'03 carrera 4 S radio upgrade
08-19-2016, 07:24 PM
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'03 carrera 4 S radio upgrade
Hi everyone- I know that there are dozens of threads on this issue, but I can't find anything helpful for the '03 model year CDR23. I'm looking for the simplest (haha) option to swap the head unit for a more modern one. The previous owner had installed a Bluetooth unit for hands-free calling, but I can't get music to play over it. I understand that the MOST system causes some issues...has anyone found a suitable replacement head unit that doesn't require changing out the amplifier, etc?
Any guidance would be most appreciated. Thanks!
Any guidance would be most appreciated. Thanks!
08-19-2016, 08:07 PM
#2
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These people can help with a HU upgrade and possible keep your MOST based Becker amp.
https://cai-store.com
But a lot of people swap out the HU and go with double DIN and new amp. Lots of options. First you need to decide if you want a single DIN that looks like the OEM CDR23 or go with a Double DIN that gives you more power and features.
Again, you need at least the MOST based wiring harness for your system. Do you know if you have the 6 channel - 10 speaker porsche "HIFI" or BOSE system???
https://cai-store.com
But a lot of people swap out the HU and go with double DIN and new amp. Lots of options. First you need to decide if you want a single DIN that looks like the OEM CDR23 or go with a Double DIN that gives you more power and features.
Again, you need at least the MOST based wiring harness for your system. Do you know if you have the 6 channel - 10 speaker porsche "HIFI" or BOSE system???
08-19-2016, 08:33 PM
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B3- thanks for the advice. I know I have at least Bose speakers, but not sure if that's just the speakers or implies more than that. My options list says 680- digital sound- and nothing more.
I'd like to stay with single DIN, mostly because I assume this will be a simpler install- would really prefer to do this at home.
I'd like to stay with single DIN, mostly because I assume this will be a simpler install- would really prefer to do this at home.
08-19-2016, 08:59 PM
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The BOSE system is radically different from the base system or even the "Hifi" system... you definitely need to confirm that is or it's not a BOSE if you plan to upgrade the single DIN head unit properly. CAI can get you the right wire harness. If you want a classic Porsche OEM look, then I'd recommend ordering a Continental Radio:
http://www.bergvillfx.com/index.php/...7418ub-or.html
But they cost a lot more.
if you want a great sounding single DIN HU at a value price, then I'd recommend Blaupunkt, Kenwood, or even a Alpine. Crutchfield is a good place to start. Or CAI can help you.
The Bose system has a different setup with a digital sound processor mated to the amp. The BOSE systems have the similar 10 speaker, 6 ch. MOST base setup and so you'll need the correct harness to convert the analog pre-amp output from the newer HU to the optical digital signal to the BOSE process and amp.
http://www.bergvillfx.com/index.php/...7418ub-or.html
But they cost a lot more.
if you want a great sounding single DIN HU at a value price, then I'd recommend Blaupunkt, Kenwood, or even a Alpine. Crutchfield is a good place to start. Or CAI can help you.
The Bose system has a different setup with a digital sound processor mated to the amp. The BOSE systems have the similar 10 speaker, 6 ch. MOST base setup and so you'll need the correct harness to convert the analog pre-amp output from the newer HU to the optical digital signal to the BOSE process and amp.
08-19-2016, 09:02 PM
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Go Bluetooth
I put one of these in my 02 C4s, and it is superb.
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/BLU-BKR235.html
You retain the stock look, but get full phone integration. All my music is on my phone, and navigation too.
In 5 years any aftermarket stereo system you put in will be vastly surpassed by your phone. As long as bluetooth remains viable, this system will work.
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/BLU-BKR235.html
You retain the stock look, but get full phone integration. All my music is on my phone, and navigation too.
In 5 years any aftermarket stereo system you put in will be vastly surpassed by your phone. As long as bluetooth remains viable, this system will work.
