CDR23 Upgrades Bose amp

[Tino]

I'm looking to replace the CDR23 with preferably a Becker unit.
Now, I used to install car audio back in the day, and still carry out the odd intall here and there, but I've looked online, and struggle to find info.
As I understand it, the system runs a MOST loom, through BOSE. I can easily rip out the components and add my own, but I am happy with the way that the system sounds, Just not happy with IPOD integration, and no MP3 playability of the CDR23.
Sorry to ramble on, I guess that the question that needs answering is can I get a new decent becker unit to run with the BOSE setup? Not too bothered about the CD changer if the unit will play MP3.

[stuttgartmetal]

can't you get the mp3 adaptor that plugs into the changer socket at the back of the cdr23 and plug up your ipod

[carsounds_dan]

if the becker has the same mini ISO preout pins I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work with the bose system. If you've installed before you'll know that the mini ISO is made of 3 plugs, on the beckers these are for phone, AUX input (CD changer etc.) and preoutput.. I think the preoutput is the yellow one, whatever colour it is, it's on the end closest the aerial input.

[Tino]

carsounds_dan said:

if the becker has the same mini ISO preout pins I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work with the bose system. If you've installed before you'll know that the mini ISO is made of 3 plugs, on the beckers these are for phone, AUX input (CD changer etc.) and preoutput.. I think the preoutput is the yellow one, whatever colour it is, it's on the end closest the aerial input.

Thanks Dan, I know all about ISO blocks(the start of the decline of the automotive audio installer)
I haven't yet pulled the unit out, as I've not had the time, but from what I am told, there could be a struggle getting the amp to power up. I don't particularly want to use the aux in on the current unit, but really fancy getting something new.

[carsounds_dan]

there should be no problem powering up the amplifier, it's the usual 12v trigger.. just do some checks with your original stereo if your up to it to work out which wire in the plug is what signal, which wire is the 12v amp out and which is the signal ground (I've got a feeling they're grouped on the porsche system).
But I think you'll find that the plug is the same as any becker though, they tend not to change much the germans.
Many Thanks
Dan

[nikxl]

I may be wrong here but if the Bose is anthing like the "upgraded hi-fi" on a CDR23 MOST car signal input on the amp is optical, you might get power to the amp but you wont get any sound.
Ive just done a becker install on mine and there was no way you could use the OEM amp

[carsounds_dan]

o thats a thought actually.. the newer ones do use optical but I can't remember fully if the bose does, something tells me they don't but you never know..

[damiangt3]

carsounds_dan said:

o thats a thought actually.. the newer ones do use optical but I can't remember fully if the bose does, something tells me they don't but you never know..

It's definitely MOST, I've got a BOSE amp knocking about in my garage.

[carsounds_dan]

ok well scrap what I've been saying lol. Theres one company that makes a phono to optical converter but it's wether it's signal will match with the bose amp and the price would be horrific. Run some speaker leads from the radio to the amplifier and utilise the original wiring from there on, that way when you come to sell you have the option of removing the stereo and still fitting the original

[damiangt3]

carsounds_dan said:

ok well scrap what I've been saying lol. Theres one company that makes a phono to optical converter but it's wether it's signal will match with the bose amp and the price would be horrific. Run some speaker leads from the radio to the amplifier and utilise the original wiring from there on, that way when you come to sell you have the option of removing the stereo and still fitting the original

The CDR23 'might' not have any alternative output, some are only MOST others standard speaker outputs.

[nikxl]

Do you expect him to run speaker leads to the OEM speaker leads at the amp because there are no high level inputs on the amp. If you want to run a non-OEM stereo you have to run the speakers off the head unit amp, I dont reckon the bose will sound so clever off this.

I was told when i started looking at the hi-fi in mine that I wouldnt see any change out of 2K for a good sound. I though that was bulls*it and went elsewhere. 4 days work and a full Focal Amp speaker & sub setup plus a Becker cascade I am well over 2K. Beats the hell out of any BOSE setup though

[David 997t]

Just thought i would throw the warranty thing in i checked with my dealer the other day about fitting a connection for my ipod which uses the optic connection from the 6 cd player and was told that this would void my warranty!

[Tino]

Thats so frustrating.
Thing is, I am happy with the sound of the speakers, just wanted something a little bit more up to date than the CDR23 up front.
I'm guessing that the Bose speakers are probably 2ohm, possibly 1ohm for the subs? I guess the next step is to find a 5 channel amp that I can adjust the resistance outputs on?

[carsounds_dan]

I'm not saying to use the Bose amplifier at all.
I'm saying that he should use the o.e. speaker leads from the amplifier and connect them to his new ones. This would render the amplifier useless but still allow him to revert back at very little cost.
The wiring would go
Radio>speaker leads> amplifier OUTPUT leads>speakers.
I have bybassed many bose systems in alfa's etc with this setup and see no ill affects.

[Tino]

Yep, I think that I have decided to go down that route...
Radio>Amp through newly wired RCA leads>Speakers using the Original BOSE loom.
Will need some thought and planning when I get a chance.

[damiangt3]

This might help.....

[carsounds_dan]

well let me know if you need any help.
I use caraudiodirect.com for my audio stuff alot of the time, they're cheaper than my local suppliers and sometimes cheaper than direct off of the manufacturer. I'd use boston acoustic amps etc, they're cheap and affective.

[stuttgartmetal]

Nothing sounds better than a CDR22 via preouts to a decent amp and speakers.
I'd steer well clear of the CDR23, not upgradeable really, and HiFi shops just want to sell you expensive kit, especially since you've rolled up in a 911.

[RadarvT]

Hi guys, found this thread on a search.

Can someone please confirm that there is no simple head unit upgrade possible for the CDR23? I was hoping the Cascade Pro would be a simple 'unplug the old then plug in the new' type of changeover and not a full new system install.

All help greatly appreciated.

[Tino]

I think its a problem on post 2003 model cars.
Its not impossible, by any means, but isn't simple plug and play.
I completed most of my wiring in the luggage bay, and made it all reversible so that I could pull it all out come resale time.
You also need to find a switched live, which I got from the fuse box.