I recall we discussed radio models in the past, but I do not remember which specific Jensen unit you have? I believe you had stated it was one that did not appear too offensive (compared to most modern ones)?Pretty much describes it. You can disconnect the battery and it does not care; keeps the settings. But the important point is that it is "on" only when the ignition key is on. So it does not drain the battery when the key is off. As to the question regarding if other Jensens do that or not, I do not know. But when I saw that feature I called my 30 year search to a halt.
Yes,I provided info on the particular Jensen inthe fourth post in this thread.I recall we discussed radio models in the past, but I do not remember which specific Jensen unit you have? I believe you had stated it was one that did not appear too offensive (compared to most modern ones)?
Thanks for the reference. The overall appearance is kind of similar to the JVC I have, which was why I purchased it. As you say, it has a look that's not too out of place in a 80's Euro car. I guess the real test will be how it actually functions; how the menus work, how the controls feel, how intuitive everything is, etc. As with pretty much all of them these days you really don't get enough information to truly know until you buy and try it. If you decide to get one please offer some feedback after living with it a while.Jeff, I think I know what you're looking for and I am in the same boat. Here is the unit I am planning to buy.
The look is good for the X1/9 especially the later models plus I get the modern features I want. Price is at an acceptable point and while Continental does not make it they will source a good unit if their name is on it and offer a 2 year warranty. Orange lighting is a fair match as well. Review are very good. Also big display charters for old eyes
I'm with you on the Blaupunkt, the Chinse company that bought it does not make the radios but sources them from various vendors so you never know what your getting. Stereo reviews have not been kind to their new stereos. This is not to say there is not a good one in the bunch but you need to really read the review and weed out the fake reviews with the Extension like FackSpot.
If you want a real Volvo radio, I may still have one in the basement from my 240. Only issue is that it is AM only.
Please provide a link or additional information, I'd like to look into it further.Missed this earlier - many thanks, however that probably weighs more than my entire dashboard
For the X1/9, I bought this to replace the JVC in the X - main criteria was size, and actual buttons for main requirements, so no idea at all regarding quality
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I did a little researching on that VDO unit.Jeff, I think I know what you're looking for and I am in the same boat. Here is the unit I am planning to buy.
The look is good for the X1/9 especially the later models plus I get the modern features I want. Price is at an acceptable point and while Continental does not make it they will source a good unit if their name is on it and offer a 2 year warranty. Orange lighting is a fair match as well. Review are very good. Also big display charters for old eyes
I'm with you on the Blaupunkt, the Chinse company that bought it does not make the radios but sources them from various vendors so you never know what your getting. Stereo reviews have not been kind to their new stereos. This is not to say there is not a good one in the bunch but you need to really read the review and weed out the fake reviews with the Extension like FackSpot.
I read one review that said when they disconnected the battery and reconnected it later the setting remained. How that is accomplished I did not see. I do know there are two power feeds one from ignition and one from the batteryt direct. There are a couple of YouTube review which provide some answers I was looking for. Also down loaded the manual to review settings. Given the single small bar they seemed to be average complexity but I will key a function path card in my glove box because I will not remember them all.I did a little researching on that VDO unit.
The description says it has "permanent storage of settings (battery backup)". I'm not sure if that means a non-volatile memory like Don described or just a onboard battery (which would have a limited lifespan).
The built-in amp has decent power.
Also most listings say the connection harness is not included and sold separately. However some sources include it. The best price I found online was $92 with free ground shipping (including the harness):
Stereo W/AM/FM/USB - by CONTINENTAL
CONTINENTAL Stereo W/AM/FM/USB - - for sale, best price - $117.95 - A modern stereo head unit with wireless phone connection abilities, in a classic-looking single-din style wrapping. Global compatibility make this an all-in-one superior audio component. Comes with an AUX signal input, as well...www.gps4us.com
And another source for $104 plus $13 shipping:
Interestingly many of the sources I saw were marine supply stores.
I did not realize you had already purchased this unit. Nice review, thanks.I read one review that said when they disconnected the battery and reconnected it later the setting remained. How that is accomplished I did not see. I do know there are two power feeds one from ignition and one from the batteryt direct. There are a couple of YouTube review which provide some answers I was looking for. Also down loaded the manual to review settings. Given the single small bar they seemed to be average complexity but I will key a function path card in my glove box because I will not remember them all.
The Keys for me are good sound quality, Bluetooth, USB MP4 Play and a random play capability. Of course also a look that does not make it look like it fell off a alien space ship. The two areas I am disappointed in are no USB chagrin and no dimming of the main LED display, buttons dim but not the screen. That is goofy.
The Vendor on Amazon will send you a wire harness plug with the purchase but you'll pay a little more for it. That becomes a personal decision.
As for Blaupunkt I had read the information I provided from a rating of the various car stereo manufactures from a site that deals with car stereos and reviewing them. Can't remember the site as the was a few years ago.
Ebay linkPlease provide a link or additional information, I'd like to look into it further.
I like the dial for the main control. And the front access to onboard media input. A simple row of push buttons that you could get to know well enough to activate without looking. Seems to be a good candidate for my particular needs.
This would be perfect for mounting inside the glovebox.
The unit shown in the "Ebay link" (SWM-80A) is rather interesting. It claims a power output of 4 x 60 watts using a TDA7388 amplifier module. Looking at the TDA7388 data sheet, the minimum guaranteed maximum output per channel when driven with a square wave is 37 watts. If you actually want to listen to audio, you can get 22 watts per channel at 10% harmonic distortion (not good). If you want it to sound decent, you can get 0.15% harmonic distortion at 4 watts per channel. So, the 240 watts ends up at 16 watts if you want good sound.Ebay link
You can use a micro SD card up to 32G, so that would work for your music collection...
Another with back up camera option - clean looking interface also
The unit shown in the "Ebay link" (SWM-80A) is rather interesting. It claims a power output of 4 x 60 watts using a TDA7388 amplifier module. Looking at the TDA7388 data sheet, the minimum guaranteed maximum output per channel when driven with a square wave is 37 watts. If you actually want to listen to audio, you can get 22 watts per channel at 10% harmonic distortion (not good). If you want it to sound decent, you can get 0.15% harmonic distortion at 4 watts per channel. So, the 240 watts ends up at 16 watts if you want good sound.
Actuarily I just ordered the unit late yesterday, My belated Xmass gift. I had been researching radios for a few weeks and settled on this unit. Everything I am telling you is from my research from reading reviews, watchin reviews. reading users comments, ect....) I'll likly not have it in til late spring. My X1/9 project work list for spring is already pretty full with tasks that will get the car on the road. The radio is a "want" not a "need".I did not realize you had already purchased this unit. Nice review, thanks.
I agree, it is a bit odd the display panel does not dim with the buttons. Not having USB charging isn't a deal breaker, as you can easily set up a separate charger through a number of ways. Please report again after spending some time living with it.