Just wanted to let everyone know that I installed a Blaupunkt MP3000 deck
into the Syncro this weekend, and it fit like a glove.  According to
Crutchfield, the deck does not fit, but I can tell you that it fits
perfectly.  And installing a deck into a Vanagon is SOOO easy, since you can
pull the ashtray and have access to the rear of the deck.

The MP3000 unit is currently available at Costco for $179 - that is $80 less
than the best price anywhere else, and the best price I have seen for a deck
that will play MP3-encoded CD's of good quality.  So far, I have been
impressed with the sound quality (through my wimpy Alpine 4" single cone
speakers).

According to the manual, it is supposed to be able to navigate folders, but
I have been unable to get this to work properly (I think it must be the way
I have the CD encoded - I don't think I closed the session on the disk)  I
get "Comm Error" messages on the display when I try to navigate.   For
example, I have a disk with two folders at the "root" level: Jazz and Blues.
   Under the "Jazz" folder is another set of folders like "Miles Davis"
"Chet Baker" "Thelonious Monk", etc.  Under the "Blues" folder is another
set of folders like "John Lee Hooker", "Jonny Lang", and so on.

If the disk is inserted and the deck is left alone, it will play all the
tracks on the CD in alpha order (regardless of the folder).  "Mix" mode
similarly shuffles tracks from any folder.   However, if I use the "Folder+"
or "Folder-" buttons, the unit does not seem to be able to read the folder
information and craps out after about 30 seconds with a "Comm Error"
message.    I wonder if anyone with the same deck has experience with this?

If anyone has any specific questions, I am happy to respond to p-mail!  My
full review can be found at
http://www.carreview.com/CD+Receivers/Blaupunkt+MP3000+MP3+Player/PRD_129894_2861crx.aspx

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA

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