996scott

thinking of replacing the stock stereo in my 993 mainly to use ipod/smart phone. Not looking for anything too expensive. I have the Hi/FI sound in my car and the sound is really ok for me. Not looking to replace all the speakers or amp, just the stereo. Anyone using this Alpine? can I continue to use the old amp under the seat? Thanks.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDE1...T.html?tp=5684

Mike J

Lots of people convert to a CDR-220 and use an iPod input into the AUX port. Not fancy, and you still need to use iPod/Smartphone for navigating and playing, but the port will charge.

North Street

This summer i was fortunate enough to buy a 1996 993 with the with the HI/FI Sound Option. After living with the stock stereo for about a month I said enough is enough. I went in to get a deck that had an I-Pod interface and came out with a Kenwood KDC-X996 (love it). One month later, not totally satisfied with the new sound, I added Focal speakers and an Amp. After spending more thousands than I would care to admit I have a stereo that fits the car nicely.

If you are used to listening to quality stereo sound go all in. Lastly, I have found a downside to having a great system - you have to make a tough decision each day - Listen to the natural German music or one of your own choosing....

Texas993

Scott, while I still have the stock radio in my 993, I just replaced the head unit in my Mercedes C43. I initially ordered a Blaupunkt Toronto 410 BT because all that I really wanted was Bluetooth Streaming and handsfree phone. I installed it and was very disappointed. It looked like a light show, had poor sound and the BT interface was poor. But, for $125, what was I expecting?

I then took the leap of faith on the Parrot Asteroid (poor reviews due to software quirks). I found the Asteroid (yesterday) at Frys for $199! Installed it and, sure enough, it was crashing, freezing, etc because it had an old software version. I immediately upgraded the software and am VERY impressed. It looks great in an older interior, the sound is AMAZING, and the interface is very easy to use. I will not use many of its functions - but the BT audio is simple and very clear and the handsfree calling is the best out there.

I suggest that you consider the Asteroid. After one day of use I love it. Crutchfield no longer sells them due to the software issues, but plan to re-stock when they are convinced that they are properly upgraded. A $350 HU for $199 isn't too bad.

Good luck.

swmic

Looks like a great unit especially if the software bugs are worked out. To bad Fry's price is in store pickup only.

ehanauer

Falcondrivr

I don't have that unit, but I have the older version. The streaming audio for music and pandora is excellent. The Bluetooth calling works flawlessly with my iPhone 4. However, at speed in the 993, the wind noise can overcome the mics canceling ability. People don't like talking to me when over ~45 mph. I've experimented with different mic locations, currently it's by the ashtray, which seems to be the best.

x50type

If you are not looking for anything too expensive, i highly recommend the Sony Xplod Cdx-gt540ui Cd/mp3 Receiver with 52x4 Watt Amp. Doesn't have bluetooth, but does have AM/FM, CD, USB, Pandora, iPad/MP3 and Aux. It's highly configurable and costs $63.99 from Amazon.

It has more than sufficient power without the Nokia amp for the 993 hi-fi speaker system. A new Nokia amp is $450 and I see Rennlister pay hundreds of dollars for Becker radios.

The Sony is much better then the OE Alpine CR-1 radio [mine is 17 years old and no, the Sony doesn't look very much OE, but I didn't want to pay hundreds more just to retain the OE look], i am more interested in the sound than the OE look.

Worth consideration.