Lidl Car Stereo - 6th Nov - €89.99

chavezychavez

Hey Guys,

I know there's been a few threads about this going on previously, but I'm in the market to buy a car stereo. Just wondering for all boardsies that bought a previous iteration of Lidl car radios, whether they are still in working order, or if ye have had problems with them.


http://www.lidl.ie/ie/home.nsf/pages/c.o.20081106.p.SilvercrestBluetoothCarRadio

MunsterCycling

Avoid like the plague, have one and it is forever losing the signal, the RDS doesn't work properly and the card slot in mine doesn't work as described. Save yourself and buy a decent brand name from Argos or such for a little bit more cash. The standard stereo in the car has no such problems so it is the unit that is at fault.


MC

cornbb

chavezychavez wrote: »

Hey Guys,

I know there's been a few threads about this going on previously, but I'm in the market to buy a car stereo. Just wondering for all boardsies that bought a previous iteration of Lidl car radios, whether they are still in working order, or if ye have had problems with them.


http://www.lidl.ie/ie/home.nsf/pages/c.o.20081106.p.SilvercrestBluetoothCarRadio

I have a Silvercrest bluetooth stereo I got from Lidl. Looks different to the one pictured but seems to have all the same features. I'm extremely happy with it - it was simple enough to install, it has lots of cool features, the bluetooth handsfree works perfectly and it hasn't given a hint of trouble. The buttons are a bit too small for my liking and the display is a bit too orangey, but those are tiny complaints.

Dave!

Got one before without the bluetooth and had no problems to speak of. Was dead handy to be able to just fire the USB key in and hey presto music The card slot works grand too, though I didn't use it really.

Foolishly I left it in the car one night with the USB key and a David Bowie CD still in and some c*nt robbed it :mad: Thankfully no damage though...

Ye think the bluetooth would work with the iPhone? It (the iPhone) supports bluetooth headsets AFAIK, but that's all it supports for bluetooth.

MayoForSam

+1 here too - I have had a Lidl stereo in my car for the past 18 months, works very well, especially for playing music from a USB key. Volume control can be a bit dodgy and the mic for the bluetooth isn't great but overall pretty good for the price.

ednwireland

i got the previous version last christmas had no problems but did need an iso convertor as well for my car. i also replced my roof aerial which sorted a lot of signal issues (rubber had disintegrated) i have a 2gb sd card (thats as big as the last one would take) with loads of music on and very happy. bluetooth was fine with nokia 6680 and se k800i, mic fine in my car no prob with it, the onlky prob wwith the old one it doesnt have an album search

shaner

have a similar one of these since last year that i never bothered fitting to the motor (ended up getting a sony one fit from halfords). you can have it if ya want.

00sully

I got a cheap one with bluetooth, usb, sd slot etc... from lidl or aldi before - terrible unit. Anyone who is even half concerned about audio quality should avoid like the plague. Noticeable hissing sound at low volumes - the SNR was garbage on it. just a heads up! Think you get what you pay for with audio gear

macroman

Got one a few months ago...and bluetooth stopped connecting with my phone

Dades

Dave! wrote: »

Ye think the bluetooth would work with the iPhone? It (the iPhone) supports bluetooth headsets AFAIK, but that's all it supports for bluetooth.

Should be fine with the iPhone if it supports other handsets.

iPhone bluetooth, although only mono, does work with all handsfree voice devices (I use an iPhone with a bluetooth stereo). The only thing you can't use it for is transferring files or playing music... uh... bluetoothedly.

The only thing I can't see on that Lidl stereo is a minijack input - which if you've already got all your sounds on an MP3 device is a disappointment.

absolutegroove

alrite shaner,

i happen to be looking for a cheap stereo. I'll take it of your hands and throw a few quid to charity if thats cool with you.

regards.

revileandy

anyone know whats the max size usb stick / memory card this can take?

I always end up scratching the **** out of my cd's in the car - this sounds perfect.

Oracle

I notice both this and the lower priced €69.99 (non-Bluetooth) car stereos both play the ogg format: http://www.lidl.ie/ie/home.nsf/pages/c.o.20081106.p.SilvercrestCarCDRadio It's great that these 2 products support this free, unrestricted and non-DRM codec: http://www.fsf.org/resources/formats/playogg

Dr.TV

I just bought this radio, and before I install it, id love to head from people that have installed it and can tell me what’s it like. It appears to be a good stereo. I also can’t install it until I get the 2 pronged remover keys to take out my old stereo. I did read before on an old stereo someone bought from Lidl that its easy to install and sounds great, but they never but holes in the side of the stereo to take it out if you want to upgrade to a different model in the future so the advise he gave was to drill small holes in the side to make sure that you can take it out again. I don’t know if this is still case, but I wanted to make people aware of this issue that happened before.

paulksnn

Hi DrTV,
If the 2-pronged remover key is for a focus, you can use 2 bits of coat hanger. Push them in and then bend both hangers towards the outside of the car. Works a treat.

