Ipod or MP3 player for non-MOST 2001 996?

I've decided to keep and "modify" my current 01 C4 Cabrio. So, I really want to have an MP3 player in my car that hooks up to the audio system. I can swap out the head unit, if that matters. So far I've been told I can disconnect my CDC and use that aux output to hook up the MP3 player, but I really want something that will charge the MP3 player and let me access it for songs/playlists/etc... I don't care if its just connected in and I have to use the MP3s interface directly, but a good install is a must... (looking good, hardwired in, sturdily held, etc.) I found nothing good on the search. Appreciate the help, thanks all!

Also I have the CDR-220 with the Advanced Technics package (hi-fi sound, and "basic" song screen, no Nav or "big screen" like on the MOST systems...)

A couple of us have Alpines like this. Looks are a matter of taste, but the iPod lives in the console box, is charged, and is fully controllable through the head unit. On my car, it replaced a CDR-220. Personally, I would avoid the auxiliary input option, because there's just too much quality lost that way. MP3s ask you to give up too much vs. CDs as it is, no point in making it worse with the signal loss you get through a headphone jack.

Thanks. Can I get details... which Alpine head unit is that? (Model #, etc...) Also, does the MP3 player just stay in the locking console and is wired custom from there to the head unit? TIA All these questions will help me "do it right" to get the MP3 player without losing sound quality vs CDs. Does the CDC still work, or is it not connected after that? I really appreciate it!

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It's a CDA-9887. List price is $450, but I think it's easy to do a lot better than that. Lots of audio toys. The display colour can be changed. It never really matches the instrument lighting, but IMO the orange setting is complimentary. I just turn the display off during the day . When it's installed, they run an iPod docking cable to wherever you want it. I chose the console box. I just plug it in when I get in the car. Might be having a brain fart, but I'm not sure what you mean by CDC...

Unless you're going to do the whole crazy sound thing that Bruce did, it's cheaper to get the 9886 and may even make more sense to downgrade even more if you're not going to accompany that head unit with amps/speakers. And I actually like the display unit much more over the stock unit. Damn our center stack looks dated. LOL I'm just learning audio setups (doing it right) is a spendy adventure. Even with my $3,500 setup, I still need to spend an additional $2Gs to get the full sound I want.

Thanks Bruce and Benjamin! I am interested in boosting the sound quality also, but am mainly concerned with getting MP3 player to hookup without sound quality suffering ( the fm modulator type systems are pure POS...). I may add those trick custom subs later... Right now though I'm going to use my money to upgrade performance, so I imagine the engine and exhaust will be my biggest soundtrack (just as it is now!) But, I want to have the variety of music that 2+ gigs offers vs. my CDC (Compact Disc Changer - 6 disc) Thank you both again... I'll be doing it soon... Maybe later I can spend what you're spending BC! For now I can only dream..... Tell me what you end up with though, it sounds awesome!

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I ended up with some Focals, Alpine head-unit and PDX amp. Need that enclosure for the lows I want. Check out this website: http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...category=AV_HU So long as it's got the full iPOD connection, you'll get all that Bruce described. Don't take for granted speedy access, response from button to action. The 9886-9887s get you the better display, but not wholly necessary.

If you use this : http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/autopilot with the AUX input you get easy to use controls, and superior sound. Since I have a 1st gen Nano, I use an older, 1st gen only version I got on ebay for $20, but it has been replaced with this : http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/tuneflex06 I also bought a SON-AUX auto switcher from : http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=572 , that allows use of the CDC or the ipod. Switch it to CDC, and as soon as you turn on the ipod & play music, it switches over. If you are scrolling, or whatever, it switches back to the CDC. Just have to have at least 1 cd in the changer, as it keeps playing while using the ipod. Volume is lower from the ipod vs the CDC, but nothing horrendous. If oyu don't wan tto use the CDC or don't have one then this works as well: http://www.myradiostore.com/auxadapt...d-adapter.html I like the cheap solutions until I decide when/if I want to do a total upgrade.

Hi Jackel, Think we have similar objectives. I started a similar post. I'd be interested in what you end up selecting and why. I'll do the same. I think i'm heading down the Alpine 9886 or 9887 head unit only replacement path. Cheers!

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Hi Ben, Being the cheapskate that I am, 9886 without amps/speakers is prob where i'm headed. Just wanna play/charge my iphone. Thx.. Apologize. Not trying to hijack your thread Jackel!

speedy, that sounds like a fine solution. i like my 9886.

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Don't worry, my friend. Someday you'll be able to afford the best.

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wahahahahahhahaah and it ain't found on Apline's catalog list. Thx for your help, though. Seriously.

I also bought a SON-AUX auto switcher from : http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=572 , that allows use of the CDC or the ipod. Switch it to CDC, and as soon as you turn on the ipod & play music, it switches over. If you are scrolling, or whatever, it switches back to the CDC. Just have to have at least 1 cd in the changer, as it keeps playing while using the ipod. Volume is lower from the ipod vs the CDC, but nothing horrendous. If oyu don't wan tto use the CDC or don't have one then this works as well: http://www.myradiostore.com/auxadapt...d-adapter.html I like the cheap solutions until I decide when/if I want to do a total upgrade.[/QUOTE] Does this CDC / MP3 switcher work with the Porsche CDC?? I'm leaning toward an install of the Alpine 9886 with the direct connect Ipod, but I'd love to be able to use my current Creative Zen 4GB or be able to "switch" between CDC and "Ipod". Is this possible with the Porsche CDC ( I'm not going to replace that, but it would be nice if both could work...)? Thanks again all.