I can count the number of times I’ve used my car’s CD player on one hand (it’s five or less) so it comes as great comfort to me to see the above device available for $150. If my stereo ever kicks the bucket, I’d be quite happy switching to an all-memory card format.
The Blaupunkt Melbourne SD27 receiver handles MP3 and WMA files loaded onto SD or MMC cards, has a front auxiliary input, and can be outfitted with a $20 iPod connector and/or a Bluetooth module. The Bluetooth part is as expensive as the receiver itself so you’d have to really be sitting in a tree with the idea of a 30-foot personal area network, if you catch my drift.
Other features include:
- 18 watts RMS power output, 45 watts peak
- 2 preamp outputs (2 volts)
- 3-band equalizer
- Wireless remote
- Detachable face
- Rear aux input in addition to the front one
- CD changer controls
- FM/AM radio with 15 and 10 presets, respectively
Not bad for a Benjamin and a half, although you can pick up stereos with similar features at Target or Walmart for $80 if you’re willing to put up with the "inconvenience" of having a CD player feature. Sarcasm! Seriously, though, I’d think that the Blaupunkt unit would sound a bit better and be somewhat more reliable. Whether it’s worth an extra $70 is up to you.
Anybody out there have a deck like this? How do you like it?
Blaupunkt Melbourne SD27 Receiver [Crutchfield.com] via OhGizmo!
Wouldn’t it make sense for the record companies to sell music (and video) on a SD card rather than screwing around with CDs? They might sell enough to stay in business.
I have one of those WalMart flavor AM/FM/CD/USB/Memory Card/Aux In readers in my car. Best $95 I have ever spent for my car. The only reason why the cd player in it ever gets used now is because my iPod bit the dust a while back and until AT&T absorbs Cellular One (later this year) I wont be getting an iPhone. Anyways, it is sweet as hell and wasn’t a terrible piece of walmart crap like I was expecting it to be.
Nice, thanks for the info steve jabs. I remember seeing that unit in Walmart a while ago (maybe over a year ago) and I’ve always thought it was a great idea but wondered how the deck itself performed. Good to know it’s worth the money.
I say go for it. I’d rather someone make a unit with just an aux in, a good equalizer, and a volume knob. Or the same thing like this one is with an internal hard drive and an easy way of finding the music i want while driving.