Becker Europa II or Blaupunkt head unit + streaming

kentvonseverin

kentvonseverin

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My CS (with AC) has a modern Alpine head unit that is junk and impossible to read due to refection.

Seems like original dealers were mostly installing Beckers and Blaupunkt units. The solution that I have found Is to buy a used Becker Eruopa II and add a Bluetooth Power amp (Sony has one with decent specs).This isolates the head unit signal when one toggles to streaming. I would like to have a hard wired input (a pigtail usb female so that I could have hardwired signal while charging a phone or MP3 device.

Any sharing of set ups or solutions would be greatly appreciated.
 
I've added a generic auto parts socket in the glove box velcroed to the under the dash.
The radio is a Blaupunkt Frankfurt with a Mark II Out of Sight Module running the speakers mounted behind the radio on the back of the center console.

outofsightaudio.com

Mark 2 - Out of Sight Audio

12-24 VDC required power Bluetooth radio receiver 4 Channel Stereo Output (4 X 75 watts) 4 - 8 Ohm speaker impedance 4 channel switched input For use with positive or negative earth systems Dimensions : 6.5" x 4.375" x 1.375 (12 oz) No radio required for operation Removable plug with...
outofsightaudio.com outofsightaudio.com

IMG_3196.JPG
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or:

www.retromanufacturing.com

1968-1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 RetroSound® Europa Radio

The RetroSound® Europa Radio is designed to replicate the style of the factory radio in your 1968-80 Mercedes-Benz 280. The replica knobs, large push-buttons, elegant chrome trim, and pinstriping perfectly complement the interior style of your 1973-80 Mercedes-Benz 280 while updating the audio...
www.retromanufacturing.com www.retromanufacturing.com


HOwever, prolly have to cut the bezel to fit that.
 
teahead said:
or:

www.retromanufacturing.com

1968-1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 RetroSound® Europa Radio

The RetroSound® Europa Radio is designed to replicate the style of the factory radio in your 1968-80 Mercedes-Benz 280. The replica knobs, large push-buttons, elegant chrome trim, and pinstriping perfectly complement the interior style of your 1973-80 Mercedes-Benz 280 while updating the audio...
www.retromanufacturing.com www.retromanufacturing.com


HOwever, prolly have to cut the bezel to fit that.
Click to expand...
I don't think you'll have to cut the bezel - do your own research but this is what I found, the knobs are adjustable:
 

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adawil2002 said:
I've added a generic auto parts socket in the glove box velcroed to the under the dash.
The radio is a Blaupunkt Frankfurt with a Mark II Out of Sight Module running the speakers mounted behind the radio on the back of the center console.

outofsightaudio.com

Mark 2 - Out of Sight Audio

12-24 VDC required power Bluetooth radio receiver 4 Channel Stereo Output (4 X 75 watts) 4 - 8 Ohm speaker impedance 4 channel switched input For use with positive or negative earth systems Dimensions : 6.5" x 4.375" x 1.375 (12 oz) No radio required for operation Removable plug with...
outofsightaudio.com outofsightaudio.com

View attachment 162107View attachment 162108
Click to expand...
This is a similar idea as the bluetooth amps that I referred to. I defiantly want a period correct head unit even if it is just a mono signal for radio. Do you recall if there is much room behind the radio (remember I have AC)? Some of the Beckers have a second box which I believe is the amp.
 
I have a Blaupunkt with a Bluetooth module. It's OK if you're ok with how noisy the built in Blaupunkt amp is. I'm moving on to some other solution. I think a bluetooth amplifier is a nice solution. I'm playing around with bluetooth car soundbars. I bought one but it is too big - I'm returning it. I may try a smaller one with a subwoofer (also bluetooth automatically integrates with the soundbar):

Bluetooth subwoofer that automatically integrates with Ecoxgear sound bars:
powersportschoice.com

Ecoxgear 8" Subwoofer Sound Xtreme

Ecoxgear 8" Subwoofer Sound Xtreme
powersportschoice.com powersportschoice.com
 
kentvonseverin said:
This is a similar idea as the bluetooth amps that I referred to. I defiantly want a period correct head unit even if it is just a mono signal for radio. Do you recall if there is much room behind the radio (remember I have AC)? Some of the Beckers have a second box which I believe is the amp.
Click to expand...
No room behind the radio the Becker amp was above glovebox i think. It is definitely a tight fit.
 
