Very cheap audio gear even after shipping from USA.

Nos4r2 · 30 December 2011, 16:47

MRD70B/IP3.5 PolyPlanar MRD70 Black w/FREE MP3, iPod & Satellite Radio

Even if it's just used as an CD/Mp3 player in (I'm not sure if the US FM tuning will work here), it's a bargain. I rather like the idea of having a totally remote control box from the CD unit too

Hightower · 30 December 2011, 18:31

You order it and let us know how you get on?

If it all goes smoothly the flood gates will open.

Hightower · 30 December 2011, 18:33

The new MRD-70 AM/FM/CD/MP3 Multi-Zone component system.

Nos4r2 · 30 December 2011, 18:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hightower

You order it and let us know how you get on?

If it all goes smoothly the flood gates will open.

I already have-but I really wouldn't expect there to be any left by the time it's crossed the atlantic.

It was about £80 including shipping.

Hightower · 30 December 2011, 18:48

Well still let us know how you get on with set-up etc. Sounds interesting.

Cookee · 31 December 2011, 08:24

We don't have satellite radio here and I reckon the radio won't be up to much so you should be comparing prices with an Ipod dock really. Does seem cheap though although you should be adding some VAT and Import duty to that!

Nos4r2 · 31 December 2011, 09:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

We don't have satellite radio here and I reckon the radio won't be up to much so you should be comparing prices with an Ipod dock really. Does seem cheap though although you should be adding some VAT and Import duty to that!

True. I'm not expecting much of the radio anyway, but the 2 inputs and an MP3 compatible CD player unit that's sat out of the way of the weather makes it well worth the whole cost.
At $56 it's still not a lot of VAT and import duty.

ssobol · 31 December 2011, 15:32

[QUOTE=

....I'm not sure if the US FM tuning will work here....[/QUOTE]

US FM tuners tune work on .2Mhz steps (odd numbers). European FM tuners have .1Mhz steps. There are some radios built for the world market that either tune in .1 steps or have a selection that allows switching the tuner betweem .2 and .1 steps.

Jizm · 31 December 2011, 15:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

We don't have satellite radio here and I reckon the radio won't be up to much so you should be comparing prices with an Ipod dock really. Does seem cheap though although you should be adding some VAT and Import duty to that!

I expect the parcelfarce 'admin' cost will be more than the duty!

Nos4r2 · 31 December 2011, 16:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssobol

US FM tuners tune work on .2Mhz steps (odd numbers). European FM tuners have .1Mhz steps. There are some radios built for the world market that either tune in .1 steps or have a selection that allows switching the tuner betweem .2 and .1 steps.

So, about 50% of signals will be receivable, if it's a US only version?

PeterM · 31 December 2011, 20:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

So, about 50% of signals will be receivable, if it's a US only version?

Surely no one would limit themselves to just one market like that ? I'd be amazed if it was set up that way ....how come if it is true my car ( and every other radio I own) gets 98.2 & 97.5 FM ?

I reckon you'll be laughing ....wont hear you laughing or the radio with the opti at full chat anyway ..

Jizm · 01 January 2012, 08:13

I fitted a couple of 'Pyle' units that missed the required frequency by 0.1mhz. Very annoying.

Cookee · 01 January 2012, 08:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

Surely no one would limit themselves to just one market like that ? I'd be amazed if it was set up that way ....how come if it is true my car ( and every other radio I own) gets 98.2 & 97.5 FM ?

I reckon you'll be laughing ....wont hear you laughing or the radio with the opti at full chat anyway ..

Actually they do - In Zimbabwe they have cars imported from Japan and they have to get the radios altered to work locally. Not sure about the Japanese imports into the UK? Obviously after market radios for those countries will be the same.

Nos4r2 · 01 January 2012, 10:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

Actually they do - In Zimbabwe they have cars imported from Japan and they have to get the radios altered to work locally. Not sure about the Japanese imports into the UK? Obviously after market radios for those countries will be the same.

Hah, thanks! You've just reminded me that I've got the frequency expander from the Surf's old minidisc player kicking around somewhere.

Nos4r2 · 01 January 2012, 10:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterM

Surely no one would limit themselves to just one market like that ? I'd be amazed if it was set up that way ....how come if it is true my car ( and every other radio I own) gets 98.2 & 97.5 FM ?

I reckon you'll be laughing ....wont hear you laughing or the radio with the opti at full chat anyway ..

I'll guess that it's only a software thing-and it means they can make a killing in markets outside the US by making import difficult.

kubcat · 01 January 2012, 10:33

According to the specs posted on a competitors web site, it does do European tuning. Well the MRD70 does, so I am guessing the MRD70B does as well.

Poly-Planar MRD-70 (Black) Marine CD/MP3 receiver with RD-44 remote head Available in 2 colors at Crutchfield.com

Nos4r2 · 01 January 2012, 10:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by kubcat

According to the specs posted on a competitors web site, it does do European tuning. Well the MRD70 does, so I am guessing the MRD70B does as well.

Poly-Planar MRD-70 (Black) Marine CD/MP3 receiver with RD-44 remote head Available in 2 colors at Crutchfield.com

Very very cool! The only difference from the MRD70 and the MRD70B is that the B model is black as far as I can see.

As it happens,I ordered the MRD70G which is grey and also available on the same site as the original link. They've got a lot more of the grey as well.

Nos4r2 · 19 January 2012, 17:32

Well, it's here.

I'm very impressed. It'll need the main unit mounting inside the console where it can't get wet-or put in a small waterproof locker for it.

The control panel is mounted like a gauge, on a cutout about the size of a trim/tilt gauge-or can be removed and refitted on a supplied bracket which would make it as useless to a thief as a faceoff car stereo without the front. It's all waterproof connectors leading to the control panel and the panel has a smart grey cover.

I did get caught for VAT on it. Including ParcelFarce's handling fees it came to 14 quid.

Still very much a bargain.

Anchorhandler · 19 January 2012, 20:26

Does it have a built in amplifier?...the description seemed to suggest it would need an external amp for each zone?

If it has on board amplification, i would be quite tempted too.

Simon

Nos4r2 · 19 January 2012, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anchorhandler

Does it have a built in amplifier?...the description seemed to suggest it would need an external amp for each zone?

If it has on board amplification, i would be quite tempted too.

Simon

Yes, 4x45w.

The tuning is Euro/US switchable.