View Poll Results: Has time past for CD changers?
Go modern with no CD changer
43
74.14%
Look for a new head unit with matching CD changer
3
5.17%
Look for a head unit that matches existing OEM changer
12
20.69%
Voters: 58. You may not vote on this poll
Have CD Players' Time past?
07-14-2013, 02:03 AM
#16
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There's something to be said in keeping the interior appearance stock, the Becker CDR220 996/986 head unit is understandable rotary volume pots and all.
As for a DSP recommendation (disclaimers apply) there's offers from Alpine, Audison, Helix, Mindmap, MiniDSP, Mosconi and Zapco to name a few. The Mosconi model 6to8is an outboard DSP I own. Additionally Mosconi offers a few amplifier/DSP combo units.
http://www.mosconi-system.it
As for a DSP recommendation (disclaimers apply) there's offers from Alpine, Audison, Helix, Mindmap, MiniDSP, Mosconi and Zapco to name a few. The Mosconi model 6to8is an outboard DSP I own. Additionally Mosconi offers a few amplifier/DSP combo units.
http://www.mosconi-system.it
07-14-2013, 02:30 AM
#17
Burning Brakes
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I have one of these connected to the factory becker unit:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1106584607...84.m1423.l2649
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1106584607...84.m1423.l2649
07-14-2013, 09:51 PM
#18
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Thread Starter
I appreciate all the good advice. I'm going to take my time and look at the various options. The poll is leaning the same way I am; a modern unit with no CD changer.
Now I've just got to get the right combination of head unit, amp, and speakers. I might as well do it right.
One question however that I did not see an answer to; is the stock CR1 unit tied at all to the immobilizer or alarm?
Now I've just got to get the right combination of head unit, amp, and speakers. I might as well do it right.
One question however that I did not see an answer to; is the stock CR1 unit tied at all to the immobilizer or alarm?
07-14-2013, 11:40 PM
#20
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
07-15-2013, 08:26 PM
#21
There's something to be said in keeping the 993s interior stock in appearance, so, the Becker CDR220 996/986 head unit is understandable; Rotary volume pots and all.
As for a DSP recommendation (all disclaimers apply) there are offering's from notables such as Alpine, Audison, Helix, Mindmap, MiniDSP, Mosconi and Zapco to name a few. The Mosconi model 6to8 is an outboard DSP I own. Additionally Mosconi offers a few amplifier/DSP combo units.
http://www.mosconi-system.it
As for a DSP recommendation (all disclaimers apply) there are offering's from notables such as Alpine, Audison, Helix, Mindmap, MiniDSP, Mosconi and Zapco to name a few. The Mosconi model 6to8 is an outboard DSP I own. Additionally Mosconi offers a few amplifier/DSP combo units.
http://www.mosconi-system.it
I am using the new Mosconi 4 to 6 DSP. CDR-220 headunit (w/ ipod adapter) => Mosconi DSP => Hertz HDP Amp (4 channel) => Focal 6.5"/tweeter separates under the stock "hi fi" door pods.
Looks 100% stock (I personally decided not compromise on this-especially with a cabriolet and theft concerns). Sounds great, not audiophile quality, but much better than most I have heard.
The DSP unit really is magic. It takes the source unit signal and allows you to time shift and equalize each speaker (or amplifier channel) individually. I could believe how different (and better) the system sounded with this addition. 31 bands of equalization per channel and timeshifting allows you to place the stage up on the dash. It really is a fantastic piece of technology. Both the amplifier and DSP fit under the passenger seat.
07-16-2013, 12:59 AM
#24
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System Equalization via digital signal processing
The single greatest weakness in our 993 radio systems is the lack of EQ.
A contemporary DSP unit (1/3 octave) is the biggest bang for your enhancement buck IMHO. I've listened at length to a stock 993 coupe with a MiniDSP DSP module coupled to the Becker/Porsche CDR210 a CD radio.... The audio was outstanding!
