The Dension goes where the cdc is, then the cdc plugs into the side of the Dension. Not sure if the others allow cdc retention.

 

I had the MoBridge iPod/Bluetooth installed and couldn't be happier. A few negatives - none of which can be blamed on the MoBridge itself:
1. The microphone with the top down is somewhere between bad and useless. The installer placed the (dual) microphone at the top of the windshield directly above the steering wheel (right in front of the driver. I don't see how that could be further improved). I need to find out if I can add a headset (wireless or wired) to the MoBridge unit for when the top is down. Mr. MoBridge, do you have an answer?;
2. The user interface, limited by the Porsche design, makes scrolling of the iPod a bit challenging.
But, the phone integration and sound quality (notwithstanding the top-down issue) and reliability is outstanding, the iPod execution is flawless.
I couldn't recommend it more highly.
Oh, and I have the non-Bose, had no CD-changer, do have GPS.
Verde

 

The CD changer (CDC) retention in such aftermarket units mentioned here is accomplished by the unit having a 2nd optical port that loops the CD changer through the aftermarket unit, allowing the user to switch between the two.

mObridge does not directly support CDC retention (it CAN sometimes be done by using the bypass switch, letting the car go to sleep then the headunit will "see" the CD changer, but our official installation procedures call for physically bypassing the CDC out of the equasion. Also the use of bypass switch to put the CDC out of the equasion bit of a hassle, easier to simply loop the CDC out of the system). In any case, if you're living in an iPod world, arguably there is no huge justification to keep the CDC functionality. Besides, you always have the single-CD slot in the HU if for whatever reason you REALLY want to listen to a CD.

But even more importantly, our OFFICIAL position on this sort of "2nd port" CDC retention is technically, by OEM and MOST standard it is "illegal". A single unit in a MOST ring cannot have more than one MOST FOT (Photo-Optical Transceiver). The OEM and MOST standards specify this because there is the risk of 1. too much optical loss (attenuation) and 2. introduction of jitter (digital bit timing variation) both of which can add up to random system problems. This is not to say this aftermarket system has such issues (we have no idea), but it is not a technically proper solution. We believe this is at least to some degree one of the reasons such units have been banned by OEM franchises in other countries, resulting in total void of warranty if such a unit is discovered. VERY important to note that in the U.S., we are lucky to have consumer protections such as the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act (search on Wiki if you want to know more) so you can continue to modify your vehicle as you see fit (it is your car, after all), so long as it's not detrimental or harmful to the vehicle.

Thanks for the chance to bring up this important topic.

-Your friends at mObridge

 

Hi Verde. Thanks for the great feedback. It may be that the negative pressure created up there while driving could contribute to one or both of the mics able to pick up enough for our Echo Cancellation and Noise Reduction (EC and NR) to correct for the noise.

Typically Boxster and 911 Cab users have raved about the mic/sound quality with the top down.

For one, we'd check to make sure the mic plug was plugged home all the way. There is a key that holds the mic plug into the unit case such that it cannot back out. If that key was not inserted correctly, the plug will only be connecting one of the mics and you wouldn't be getting EC and NR. We have seen that before.

Also, we've had customers place the mic on top of the steering column or inside the driver's side vent which seemed to be a solution that resulted in good mic sound quality. The NR was even able to compensate for the blower noise in the latter solution.

Hope this helps and keep us posted.

 

I am unaware of the references to warranty mentioned above, and knowing we sell Dension units to Porsche dealers who offer them to their customers, I'd think it would be quite rare for this to be an issue. I'm sure both products are good and do what they say. One offers the second optical port, that's all. Thanks.