Dr.TV

Thats not a bad idea paulksnn, thanks for that, I'll must gove that a go, cheers

revileandy

I ordered the removal key from ebay for my old Blaupunkt stereo - then a guy in work told me about the coat hanger trick this morning.

Instead I got four skinny alan keys and stuck them in - the blaupunkt popped out no problem.

So the Lidl stereo is installed, simple job, takes less than five minutes, sounds great, looks great. You also get two removal keys with the lidl stereo so a future upgrade shouldn't be a problem.

Also, my 4gb SD memory card turned up today so I can't wait to to throw my mp3's on that and test the stereo.

Finally - According to the stereo manual the max size card it can take is 4GB.

mondeo

Ok here is my review of the 69.99 one. I bought this stereo on the 6th November the day it came out. I went into the shop first thing 9am because I was thinking these would be sold out very fast with the high spec. There was still a big stack of them there so took one off the pile and ran home with it.

It was very easy to install, plugged straight in with the iso connection, It was installed in under 10 mins. When you first switch it on it has a lovely blue interface and a welcome screen appears. I was thinking this looks really cool...So anyways I fiddled about with the bass/trebble/loudness settings to achieve the best sound to my ear. I noticed that the sound quality had alot more bass in it compared to my previous Goodmans cd/mp3 unit I had just removed. Although somehow this Silvercrest sounded very mono compared to my other unit. It did not sound very "surroundy". Once I cranked up the volume it was fine I had no complaints.

The main reason I bought this was for the usb port. When I plugged in my 1gb usb key the unit took about 10 seconds to read it before playing all
my tracks. Navigating through the key to find my songs was very fiddly, I'm use to it now but my first impression was jesus this is annoying. You can search through the usb/sd using one of three methods, 1: via song number, 2: via track name(very fiddly) 3: via album/folder name(easiest).
You can also burn a cd direct from this unit onto your usb key or sd card. Thats really cool!
Also you can record from the radio.

You also get a remote control with this system, It is very thin and light working of a small watch style battery. The remote itself in uncomfortable to
use as it has no rubber buttons but rather a cheap plasticy look to it.
I could live without the remote to be honest as I would probably loose it anyways. The face of this unit drops down to reveal the cd which works
ok with no skipping as yet... There is also an anti theft flashing red led when the face is removed which is nice I suppose. You also get a storage box for
the face of the unit.

Looking at this system it does not look cheap and tacky, it feels good enough
quality for 69.99 except for the remote control. Honestly anyone who buys this will be happy with it. For what your getting is alot for the price.
If you bought a more well known brand with USB/SD/MMC slots, 4x40w output, AUX etc you would pay more than twice the price.

....With a decent set of speakers I think this would sound great.
....Has a 3 year guarantee
....Plays mp3 with ID3, OGG,WMA,CD,CD-R,CD-RW
....RDS functions: PS,PTY,TP/TA,PI

Purposeful unit, give one a go you can always return it within 28 days if
you dont like it.

Cheers

TarfHead

paulksnn wrote: »

Hi DrTV,
If the 2-pronged remover key is for a focus, you can use 2 bits of coat hanger. Push them in and then bend both hangers towards the outside of the car. Works a treat.

Would this, or any off-the-shelf car radio, work in a Focus ?

The fascia of the radio/cassette in my FOCUS (01 reg) is, approx. twice the 'height' of the unit in LIDL (going by the photo). I'd like to replace the radio but thought anything else would look wrong in the same space

cormie

Dades wrote: »

The only thing I can't see on that Lidl stereo is a minijack input - which if you've already got all your sounds on an MP3 device is a disappointment.

Has it

No need for crappy tape adaptors or FM transmitters so. Aux in all the way

HungryJoey

Does anybody know if there is any of these left in any store??

Also does it have atleast 1 x Pre-out to hook up an amplifer. I'd need atleast 1 Pre-out / Sub out.

Dades

cormie wrote: »

No need for crappy tape adaptors or FM transmitters so. Aux in all the way

Glad to hear it.

