jeff968

I have a factory CR2 in my 968 (am/fm in-dash CD, no changer controls or cassette). The CD no longer works. The unit powers up and the radio works fine. I want to integrate my iPod to it. I've used a (cheap) FM modular which I wasn't happy with. A local installer says he has some kind of "direct modulator" that works great and will give even better performance then the Cassette adapters. He says it plug in where the antenna goes so you can no longer use the radio (fine with me). Anyone used one of these or had luck with some other approach?

Thanks!

rh951

The IS77 from pac audio works great. It has a switch that will let you turn it on and off so you can still use the radio. we sell about 20 a month and have had no complaints and have sold these for over a year now. Just did an audi s4 today with one. You can pm me for more info
Bob

MK_951

Yep, rh951 said exactly what I was going to say. I work for best buy autotech and the IS77 is the most popular kit people purchase and its real simple to install. Should take you no longer than 30mins if that.

jeff968

And how is the performance, compared to a cassette adapter? (not an option for me as i don't have a cassette player but hacve used them before and thought they worked great)

CurtP

They work, but like all FM modulators, they're very limited in dynamic range. Why not just upgrade the HU, especially since yours is broken? The Becker CDR-220 looks right at home in these cars and there's an aux input available. Blitzsafe has an iPhone adapter too.

jeff968

I want to keep my car 100% stock as I show it. The broken CD doesn't really matter as I don't listen to CDs any more anyway. And, besides, someone paid $1347 for that sucker years ago!!!

jmj951

Strong 2nd for the CDR-220. Looks perfect in these cars, auxiliary input (can be used with any mp3 player with an RCA-headphone cable) so the sound from my iPod is great. Even has a separate phone input that I believe can be used to add a bluetooth adapter. Wish I had a better pic, it's difficult to get a good picture inside the car in the garage.

jeff968

Thanks but CD2 for me!!!

boston951

Did you have the FM Modulator Mod performed on the unit?

CurtP

Points taken away for non-stock HU? The reason I mentioned the CDR-220 is because it's available in Porsche trim (printed on the faceplate and displays "Porsche" when turned on), drops right in and looks period correct. And it gives you considerably more flexibility for expansion.

But if you're determined to stick to the CR2, you really don't have much of a choice with an aux input - you're going to have to use a FM modulator of some sort, and live with their shortcomings. The best option for these will be for one that installs inline of the antenna instead of one that broadcasts. You may want to consider either disabling the factory antenna booster or installing a switch to be able to turn it on and off to help prevent unwanted station interference.

And for no other good reason other than to just post a couple of pictures, here's mine (it's a Becker Traffic Pro)

Current setup (just installed a new shifter):


Close up of stereo:


Aux input (since replaced with an iPhone/iPod setup from Blitzsafe):

jeff968

Thanks Curt, I appreciate the helpful thoughts.

Do you have any suggestions on units that install inline of the antenna? Also, how would one disable the factory antenna booster? I don't listen to the radio anymore so I'm okay with losing that.

Thanks again!!!

CurtP

I'd give the Pac IS77 a try. Pac Audio is typically good quality, but I have no direct experience with the IS77. Getting everything stuffed in the console may be the hardest part. If you can, get it behind the radio or you may have issues getting the cubby reinstalled. With the 944/951, it's tight; there may be more room with the 968 version.

As for disabling the FM booster, it should be easy. I would think it's the same as it is in my 951 - where the antenna plugs into the back of the radio, follow the antenna wire back a couple of inches. There should be a small gauge wire coming out of the cable that has a plastic connector on it. Unplug that plastic connector - that's the power feed for the antenna booster. According to the compatibility notes on Pac's website, it says it's not for amplified antennas. Unplugging the amp should remove any issues with using it. http://www.pac-audio.com/productDeta...&CategoryID=36

jeff968

Thanks again Curt! (and all), very much appreciated.

rgp944

How did you remove the stock radio from the dash?

PEvans

Does the CDR-220 have a digital or USB input from an iPod or iPhone?

Pics don't show for me anyway