Replaced my CDR24 with a Pioneer Appradio 4

Just wanted to share my satisfaction with the Pioneer Appradio 4 in case anyone was on the fence. My local carwash decided the AM and CD buttons on my CDR24 needed broken off, so I decided it was just time to get rid of it. I ordered the appradio on sale from newegg and picked up the install kit with bose integration from Suncoast . In all, it probably took about 5 hours to install. I went ahead and pulled the center console so I could route the GPS antenna cleanly and put the phone cables in the glovebox (routed through the power outlet I removed). I put the handsfree mic in the storage bin below the climate controls. Really the most time consuming part of the actual install was routing and organizing the wires cleanly and picking a good location for the most-hur box (ended up zipping it back behind the radio brackets near the floor air vents). I spent at least an hour trying to get the Apple CarPlay mode to work. Upgraded the pioneer firmware, upgraded everything on my iphone (6+, FWIW)....finally after a bunch of searching on the net I found a post somewhere saying carplay would only work if siri was activated....so keep that in mind. Carplay WILL NOT work unless Siri is turned on. After everything was together, I spent some time playing with CarPlay , and I love it. It's a really clean interface that just works well. I also love the look of the head unit. It's a very sleek design that flows really well with the car. I'm a huge fan of the i heart radio app...listening to local talk radio in the mornings is so much nicer with digital audio quality. It does suck that waze won't work with CarPlay (it will supposedly work in the appradio mode, but I haven't been successful yet). Apple maps work well, though. I quit using apple maps after the disastrous rollout, so it was nice to see they've made a lot of improvements. Siri picks up any voice commands shockingly well. You can do hands free calling and siri will even read/send texts for you....we spent far too much time making her read inappropriate texts...guess we never grow up, haha. Just some other general notes for anyone thinking about one: - Appradio mode generally sucks. The picture quality on screen is really bad and like I said before, I couldn't get waze to work, which is the only reason I'd be tempted to use this mode. - The unit itself doesn't do anything on it's own (except for an AM/FM tuner)...you have to have a phone plugged in to really do anything. - The unit doesn't come with the cables you need for your phone. For an iphone , Carplay will work with a standard USB lightning cable. If you want to use appradio mode, you have to hook an hdmi and lightning cable into an apple digital AV adapter and then plug that into your phone. So, for me, you really can't go wrong with the appradio for the price if you're wanting it for carplay functionality. The only bummer was the cost of the bose integration kit, but I must say, the audio quality is night and day better. I'm assuming this is the appradio's converters and EQ outperforming the CDR24 . Before: After:

I've just bought an appradio 4 and am waiting on the euromotorspeed kit to arrive in the post so good to see its working well! Where did you place the mic? Also, how neatly does the head unit fit into the new bezel? It looks good from the photo but there's maybe a bit of a gap at the bottom? Cheers Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The gap is pretty even the whole way around. I couldn't get the bezel to line up perfectly with the trim below, though. If you look close at the picture it's slightly offset to the left. It's barely noticeable...probably could've fixed it, but I was tired of messing with it by the time it was done. I put the mic in the storage tray behind the shifter. Feedback from people I've called says it picks up my voice loud and clear. I was glad that worked, because I didn't want to try to route it up to the headliner somewhere. When you pull that storage tray, you can pull out the plastic lining and there's already holes in the back of it to route the wire through. Then you can just put the lining back in for a nice clean look.

Great, thanks for the reply. Can't wait for my kit to arrive and get rid of that cdr30!! Mine had Bluetooth as a factory option but it went faulty recently. That plus the chronic sound/usability of the stock unit eventually persuaded me to take the plunge. I'm thinking of trying to either reuse the existing mics on the steering column or hide the new mic in that area but it's good to know it works well placed down there. Cheers Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I may try that location for the mic. I have mine counted in the instrument cluster above the gages and it is seems to work OK, even with the top down, but i may try it down there to see if the road/car noise is less

I have my Mic right beside the rearview mirror, and the audio is good with the top down.

Thanks for this thread. I want to replace my CDR30 and having this info helps a lot. Eddie

I found a good place for my mic that is easy to install and practically invisible. I stuck it in between the steering console (large black plastic box that the wheel comes out of) and the gauge cluster. There's a small gap there that allows the mic to be wedged in. The mic is in a great spot for pickup, too, as it is right in front of your face. This is on a 2007 CS.

Does this work well with iOS9? Im looking for the best aftermarket solution.. both for looks and function.. this looks really nice?

I haven't had any issues with ios9 with the CarPlay mode...works great. I haven't tested it using the appradio mode, and I honestly haven't used the appradio mode since the first day I was testing things out. I think it's a very nice solution provided you don't mind having a bare bones tuner when the phone isn't plugged it. Only thing I'd say after having it for awhile is to use a very high quality sync cable. I used the pioneer one and it's already failing. Dreading taking the dash/center console apart to replace it.

