I know there has been alot of discussion of ipod interfaces, but let's start again. Porsche now has there retrofit solution, see here.

Also, we now have mobridge. So who is the winner?

It seems like porsche's solution is an fm modulator

Also, what would allow the easiest bluetooth and xm integration?

I was ready to order the dension when i read of the other options and am now wondering which way to go....

 

hi
how doyou know the porsche is the fm modulator??
if so the the quality will be bad ........

 

We need more info on the Porsche device. It stated control through the PCM and has been speculated as a possible Dension unit?
We will have to wait and see.
Although a Dension unit and BTA1500 give me excellent USB, ipod and Bluetooth, with an Aux for XM os Sirius.

 

I believe the Porsche unit is not able to be controlled through the PCM. Only the volume.

 

Based on what I've seen to date all selection is done via the IPOD w/ the exception of volume. Not a very technically challenged approach by Porsche. Shame on them. But then again Porsche has never placed 'in-vehicle' entertainment (other than driving) high on their list of priorities.

Dension and/or other units that interface to the PCM fiber optic link are truly integrated solutions.

FM Modulator IPOD adapters are a dime a dozen. Certainly not worth $310 per SunCoast pricing.

I've had my Dension GW500 for over a year. It performs flawlessly and it's totally seamless and out of sight.

 

The Porsche OEM iPod solution is now available from Suncoast Porsche for $310 or so. I asked them how it is implemented and the answer is: FM modulation, and control of song selection via the iPod.

 

FM modulation? what....?? like a little belkin device you can buy from the apple store? those things have awful sound quality.

 

why pay $310 for FM modulator? you can get something similar at Fry's for $50. IMHO, FM modulator for ipods.. is VERY old technology. signal quality is very poor. i'd prefer a hardwire solution which Dension or Mobridge provides.

 

I know, why did they even bother. And then go and sell it for $300+

 

Ok, so let's rule out the porsche solution. I agree fm modulation is weak for people of our discriminating tastes

How do i choose between mobridge and dension, their web sites are both kind of sparse on information.

I would guess the audio quality of both would be nearly identical--so it comes down to the interface methodology and interface responsiveness. Anyone used one or the other and been completely annoyed by any interface quirks? (or been thrilled by either one?)

 

> How do i choose between mobridge and denison

There is a third alternative: Nav-TV ... No affiliation, but I do have their Tooki BT phone kit and am happy wit the build and integration.

 

i haven't tried the mobridge but do have the denison. the denison has worked flawlessly and integrates perfectly with the pcm. i love the fact that it has a usb connection for thumb drives and possible hard drive hookup. the modbridge has an sd card reader, but i prefer the usb port since you can easily hook up a usb multicard reader. plus the denison costs less.

 

Hey 997guardian and anyone else with the dension--is the dension user interface snappy? is there a delay when switching tracks? Can you access shuffle modes from it?

thx

 

Yes, switching tracks is quick. However, loading folders and going through the file structure takes a tad bit of loading. You will need to read the short manual to figure out how to navigate through the screens. It's not the most intuitive setup but it works. Overall, I wouldn't say it's snappy but it's not slow either. If you mean random mode for accessing shuffle modes then yes it can. I hooked up both a usb stick and iphone and you can select random mode for either source.

Also, I have read that many people have had issues with the denison. I would read up on potential bugs depending on your year/model/options. I've been luckily bug free.

 

Is the 2009 iPod hookup also FM, or is this just for retrofitting to older cars?

Edit: The 2009 system can't be FM: according to the order guide it supports a USB memory stick with MP3 files and is controlled through PCM. As far as I know, the only way to accomplish either of those things is to have a two-way connection with the head unit.