Blaupunkt Alaska RDM168

Price & Contact: $369.95;
800-323-1943; www.blaupunkt.com
Max output level: 3.05 V @ .029% THD+N @ 1 kHz
Max undistorted output: 3.05 V @ .029% THD+N @ 1 kHz
Relative loudness: –8 dBu
Dynamic range: –108 dB
THD+N @ full output: 0.029%
Output impedance: 33 ohms
L-R channel error: .056 dB
Frequency response: +.08 dB, –.66 dB

All measurements @ 4 ohms
Max output level: 24.6watts x 4 @ 37% THD+N1
Max undistorted output: 13.9 watts x4 @ .48% THD+N
Signal to Noise: –102 dB
THD+N @ full output: 37%
L-R channel error: .07 dB
Frequency response (@ 1 watt): +.08 dB, –.53 dB

		Blaupunkt Alaska RDM168 www.blaupunkt.com
		Blaupunkt leaps into the future with the first all-digital head unit.		Alaska RDM 168 Specs Price & Contact: $369.95; 800-323-1943; www.blaupunkt.com Max output level: 3.05 V @ .029% THD+N @ 1 kHz Max undistorted output: 3.05 V @ .029% THD+N @ 1 kHz Relative loudness: –8 dBu Dynamic range: –108 dB THD+N @ full output: 0.029% Output impedance: 33 ohms L-R channel error: .056 dB Frequency response: +.08 dB, –.66 dB Internal Amps All measurements @ 4 ohms Max output level: 24.6watts x 4 @ 37% THD+N1 Max undistorted output: 13.9 watts x4 @ .48% THD+N Signal to Noise: –102 dB THD+N @ full output: 37% L-R channel error: .07 dB Frequency response (@ 1 watt): +.08 dB, –.53 dB
		by Brian Smith

		The Alaska RDM 168 is a single DIN tuner/CD player whose features include a detachable faceplate, preamp outputs, a digital tuner and processing, internal amps rated at 40 watts x 4, an optional remote, and CD changer control. The DigiCeiver digital tuner section of the Alaska takes incoming radio waves and turns them into actual bits and bytes. Most of the normal radio circuits are replaced by a digital signal processor. In addition to its long list of functions, the Alaska also offers RDS and direct software controls of 22 user functions, including a digital parametric equalizer, with one button, plus the rockers. Performance The preamp outputs on this unit deliver slightly more than 3 volts with an output impedance of 33 ohms. While we’ve certainly seen units with much higher output voltages, 3 volts is about double the average. This, coupled with the low impedance and the lack of clipping at full boogie, gives the Alaska what can be considered a decent preamp output stage. The power amp section is equally cool, although it doesn’t quite make that 40 watts x 4 rating. Noise floor measurements on the amp section were especially impressive; it’s not often we see 102 dB of signal-to-noise from a head unit. User Evaluation The detachable face is home to quite a few buttons, but they’re laid out well and the important ones are big. To improve the ergonomics even further, this unit included the optional Thummer remote, which mounts on your steering wheel. They change gears in Formula One with steering wheel mounted switches; why shouldn’t we be able to change CDs from there as well? The more your hands are on the steering wheel at high speed, the less likely you are to slam into a tree, telephone pole or little old lady. Overall, this setup from the German folks with the blue dot looks pretty impressive.