Allright! I have a china-android system now. Works OK, but the bluetooth really sucks for streaming and talking.. Would you recommend this system?

Yeah, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. I know it's not the only carplay /double din solution out there and may not be the best, but in my opinion, it's fantastic for the price and doesn't have the cheesy look a lot of aftermarket radios do.

Can you quantify the audio quality improvement a little more? I currently use the CDR-24 with an Dension IceLink iPod integration. If - like you - I leave the Bose amp and speakers in place, and all I'm doing is replacing the CDR-24 (that has an analog connection into the CDR function via the ICELINK), what am I gaining from a sound-quality standpoint? And at speed with the top up or down, is it very noticeable? Also, how much was the Bose integration component? Thanks!

Sure. I'll first say that I'm in a Cayman , so I can't help you with a top up/top down comparison. Road noise is still notable in the cayman at highway speed, but I still notice the improved audio quality if I turn it up loud enough. My immediate impressions were that the sound 'opened up' with the swap from the CDR to the pioneer unit. There is definitely a more pronounced high end and defined bass, when comparing a CD through the CDR and standard itunes quality music via carplay on the pioneer unit. My best description would be to say that the CDR sounded 'muffled' in comparison. Keep in mind, though, that the CDR has very limited equalization where the appradio has more robust options, and the comparison is relying on my ability to have both units set optimally. I do think the AM/FM tuner is considerably better - much higher quality than the CDR-24's. Far less static/clearer sound than the CDR....assuming you ever use that. I have no explanation for why this is..didn't change the antenna or anything. One cool thing the pioneer can do (with the purchase of their microphone) is to set it's own 'optimum' EQ based on some internal algorithm. I did not use this, though. From a technical standpoint, I have to assume the improvements are simply in signal processing (mainly EQ). In a standard car audio setting, the head unit would provide the audio processing and digital-analog conversion (when using the amp inside the head unit). In the case of the bose system , the head unit only provides signal processing since a digital signal is sent to the amp for conversion into the analog signal. I'm not extremely familiar with how the Denison system works, so I'm not sure if you have an additional D/A A/D conversion step mixed in...if you do, you will lose some audio quality, although it may or may not be negligible. The bose integration kit is the real bummer. The aftermarket radio (double din) installation kit with the bose integration kit was $775 ($225 for the kit - basically the bezel and spring clips - and $550 for the MOST-HUR Bose integration kit). Suncoast Porsche Parts & Accessories Aftermarket Radio Installation Kit . Pretty steep, but it worked and was generally pretty easy to install. So I guess, ultimately, if you're willing to pick up the bose integration kit, you're gaining a lot of convenience with the carplay functionality, a 'clearer' or less muffled audio signal (in my opinion), and much more control over equalization.

Thanks for all that. It certainly helps. I'm a bit shocked at the $775 kit price (ouch!) and that might be the deal breaker. I don't feel the need for CarPlay (even though I'm a big 'Apple Guy') as I'm mostly looking for cost-effective incremental improvement in the sound quality. And ~$1,200 seems steep when I already have invested (and would have to discard/sell) ~$500 on the Dension iPod integration that works well-enough. Thanks again!

Totally understand the integration kit cost shock. Under normal circumstances, there isn't a chance in hell I'd shell out that kind of money for that. However, being in Houston and needing navigation all the time (and at the time having recently been in a small fender bender trying to use navigation on the phone - shame on me), and being in a situation where I needed to replace my CDR anyway, I decided to go for it. Funny story on the fender bender was the only damage was a small crease in the bumper plastic right in front of the front trunk. So I cut it out and installed a GT3 grille. Happy endings all the way around.

Yeah, the navigation part I rarely would use -- nice to have, but not worth it over the $69 Garmin that I use twice a year. If I hadn't done the IceLink, it would price out a lot better.

Ok, so a few questions @ OP... How do I know which head unit I have? It looks like yours, but I don't have the BOSE stereo. It's just a single CD player. Can you post a pic of where exactly your mic is? I'd love to replace my head unit with a double din touch screen. Probably a Pioneer 4100 NEX. But... What happens with the radio display LCD screen that's integrated with the tach if you go with an aftermarket unit? Can I use the factory amp and speakers? I assume mine are the base model (it's a silver amp) Which install kits are best?

