Arrwin

Was this radio a factory option?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...929069724&rd=1

TomF

No. There are many aftermarket units that can be ordered with model-specific wiring.

Arrwin

Thanks for the response Tom. Any idea how does this unit compare with the CDR-2? I currently have the Hi-Fi Option (in-dash cassette (CDR-1(?)) with the 6 disc changer and would like to change to an in-dash CD.

The Alpine has Power output of 30 watts x 4 max output. What's in the CDR-1?

vjd3

Yes, but not as an option ... some 993's came with the Alpine radios as factory equipment; both my recent 95 cars had them, one with the hifi package and one without. If you look in the brochure for the "new" 993 you can see it in the photos.

Vic
95 C4 cab

TamiyaGuy

If I recall correctly, I use to be able to see Alpine models in the display case at the local dealership way back when my car was new. Plus, the CDR-1 is supplied by Alpine to Porsche. That unit that's on eBay is no different than an aftermarket Alpine unit that you can buy anywhere else. In fact, if you check the model number you should be able to see other units for sale on eBay that are cheaper.

But the harness is probably different though. To answer your question, it's "kinda" an official option but not really. Porsche sold them through their dealerships but it didn't carry any specific Porsche branding.

Thanks,
peter

Arrwin

Thanks guys. So what's the consensus. How's this Alpine unit compared with the CDR-2? Considered an upgrade, downgrade, or no diff.?

BrianB

My 95 has that cd player aswell. And if you look around at some 95's you'll see alot of them have it. For example if you look at some of holt's cars on his site, half the 95 there have that cd player. I am guessing if you wanted a factory cd player in 95 that's what the dealer sold you. Basically a pre-becker cd player for porsche.

Rob 97 993c2

i have the 'factory' alpine in my 993tt (late model 95) - the unit here is not the factory alpine that i have, but seems to be an alpine somewhere from the late 90s.
To be honest, if you want to upgrade, you really should buy a current alpine (i had one in my c2) that is 60x4, but you really need to change the speakers as the stock speakers are crap.

vjd3

I have the factory Alpine available out of my 95 if anyone wants it ... just make an offer, I think I even have the "factory" wiring harness for it as well, so it should plug and play.

Vic
95 C4 cab

John95cab

In dash cassette on mine was CR-1 with CD changer. I took out the changer (sold to bigbartguy) and swapped out the head unit with a current Alpine MP3/CD which fit in the existing chassis but did have to splice in the harness (15-20 min) Porblem is it really does make the stock speakers sound crappy.

Jim

This model Alpine was the factory unit in my 1996 C4S. It is "fine" but not a great unit, but factory nonetheless.

JasonAndreas

In the factory TSB #9-9401 there is a picture of this head unit;

"In vehicles equipped with the Hi-Fi Sound package option (M-490) only Porsche program radios (Blaupunkt or Alpine) may be installed.

This is because the sound system amplifier is switched on by an electronic signal from the radio. Installing an incorrect radio may possibly damage the speaker/amplifier system."

and then it shows a picture of the "Alpine 7807" and the Porsche CR1 radio.

Arrwin

Thanks for all the info guys.

A couple of more questions:

1) Would you guys buy this unit over the CDR-2? For some reason, the Alpine unit looks a slight bit more dated than the CDR-2. Quality-wise...i'm not sure.

2) If I were to swap my CDR-1 out with either unit, is it as simple as a plug-n-pray? Or would I need to enter some codes in or something before it will work?

Thanks again guys.

vjd3

They are fairly comparable, I'd say ... the Alpine has three pre-amp outs, which is good for a head unit. However, it is vintage 1995 or so, and there have been many advancements since then.

You would need a harness adapter ... available anywhere (Crutchfield, etc.) The Alpines from the factory had adapters which look pretty much like any independent installer would do ... butt connectors and so forth. Not sure if the Porsche-branded players were direct plug and play into the factory harness or not.

Vic
95 C4 cab

Speedraser

My late '95 w/ Hi-Fi option has this Alpine -- from the factory. I have no knowledge for comparison to the CDR, though.