After 2 months of trying to get this Japanese unit into the US, I finally found a site that will eport it to me. I am going to have it installed soon. Check back in a few days for pictures. In a few more weeks I will throw in the full Rockford Fosgate system...

 

looks awesome!! keep us updated...

 

Thanks bro. Now I just need to worry about my speakers, amp, and sub...

 

Is that a Japanese model for the Japan market?

If so, be sure to check the radio frequency (AM/FM). Japan uses different frequencies from the U.S.

A college friend of mine boasted about a new trick car stereo he brought from Japan, only to be disappointed because it wouldn't pick up any radio stations

 

The comany I ordered it form is VERY reliable when it comes to using Japanse products in the US. Thye offer translated manuals if an English one doesn't exist in English already. Thanks for the heads up though.

 

I'm looking forward to the pictures. I'm not very big on having different colored lights for the stereo and the dash. That one comes very close to the lights in the Mini.

 

CooperSpeed, check it out (page on the Sanyo CDF-MS11). The specs clearly say that this unit operates on the Japanese FM band - 76-90MgHz. It won't work on US FM. Of course, the rest of the features should work just fine...you simplly won't be able to listen to the radio. If this is important to you, you may want to see if you can cancel the order...

 

Ahh rats! It isn't that big of a deal to me. Is there a way to get the US frequencies? Hook up some kind of receiver or something?

 

^ Well, uhhh, no.

But, you'll be able to listen to all US FM stations below 90 on the dial; plus, you'll get a handful of TV stations (audio..duh) depending on your broadcast area.

You know, there's generally a reason why certain things are exported and certain things aren't. How much did this unit cost you?

 

Check out http://www.audiocubes.com under "car audio". They sell a converter adapter.

 

Jsun - Cost me ~$460. That is with overnight shipping. I think it is worth it becuse it is like one of two units that I have seen that have CD/MD in a single DIN unit.

Funk_Flex - Thanks for the link, I will check it out. What converter would I need?

 

One more thing, they sell the same unit for the price I got it for, not including shipping.

Ok, so they have 2 diffrent types of converters. One will give you certain frequencies, and the other will give you other frequencies. If you use both converters, will you receive all the frequencies?

 

Just to let everyone know, the company who I bought the unit sent me an email and said they were going to throw in a converter for free. How sweet is that?

 

What does MD offer that CD doesn't?

 

>>Just to let everyone know, the company who I bought the unit sent me an email and said they were going to throw in a converter for free. How sweet is that?

Sweet deal!

I'm a MiniDisc user and I'm debating on what route to take if I get a MINI in the future. I would love to get the H/K system but I've read that you can't change out the headunit. Or I could just get the standard systems and swap the headunit and speakers. But I'm not too thrilled about the prospect of tearing down the interior and swap everything out. If MINI USA offered a MD headunit and H/K then that would be perfect. Or if the rumors are true and MINI is going to offer a MP3 headunit with either standard or H/K, then I would just get the H/K system and the aux jack.

MINI USA...if you're reading this, please offer a factory MD headunit in the States please!!!

 

MD is smaller and more compact. You don't ever have to worry about scratching the disc, because it is in it's own hard case. You can squeeze about 5 hours of music onto one timy disc. They are re-recordable up to like a million times. It is just plain cool!

Funk_Flex - MINI offers a MD player, check http://www.minidisc.org , then click equiptment browser, then car audio. I don't know if you can order it as a euro part number. If you want the name of the company that I dealt with I would be more than happy to share.

 

I kinda like this one:
For that price I'd rather upgrade to the H/K system. MINI USA should really consider making the MD deck available in the US

 

I'm sorry, I just don't see the big deal with MiniDisc. It never really caught on, and I don't know why you would go to the trouble for a In Dash unit when you could have bought the kit for like 100 bucks to hook it up to the back of the factory unit???

 

Yeah and have wires hanging everywhere, having to fiddle with the tiny little unit when changing songs and disks...no thank you. Only a dedicated MD user fully realizes the piont to my madness. It came in the mail today, now I just have to get the installation stuff. I will post pictures when it is installed.

 

Plus you have to keep an eye on the battery life. Or you can plug it into your cig lighter. But then you have more wires to deal with.

Hope the install goes along smoothly and looking forward to see the pics in the near future.

 

The volume **** is on the wrong side! :smile:

--
Cheese

 

>>The volume **** is on the wrong side!

LOL, yeah, oh well. Installed next week!

 

CooperSpeed, your going with Fosgate?
From what my friend told me, that is an excellent choice.
I went down and talked to him on Friday and he pointed me in the
direction of the Fosgate Power series Amps.
1 DB500 or DB1000 for the 2 subs to puch a pair of 12"
and
1 851x for the front. It is a 110x4 channel amp.

If he siad so, I believe him.
He just set a record last month with the Pioneer Factory truck he built.
8th loudest in the world....and he didn;t even have all the subs wired up.
I guess when he finishes it, it will set the world record.
This truck is SICK!!!!!

He will start my MINI in August. Not sure about he speakers yet.
What are you going with?

 

Going into be insalled on Wed. I will post pictures.

Not sure about the Fosgate stuff yet. I will keep you posted.

 

Nice head unit Chris, cant wait to see the install.... Can you an ipod in that slot?