Is it possible to use head units from the USA (or japan)? I really want a Kenwood DPX-MP4030, but it is not being sold is this country. I want to keep the double DIN format in my MY02 as i don't like the blanking plates.

It looks superb-
http://www.epinions.com/Kenwood_DPX_MP4030_CD_Cassette_MP3_Receiver_Car_St ereos_Changers/display_~latest_prices

 

Hi,

There's been talk about doing this before, but IIRC the problems are the FM radio channels. The US uses difference frequency ranges and increments. Although the models numbers maybe the same, they are usually quite a bit different. Certainly the CD/MD/Cassette funtions should be identical along with the power requirements.

Stefan

 

i wasnt going to get one either from the US cause of this problem. But Chiark (ice mod) says who can put an adaptor on the back so it works fine. Best to email him or wait for his reply

 

Anyone got an MP3 unit? Is it any good, or is it to lond winded to go through all the tracks to find the album/track you want??

 

I've got a full-blown hard-disk MP3 in my car. Yes, it is a bit of hassle hunting through all the tracks, but you can organise them whatever way you want on mine. Guess that's a small price to pay when you have your whole CD collection in-car

It's better than my 12-disc changer. Could never remember what CD was in which tray - that was more annoying.

Stefan

 

I got a JVC SH99R from Hong Kong a while ago - works perfectly including the FM stuff. Could be that it's a European model - but I doubt it, the manual is in every language.

Saved about £300 at the time.

Cheers

Chris

 

The US uses different increments of .2MHz, whereas we use .5 IIRC. Means you miss out on half the stations...

You CANNOT adapt these things using a frequency expander - that's a different animal for a different job.

Some head units are apparently configurable to work both in the US and the EU, but I've never seen the option that allows you to do this.

In short, if you do buy from the states then assume that the tuner won't work properly

 

****!!!

 

I have looked at the spec of some units and they say the tuner has Selectable Channel Spacing, does that refer to this step size? Would that mean a US system amy work in the UK>

 

what is IIRC?

[Edited by austen_wrx - 11/13/2002 10:46:12 AM]

 

Austen, do you wanna post the URL and I'll see if I can work out if it is what you think it is? It sounds like it's on the right tracks...

IIRC = if I recall correctly. Sorry, slipped into geek mode

Nick.

 

http://www.kenwoodaudio.com/caraudio/2dinsys.html

There are some cracking new double dins from Kenwood:- MP3/CD/MD Thats got to be the ultimate combo!! You can get the 4030 for £195 in the US!!

 

Do you not get stung for tax when buying from the US?

Kenwood Link

Stefan

[Edited by ozzy - 11/13/2002 10:57:04 AM]

 

I've imported from the US at work, but not 100% waht it would mean. But my cousin lives out there and is comig back for xmas, so he could bring it back with him. If the item is under a certain amount you don't have to declare it i think?

 

You will probably get done for tax after £50 if you are posting it, if you are hiding it in a suitcase well thats a different story

You will get charged:

10% Import Duty on the Invoice price + Postage.
Then
17.5% Vat on all of the above!

 

Can you claimback or not pay some US tax? Surely you would not have to pay the VAT to the US company? What percentage is that?

 

Get one from Japan, less problems with the FM ,as you can get them to work with an expander.

Also, you can get a much more recent unit from Kenwood (the current top-of-the-range), can't remember the name now and also cheaper than in the US.

 

The above link is on a Singapore site, not a US site. I can't find any of the models on that site on the Kenwood USA site, so can't download the manual to check.

I'd be very careful

Check the manual of anything before you buy. Download this from kenwoodusa.com

Cheers,
Nick.

 

Austen,

Most states will have their own tax in the usa, so you should be able to avoid that by exporting the stereo.

However if you declare it you WILL have to pay the 10% import duty (paid to the customs and excise) and the 17.5% vat (paid to the government), so get him to hide it in his suitcase lol.

I still wouldnt buy a stereo myself from the states because of the frequency step differences.

 

My blaupunkt (Los Angeles MP72) has a config option in the menus for USA vs Euro. Bought it in the UK, but assume it would be the same in the USA, although I've never taken it over there to check! It's MP3 etc single DIN and sounds great. Can fit with a single DIN changer:

here

Might help?

 

Yo guys,

I fitted a US spec KENWOOD Mask unit about 4 years ago. I seem to remember there being no mention in the manual about changing the tuner to UK type but my colleague at the time had done it in the past and did it on this one. Whether they are still made with this function, I couldn't say.

I'd email Kenwood technical.

 

I bought my Kenward Mask unit, Cd changer, MTX thunder amp and Kenward Subs from Florida. Everything works fine. The radio stations are .1 out, but doesn't affect it too much. 97.6 can be picked up on 97.5 and 97.7 for example. I'm just looking for a way to fit it in my Scoob now.