KeninBlaine

My 96 C4S has the CDR-210 with Hi-Fi option and Nokia amp under the passenger seat. I don't need great sound in the car because in my opinion, these small cars with fairly high road noise are not worth trying for great sound. Plus the car makes great sounds on its own. But I would like an AUX input to play my iPhone through the system. I currently have a cassette with aux jack I can use. But my system seems to have fuzzy sound periodically. Just wondering if the CDR-220 is likely to provide better sound than the CDR-210, and if it connects with the same connectors at rear (plug n play) for use with the Nokia amp, etc. Also, are all CDR-220 radios the same, regardless of year and model (many used ones seem to be out of Boxsters etc.).

Spyder_Man

Having spent all Saturday attempting to mend my CR-1 HiFi DSP audio system, I can attest to the fuzzy sound more likely being due to bad electrical contacts somewhere in the wiring, than the internals of the receiver. There was a brief moment where I had the passenger's door and both rear channels sounding suprisingly good given the OEM amp and speakers. It's when I tried to fix the driver's side door (which was sounding muffled) that it all got fuzzy again due to bad electrical contacts between the harness and receiver.

I know some people prefer the CDR-220 for the volume **** (rather than switch on the 210), but I expect there will be negligible sound quality improvement going from one to the either.

As for iPhone connectivity, there are 3.5mm headphone jack to AUX port cables out there. There are also bluetooth transponders like Tranzit BLU.

skywachr

A number of knowledgeable people including Stefan at SW Radio, a Becker specialist, have told me that the CDR-220 sound quality is noticeably superior. Use of the the AUX input produces a very acceptable outcome with good quality fresh speakers.

Spyder_Man

I stand corrected

KeninBlaine

Thanks for the info. Is the AUX input jack on the front face, or is it a cable out of the rear of the unit? BTW, would love to see a larger photo of the car in your avatar. Looks wild.

mike cap

This post of mine may help. A simple solution.....

https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...od-iphone.html

Foxman

I'd like to know for sure what the right answer is here. Is Stefan saying that the sound of the CDR 220 unit itself is superior, or that the sound using the auxiliary jack is superior? Based on prior posts I was under the impression that the only difference is the auxiliary input and CD, not the sound itself. I just purchased a CR-210 with CD changer to go back to stock. Is there really any other difference with the CDR 220? Any difference in wattage (they're actually designed to run with added amplifiers)?

Update: I just spoke with Ed at Becker. According to Ed the initial versions of the CR-210 and CDR-210 came spec'd by Porsche with pretty lame frequency response. The CDR 220 does sound better than the earlier 210 units. The 210's were later enhanced, however, and there are software updates available which Becker can install which make the CR-210 sound pretty much on par with the CDR 220. I'm sending my CR-210 to Becker to have them run an auxiliary switch from behind the unit (not the face) which will still allows me to use the CD changer. Ed says that the frequency response in the auxiliary input will be pretty decent. In addition, I'm going to have them update the software if need be to ensure I've got the latest CR-210 upgrades. I'm not expecting great sound, just good sound with a correct stock unit in the dash. Bottom line is that with the correct software upgrades the CR-210 should sound pretty much on par with the CDR-220

https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...s-the-amp.html

mpruden

Nice digging, Foxman. This is an interesting development. He didn't happen to mention how to tell if a given 210 is the later enhanced version, did he?

Foxman

According to Ed at Becker there is a sequence of buttons you can press to determine what software it's running. My unit isn't installed yet, so Becker will check the software on their end. If you call Ed I'm sure he would be happy to walk you though the process. And be sure to ask Ed about his Mercedes SL.

JB 911

I can't speak for Stefan, but I went from CDR210 to CDR220 and I found the sound itself is significantly better. btw the CDR210 does not have an aux input standard, it would need to be retrofit

If I had to fill a customer survey on my CDR220, I would put 'completely satisfied'

I will be interested to hear your impression of this software update for the CR/CDR210.

KeninBlaine

I agree, great research Foxman! I'll be interested to hear how it turns out and approx. final cost for the AUX install and any software update. Depending on cost, I might be tempted to get a 220 if my 210 is an older version. Plus, I prefer a **** to the rocker control for volume.
Keep us posted!

Foxman

Just wanted to provide a quick update on the Becker upgrade. Becker has my CR-210 and is dropping in a new chip with the latest software. Cost is just $40 for this critical upgrade. The original software has very limited frequency response, so while bass and treble can be adjusted to level 10 not much happens after level 4. This was reportedly done to avoid distortion from these woefully under-powered units. The new software has a far greater range, and if you're running an amplifier you will reportedly notice a marked improvement...

Becker is also running an auxiliary input out the back of the unit for an iPhone connection which preserves the stock look and allows me to retain the CD changer. The cost is $100 for this. FYI Becker no longer installs jacks on the face of the unit. The jacks on the face of the unit were getting torqued and wreaking havoc with the radio. Turnaround time is about one week for both pieces of work. Can't wait to have a stock stereo back in the car that also sounds great!

KeninBlaine

Thanks for the update Foxman. Do you know if the CD changer has to remain connected for the new AUX input to work? I hope not, as I don't need mine and don't want it taking up room in the frunk. While I prefer the original look of the Becker, I'm still considering a new unit like Kenwood etc. that for the same money would provide bluetooth and other improvements. I'd keep the Becker for eventual resale. Let us know how it sounds when you get it back.

mpruden

Agreed. Thanks for the follow up info Foxman.

$140 seems completely reasonable for someone to crack open the radio and install these improvements.

Let us know the function of the aux input. I'm curious to understand how you instruct the radio to select that rear input without giving up one of the other input functions (CD, changer, FM, AM, etc...)

mike cap

The 6 cd changer can be removed and the aux input will operate without it when installed on the CR210 by Becker.

Once the radio is on and the aux cables are connected the system will play your iPhone music. No selection of radio mode is needed. I think Becker has a switch installed that senses the jacks presence.

The CR210 display shows your last radio station selection.