An option to expand audio system functionality...

It seems like more and more people are succombing to the fact that our audio systems are relatively inflexible ( CDR24 folks). So, we're left with expensive and limited options, unless you want to rip out everything, which is still (of course) quite expensive. I noticed that a lot of people are turning to wired FM modulators to add satellite radio or IPods, etc. I can't say I've ever used a wired FM modulator since I've always built my systems and trashed any OEM parts, so I make no claims to the audio quality. Here's a solution I was considering though, since I'm not really interested in ripping apart my car. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-gCpnGWfBp0D/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=302950&I=113KOSA200 The product is made by Kenwood and connects through the FM antenna on the back of the OEM head unit. Here's the cool part though, you can plug any Kenwood controller, like their satellite radio unit (XM or Sirius, I think) or their IPod adapter, HD radio tuner, CD Changer, etc. You also get MP3 capability through a USB port that allows you to attach a hard drive or thumb drive. You control the unit with a wireless remote control to change the sources and options, etc. This unit costs $199, and the additional controllers are typically under $100. Plus the unit gives you additional AUX inputs and is RDS compatible so song text will show up on our dash boards and the main display of the CDR24. If you are content with the sound quality of a wired Fm modulator, I think this product is a slick way to provide a lot of expandability for fairly little money.

harrjar, the idea is good, but why not spend ~$30 on an FM modulator with multiple inputs. It's not like using Kenwoods ipod and sirius adapter will bring song names or track\station control to the cdr24 , so the interface becomes just an overpriced wired FM modulator. - Suneet

I hear you Suneet. But I spoke with the guys at Crutchfield about it and the media controller actually does provide additional control through the remote that you can't get through the CDR24 . You use the remote to control the various functions and the unit provides user feedback through the RDS system to the head unit. The unit also uses the RDS to display song names/artists. Plus you can navigate a folder hierarchy to play MP3s off a USB drive. It's definitely more sophisticated that an FM mod with inputs...if those guys are telling the truth. I might give it a shot and report back to everyone but I'm still weighing my options. Jared

Jared, I see what you mean, also it should charge your ipod if you buy the ipod interface. I suggest you comparison shop though... ebay has it for around $130 BIN. You might also consider the drive+play if you are primarily going to be using just an ipod b\c it has a screen and a scroll knob. - Suneet

Maybe most people people don't notice, but beware that FM modulators will induce the problems all FM broadcasts have: frequency response limited to about 15khz and a preemphasis curve that reduces headroom in the high treble by about 15db relative to the bass. There's also added noise and distortion and reduced separation but these probably don't really matter in a car. On the other hand, the digital radio streams are such crap (I mean technically, not programmatically) that the 15khz limit probably doesn't matter. Only the headroom issue does (means that cymbals and such sound muffled - either that, or the overall level has to be reduced enough to exacerbate the noise problem). Btw, as a broadcast engineer, it always amuses me that people can buy these adaptors for pocket change. A real transmitter system, even a low power one, costs mucho dinero. The audio processor alone usually costs over US$10k.

Kenwood Interface Option Jared: I'm getting close enough to my acquisition date that I'm exploring options for adding Sirius to the CDR24. The Kenwood option certainly looks like an attractive, non-invasing option - I love the RDS output. Have you made a move yourself yet? No hurry, but I would appreciate any feedback on whatever solution you end up choosing. Best regards,

Very true, but unfortunately it's the best sounding realistically priced option for us CDR24 folks.

Sarrjar, As I just got my car on Tuesday and I am already in angony over not having XM in this car (my other two cars have it!), I am very interested in how this Pioneer unit works. Please update us as soon as you install it. Thanks!

Any wired FM modulators that can output RDS data from the iPod ?

Sorry guys, I haven't installed this unit. I just can't find it in my heart to use an Fm modulator. I'm still kicking around designs for an aftermarket system. So I don't have any feedback on the product, and I haven't been able to find anyone else that's used it. Daniel L- according to crutchfield , the Kenwood unit can accept the Ipod adapter module. The guy said that at least song names would be displayed by the RDS. He wasn't so clear as to how you would actually control the Ipod though. Sounded like you would have to control from the Ipod itself. So, unless you really care about the RDS showing song names, you might as well just use the stereo aux in that's already on the unit, instead of paying more for the adapter.

cdr24 guys, I personally believe the Dension IceLink 500 is a solution for you because a dealer has successfully installed it into hawcs car. I refuse to believe, like some other forum members, that this is an unsupported\hacked installation... it's just the right software revision + the right dip switches + dealer programming to make the car think it's a cd changer at that spot in the MOST chain. This will give you iPod control (though without any text on the headunit), or you can control the ipod from the ipod itself, and you will have an extra aux-in for your satellite radio. The sound quality is excellent with the unit... so if you're looking for ways to input iPod and Satellite radio... get it, either now and make sure it's installed with v 1.0 or .80 and the dip switch settings explained in the Porsche adendum to the Dension install manual in the files section and then have your dealer code the car to having a cd changer. So far only two people have attempted this, one is hawc who has a working interface, and Jlambeth, who I don't believe has been to the dealer for programming yet... but I honestly think if someone just contacts hawc's dealer in Canada or tries it with their own dealer, they can get it to work. - Suneet

Harrjar & Suneet (and others): Thanks for the input. I suspect that with a little time, there may be additional options and perhaps Denison through firmware upgrades may offer enhanced functions. Kenwood is certainly on to something though. Outputting RDS is kind of a neat trick. By the way I hit a couple of the MOST technical sites. It just seems to me that the MOST specification doesn't really do the consumer any favors. It's certainly not the USB interface for the auto world.

Hello all, a member on the forum installed http://www.revozport.com/iplug-rds.htm . I am looking at doing this too. And the best part is...he gave detail information for the install. Have a look! http://www.planet-9.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=117&cat=5

I think you're still going to need $40 worth of Farc adapters (2) for the European antenna and at least a $30 ipod interface, right? I mentioned to revozport that they needed an aux input and they seemed to think it was the coolest idea ever so....hopefully it goes somewhere. But I've already installed thier adapter which has RDS and I think its great.