Hi Everyone,
New guy here, I just picked up a
2007 Cayman S
that has the
CDR24
in it with
BOSE
and no CD changer. I have been doing a bit of research and have found the following to be likely be true for my car configuration as it stands.
The Rennkit BTR-3 will NOT support the CDR24 w/BOSE and no CDC. Can anyone please confirm this to be true? At the top of the glove box I do in fact have two additional CD slots that seem to go into an unmarked black box within the frunk where the CDC would typically reside. This additional equipment is NOT considered a CD changer per the definition of this application correct?
Aftermarket head units will either require an RCA to fiber optic conversion box (AVIN MOST, NAV-TV MOST-HUR, etc) to interface with the OEM BOSE amplifier.
There is the option to purchase a non-OEM third party four channel amplifier to replace the BOSE amplifier with. This is not recommended as the BOSE amplifier and speakers are tuned to work together and produce the appropriate sound. Replacing the amplifier without fully replacing the BOSE speakers as well will potentially result in sub optimal audio reproduction.
As it stands right now, I have resorted to using an Bluetooth to FM transmitter to provide basic functionality. However, I would prefer to install a new head unit providing apple car play to the vehicle and would like to do it the right way. One thing that I have not found in my research is the break down on the functionality/feature differences between a generic MOST adapter such as the AVIN MOST and the much more expensive option of the NAV-TV MOST-HUR unit. I was hoping someone here with experience or knowledge of both could help me decide if the additional cost is worth it based on the following questions.
Does the NAV-TV MOST-HUR provide an easier or more plug and play install experience compared to a generic MOST adapter? I've installed several head units in the past and I abhor cutting up or into the factory harnesses if at all possible.
Does the NAV-TV MOST-HUR unit provide more functionality compared to a generic MOST adapter? My understanding is that the generic MOST adapters only provide two channel output meaning the front speakers are driven off the same channels as the rear. Does the more expensive NAV-TV adapter provide true four channel output to the speakers so that balance F/R and L/R can be tuned?
Is there anything else I am missing here functionality or feature wise that would make the decision a no brainer? My vehicle was optioned from the factory with the digital sound package, A/C with Full Climate Control, and Sport Chrono Pkg W/Out PCM if it helps to understand my scenario.
Thanks for the help!
Hi, welcome to Planet-9, the
Organized Mind Porsche Owner's Forum!
(Bulleted text, and numbered paragraphs are like honey to me - draw me right in..)
AFAIK - the auxiliary CD player was only accessible from the frunk, and it is being some fold-down panels. The CD slots you see above the glove box are likely the CD storage compartments (there are typically 4 slots I think.. I'd have to look at mine..) They were used to store CDs in a semi-handy place accessible to the driver. Whatever you do - do NOT close the glovebox door if any of these are extended/open. You'll immediately break it. BTDT, replaced it, never used it again.
Before trying to make a silk purse from a sows-ear, you might want to go look at
Outstanding Tech Contribution! - DIY on installing an...
- it's a bit long (10 pages I think) but it covers the essentials.
Since you have a Bose system with their amp - you have three choices.
Install the new headunit (which will do all you want to accomplish with the adaptors you are considering - at much less cost) and use the MOST adaptor available with it.
OR - install it along with a new 4-channel amp and rewire the speakers a bit. There is a bit of an issue with very low-impedance speakers used on the SPP/ASK and Bose systems. Luckily - most modern amps can handle down to 1 Ohm... and are usable with the original speakers.
Keep the CDR-24 as obsolete as it is, and dump more money into it (that you'll never recover) with a unit that may physically be nearing the end of its life cycle (I've seen failures of them mentioned here and on Facebook.)
If you go the first route (the MOST adaptor) you lose the ability to do front/rear fading, which I'd find annoying. If you go the 2nd route you can do front/back fading, and add a subwoofer, and if you want to replace the existing speakers. For the 3rd route - I just wouldn't suggest it.
There are quite a few pluses with the new headunit. There are lots of "APPS" to do things using the Android platform. You'll have continually up-to-date navigation capabilities. I now have 5 different sources of music on mine, and two sources of podcasts - and I use most of them. I have live weather radar - just like in a jet plane. I have apps that will read my text messages and let me reply vocally. I have "Torque" which lets me put together dashboards with custom gauges monitoring all sorts of things in the driveline. I have OBD-II capabilities built in. You can add a backup camera. You can add a 4-channel overhead view for parking just like the $1000+ option from Porsche on the new cars. You'll have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available - wirelessly. You can connect your car via a cellular link (built-in 4G-LTE) and give it it's own account so it isn't using up your cellphone data plan.
What's the downside? Not great documentation. Some Porsche snobs look down on the units because they didn't cost enough.
Just food for thought.
BTW - when you have a chance - please visit
New Member Introductions
and introduce yourself and your Porsche to the members.. we LOVE photos of cars. People not so much, but cool cars get us all hot and bothered.
BTW-II - to answer a question or two:
The aftermarket MOST unit that can be ordered with the AliExpress headunit is inexpensive and requires no cutting of wires usually, except perhaps one to provide a 12V trigger signal to the Bose amp (that can be avoided by using the "Antenna Power" wire that is in the harness. ) And the unit comes with a harness requiring you to NOT cut and hack the existing wiring - it plugs into it and then into the headunit. Plug and play so to speak.. the other thread goes into that in some detail.
Thanks for the response Don, I will definitely take all of this into consideration!
