Thinking of replacing stereo - '99 Boxster - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

shacky · 12-27-2018, 06:59 AM

I was going to send out original for service before reading some threads here. Sounds like new will be better than the OEM.

I have door speakers with no navigation. I'd love if Alpine or Blaupunkdt were what they use to be but I don't think that's the case.

So what do you guys recommend?

Original is CD no separate amp. Would prefer BT and USD. iPod and iPhone. SQ most important.

Boleador · 12-27-2018, 07:26 AM

I'm a huge fan of the Kenwood DMX7704S. It's been superseded by the DMX7705, so you can find it for half price ($350) on Amazon or Newegg. It's got HD radio, 4v preouts, Bluetooth, etc. It's a great deal while it lasts! I have it in two of my cars.

Cunningr · 12-27-2018, 07:50 AM

Pioneer DEH 80 has blues tooth, CD, usb inputs hands free, single din, can becset up in active mode to control seperate drivers or as a standard. Very verstile has on board amp great eq. Audiophile quality. Cost around $300

Starter986 · 12-27-2018, 10:48 AM

I've got this sitting around... Kenwood KDC-448U. With remote.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/257840/Kenwood-Kdc-448u.html?page=2#manual

It was in the car when I purchased, but installed another HU I took from my Bim. You can find reviews all over the web. I'm asking $80, shipped. PM me if interested.

shacky · 12-27-2018, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cunningr

Pioneer DEH 80 has blues tooth, CD, usb inputs hands free, single din, can becset up in active mode to control seperate drivers or as a standard. Very verstile has on board amp great eq. Audiophile quality. Cost around $300

I was looking at that. Sounds like external amp brings out the best in it. Internal amp looks same as lower models.

shacky · 12-28-2018, 07:53 AM

I noticed difference in preamp voltage on these two. Is that real and does it make a difference?

shacky · 12-29-2018, 08:59 AM

I just asked Crutchfield and they said my car without nav and with door speakers already has factory separate amp. I did not know that?

Is that true and where is the amp located?

Deserion · 12-29-2018, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shacky

I just asked Crutchfield and they said my car without nav and with door speakers already has factory separate amp. I did not know that?

Is that true and where is the amp located?

In the frunk, just behind and above the spare tire towards the battery.

shacky · 12-29-2018, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deserion

In the frunk, just behind and above the spare tire towards the battery.

Is factory amp good or should I consider upgrade?

MWS · 12-29-2018, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shacky

Is factory amp good or should I consider upgrade?

That's a bit of a loaded question...."good" is subjective and relative to what you hope for as an end result. If it works, keeping it is the most cost effective (and easiest) option. If it doesn't work, or doesn't work as well as you would like it to (ie power output), then the obvious answer is to replace it.

Personally, I'd start by replacing the head unit and speakers and see how you feel about results...if good enough, then keep it. Another alternative is to design your entire system from scratch...matching speakers to amp (and/or crossovers)...this is going to be the most expensive (but best) option...just remember this IS a convertible and isn't the best car for sound staging.

marsheng · 12-29-2018, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shacky

So what do you guys recommend?

I went straight to a Double DIN, Radio, BT, USB, GPS etc. Takes a bit of modifying the dash but worth it.

One of the videos on how to do it,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J38MVG0MASw

I spliced directly into the original loom for power and ran new wires to the speakers from the amp.

Works so well, I bought a second unit and installed it in my Isuzu truck !!!!

If you need a hand with info, give me a shout.

shacky · 12-29-2018, 02:27 PM

I’d prefer to keep it single DIN. I see Crutchfield has speakers that fit doors but dash corner all say modified fit.

What’s the best option for dash corner?

Goood point on it being convertible. I don’t want to go too crazy. The factory head unit must need cleaning - volume and tuning mobs Skip like crazy. And I really want option of USB both for streaming and charging. It also takes a few tries to eject CD.

Knob issue likely could be fixed with some deoxit but not sure it’s worth keeping.

Cunningr · 12-29-2018, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shacky

I was looking at that. Sounds like external amp brings out the best in it. Internal amp looks same as lower models.

Yes but i use the internal amp to run my tweeters so you can use it along with an external amp.

I i have a 6.5 driver in doors 3” mid and 1.2” tweeters in dash, and bought an old bose passenger sub from a cabriolet that i modified installed a 8” shallow mount pioneer sub in. Head unit handles crossover duties in active mode. Have a alpine amp runing 3” and 6.5” and sub channels. Adjusted the amp crossovers between 3” and 6.5” drivers head unit handles hi, mid, and lows.

Head unit thought is really nice for the money.

Cunningr · 12-29-2018, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shacky

I’d prefer to keep it single DIN. I see Crutchfield has speakers that fit doors but dash corner all say modified fit.

What’s the best option for dash corner?

Goood point on it being convertible. I don’t want to go too crazy. The factory head unit must need cleaning - volume and tuning mobs Skip like crazy. And I really want option of USB both for streaming and charging. It also takes a few tries to eject CD.

Knob issue likely could be fixed with some deoxit but not sure it’s worth keeping.

A good source is cai california has mounting adapters available, bit pricey though.

I agree with MWS maybe make a plan on where you want to end up. I was only planning a mid level set up went over board a bit but i sounds very good.

The deh 80 has a network mode so you can run seperate drivers.

The door speakers are 5.25 sub woofers and a factory amp only sends signal below 50 hz to the doors. Focal makes a 5.25 sub but lots of money. I bought an old pair of door speakers off ebay cut and hot glued mounts to hold 6.5” drivers. Dash mounts i used the rings from cai same for amp mounting.

Anyway a good up front plan you can address hu speakers and external amp then sub if you want to go that far in phases.

shacky · 12-31-2018, 07:43 AM

Does anyone know what the preamp voltage is on stock CDR 220?

Deserion · 01-02-2019, 05:29 AM

Take a look at the Continental radios. They keep a look similar to factory but offer the features you're looking for.

https://www.bergvillfx.com/index.php/products/car-audio/head-units.html

Booker42 · 01-03-2019, 10:29 AM

+1 on the speaker upgrade, The OEM speakers are pretty bad and have paper cones. For front dash speakers, you can cut the old speakers out of the mount and re-use the mount with the new speakers installed. I did this and it worked beautifully:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0LPyCoq5k8

you might also consider the rear mounted speaker kit that is discussed on other threads. Well designed and reasonably priced. Adds a ton to the overall sound.

B