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08-19-2016, 09:38 PM
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I don't think so, but I am not an expert. Basically the unit plugs into your existing head unit as the Aux input, so it really just routs audio through the existing head unit. I installed mine on my CDR 220 in about 15 minutes.
08-31-2016, 11:41 AM
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I am considering this for my 2002C4S. Does it come with the key to remove radio or is that seperate purchase? Any trouble with sync to iPhone? Would love Bluetooth and XM radio.
08-31-2016, 11:58 AM
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This means everything is Bose (i.e. speakers, processor, and amp) with the exception of the HU which is manufactured by Becker. Unfortunately, that's the weakest link. (based on many experiences here on Rennlist)
Let me know if I can help further.
08-31-2016, 12:29 PM
#12
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If you have two ports behind your rear seats, and small openings that partially surround the front door speakers, than you almost certainly have the Bose "MOST" system. The MOST portion is actually a reference to a fibre optic wiring harness that connect the head unit to the power amp. The net effect of this proprietary harness design is to make it extremely difficult to replace simply the head unit. There are several aftermarket ways of introducing bluetooth/streaming/smartphone support, while retaining the head unit. They seem to be pretty modest in cost, but add nothing from a sound quality standpoint (if not take a step back), and leave you at the mercy of the becker head unit.
Many (most?) people on this board are of the belief that the speakers are the weak link in this system. I happen to disagree. I recently sprung for an upgrade to an Alpine single DIN head unit, and an Alpine power amp, which powers the dashboard speakers, the door speakers, and the rear unit, which is actually a double band-pass unit, for the lowest tones. This needs to be done properly, because the two rear drivers are actually one ohm each. The rear side speakers are now disconnected, given the constraints of the power amp.
Although I haven't ruled out upgrading some of the speakers, I almost certainly won't do it. My suspicion was that adding more clean power and a better signal would get me to the discernable limits for this type of car (ruling out a subwoofer that would really affect the appearance of the interior, as I have no need for "urban" levels of low frequency), and my guess seems to have been accurate. The speaker system is pretty well matched for the car's interior. I am not a Bose "hater", nor do I regard Bose and the be-all, when it comes to sound. Maybe I will get an itch in the future and add a set of Focals; I doubt it.
I avoided double DIN units due to safety concerns. They are out there, with the underlying "harness" issue. Basically, your choices are to "patch" the Becker unit to add modern functionality; replace the head unit and power unit, and/or swap all of part of the speaker system.
Many (most?) people on this board are of the belief that the speakers are the weak link in this system. I happen to disagree. I recently sprung for an upgrade to an Alpine single DIN head unit, and an Alpine power amp, which powers the dashboard speakers, the door speakers, and the rear unit, which is actually a double band-pass unit, for the lowest tones. This needs to be done properly, because the two rear drivers are actually one ohm each. The rear side speakers are now disconnected, given the constraints of the power amp.
Although I haven't ruled out upgrading some of the speakers, I almost certainly won't do it. My suspicion was that adding more clean power and a better signal would get me to the discernable limits for this type of car (ruling out a subwoofer that would really affect the appearance of the interior, as I have no need for "urban" levels of low frequency), and my guess seems to have been accurate. The speaker system is pretty well matched for the car's interior. I am not a Bose "hater", nor do I regard Bose and the be-all, when it comes to sound. Maybe I will get an itch in the future and add a set of Focals; I doubt it.
I avoided double DIN units due to safety concerns. They are out there, with the underlying "harness" issue. Basically, your choices are to "patch" the Becker unit to add modern functionality; replace the head unit and power unit, and/or swap all of part of the speaker system.
Last edited by thebowl; 08-31-2016 at 12:33 PM. Reason: typos and add'l thought
08-31-2016, 01:54 PM
#13
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There is no "harness" to convert an analog radio to work with MOST - that would have been a godsend for those of us who limped along with MOST.
08-31-2016, 03:14 PM
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