the task was:
Current car stereo with built-in Bluetooth hands-free system and all important functions (radio, CD drive, CD-MP3, USB flash drive, charging smartphone via USB) in discreet appearance possible for less than 150 euros, which optically fits into a Mercedes W124 (first E-Class).
The CDE-173 BT Alptine has prevailed against alternative devices such as Kenwood or Clarion because it is visually more discreet or by the operator forth easier.
Pioneer, JVC and Sony did not come into question because of the disco look. Blaupunkt VDO or are technically or fell out of the operation here unfortunately.
The Becker Indianapolis (Pro) is unfortunately beyond my budget.
The installation was at my W124 problems, there was already built here by the previous owner of neat adapter ISO plug: memory, ignition, antenna, all four speakers are connected easily immediately after connecting.
Only the dimmer the radio does not respond. I need to check times whether the Benz was not yet wired wrong (faulty) here. The dimmer but you can also manually choose the nuance between full lighting and dimming is very low. So that does not make much difference.
The Alpine CDE-173BT fits with red button illumination still pretty good in the Mercedes Benz W124. Although the red is kräfitig but acceptable and far better than blue or something. The Green lighting reminds me even to the 80s / 90s, but less fit to beige Mercedes-Amaturenbeleuchtung (my opinion)
Operation is while driving classic intuitive possible: 6 station buttons, volume control knob, source selection oversized switch left, back and forth on its own buttons next to the source selection.
Other settings and operations should make only in the state, coupled eg phone, store stations, adjust sound, etc., etc.. This one makes but usually ehnur once.
The music playback is flawless. In CD mode the Bedinung is clear: Forward, Backward, Shuffle, Wiederhoung.
For MP3 playback, there is a little more complicated because you have to shimmy here by the connected devices (USB, iPod, phone) folder / Title / Artist / Album (best in the state, not while driving). You can play randomly throughout the medium or the folder as well as MP3s.
The speakerphone function is via external wired microphone (included) possible. The phone (it can be two phones couple) is coupled easily via Bluetooth. I've tested with a Nokia Lumia 920 (GDR2). The voice quality is impeccable with the caller and callee. The external microphone I left mounted on the driver's head between the door gasket and sky (at the end of the A-Säuöe) (the phone I should leave the window because of the airstream therefore closed)
The sound in all areas is strong for me average listener with the old built-in speakers in the W124, clear and absolute good.
Radio reception in downtown (Frankfurt am Main) is good (HR, the regional private and SWR3).
I would recommend this device under the boundary conditions (function, "discreet" appearance, sound, quality) Share.
Addendum to Windows Phone Nokia Lumia 920: Here I completely mistaken and confused it with my Nokia Symbian.
The Alpine CDE-173BT radio supports Windows Phone not via USB. Windows Phone uses for USB Media Transfer Protocol rather than the USB Mass Storage.
The Lumia 920 and other Windows Phone smartphones are not recognized and not charged. The radio is even once crashed completely to factory settings when attempting to connect the Lumia.
The free pitch function via Bluetooth works with the Lumia 920 but perfect.
The overall assessment, however, remains top.