I've seen a Ferrari advertised on Carzone with one of the selling points being an "MP3 player input". For such a useful and obvious feature on headunits, it's taken long enough to appear as standard.

dowtchaboy

Dades wrote: »

..... with one of the selling points being an "MP3 player input". For such a useful and obvious feature on headunits, it's taken long enough to appear as standard.

AFAIK there is almost always the capability of "line in" on these units even if there is not an "aux" socket on the front - you have to go mess with one of the (normally 3) connectors on the back and make up your own connector. I have a Blaupunkt with aux input on the front and the connector went intermittent very early on. Found a similar problem with USB connectors - as the USB key is usually sticking straight out hence gets knocked or just hops off when you hit a pothole. SD card is really the best way to go though navigation can be a pain.

kippy

Just want to echo the question of one of the earlier posters in wondering whether this will work in a focus or do you need some form of "filler" to fill the slot that will be left after replacing the old radio?
Kippy

cormie

It'll work, but there will be a gap.

I've been using my aux in for a looong time and it's stil going strong, have the wires tucked away so I never knock off them even though I'm always climbing around the cab

Kenny_D

You need one of these for the focus:

http://cgi.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140274437687

I've just ordered one for this radio which komplett had on special last week for €99 (€189 on pixmania):

http://www.pixmania.ie/ie/uk/630426/art/jvc/kd-dv5301-dvd-divx-mp3-ca.html?srcid=391&mctag=uk_16067&gclid=CLyl39_555YCFQeO1QodvV5VPg

HungryJoey

Does anybody know if there are any of these left?

kippy

I'll be popping by the store in Doughiska in Galway round lunchtime today and will report back if there are any left.
Cheers for the posts answering my query,
Regards,
Kippy

CrowdedHouse

There was a good few of the non bluetooth ones in Doughiska yesterday evening

nurseglennon

cornbb wrote: »

I have a Silvercrest bluetooth stereo I got from Lidl. Looks different to the one pictured but seems to have all the same features. I'm extremely happy with it - it was simple enough to install, it has lots of cool features, the bluetooth handsfree works perfectly and it hasn't given a hint of trouble. The buttons are a bit too small for my liking and the display is a bit too orangey, but those are tiny complaints.

hey quick question have the radio installed had to buy an aerial adapter for the volkswagon care but sound is bril and bluetotth is even better although i have to connect the phone each time just wondering did anyone else have issues with the radio. when the fae is put in it lights up but i have to remove it each time otherwise the lights will stay on and everytime i take out the face i lose all my stored radio stations, im thinkin maybe the iso connector is the problem but not sure, hope someone can help. otherwise very pleased with it

Kristok

anyone know if theres any of these left in dublin ?

kippy

CrowdedHouse wrote: »

There was a good few of the non bluetooth ones in Doughiska yesterday evening

Nothing left there at lunch today.
Kippy

seclachi

I got a lidl radio about 2 christmases back, I have to say, its some piece of junk. It started out ok, mp3 cds, usb, memory card and line through all worked fine, the radio popped every so often however which made it unusable. Then after a few months the memory card slot gave out, followed by the usb, I kept going with mp3 cds and the line in. Then a few months ago the cd player died. Enough was a enough so I junked it and got http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=348043, which works perfectly. I was luckier than a mate who got one with me, his died after 3 months.

My advice is to steer clear of lidl, there radios may be a few quid cheaper than the other shops but I`m willing to bet you can get a decent brand radio from an online shop for similar money.

cormie

But with Lidl and Aldi you pretty much will get your money back with a receipt after 2 minutes in from walking in the front door:)

market_garden

Does anyone know if this unit can be controlled with the steering wheel controls?

chavezychavez

I bit the bullet and bought this last week. Only got around to installing it last night.
So far, everything is working perfectly. The bluetooth was simple to setup and paired with no trouble to my K800i.
The radio reception is spot on for all channels except 1, but I think I'm on an incorrect frequency there, so I need to re-jig that one.
The old head unit I had was brutal, so this is a huge improvement.
Will see in the future whether all the components start to go wrong or not.
As it stands, I'm delighted with it.

seclachi

cormie wrote: »

But with Lidl and Aldi you pretty much will get your money back with a receipt after 2 minutes in from walking in the front door:)

Not after 2 years alas

cormie

Aye, but even if one thing goes wrong, just bring it back the next time they have them on offer, get your money back for the old one and buy the new one if there was a problem with the old one. If not, then it's likely it'll last you another few years anyway in which time you'd have got your moneys worth from it

bmaxi

seclachi wrote: »

Not after 2 years alas

Even after 2 years Lidl will repair or replace the unit. They have a repair centre in, I think, Newbridge but if you take it back to where you bought it they will send it off for you.

