because I became accustomed to the stereo much more quickly than I expected.
I do not have problems with skipping or sticking - which I had with my old player from the day I got it.
All-in-all, I love my stereo. I think the stereo sounds great. It looks beautiful. And the basic controls are easy to use and understand.
Important disclaimer: I am neither an audiophile nor a lover of "booming bass". I'm just a person who wants to be able to listen to something other than road noise while I'm driving. If you're interested in audio perfection or anything bass-a-licious, be aware that these are not my specialties.
While waiting for my husband to install the stereo, I tackled the manual. It seemed quite thick and I was quite eager to learn about the "Direct Software Control" (a plethora of "advanced menu options" to make my stereo experience more personal and "fun"). Turns out that it was thick because it had directions in five languages.
I was rather disappointed in the manual. It seemed to gloss over most of the more advanced features of the stereo (like how to change the sensitivity of the receiver so that it can pull in weak FM signals or reduce interference). Their website wasn't much help, either. I don't understand all of these advanced controls enough to change them from their factory presets. So far, that tactic is working just fine for me.
It is ultimately the day-to-day operation that is important. I have adjusted rather quickly to the display and the basic functions of the stereo (which have a very different look / feel compared to my former stereo).
When I turn on the car, the stereo is at my preset "on volume". I can turn the volume up by using my index and middle fingers to quickly spin the volume ring. If I need to drop the volume in a hurry, I just hit the glowing blue dot (a.k.a the power button) and the sound drops to my preset mute volume. If I need to power off, I simply hold the dot for a few extra seconds.
When I purchased the stereo, I also purchased the optional "Thummer" remote. It attaches to the steering wheel and provides controls for changing track/station and volume. I have yet to use it because I became accustomed to the stereo much more quickly than I expected.
I do not have problems with skipping or sticking - which I had with my old player from the day I got it.
All-in-all, I love my stereo. I think the stereo sounds great. It looks beautiful. And the basic controls are easy to use and understand.
Important disclaimer: I am neither an audiophile nor a lover of "booming bass". I'm just a person who wants to be able to listen to something other than road noise while I'm driving. If you're interested in audio perfection or anything bass-a-licious, be aware that these are not my specialties.
