04 Boxster CDR23 - dying for 3.5mm aux input

[darrinaltman]

My Boxster has the CDR23 with Bose package. It does not have a CD changer or navigation. It has speakers on the door, on top of dash and behind the seats in the center is either a woofer or a center speaker. In the front trunk right behind the spare wheel it has some square metal unit bracketed to wall. I was told it had something to do with the sound system.

I am dying to play music from my iPhone through the speakers. I am thinking an aux 3.5mm input would be best in case I ever switch from Apple or in case they ever switch to a different connector.

My local Porsche dealership sells a device to add an iPod connection via dock connector includes battery charger, connection via 3.5mm jack, volume control via car radio, music tracks selected using iPod. They want $499 for unit, which I am fine with but want $600 to install it. Another problem is they say it installs to center console but don’t know where exactly or what it looks like. They say they have only installed one and the guy in parts didn’t see it. I am guessing maybe they remove the cd-holders and put it there. I wonder if it matches and looks clean with the all black interior I have.

I am not able to do anything mechanical so I will not be able to do something myself. Am I being cheap, should I just pay the cost? Is there any other option out there? Is just buying a new stereo an option?

Any comments or thoughts are welcomed.

Thanks!

[jmc777]

I put in an alpine DPR-RDS1

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500DPRRDS1/Alpine-DPR-RDS1.html

I'm happy with it. It is an FM modulator that connects inline to your antenna similar to the porsche branded product. Sound quality is similar to your strongest FM station. Can't beat it for $99. It was easy to install, so you could find someone to do it way cheaper than the dealer. Oh it does connect with the ipod/iphone connector not the headphone style plug you were looking for.

[darrinaltman]

Originally Posted by jmc777

I put in an alpine DPR-RDS1

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500DPRRDS1/Alpine-DPR-RDS1.html

I'm happy with it. It is an FM modulator that connects inline to your antenna similar to the porsche branded product. Sound quality is similar to your strongest FM station. Can't beat it for $99. It was easy to install, so you could find someone to do it way cheaper than the dealer. Oh it does connect with the ipod/iphone connector not the headphone style plug you were looking for.

Thanks for info. What about this code stuff, does this option require any type of special codes given by dealer? Thanks again.

[Perfectlap]

I'm assuming the $20 Ipod Becker jack doesn't work with a 3.5 aux ? That's what I'm using with my CDR-220. I think you could probably pick up a CDR-220 from someone parting out a car for $50. Plug and play. Then use the Becker jack ($20). I thought the 986s all use the same wiring? I know there was an big Ipod issue with the first 987s. Disclaimer: I'm no audio expert

cdr 220

becker ipod jack

[vipola]

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I'm assuming the $20 Ipod Becker jack doesn't work with a 3.5 aux ? That's what I'm using with my CDR-220. I think you could probably pick up a CDR-220 from someone parting out a car for $50. Plug and play. Then use the Becker jack ($20). I thought the 986s all use the same wiring? I know there was an big Ipod issue with the first 987s. Disclaimer: I'm no audio expert

cdr 220

becker ipod jack

I think this won't work on the CDR23.. it's using MOST Optic all round..

[Perfectlap]

well that sucks...I thought MOST didn't come until 2005 with the 987.

[jmc777]

Originally Posted by darrinaltman

Thanks for info. What about this code stuff, does this option require any type of special codes given by dealer? Thanks again.

No dealer coding necessary. The output is selected by tuning to one of the 4 fm frequencies you can configure on the alpine. The song display works just as if it was coming from an fm station.

I considered the Dension, but the price and having to get a dealer involved was too much. The cabin is on the noisy side anyway so having the perfect sound system is kind of a waste in my opinion.

[darrinaltman]

Originally Posted by jmc777

No dealer coding necessary. The output is selected by tuning to one of the 4 fm frequencies you can configure on the alpine. The song display works just as if it was coming from an fm station.

I considered the Dension, but the price and having to get a dealer involved was too much. The cabin is on the noisy side anyway so having the perfect sound system is kind of a waste in my opinion.

Ok, I have decided to do what you suggested. My brother in law, coincidentally works for Alpine and he got the device and will install it for me. He is asking me to check with you to see if you needed any antenna adapters. I will appreciate it if you let me know.

Im also curious to know where you installed it? Not sure if you could shoot me a quick photo of it with your phone. Will the stereo have to be removed to connect the Alpine device to antenna?

I really appreciate whatever info you can give me.

Feel free to email me at: darrinaltman@gmail.com

[tamarsha]

I used a similar type box to connect my Sirius radio to my CDR23. Sounds great with no interference from local radio stations.
You probably will need a set of antenna adaptors to go from the standard round antenna plug to the mini plug on the car. I have a spare set I can sell you cheap.