And the cost for quality DSP is getting cheaper by the minute...
Cheers, Mike
A contemporary DSP unit (1/3 octave) is the biggest bang for your enhancement buck IMHO. I've listened at length to a stock 993 coupe with a MiniDSP DSP module coupled to the Becker/Porsche CDR210 a CD radio.... The audio was outstanding!
And the cost for quality DSP is getting cheaper by the minute...
+1
The DSP unit really is magic. It takes the source unit signal and allows you to time shift and equalize each speaker (or amplifier channel) individually. I could believe how different (and better) the system sounded with this addition. 31 bands of equalization per channel and timeshifting allows you to place the stage up on the dash. It really is a fantastic piece of technology. Both the amplifier and DSP fit under the passenger seat.
The DSP unit really is magic. It takes the source unit signal and allows you to time shift and equalize each speaker (or amplifier channel) individually. I could believe how different (and better) the system sounded with this addition. 31 bands of equalization per channel and timeshifting allows you to place the stage up on the dash. It really is a fantastic piece of technology. Both the amplifier and DSP fit under the passenger seat.
07-16-2013, 08:22 AM
#25
07-16-2013, 11:45 AM
#26
Made this choice with two cars over the past 6 months.
One had a six pack CD and I used the aux cable from discount stereo. For less than $20 I plug in my phone for playing Spotify and such. No handsfree phone or sat radio.
The CDR-210 died on me in the other car. I swapped for an Alpine with BT handsfree, CD, sat and this is a much better setup. The sole complaint is the glossy finish on all of the new head units. I kept the CDR-210 if some day I want to return to original. Sat radio is expensive for what you get but I like the ease of use and frequently drive in areas without cellular network coverage.
For both cars I didn't remove any of the stock wiring connectors or amps. Used snap wire taps to connect to the harness near the stock connectors.
One had a six pack CD and I used the aux cable from discount stereo. For less than $20 I plug in my phone for playing Spotify and such. No handsfree phone or sat radio.
The CDR-210 died on me in the other car. I swapped for an Alpine with BT handsfree, CD, sat and this is a much better setup. The sole complaint is the glossy finish on all of the new head units. I kept the CDR-210 if some day I want to return to original. Sat radio is expensive for what you get but I like the ease of use and frequently drive in areas without cellular network coverage.
For both cars I didn't remove any of the stock wiring connectors or amps. Used snap wire taps to connect to the harness near the stock connectors.
10-26-2015, 01:48 PM
#28
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
OP -
Yes the Redbook CD (CompactDisc audio) is being challenged by alternate data storage schemes such as MP3, (iPhone, etc.) downloading and the like, however the rumor of its death is greatly exaggerated...
A cutting edge approach to upgrading our 993s (or others) is to utilize most any ole OEM head unit in concert with an outboard DSP unit. A recent batch of automotive aftermarket DSP modules provide exemplary D/A conversion, USB inputs, SPDIF inputs, Aux, Bluetooth, and herculean DSP equalization all wrapped in a diminutive chassis. - The initial setup,, sometimes with auto EQ, time alignment, etc., is via a Tablet/PC/Android/iPhone, etc., and all in real time. Their cost is about $500. to $600.00 USD.
Additionally, a FLAC storage device (cigarette box sized or larger) will archive 100's of CD's without the MP3 compression schemes negative artifacts. Here's a brief discussion, explanation link. http://www.theabsolutesound.com/answers/6/
I often use the Apple Lossless scheme with the iPhone 5 ... and when connected to the coupes Pioneer P99RS head unit - the D/A is performed within the P99RS and not with the cheezy iPhone 5 - D/A converter. *** There's a huge sonic improvement with the P99RS's (4ea) Brown-Burr 24/96hz D/A converters. Do a P99RS search for pictures of the head unit as installed in a 993
Question: How is your 993 stereo equipped? Is it the standard Becker CR210 cassette radio and speakers? Or with the HiFi speaker & amp option? This option is code #490.