Kristok

seclachi wrote: »

I got a lidl radio about 2 christmases back, I have to say, its some piece of junk. It started out ok, mp3 cds, usb, memory card and line through all worked fine, the radio popped every so often however which made it unusable. Then after a few months the memory card slot gave out, followed by the usb, I kept going with mp3 cds and the line in. Then a few months ago the cd player died. Enough was a enough so I junked it and got http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=348043, which works perfectly. I was luckier than a mate who got one with me, his died after 3 months.

My advice is to steer clear of lidl, there radios may be a few quid cheaper than the other shops but I`m willing to bet you can get a decent brand radio from an online shop for similar money.

If you kept your reciept youd have got your money back

ednwireland

seclachi wrote: »

I got a lidl radio about 2 christmases back, I have to say, its some piece of junk. It started out ok, mp3 cds, usb, memory card and line through all worked fine, the radio popped every so often however which made it unusable. Then after a few months the memory card slot gave out, followed by the usb, I kept going with mp3 cds and the line in. Then a few months ago the cd player died. Enough was a enough so I junked it and got http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.aspx?sku=348043, which works perfectly. I was luckier than a mate who got one with me, his died after 3 months.

My advice is to steer clear of lidl, there radios may be a few quid cheaper than the other shops but I`m willing to bet you can get a decent brand radio from an online shop for similar money.

no bluetooth though most of the reason for getting mine which still works perfectly a year later

podge3

I picked up a bluetooth version today in Tipp Town. Very nice looking unit indeed .

Hope to fit it tomorrow.

On a slightly different note, I really don't understand all the bitching in this thread about Lidl/Aldi. If you keep your receipt, you have a 3 year warranty - simple as.

podge3

I fitted this radio to my wife's car today and I'm well impressed.

It looks great, sounds much better than the factory fitted radio and has loads of features. The bluetooth quality is very good. Well worth €90 IMHO.

Dr.TV

nurseglennon wrote: »

hey quick question have the radio installed had to buy an aerial adapter for the volkswagon care but sound is bril and bluetotth is even better ... when the fae is put in it lights up but i have to remove it each time otherwise the lights will stay on and everytime i take out the face i lose all my stored radio stations, im thinkin maybe the iso connector is the problem but not sure, hope someone can help. otherwise very pleased with it

Hey nurseglennon, can you tell me if this probablem is with all VW cars? What kind of VW car do you have? I still haven't gotten around to installing it. Although I am looking forward to it. I just got a 04 passat and all I have is a tape player and radio. God who still actually has tapes??

MunsterCycling

You need to swap the power supply wires, IIRC there is one from the battery (for keeping the stations etc) and one for powering up the unit (connected to the ignition) normally there is a little connector on the leads at the back on the two power wires that you can swap them or I think you can get an ISO plug adaptor to do the job.

MC

WayaWaya

Kristok wrote: »

anyone know if theres any of these left in dublin ?

Theres a few left in Leixlip, don't how many but they do them from the office, you wont see them on the shelves/racks - you have to ask at the till.

Side note...Halfords do these fascias for most of the cars, just ask the lads at the counter and they have a look, they do installs as well if you stuck...don't know how much do they charge for installs though...

shaner

WayaWaya wrote: »

Side note...Halfords do these fascias for most of the cars, just ask the lads at the counter and they have a look, they do installs as well if you stuck...don't know how much do they charge for installs though...

Had a radio installed in Halfords about 2 years ago. Cost 20 squid. Can't imagine it's gotten much more expensive recently.

WayaWaya

shaner wrote: »

Had a radio installed in Halfords about 2 years ago. Cost 20 squid. Can't imagine it's gotten much more expensive recently.

Eggxactly...I also thought it would be around that...

mcgovern

WayaWaya wrote: »

Theres a few left in Leixlip, don't how many but they do them from the office, you wont see them on the shelves/racks - you have to ask at the till.

Side note...Halfords do these fascias for most of the cars, just ask the lads at the counter and they have a look, they do installs as well if you stuck...don't know how much do they charge for installs though...

Cheers, I hope there is still one left when I get home from work!

WayaWaya

mcgovern wrote: »

Cheers, I hope there is still one left when I get home from work!

If you want I can go and see if I can reserve one for you, just in case...I think all I need to do is ask them if they can put one aside for (insertnamehere) for (inserttimehere). I'm not far from the place...

Ron DMC

Why'd you drag up last year's thread when the other is only a few threads down?

Can somebody split and merge when they get a chance? I got confused reading old posts.