autobonrun

I need to change out the original head unit in my 96. The cassette doesn't work and CDs often skip over small bumps. How much effort should I put in worrying about the car still having a CD player/changer? Also, is the original stereo system tied in at all to the immobilizer or car alarm?

I'm leaning toward a top quality head unit with bluetooth phone and all the modern features with no CD player, and just digitizing all my CDs onto my iPhone. The rear speakers rattle, so all the speakers will get replaced as well. I like the original look but admit I'm ready to get the latest features even if it looks more modern.

I also admit I'm old enough to remember when 8 tracks went out and cassettes went out as well. I'm thinking CD players are at or near that stage. I really don't see much future in having 90's technology available in the same vehicle as my iPod, but I thought I'd get some board members' opinions as well.

pirahna

Haven't had a use for a CD in years but definitely prefer the stock look to the ugly aftermarket options. I plan on changing my aftermarket Mcintosh head unit out with a CDR220 and aux input that I picked up used, much nicer look. At least in my car with the FD stage II's I don't think Bluetooth would workout to well, two much noise in the cabin.

Cactus

Bought my car with an Alpine head unit/amp/ADS speakers, and iPod hookup. Listen to music always but rarely ever put a CD in. Much easier having all of your music on the iPod.

race911

I'm 100% satellite, and just run it through the cassette (!?!?!?) Fingers are too old to fumble with the tiny buttons on new head units, and the sound is good enough for what the car is used for.

96PCarrera993mg

I recommend the Porsche/Becker CDR220, used it in my 96 993 and love it.

CAHRERA

None of the above. I play Pandora through my iphone5 connected with this cable.

Best $70.00 bucks I spent.

http://www.discountcarstereo.com/iP-BKRCD.html

swmic

I don't even remember where my CD case is any more. Mostly satellite on my end. Use to love the Phatbox system in my allroad, in that it would talk to you. You could search through your music without looking at a screen.

rlme36

My 2 cents. i just installed a kenwood 997 from Rod at Car auidio innovations. yes its too glossy, but its features are amazing. I have my ipod classic hooked up and it has pandora etc. Since i was replacing thet PO's stereo mistake i didn't have the factory head to work with, wish i had it. replaced the speakers and amp at the same time. After seeing this, i may purchase the 220 to have in case i want to sell the car, but the sound from newer equipment is much better. i've got fisters too, but when not in the throttle its nice to have good tunes. CD changers, are a total waste if thats the tilting point for your decision, think of it as weight savings =-)

P-daddy

CD days are done for me. It's either iPhone/ipod or Pandora.

ehanauer

I listen to my iTunes and Pandora via Bluetooth with the phone in my pocket. Wired access is so 2010.

M. Schneider

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.

M. Schneider

Here's a link to the 80PRS referenced. A video tutorial is provided for all its features... The unit looks like a great 993 solution even if not an exact OEM radio aesthetic. List price is $350.00 USD,,, the street price must be well below $300.
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...vers/DEH-80PRS

All disclaimers apply.

Bola964

Eric,
what headunit are you using?
The bluetooth is a good idea!
Thanks.

mongrelcat

My 993 needs an audio upgrade and that solution sounds very interesting. CDR220 + DSP... Hmm. My current HU has the typical cheap-tastic-plastic look that's so prevalent these days and I'm not going to put anything similar in there, no matter what the features.

So what model outboard DSP do you recommend?

Interesting link re: WAV vs. FLAC as well. I've been using FLAC for years but I'll have to try WAV and see if I hear a difference. This is the method I use to rip FLAC via EAC --

http://wiki.slimdevices.com/index.ph...s_guide_to_EAC

tropheus

I have this too with a setup to connect to an iPod iPhone. Love it. Looks stock and gives you the opportunity to have all your music. And getting the CD changer out of the trunk gives you more space when you travel.

Jack