CDR-220 swap in the CDR-23

[kensorrell]

First off I'd like to say a HUGE thanks to Loren! I've seen how many people you've helped on here and not many actually say thanks afterwards. I have another quick question for anyone out there though. My 2001 Boxster S came with the cd220 and I'd like to swap in the cd23 if possible. I never use a changer and would like the indash cd player with an added ipod hooked up as well if possible. Is the cd23 out of say a 2003 Boxster a direct swap and will it work correctly with my factory 8 speaker system? I searched the forums and came up with nothing so far.

[Loren]

I split this post off the Lost Radio Code thread because you are not asking for a code. Thank you for the compliment though.

There supposedly was a few CDR-23's that were both MOST and wiring capable - but I have not seen one. Since almost all of the CDR-23 are fiber optic (only) I don't think you will have any luck converting it over. There are better 3rd party radio/NAV systems out there.

[Chris_in_NH]

do you have a CDR-220 (CD player) or a CR-220 (cassette)?

is it a cassette model and that's why you want to switch to a radio with a CD player (and mp3 capability)? did you know there is a button above the right radio knob that flips down the faceplate to reveal a CD player or cassette player? ;) something tells me...

both the CDR-220 AND the CR-220 have AUX-IN for an mp3 player. you just need a cable from www.beckerautosound.com that connects to the back of the radio and ends in stereo female RCA connectors (part # BNA - 1319 - 116, $15 or so - the radio removal keys should come with the cable). you also need to enable AUX-IN on the radio by holding 'TP' until the display reads 'BECKER1' and then scrolling with the right radio knob until you see 'AUX-IN' and then enable it. that will get you the mp3 player connectivity at the least. you'll also need a cable that is 1/8" mini-stereo plug on one side (to go into iPod) and stereo male RCAs on the other end (to connect to the female Becker cable). you can get them anywhere - RadioShack, Wal*Mart, etc.

if you want a factory radio with a CD player and AUX-IN, just get the CDR-220 (or go aftermarket - Nakamichi CD-500 is what i have). you don't want to mess with a CDR-23, believe me. as Loren mentioned, it's fiber-optic. if you wanted it to work in your car, you'd need the matching Porsche fiber-optic amp. then after re-wiring everything, you'd have to pay another $500 for a box to allow AUX-IN/mp3 capability. don't even waste your time...

a CDR-220 should pop right into your car, no re-wiring, no problem. they are on eBay all the time and sell for around $200 used. also take a look at www.swstereo.com. they probably have a CDR-220 and will probably take your CR-220 in trade.

or you could decide that your mp3 player is a 'good enough' solution for $15 (for the cable) and forget the CD player. who uses CDs anymore, anyway? ;)

Edited June 9, 2008 by Chris_in_NH