Starting with the 2003 model year Porsches use an entertainment system that is linked by a fiber optic network called MOST. That unfortunately makes just "tapping in" to get audio into the system impossible so a couple products have hit the market to allow tapping into the MOST fiber network and allow you to connect in other audio and visual peripherals.

After doing a bunch of research on several forums I decided on the Dension IceLink Gateway 500. This product seemed to have the specs, full iPod control and charging, USB support for flash drives with music (MP3, OGG and WMA) and RCA aux for other devices. As I now have two little kids and spare time is quite precious I decided to get it installed locally by Karl of Quality Mobile Installations. He arranged to meet me at a local Porsche dealer where they used the Porsche computer to enable support for a CD changer, required because I have the CDR-23 radio but I'm told it's not required for cars with the factory GPS/Radio unit.

I didn't go with the DICE product because that one ONLY works if you have the GPS/Radio unit. The Dension unit has most of the functionality even with the standard CDR-23 radio.

Now that it's been installed I have to say it's great. To not bother having to have and iPod with me at all times I picked up a cheap 4G thumb drive from the local MicroCenter and filled it with MP3s and just leave it plugged in at all times. That way if I forget my iPod I still have a nice selection of tunes on hand. The sound quality is amazing and once I got used to the special controls I found it to be quite easy to use as well.

Click on thumbnail for a full-size picture
The magic box.	There's space in the top of the glove compartment for the ports.	The line in and USB port fit nicely.
Even with a USB thumb drive there is plenty of room for the manuals and any iPod you way want.	And space behind the center console for the control box.	Fits just fine and the cables are all tucked away cleanly.
No need for the CD holder any more.	You can never have enough storage space inside a 996/Boxster.

Comments From People Like You! Dension Gateway 500 :: Upgrades :: Greg's 2004 Porsche 996	add a comment
Bo 22-Jun-2008 23:22
Greg, Install looks nice.  I have a 04TT that I am considering the same.  Where did you get the shelf to replace the CD holder? Bo

All pictures and text are the property of Gregory Gulik unless otherwise specified. Please contact site owner if you would like permission to use these pictures for your own purposes or to make comments about anything you see here.