This my first summer of ownership, and I've been driving my 2011
Boxster
to work any day that it isn't actively raining when I head out. Surprisingly, I've been enjoying it more than I expected to enjoy it (and expectations were high).
That said, the stock audio system is leaving me frustrated. My car has the
CDR-30
/
Bose
with the in-dash CD changer, and even if the changer wasn't the worst that I've ever dealt with, I'm still limited to what I have in my CD collection (I stopped buying them almost a decade ago, and even back then it was a rare purchase). I'm getting old but I still enjoy a lot of new music, so... I need a new source (read: streaming from my
Android phone
, at least).
I know that I could replace the head unit, but before I go that route, I thought that I'd give the sub-$100 "kludge" method a try. My car has only the AUX jack in the console, so I figure that I'll just need an adapter that will fit in there that's either
battery
powered or run a line from the lighter socket. This would be a simple problem to deal with if there weren't literally hundreds of choices (on
Amazon
alone). When there are that many options, I tend to freeze up.
Can anyone recommend a decent BT adapter that fits in the console cubby hole? I'd rather avoid going the RF route. If the AUX connection works, why not use it?
I have a feeling that I'll eventually get a new head unit, but money is an issue right now.
If this belongs in Chat, let me know and I'll move it.
I've used a few such devices in previous cars (my
Boxster
came with a
Pioneer HU
already installed). I used a Belkin brand, and a HimBox brand in the past... both worked great. I don't think you'd have any issues with either.
In both cases, they had a separate wired setup, rather than just something that sits in the Aux jack. Something like this:
Amazon.com: BESIGN BK01 Bluetooth Car Kit, Wireless Receiver for Handsfree Talking and Music Streaming with Ground Loop Noise Isolator for Car with Aux Port : Electronics
I liked the fact that there was a button involved, as this could be used to link devices, perform some basic actions, etc. I don't know of the ones that sit "on" the aux port have this, but I imagine they do. I would be a little concerned with a dongle hanging there, as hitting it could stress the jack... so I might suggest sticking to a wired setup.
I agree, this is a great option to get BT on the car. However, also note that many who have replaced the HU have expressed how much better the sound is, even with stock speakers. So if you like better sound, that might be the better option... but the BT device can get you going for now, for sure.
I'd say you can try a few and see what you like, and then return the ones you don't?
True, quality audio in a car is tough to attain, and in a roadster it's
really
tough. I'm just looking to use my Spotify account for a bit to see how it does. The few times that I've been forced to drive with the lid closed has shown me that the OEM system isn't bad. With it open, it doesn't really matter, and I try to drive it as a roadster should be driven.
I've had decent luck with Belkin gear, too. I'll give this one a try. and keep my eyes open for a reasonable head unit. I appreciate the response.
Before I installed my
Kenwood
, I used this very inexpensive BT to Aux adapter, and it went nicely hidden in the center console where the USB and Aux ports are. It used USB for power, then plugs in to the Aux cable. To select it as a source, just choose Aux on your radio.
Amazon.com: UGREEN Aux to Bluetooth 6.0 Adapter 3.5mm Bluetooth Receiver for Car USB 2.0 to 3.5mm Jack Kit with Built-in Microphone Aux Input for Hands-Free Calls Compatible with Car Speaker and Home Audio : Electronics
Buy UGREEN Aux to Bluetooth 6.0 Adapter 3.5mm Bluetooth Receiver for Car USB 2.0 to 3.5mm Jack Kit with Built-in Microphone Aux Input for Hands-Free Calls Compatible with Car Speaker and Home Audio: Bluetooth Car Kits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
That one looks almost too simple! So, the 1/8"
plug
obviously goes into the AUX port and the other end is a USB
plug
for power (also obviously a lighter/power port USB adapter, since they didn't check that box when the car was spec'd). All the electronics must be in the USB end. And it worked okay for you? I really am out of the technology loop, and I'm more and more surprised that
Porsche
didn't just put the USB port in every car. Cheapskates! I'm gonna try the other one that was suggested to avoid the coiled cord, but it's still pretty neat.
Yup, worked fine. Easy way to add BT streaming for beyond dirt cheap.
So you don't have a USB outlet directly
next
to the aux jack under your center console lid? I thought all of them had that. Interesting.
Nope. From what I've read, the 3-outlet equipment was a zero-cost option. All I know is that I've only got the AUX port. We'll see if it works!
I’ve been using a
plug
in bluetooth device for the past 7 years now and it works great. You just need to remember to charge it up after 10-14 hours of use.
I have a similar setup,
CDR-30
with
Bose
and AUX on my 2010
Boxster S
. What I was most disappointed in was the the number of cords that I had to use to connect my phone so I could also charge it while in use. Also, the sound quality wasn't much. I found an adapter that connects to the rear of the radio with a lightning connector that comes out into the cubby below the radio. I keep my phone on a magnetic holder attached to one of the center vents. Everything is easy to get to and the phone is visible and can be used for maps, etc. as well as for playing tunes. I don't have the car with my right now so I can't include pics but the setup has worked great for a couple of years now. I see that the original poster has Android so I'm not sure if this will work but it might be worth contacting the developer.
Discount Car Stereo