The great thing about the Out of Sight Audio Mark II is it can be mounted under the dash above the lower trim panel, under your front seat, under the back seat or under the parcel shelf in the trunk. As long as you run keyed Power, Ground & all your speakers to it. Everything is run from your phone, including volume. The Blaupunkt or Becker is purely for aesthetics.
 
I put a Becker Europa II in my car. The Europa II is stereo and the amplifier is built in. The built in amp makes a whole 5 watts per channel, unless you're cool enough (like @JMinPDX) to have the fader and 4 speakers, then it makes 7 watts per channel - somehow. Several of the Becker and Blaupunkt units have inputs that allow you to add an external bluetooth receiver. I got one from Creative Car Audio Shop and am pleased with it. Does it sound great? Nope, not at all. But for the time it does the job for me.

creativecaraudioshop.com

Bluetooth/Aux In

With more than 35 years experience we are specialized in Sales, Repair & Restoration of Vintage Becker & Blaupunkt radios.
creativecaraudioshop.com creativecaraudioshop.com
 
coupedegrace said:
I put a Becker Europa II in my car. The Europa II is stereo and the amplifier is built in. The built in amp makes a whole 5 watts per channel, unless you're cool enough (like @JMinPDX) to have the fader and 4 speakers, then it makes 7 watts per channel - somehow. Several of the Becker and Blaupunkt units have inputs that allow you to add an external bluetooth receiver. I got one from Creative Car Audio Shop and am pleased with it. Does it sound great? Nope, not at all. But for the time it does the job for me.

creativecaraudioshop.com

Bluetooth/Aux In

With more than 35 years experience we are specialized in Sales, Repair & Restoration of Vintage Becker & Blaupunkt radios.
creativecaraudioshop.com creativecaraudioshop.com
Click to expand...
He is a great supplier! And it is funny that an amp is five watts when the standard was four watts per channel.
 
Period Blaupunkt for looks and a Bluetooth Amp hidden away. Have you listened to commercial radio stations lately? Seems more commercials than music:(
 
coupesport said:
Period Blaupunkt for looks and a Bluetooth Amp hidden away. Have you listened to commercial radio stations lately? Seems more commercials than music:(
Click to expand...
Agreed on commercial stations. I mainly listen to public/non-profit radio stations and thus avoid commercials. We have several good ones here including an eclectic music station - although weekday morning/afternoon program is given over to a political call-in program. Not my bag of tea whether I agree with the political positions or not.
 
HB Chris said:
He is a great supplier! And it is funny that an amp is five watts when the standard was four watts per channel.
Click to expand...
My transaction with him was prompt and painless, and the bluetooth adapter seemed well made. It is strange, but the number is straight from the spec sheet i found online. I'm not sure why the output increases with four speakers attached. If they were wired in parallel that would make sense because the impedance would drop, but not sure how that would let the actual fader box work. Electricity isn't exactly my strong suit. I bet @JFENG could explain it though!
 
I have a bluetooth receiver feeding an amp, 4 speakers, and subwoofer. I also wired it so I could feed the radio stations from my Becker but haven’t once switched it. The on/off switch from the Becker turns everything on so the unit lights up for effect. The sub made a big difference, especially since it is under the driver’s seat. Sounds pretty good when you want some tuneage but usually the engine is the preferred programming for me but I love the original radio look.
 
coupedegrace said:
I put a Becker Europa II in my car. The Europa II is stereo and the amplifier is built in. The built in amp makes a whole 5 watts per channel, unless you're cool enough (like @JMinPDX) to have the fader and 4 speakers, then it makes 7 watts per channel - somehow. Several of the Becker and Blaupunkt units have inputs that allow you to add an external bluetooth receiver. I got one from Creative Car Audio Shop and am pleased with it. Does it sound great? Nope, not at all. But for the time it does the job for me.

creativecaraudioshop.com

Bluetooth/Aux In

With more than 35 years experience we are specialized in Sales, Repair & Restoration of Vintage Becker & Blaupunkt radios.
creativecaraudioshop.com creativecaraudioshop.com
Click to expand...
Dan,
Well done. I‘m not that cool. But Becker radios are. My Becker Grand Prix & fader is only connected to three speakers not four. One in the dash and two in the parcel shelf which are original to the car from best I can tell and they still sound fine. The bluetooth upgrade makes all the difference.
IMG_1444.jpeg
image.jpg
 
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