[vjoy3]

Gurus,

I booked Manza car last week. It comes loaded with 2 DIN Music system with AM/FM/MP3/CD playback & audio equaliser with
- Audio Controls on steering wheel
- BLUE5 (Bluetooth connectivity)
- USB (MP3/WMA) playback
- Auxillary input
- Infrared remote for Audio
- Four speakers + Two tweeters
Am told the audio system is blaupankt.

Dilemma is, I had bought Sony xplod MEX-BT5100 an year back while returning from a short trip to US. Need your guidence if I can go with the existing audio system or replace it with Sony.
Also, if you think its worth, then do share details of the work involved, do showrooms entertain such request and any technical details I need to ensure the new system works.

Thanks,
Vijay

[greenhorn]

recommend that you stick to the stock ICE
1. the sony is not that much better than the stock ICE
2. removing the stock ICE and installing the sony will be very expensive and absolutely not worth it

[Mi10]

Keep you Stock ICE and Sell your 'Stocked' ICE

[Ravveendrra]

I just finished some research (i.e. asking the knowledgable about ICE equipment) when I re-vamped the ICE in my car. The general consensus seems to be that Sony, particularly the HUs are best avoided. Blaupunkt seems to be in the top bracket as far as sound quality goes.

So just go by the majority of the opinion and stick to the ICE that comes in the car.

Cheers,

[pranava999]

Even amongst Blaupunkt there are hits and misses I guess. Have read that some HUs are really good while other can be a total miss. However am not which models fit into the 'hit' category.

[Mi10]

Originally Posted by Ravveendrra

I just finished some research (i.e. asking the knowledgable about ICE equipment) when I re-vamped the ICE in my car. The general consensus seems to be that Sony, particularly the HUs are best avoided. Blaupunkt seems to be in the top bracket as far as sound quality goes.

So just go by the majority of the opinion and stick to the ICE that comes in the car.

Cheers,

IMHO Blaupunkt is in the same league as any other Pioneer and Kenwood. As far as HU's are concerned, they have the least VFM (atleast in India)
However, their high end stuff's are v.good; esp its sub brand "Velocity"

[ph03n!x]

Have the stock HU, see if anyone would be interested in the Sony in the Classifieds section

And change the stock speakers- that alone will give you a better output!

[thegame]

Sony HUs are definitely not better than Blau. Are you also planning to change the stock speakers? If yes, what kind of setup are you looking for?

[tsk13]

Moreover, the audio controls on steering wheel will be rendered useless if you change to Sony HU.

[vjoy3]

Thanks folks for your advice. Will be sticking with stock audio system. Will have to live with a ugly HU as compared to the SONY though :( .But the stock audio has USB connector which is missing in the sony xplod.

@tsk13 - You may be right, actually was hoping that would work if the system is changed.

@ ph03n!x and thegame - Am still trying to arrange rest of the booking monkey. No plans to get any add ons besides bodycover, getting window sun filmed and possibly reverse parking sensor.



cheers,
Vijay

[greenhorn]

ugly? looks are subjective my friend. I think the current HU looks far better than the sony will look when installed!

[Mi10]

Isn't the Stock HU a Clarion ?

[nairrk]

Suggest you wait for the car to be delivered to you.
The you check the stock audio system - then you know how it works and how best the sound quality?
Cheers

[Ravveendrra]

Originally Posted by tsk13

Moreover, the audio controls on steering wheel will be rendered useless if you change to Sony HU.

Originally Posted by vjoy3

Thanks folks for your advice. Will be sticking with stock audio system. Will have to live with a ugly HU as compared to the SONY though :( .But the stock audio has USB connector which is missing in the sony xplod.

@tsk13 - You may be right, actually was hoping that would work if the system is changed.

cheers,
Vijay

There area adaptors available to make the steering controls functional with after market HUs. But that means additional expense for the kit as well as the labour.

The Manza has a 2 DIN HU (shaped and contoured to match the dashboard) so the Sony would never look as good as the OE since it is a 'universal' 1 DIN HU with the regular rectanglular shape and flat front. Fitting it in place of the 2 DIN unit would leave a gaping gash on the dash.

Cheers,

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Ravveendrra

Blaupunkt seems to be in the top bracket as far as sound quality goes

Blaus are no way near to Alpines and Clarion with regards to HU's. In fact, Pio's are better than Blaus anyday. Only some Blau's like their Bahama series seem to have faired well.