ehanauer

I've got a non functioning CR1 radio in the 1995 C4 I just bought. It will cost more to fix it than to replace it with an Alpine CDE 133bt. It's got all the bells and whistles (bluetooth, usb and aux inputs for an iPod) and it doesn't look like a jukebox in the dash. It won't access the CD changer, but I haven't listened to many CDs since getting an iPod connection in my former ride.

I'd like to keep the 993 authentic, but car stereos have come a long way since 1995. Any opinions one way or the other?

initial

You probably don't want to hear this, but "radio delete" is always an option. You can block off the space for the radio and take the speaker assemblies out of the doors and rear shelf. My 95 C4 is set up this way and I'm really good with it, especially since I have a 13 year old who always takes control of the radio when it's within reach.

ehanauer

The local high end audio shop says I need a line amp to make it work with a new Alpine head unit. The regular audio shop says it's not needed. High end shop wants $590, the other shop wants under $300.

Any opinions from owners who have had contemporary stereos mounted in their 993s?

inkatouring

Personally, I have the Porsche/Becker CDR-220, which costs more but is a factory unit and looks it to me. Even that Alpine, in my opinion, does not fit our interiors. Yes, the allure of modern electronics is strong, but it is a car, not a sound lab. I added a parrot for bluetooth. Costs more than a modern one, but, hey, well, some day I'll figure out a reason it is worth it.

If you use that Alpine, I think you do not need an external amp (assuming you do not have the hi-fi opinion).

H.H.Chinn

The OEM Becker CDR-220 is iPod compatible whereas the original CDR-210 was not without the 6 disc changer. There is an amplifier under the passenger seat even on the non hi-fi sound system cars. +1 for remaining original but that's a personal decision.

coreseller

I have a Blaupunkt aftermarket that I recently installed along with Polk Speakers front and rear. I also was unsure if I needed an amp in addition to the head unit. The unit I have has 22 continuous watts X 4 Channels, Hi-Fi aficionados may disagree but it is plenty loud enough for me.

scott watkins

https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...m-upgrade.html

I love the upgrade I did!

TheBen

I'm looking for a CDR-220 myself.

element

I went with the Blaupunkt Toronto (has BT) and just wired directly to the speakers.. i have Hi-Fi, but dont use the Nokia amp. Sounds good enough for a car that has a musical engine


phil.

ilko

Here's a cheap CDR-220: http://www.ebay.com/itm/996-Porsche-...55e252&vxp=mtr

ehanauer

I went with an Alpine CDE 133 BT. Also replaced the amp with a Power Bass 600 w. best sound I've ever had in a car. Also Bluetooth, iPod, and CD.

Purists may not agree, but the understated Alpine head unit doesn't look out of place in the dash.

ble2011

I bought a CDR-220 to replace an old Alpine unit already installed when I bought my 993. I'm hesitant to install it as I am concerned about the sound quality. Anyway, after I install it in the spring, if it doesn't sound up to par, I may have one for sale (with new ***** and a IPOD cable).

2Many Cars

The CDR-220 is way better than the CDR-210 (which was better than the CR-1) but still not as good as current state of the art. Only you can decide how much sound quality you need in a car with less than perfect acoustics. Note the OP has the very early CR-1 which I believe is a slightly different set up than the later cars. I think a conversion to a CDR-220 still should be plug and play but others here with the early audio setup should chime in to confirm.

skywachr

I love the, at least to me, "correct" look of the CDR-220 in my 993. The CDR-220 unit sound quality is excellent when the auxiliary sound input is the signal source rather than the unit's own FM tuner or CD player. Since this is practically the only way I use the unit other than to listen to sports or sports talk I am fine with it. The source I use 95% of the time is Pandora out of my phone. Ipod or any mp3 for that matter work just as well.

Anyone have an idea why the FM and CD sound are not as clean as things run through the auxiliary input, or is it just new vs. old technology?