rpratt

After 9+ years, I'm finally getting ready to replace the stock CDR-220 head unit in my 2000 996.
Ideally, I'd like a replacement with the following:
integrated iPhone/iPod support (via doc connector, withspeakerphone, charging and control from the headunit)
speed-linked variable volume option
support for the 6 disc CD changer that came with the CDR-220
fits in the same physical space as the CDR-220
reasonably inexpensive.

Basically, I'm looking for a replacement with better integration with my iPhone.

Any suggestions from folks who've already done this upgrade/replacement?

thanks,
Bob

jumper5836

I am in the process. Spending about $1000 CAD ($800 USD) on a Kenwood dnx5120
It takes 2 spaces up so I have to move the heating/cooling unit to where the bottom shelf is which needs a trim piece.
I purchased the shelf to replace the CD holder.
Because I have an iphone which I need access to and don't want to leave in the car. I decided to go with an iphone dock in the ashtray. While not in use you just close the cover.
If it were just an ipod I would have just wired into the glove box or arm rest storage.
The Kenwood light is adjustable and can be made to look like the interior lights of the 996.

AndyK

I think that's a ton of money to spend on a head unit! I also would like a decent replacement that would improve the sound, without changing the looks too much. Do they still make decent Alpines that don't have swimming dolphins or fireworks in the displays??

I realize replacing the speakers, amp, adding a sub would really make the difference. I have no interest in doing any of that! I would like plug and play simplicity!

rpratt

Andy, I'm definitely on the same page as you. I want better iPhone integration, and improved sound wouldn't hurt, but the interior of a 996 is never going to be audiophile nirvana, so I don't want to spend a ton of money either if I can help it. And while the Nav features of the Kenwood sound nice, I already have a portable GPS for the VERY rare occasions I need one.

Any thoughts from the crowd on lower priced options than the above-mentioned Kenwood, which sounds great but is more than I'd like to spend?

jumper5836

I paid $400 for my iphone and a set of tires cost me $2000. Dealers want $1700 do to a major service for the 996. So I was thinking $1000 is cheap.

rpratt

It's not THAT expensive, but I was hoping for something more in the $200-$400 range (plus installation) for a non-NAV head unit.

If I needed a NAV system, the Kenwood you got looks quite nice, and not too expensive for what it does.

Bob

perryinva

Nothing else will work with the CD changer. Better off selling it for $$ for a new one that works with whatever head unit you get. Only another Becker or maybe Blaupunkt unit will be plug & play, and unfortunately the only unit that I know of that covers your list (and more) is the new Mexico, and IT is Europe only, so FM will not work right in USA, and it has a funky black stripe face/2 **** design. I find it equally ludicrous that a simple straight forward single din design with BT & iX capability is impossible to find.

rpratt

Thanks. Given good iPod connectivity, I don't REALLY need the CD changer anyway. Just seems a shame to trash it and the head unit when there's nothing wrong with them.

Anyone reading this want to suggest a good shop on the SF Peninsula to do the installation? I'm a little nervous about just going to Fry's or someplace to put it in.

Bob

rpratt

After a bunch of online comparison shopping, I ended up getting an Alpine iDA-X305 head unit. It doesn't support my OEM CD changer, and it doesn't have radio preset hard buttons, but otherwise my first impressions are very good. The iPod/iPhone integration is via a "real" USB cable to the iPod connector, it charges the phone, and the Alpine GUI for navigating the audio content on the iPod looks very good so far. I have a 3G iPhone and a 1st gen Nano, and it works with both of those. And the sound quality is MUCH better than either a tape adapter or FM adapter, which of course I'd expect.

Bob

jumper5836

cool glad you found something. really who has the time to burn and lug around cd's.

gota911

I git the upgraded stereo system in my Honda. It is great, I get both AM and FM!

ivangene

was waiting for that one Tim !!

Here's my "new radio"

gota911

Ed, I'll bet your "radio" sounds better than my radio!

Granger968

Rpratt:

I installed an Alpina IDA-X100 last year in my 350Z. The iPod integration was fantastic, but I found the interface in general was not intuitive at all. Sometimes I would actually have a hard time turning the volume down because I was stuck in the iPod menu. I had to relearn the radio every time I took the car. I sold it with the 350Z.

I've been doing some online shopping for a replacement unit for the 911, steering clear of Alpine this time. The key features I am looking for a iPod/iPhone integration and Bluetooth capability (I have integrated bluetooth in my other car and it works great). I also am paying special attention to the user interface and button layout, to not have the same problem I had with my Alpine unit.

I think I'll be going for Pioneer's DEH-P710BT. It's coming out this spring, but I don't know what date exactly and haven't seen any for sale online anywhere yet. It's in Pioneer's Premier line, so I expect good sounds quality, but most importantly to me it's ready for my iPod and raedy for Bluetooth. It comes with this microphone however that I will need to find a discrete spot for. I don't know exactly how large it will be, so I don't know where I will hide. Other notable features are the OLED screen and steering mounted controls (still not sure I want that on my steering wheel however...). It's a single DIN unit, so no need to move controls around.

Hopefully it is released soon....

rpratt

That Pioneer does look appealing as well. I like the fact that Bluetooth is built in, not a $150 option. On the other hand, so far at least i like that the Alpine X305 almost exactly mimics the look/feel of the iPod UI for browings songs/playlists/etc. We'll see how it wears once I use it more, though.

thanks,
Bob