Don't 'have' to have a CD, but they're not much cheaper without.  Didn't realize you could even buy one like that!  Makes sense though.
I have it hooked up so that there is constant power only when the key is in the ignition.
Jeff

> CC: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> From: vwcrewman@gmail.com
> Subject: Re: Stereo suggestions
> Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 08:16:47 -0700
> To: jpalmer@MYMTS.NET
> 
>       Do you have to have a CD ? I bought a Kenwood for under a $100.00 shipped which has no CD with a remote . I power it with a switched power supply from 12 volt.com I built . Turns off when you open the door , uses the ground to turn the relay off. 
> 
> -Stacy
> 
> On May 28, 2013, at 8:06 AM, Jeff Palmer <jpalmer@MYMTS.NET> wrote:
> 
> > Thanks everyone.  Sounds like there are no clearance issues.  I'm leaning towards the Blaupunkt just because it seems a little less gimmicky than most, and i'm a sucker for German stuff (or German sounding stuff anyway).  Hard to find Blaupunkt in Winnipeg and maybe even Canada.  Shipping from the US sucks as always.
> > It never occurred to me to turn the unit off completely.  I just watch the battery level indicator by the stove.  Honestly I leave it playing overnight for a little white noise, otherwise I hear mice crawling about all night (ask me how I know).
> > Follow up question:  any issue with speaker selection?  I've replaced them a couple of times before with no issues, but I seem to recall some issue with incompatible speakers?   Always thought speakers were plug and play but what do I know.
> > ThanksJeff
> > 
> >> Date: Tue, 28 May 2013 10:14:43 -0400
> >> From: georgejoann@GMAIL.COM
> >> Subject: Re: Stereo suggestions
> >> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> >> 
> >>   You might not be able to research whether or not the power is cut
> >> completely. (except for memory, of course)  I figure the manufacturers
> >> _assume_ that all radios are "supposed" to be wired through the ignition
> >> switch, but we all know that's not the case.
> >> 
> >> The last head unit I bought draws a third of an amp when it's shut off,
> >> face plate off, whatever- it doesn't matter. (it's a Dual)  Two Sony's I
> >> had owned in the past would turn off completely.
> >> 
> >> Since I use my radio a lot when I'm parked or working on the bus, I wired
> >> mine through a spare defogger switch and stuck it into the blank at the
> >> bottom right on the console.  Ya gotta remember to turn it off, of course,
> >> but if you're using the bus on a daily basis it's no big deal, and you can
> >> even get away with leaving it on for  a few days, ask me how I know.
> >> 
> >> Geo/ATL
> >> 
> >> 
> >> On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 10:01 AM, Jim Felder <jim.felder@gmail.com> wrote:
> >> 
> >>> I am about the least qualified person to recommend a stereo, but I do have
> >>> a suggestion to make. When choosing among the head units with a remote, be
> >>> sure to get a remote that will actually TURN OFF the head unit so you don't
> >>> have to get out of bed to save your battery for morning. When I was
> >>> shopping for one, not all of them would do that.
> >>> 
> >>> Jim
> >>> 
> >>> 
> >>> On Tue, May 28, 2013 at 8:47 AM, Jeff Palmer <jpalmer@mymts.net> wrote:
> >>> 
> >>>> Hi everyone.  Looking for a new stereo for the Westfalia.  Must have a
> >>>> remote so I can control from the bed!  Bluetooth as well, and USB to
> >>> charge
> >>>> the phone from time to time.  I've found two so far.
> >>>> 
> >>>> I've heard of issues with clearance in the rear before but never seen it
> >>>> myself.  When I look there seems to be tons of room.
> >>>> 
> >>>> Anyway here they are.
> >>>> 
> >>>> http://mobile.jvc.com/product.jsp?modelId=MODL029166&pathId=54&page=1
> >>>> 
> >>>> http://www.blaupunkt-usa.net/products/product_details.aspx?itemid=381245
> >>>> 
> >>>> Thanks
> >>>> Jeff