I have an '04 CDR23, with the Bose sound system. Is it possible to replace just the head unit? Went to BestBuy and they have MOSFET units but I was told that I cannot simply replace with a plug&play unit. Is this true? Comments appreciated.

 

This is true. Do some research here on the boards...there is a lot of info on stereo upgrade detail that you can consume.

And go to a trusted premier stereo shop - I wouldn't trust a kid at best buy doing anything to a Porsche.

 

I too have the CDR23, and it sucks! You can't seem to do anything with these units without spending a bunch of money. I just want to add a simple aux input to mine and it looks like I have to spend around $500 for just the parts to be able to do that.

 

If you want an aux input, you can have Becker sound install a connector thru the FM (FM shuts down when a male jack is put in). It does produce only Mono though but with the engine noise it doesn't really matter. I installed the female input in one of the dummy switches. Looks factory. Becker charges $100 plus shipping and the unit is returned within one week or less.

 

For AUX-Input (ipod/smartphone/Pandora) on Becker CDR220:

On the older Porsche factory Becker CDR220, you can manually enable the AUX-Input function in the radio if it's not already listed as a "source option" when you toggle through the "S" menu. To enable AUX-IN on the radio, press and hold "TP" button until display reads "BECKER1". Then using the right radio ****, scroll through the pages until you see AUX-IN and select "enable". If you have a pre-existing CD changer under the bonnet, you will already have this option enabled. If you don't have a CD changer and don't want one, the solution is easy: buy a male 8-pin "Blaupunkt" AUX-In cable on Ebay for about six bucks (see image). You'll need radio removal keys for another $5-10 bucks if you don't have them already. Remove radio, plug in AUX cable into empty slot, replace radio. Then you can plug in a little "shuffle" for commercial-free music, or your smart phone and stream your favorite radio/Pandora etc, using the device's pre-amp. It sounds way better than regular radio. Total cost is about $15. The Porsche cabling is compatible with the Blaupunkt/European radio standards, and there are lots of adapter kits available if you want to install another head unit. Do a search, there are 6speeders putting all kinds of things in there, from double DINS to ipad minis. I was going to do the same, but now I'm pretty happy with the line in ability, and stream music through my smart phone.

 

Only 2002 (and below I think) was electrical on the input. Thus cannot use that adapter above.

I put a Motorola TK30 on mine. Works great for streaming. Tough break on having a MOST version.

 

Sorry if that wasn't clear...that jack is only for pre-MY02 Boxster and 911 Becker head units. It will not work with the fibre optic MOST head units. Only options there seem to be shelling out the $450-600 or using a scratchy FM modulator.

 

Pioneer DEH-X8500BH - ~$160 (certainly not stock but you are able to color match the led)
Alpine MR-V70 5 channel Amp - ~$260
Assorted stuff for install ~$50
The install is easy and you can use the stock Bose speakers (at least for the time being).

 

Not to Bogart this thread, but i too am looking for the best HU. I have a base model and can do either single or double din, with no preference. Ive looked at Pioneer, Kenwood and Alpine. I dont believe theres a clear cut winner, unless you guys tell me otherwise.

Base unit meaning i dont have door speakers, sub, etc, but do have the CD changer. Driving a cab so dont care av about BT. Really enjoy HD radio.

Whats your input?..

 

IMO, it comes down to what features you want and how much you are willing to spend. I have a Kenwood head unit and love it if that helps at all. I have reverse camera, Bluetooth and WISHED I got the iPod cord. That's my two cents and I hope it helps.