I replaced my CDR 24 with a double din touch screen GPS and replaced the Bose Amp , kept the speakers... All in for $750 in parts, including back up camera... Everything works great and very good sound... after all it is a convertible...I have the speakers all working and the powered sub on a separate volume control... Beware of getting a pure touch screen unit on the Boxster , as the glare with the top down makes it almost impossible to use the touch screen. I opted for a HU with a volume knob... easier to use and you don't need to change the screen...Only think it lacks is steering wheel controls but my Boxster is just a weekend car and I generally use Pandora of my phone. Good Luck with your install

1. It's probably still the CDR24...it should say on the face of the radio. Like right beside the porsche logo, mine said CDR24. Assuming you have a 987.1, I'm under the impression that there were only two options: CDR-24 and the PCM navigation unit. I could be wrong, though. 2. That picture is in post #3. It's in the storage hole behind the shifter. Works great sitting still, but on the highway, road noise has been an issue with this location. 3. I'm not 100% sure what you're referring to regarding the LCD screen integrated with the tach. What functionality are you getting that you're afraid you'll lose with an aftermarket unit? I assume you should be able to use the factory amp...I'd say the wiring/install kit would give you a plug and play solution here. The internal amp on the 4100 NEX would be adequate to power base level speakers assuming the impedances were in line if you bypassed the stock amp. I cant speak for any other install kits other than the one sold by suncoast, but it worked as advertised. If you want to post some more detailed info on the factory amp and speakers you have, I can take a stab at giving you some recommendations on how to wire things up if you were looking to do the project yourself.

It wouldn't surprise me if there was a better mic. The mic in my c63 (factory) is pretty far away from my mouth and it works great. Okay I'm with you on the LCD display now, but I can't offer much help. Mind ('07 Cayman Base) does not have any radio information displayed (and never did). It does, however, still work fine after the install. I didn't have any stock USB or bluetooth or anything. My CDR-24 was strictly CD and AM/FM.

Got the wiring diagram for the non- bose sound package plus?

I'm not exactly sure what specific wiring diagram you're asking for. Here's a folder with a full 987.1 wiring diagram (the whole car). I think near the end you'll find various audio/radio/nav options with and without Bose . There's also a pdf with the CDR24 harness pin-out. Hope that helps. Wiring docs Also there's lots of wiring info in P-9 documents

Like this one, just for non- bose (sound package plus ask amplifier) Perhaps the wires are the same?

Are you replacing the ASK amp? If not, all you need is the CDR24 harness pin-out to make an adapter for whatever head unit you are using. I highly suggest using the Euromotorsports 987 kit, which comes with a CDR24 compatible harness adapter and wiring documentation. No cutting of OEM wires. You'd still need to splice your new unit's harness to the adapter's wires. You'll also need a new mounting cage and bezel. Again part of the EMS kit.

No, only the head unit.. I would just need a scheme which identifies what the different wires go to..

Good thing to note, In my install guide for the euromotorspeed wiring harness, they had the front speaker channel colors labled backwards. (not positive and negative, but left and right) They used the same color wires on the supplied harness as the ones for my pioneer pigtail , but had the front channeles swapped. I followed the instructions anyways and my front left was on when I had bal set to full right and fade set to full front, so I had to go in, cut, strip, flux, solder, and heat shrink wires while it was in the dash (and then re heat shrink of course) ) I called suncoast to let them know, but thought I should just post here as well. Apparently, while it is not a 100% standard, MOST aftermarket car stereos and pigtails follow the following color scheme (which I should have followed over the euromotor speed instructions apparently...) P o w e r Memory (+12v Constant) Yellow Ignition (+12v Switched) Red Ground (-) Black Dimmer Pink/White (Alpine only) Power Antenna Blue Amplifier Turn-on Blue/White Phone Mute Light Blue (Sony only) S p e a k e r s Right Front (+) Gray Right Front (-) Gray/Black Left Front (+) White Left Front (-) White/Black Right Rear (+) Violet Right Rear (-) Violet/Black Left Rear (+) Green Left Rear (-) Green/Black I.E. the euromotor speed kit I recieved had Gray labled for left, and white for right (but the rear channels were correct) also, see my post in the illumination wire thread about a much easier location to grab and tap the illumination wire. -Brad

Would anyone mind posting a link to the hardware they chose? I just picked up an app radio 4, and while I've seen plenty of $25-35 wiring harness kits that satisfy me. I'm not sure about the dash kits... there's so much range in price it's ridiculous. I see a reference in this thread to a suncoast kit for like $225? But there's a metra dash kit for $100. Metra 95 9602 Double DIN Gray Stereo Dash Kit | eBay $125 price difference for what looks to be pretty much the same thing? Then there's this one on crutchfield for like $40... American International POR911 Dash Kit (Painted Silver) Fits select 2005-12 Porsche vehicles — single- or double-DIN radios at Crutchfield.com I have an 07 Cayman without Bose so all I need is the dash kit and wiring harness. Is any other framing or ring needed for the appradio 4? Advice appreciated.

Sorry but my car is put away for the season and the info is in the glove box, I had to order the Bose Fibre converter from the UK and brought my faceplate in from there at the same time.. I can tell you though that I bought the Crutchfield kit for my son's BMW and it looked really good and they were super easy to deal with.

Thanks for that link Brian! I've decided to go with that (but the standard version from the same vendor; I don't have Bose ).