Head Unit Recommendations?

[doughep]

I just bought my first Boxster - MY98, black-on-black, 36k miles. I expect to pick it up early next week (I bought it from an out of state party, and here in MD it can be a bit of a hassle to get tags for an out of state vehicle.) Needless to say, I'm giddy beyond understanding. I've been reading the posts here for a while, and I've picked up so much good information about Boxsters from you guys that I feel like I've owned the car for a year already.

Since no good deed goes unpunished, I'll no doubt be pestering you experts with neophyte questions for a while. Sorry, and thanks in advace for your indulgence - and I will read before I ask. Anyway, on to my first question.

The previous owner had a Blaupunkt Honolulu CD50 installed in the vehicle, and the original unit is in a box in the trunk. My previous vehicle had an in-dash CD/MP3 player, and I kind of got spoiled by that, so I want to upgrade (The Honolulu doesn't play MP3s). All of the posts I've seen so far regarding head units were either Blaupunkt or Becker. Is there some reason I should stay in the Blaupunkt/Becker family? Have any of you folks gone with othe brands, and if so, what do you recommend? I've had a vehicle with a Blaupunkt system before, and I was impressed with it, but I don't want to limit my shopping if there are other good compatible units available.

Thanks, and if any of you hear the high pitched squeal of expensive rubber-on-pavement wafting across the country from the mid-atlantic in the next few weeks, I apologize in advance.

Just kidding - I promised my wife I'd drive it responsibly . . .

- Pete

[HenryV]

Congratulations, have a lot of fun!

Don't worry about the Becker (or Blaupunkt) - that is only if you want to keep the factory look and feel. There are very good aftermarket solutions that people have installed in both 986 and 996 (check RobynC), some very pricey.

I would shop around and check the (car) audio websites until you have established a budget and a wish list. Some units play DVD, but not MP3, some have navigation add-on for very high pricing. Most MP3 players are relatively new, and you would be taking in old advice by listening to what was done.

Stop by in some local high-end car install shops, you'll get an impression what people are pushing/buying. Then go back home and google on that information. Also check the kenwoods, panasonic, etc. manufacturers websites.

You may also wish to connect with some local boxster owners, and collect their opinion and advice.

I, for one, kept the stock look (head unit), but replaced all speakers and added a subwoofer, to greatly improve the sound. But I cannot play MP3's, nor have DVD or navigation screen capabilities. I have seen people conv

More or less stock (my setup):

Robyn's professionally installed system (now moved to 996): Robyn's Setup

Totally custom installed (carputer):

[Tool Pants]

Becker makes a unit called Monza which is also a MP3 player. I have not seen one in the UK.

There are also the $400 TrafficPro units if you want navigation.

Only reason to go with Becker is that it matches the car.