[disdis]

thinking of changing myt head-unit with one of those units with an inbuilt stacker, eg/ Nakamichi MB75/100 (6 discs!) or Alpine.

since the boot is so damn small, any stacker will take up a large % of space.

I havnt heard the Nakamichi but hope it sounds better than it looks...

any thoughts/recommendations?

[Ballie]

Nakamichi stuff is world class the best of the best and in the car audio world is rated extremely highly. They have fantastic sound quality.

The MB75 has a built in amp but the MB100 does not so it neads external amplifiers.

[StephenH]

I fitted the Nakamichi MB75 this weekend.
Am very pleased with the sound so would definitely recommend it.
Two things to note: It does not play CDRs.
It is available with either amber or green display - you may prefer the amber to match the dials on the Mini.

Stephen

[Dom]

Any photos of how it looks? I've got the CD-45z sitting in mine at the mo...

Dom

[StephenH]

No photos unfortunately - Sorry.
If I manage to borrow a digital camera will try and sort something out soon.

[disdis]

did u change speakers or added an amplifier?

if not, how does it sound compared to the standard boost unit of any other units u have experienced?

i m only planning to change the head unit, nothing else. So i want a unit with the best quality+ features.

and pls post a pic if u can.... pleeeease

[disdis]

oh, forgot to ask...

does it need a bracket or something to make it fit into the single DIN slot?
where can u get it?

[Dom]

Quote:

Originally posted by disdis
did u change speakers or added an amplifier?

if not, how does it sound compared to the standard boost unit of any other units u have experienced?

i m only planning to change the head unit, nothing else. So i want a unit with the best quality+ features.

and pls post a pic if u can.... pleeeease

If I were you, I'd change the speakers as well so you can at least get some benefits of spending all the money on a Nakamichi. Trust me, you'll notice a huge difference and it's easy to do.

Dom

[StephenH]

Fitting the Nakamichi was a little time consuming - the wiring loom is big by the time you connect it to the BMW/ISO block. All you need is a DIN facia panel, an ISO block for the Mini and an aerial lead. Autoleads make all of these items - Halfords can supply as can most good ICE shops. I had to hide cables down behind the heating controls. The built in amp has to be removed and positioned elsewhere - I have (for now, as the rattles may annoy me in time) placed it under the speedo (above the head unit).
I did change the speakers at the same time - 6.5" JL Audios in the front and 6*9" Denons in the back - can't comment on what makes the biggest difference but I imagine the standard head unit lacks power whilst the standard speakers will compromise any head unit upgrade. The front speakers were easy to fit - just made MDF 3/4" collars. The rear speakers were a problem as they did not fit the holes in the car so I have to make 6mm collars - I couldn't fully remove the rear panel so access was hard - has anyone posted good destructions on how to do this?

Stephen

[Dom]

Basically... to remove rear quarter-panel:

Remove boot carpet (two pins at edges of vertical bit). Remove rear plastic panel (pins along bottom, clips at top). Remove back seat backs (unscrew bolt in middle, tilt and pull out sideways). The rear quarter panel is held on by clips and three screws at the back. It'll take some wiggling, but it comes off. Access is then easy.

Dom