CDR-220 replacement suggestions?
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Woodside (SF Bay Area)
CDR-220 replacement suggestions?
After 9+ years, I'm finally getting ready to replace the stock CDR-220 head unit in my 2000 996.
Ideally, I'd like a replacement with the following:
integrated iPhone/iPod support (via doc connector, withspeakerphone, charging and control from the headunit)
speed-linked variable volume option
support for the 6 disc CD changer that came with the CDR-220
fits in the same physical space as the CDR-220
reasonably inexpensive.
Basically, I'm looking for a replacement with better integration with my iPhone.
Any suggestions from folks who've already done this upgrade/replacement?
thanks,
Bob
Ideally, I'd like a replacement with the following:
integrated iPhone/iPod support (via doc connector, withspeakerphone, charging and control from the headunit)
speed-linked variable volume option
support for the 6 disc CD changer that came with the CDR-220
fits in the same physical space as the CDR-220
reasonably inexpensive.
Basically, I'm looking for a replacement with better integration with my iPhone.
Any suggestions from folks who've already done this upgrade/replacement?
thanks,
Bob
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From: great white north
I am in the process. Spending about $1000 CAD ($800 USD) on a Kenwood dnx5120
It takes 2 spaces up so I have to move the heating/cooling unit to where the bottom shelf is which needs a trim piece.
I purchased the shelf to replace the CD holder.
Because I have an iphone which I need access to and don't want to leave in the car. I decided to go with an iphone dock in the ashtray. While not in use you just close the cover.
If it were just an ipod I would have just wired into the glove box or arm rest storage.
The Kenwood light is adjustable and can be made to look like the interior lights of the 996.
It takes 2 spaces up so I have to move the heating/cooling unit to where the bottom shelf is which needs a trim piece.
I purchased the shelf to replace the CD holder.
Because I have an iphone which I need access to and don't want to leave in the car. I decided to go with an iphone dock in the ashtray. While not in use you just close the cover.
If it were just an ipod I would have just wired into the glove box or arm rest storage.
The Kenwood light is adjustable and can be made to look like the interior lights of the 996.
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From: Northern NJ
I think that's a ton of money to spend on a head unit! I also would like a decent replacement that would improve the sound, without changing the looks too much. Do they still make decent Alpines that don't have swimming dolphins or fireworks in the displays??
I realize replacing the speakers, amp, adding a sub would really make the difference. I have no interest in doing any of that! I would like plug and play simplicity!
I realize replacing the speakers, amp, adding a sub would really make the difference. I have no interest in doing any of that! I would like plug and play simplicity!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 99
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From: Woodside (SF Bay Area)
I think that's a ton of money to spend on a head unit! I also would like a decent replacement that would improve the sound, without changing the looks too much. Do they still make decent Alpines that don't have swimming dolphins or fireworks in the displays??
I realize replacing the speakers, amp, adding a sub would really make the difference. I have no interest in doing any of that! I would like plug and play simplicity!
I realize replacing the speakers, amp, adding a sub would really make the difference. I have no interest in doing any of that! I would like plug and play simplicity!
Any thoughts from the crowd on lower priced options than the above-mentioned Kenwood, which sounds great but is more than I'd like to spend?
Last edited by rpratt; Mar 24, 2009 at 04:51 PM. Reason: added info
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Woodside (SF Bay Area)
If I needed a NAV system, the Kenwood you got looks quite nice, and not too expensive for what it does.
Bob
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Richmond, VA
Nothing else will work with the CD changer. Better off selling it for $$ for a new one that works with whatever head unit you get. Only another Becker or maybe Blaupunkt unit will be plug & play, and unfortunately the only unit that I know of that covers your list (and more) is the new Mexico, and IT is Europe only, so FM will not work right in USA, and it has a funky black stripe face/2 **** design. I find it equally ludicrous that a simple straight forward single din design with BT & iX capability is impossible to find.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Woodside (SF Bay Area)
Nothing else will work with the CD changer. Better off selling it for $$ for a new one that works with whatever head unit you get. Only another Becker or maybe Blaupunkt unit will be plug & play, and unfortunately the only unit that I know of that covers your list (and more) is the new Mexico, and IT is Europe only, so FM will not work right in USA, and it has a funky black stripe face/2 **** design. I find it equally ludicrous that a simple straight forward single din design with BT & iX capability is impossible to find.
Anyone reading this want to suggest a good shop on the SF Peninsula to do the installation? I'm a little nervous about just going to Fry's or someplace to put it in.
Bob
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Woodside (SF Bay Area)
After a bunch of online comparison shopping, I ended up getting an Alpine iDA-X305 head unit. It doesn't support my OEM CD changer, and it doesn't have radio preset hard buttons, but otherwise my first impressions are very good. The iPod/iPhone integration is via a "real" USB cable to the iPod connector, it charges the phone, and the Alpine GUI for navigating the audio content on the iPod looks very good so far. I have a 3G iPhone and a 1st gen Nano, and it works with both of those. And the sound quality is MUCH better than either a tape adapter or FM adapter, which of course I'd expect.