In summary - Up rate to one of the OEM CDR210, CDR220, or other radio,, whichever blows up your skirt, (the radio will act only as a pre-amp/control device) and incorporate a DSP module and amplifier. Ditch the CD changer for a MP3, WAV file or FLAC data storage.
Cheers, Mike
*** In a limited fashion Apple Computer licenses to Pioneer, Wadia Digital and a few others the ability to capture the needed MP3 D/A conversion external of the iPhone, IPod products. (These licenses are few.) As example Wadia Digital and Pioneer's DEX P99RS head unit uses several hi brow 24/96hz and /or 24/192hz D/A converters.
Yes the Redbook CD (CompactDisc audio) is being challenged by alternate data storage schemes such as MP3, (iPhone, etc.) downloading and the like, however the rumor of its death is greatly exaggerated...
A cutting edge approach to upgrading our 993s (or others) is to utilize most any ole OEM head unit in concert with an outboard DSP unit. A recent batch of automotive aftermarket DSP modules provide exemplary D/A conversion, USB inputs, SPDIF inputs, Aux, Bluetooth, and herculean DSP equalization all wrapped in a diminutive chassis. - The initial setup,, sometimes with auto EQ, time alignment, etc., is via a Tablet/PC/Android/iPhone, etc., and all in real time. Their cost is about $500. to $600.00 USD.
Additionally, a FLAC storage device (cigarette box sized or larger) will archive 100's of CD's without the MP3 compression schemes negative artifacts. Here's a brief discussion, explanation link. http://www.theabsolutesound.com/answers/6/
I often use the Apple Lossless scheme with the iPhone 5 ... and when connected to the coupes Pioneer P99RS head unit - the D/A is performed within the P99RS and not with the cheezy iPhone 5 - D/A converter. *** There's a huge sonic improvement with the P99RS's (4ea) Brown-Burr 24/96hz D/A converters. Do a P99RS search for pictures of the head unit as installed in a 993
Question: How is your 993 stereo equipped? Is it the standard Becker CR210 cassette radio and speakers? Or with the HiFi speaker & amp option? This option is code #490.
In summary - Up rate to one of the OEM CDR210, CDR220, or other radio,, whichever blows up your skirt, (the radio will act only as a pre-amp/control device) and incorporate a DSP module and amplifier. Ditch the CD changer for a MP3, WAV file or FLAC data storage.
Cheers, Mike
*** In a limited fashion Apple Computer licenses to Pioneer, Wadia Digital and a few others the ability to capture the needed MP3 D/A conversion external of the iPhone, IPod products. (These licenses are few.) As example Wadia Digital and Pioneer's DEX P99RS head unit uses several hi brow 24/96hz and /or 24/192hz D/A converters.
thanks again.
10-26-2015, 02:04 PM
#29
Three Wheelin'
I agree. I mean you're in a car...with engine noise, wind noise, tire noise, etc. How much difference could ANY "fidelity improvement" measures make. In a home...yes...but in a car...you're gonna hear mostly noise anyway, so what's the point.
12-11-2015, 09:45 PM
#30
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
I finally decided to replace my CR-1 head unit with this Pioneer unit. It seems to be a matte black finish and I can adjust the back lights to amber. So I should get some modern conveniences without too much bling.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130X960...T#&gid=1&pid=1
I ordered OEM hifi speakers from Gert to replace the busted ones in the back. I'm looking for improvement, not perfection so this should work. I do lose the CD player but that's was the original question I asked in this thread.
Thanks for the advice.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130X960...T#&gid=1&pid=1
I ordered OEM hifi speakers from Gert to replace the busted ones in the back. I'm looking for improvement, not perfection so this should work. I do lose the CD player but that's was the original question I asked in this thread.
Thanks for the advice.