Upgrading stereo with aftermarket - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

AP328 · 08-19-2014, 05:17 PM

I have a '99 with very low mileage that we bought new. We finally decided it was time to upgrade the sound system since we have no intention of selling the car. I wanted to stay as close to stock looking as possible and so I chose a single DIN head unit. Then had an amp with crossovers mounted below a panel with factory looking carpeting (and fan to keep the air circulating) in the frunk, keeping the factory amp in its original location. The speakers were changed in the door and dash using custom brackets so no damage was done behind the scenes and it looks completely stock. The installer also used the factory wire connectors for all speaker installations. The speakers are Dynaudio. This was an expensive install, but the sound is so, so much better, never mind the convenience of being able to use bluetooth for phone calls, and the Aux in for HD music.

Max_V · 08-19-2014, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AP328

I have a '99 with very low mileage that we bought new. We finally decided it was time to upgrade the sound system since we have no intention of selling the car. I wanted to stay as close to stock looking as possible and so I chose a single DIN head unit. Then had an amp with crossovers mounted below a panel with factory looking carpeting (and fan to keep the air circulating) in the frunk, keeping the factory amp in its original location. The speakers were changed in the door and dash using custom brackets so no damage was done behind the scenes and it looks completely stock. The installer also used the factory wire connectors for all speaker installations. The speakers are Dynaudio. This was an expensive install, but the sound is so, so much better, never mind the convenience of being able to use bluetooth for phone calls, and the Aux in for HD music.

By any chance, can you share how much this install cost you (equipment and installation) and how long did it take them?

Also, what stereo unit did you get?

Brockmeister · 08-19-2014, 06:47 PM

Hi. I have a '99 as well. I put a new amp in the frunk, new speakers in the dash, and put speakers in the doors (it didn't have them). I just installed new wires, and completely bypassed the old junk. I now have Bluetooth, Pandora, satellite radio. Get in touch with Crutchfield audio. they can help with some technical info.

Nimbus117 · 08-20-2014, 01:17 AM

There are some good guides on Renntech, you will need to register to view them (free):

Boxster (986) - Mods - 986 (Boxster) DIY - Tutorials - RennTech.org Forums

http://www.renntech.org/forums/tutorials/article/109-porsche-boxster-avic-d3-installation-instructions/

I have the facelift Boxster too and replaced my headunit a few years ago. As mentioned already, you will have to remove the CDR23, amp and CD changer as these are fibreoptically linked. Good news is you will get a good price for them on ebay.

I fitted a Pioneer 940BT nav unit and an Alpine amplifier, rear speakers and also upgraded the dash speakers. The door subwoofers are pretty good with a decent amp so I kepT them:

AP328 · 08-20-2014, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max_V

By any chance, can you share how much this install cost you (equipment and installation) and how long did it take them?

Also, what stereo unit did you get?

The head unit is the Alpine 149BT. The equipment was about $2500 and the custom installation took about 5.5 days, but I only paid for 4 days.