Bob
Bob
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Rpratt:
I installed an Alpina IDA-X100 last year in my 350Z. The iPod integration was fantastic, but I found the interface in general was not intuitive at all. Sometimes I would actually have a hard time turning the volume down because I was stuck in the iPod menu. I had to relearn the radio every time I took the car. I sold it with the 350Z.
I've been doing some online shopping for a replacement unit for the 911, steering clear of Alpine this time. The key features I am looking for a iPod/iPhone integration and Bluetooth capability (I have integrated bluetooth in my other car and it works great). I also am paying special attention to the user interface and button layout, to not have the same problem I had with my Alpine unit.
I think I'll be going for Pioneer's DEH-P710BT. It's coming out this spring, but I don't know what date exactly and haven't seen any for sale online anywhere yet. It's in Pioneer's Premier line, so I expect good sounds quality, but most importantly to me it's ready for my iPod and raedy for Bluetooth. It comes with this microphone however that I will need to find a discrete spot for. I don't know exactly how large it will be, so I don't know where I will hide. Other notable features are the OLED screen and steering mounted controls (still not sure I want that on my steering wheel however...). It's a single DIN unit, so no need to move controls around.
Hopefully it is released soon....
I installed an Alpina IDA-X100 last year in my 350Z. The iPod integration was fantastic, but I found the interface in general was not intuitive at all. Sometimes I would actually have a hard time turning the volume down because I was stuck in the iPod menu. I had to relearn the radio every time I took the car. I sold it with the 350Z.
I've been doing some online shopping for a replacement unit for the 911, steering clear of Alpine this time. The key features I am looking for a iPod/iPhone integration and Bluetooth capability (I have integrated bluetooth in my other car and it works great). I also am paying special attention to the user interface and button layout, to not have the same problem I had with my Alpine unit.
I think I'll be going for Pioneer's DEH-P710BT. It's coming out this spring, but I don't know what date exactly and haven't seen any for sale online anywhere yet. It's in Pioneer's Premier line, so I expect good sounds quality, but most importantly to me it's ready for my iPod and raedy for Bluetooth. It comes with this microphone however that I will need to find a discrete spot for. I don't know exactly how large it will be, so I don't know where I will hide. Other notable features are the OLED screen and steering mounted controls (still not sure I want that on my steering wheel however...). It's a single DIN unit, so no need to move controls around.
Hopefully it is released soon....
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 99
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From: Woodside (SF Bay Area)
Rpratt:
I installed an Alpina IDA-X100 last year in my 350Z. The iPod integration was fantastic, but I found the interface in general was not intuitive at all. Sometimes I would actually have a hard time turning the volume down because I was stuck in the iPod menu. I had to relearn the radio every time I took the car. I sold it with the 350Z.
I've been doing some online shopping for a replacement unit for the 911, steering clear of Alpine this time. The key features I am looking for a iPod/iPhone integration and Bluetooth capability (I have integrated bluetooth in my other car and it works great). I also am paying special attention to the user interface and button layout, to not have the same problem I had with my Alpine unit.
I think I'll be going for Pioneer's DEH-P710BT. It's coming out this spring, but I don't know what date exactly and haven't seen any for sale online anywhere yet. It's in Pioneer's Premier line, so I expect good sounds quality, but most importantly to me it's ready for my iPod and raedy for Bluetooth. It comes with this microphone however that I will need to find a discrete spot for. I don't know exactly how large it will be, so I don't know where I will hide. Other notable features are the OLED screen and steering mounted controls (still not sure I want that on my steering wheel however...). It's a single DIN unit, so no need to move controls around.
Hopefully it is released soon....
I installed an Alpina IDA-X100 last year in my 350Z. The iPod integration was fantastic, but I found the interface in general was not intuitive at all. Sometimes I would actually have a hard time turning the volume down because I was stuck in the iPod menu. I had to relearn the radio every time I took the car. I sold it with the 350Z.
I've been doing some online shopping for a replacement unit for the 911, steering clear of Alpine this time. The key features I am looking for a iPod/iPhone integration and Bluetooth capability (I have integrated bluetooth in my other car and it works great). I also am paying special attention to the user interface and button layout, to not have the same problem I had with my Alpine unit.
I think I'll be going for Pioneer's DEH-P710BT. It's coming out this spring, but I don't know what date exactly and haven't seen any for sale online anywhere yet. It's in Pioneer's Premier line, so I expect good sounds quality, but most importantly to me it's ready for my iPod and raedy for Bluetooth. It comes with this microphone however that I will need to find a discrete spot for. I don't know exactly how large it will be, so I don't know where I will hide. Other notable features are the OLED screen and steering mounted controls (still not sure I want that on my steering wheel however...). It's a single DIN unit, so no need to move controls around.
Hopefully it is released soon....
thanks,
Bob