Aftermarket Stereo Recommendation - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Boxster22 · 05-13-2008, 04:37 PM

Hi All,

Another simple question but you all have been a huge help. What aftermarket stereo options are available and where do you recommend getting it installed?

I appreciate the help and advice.

KevinH1990 · 05-13-2008, 06:08 PM

If I had some extra money, this is what I would do:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=19074

c4s · 05-14-2008, 06:40 PM

If you've got the dough... Avic D3 from Pioneer... 2din, Nav, Ipod, BT, XM or Sirius... pop for a new amp (memphis) sounds great functions very well... have mine in an 05s... find a shop that can paint the surround plate to match... or dent pro can do it at a nominal fee...

Gary in BR · 05-14-2008, 07:02 PM

I am going to upgrade my stereo this fall (engine mods first) the Alpine 9887
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=CDA-9887
Its leading the pack as of now. the sound is very good, and it can change all of illumination to red or red and orange. So it should match the interior better than my Pioneer does now.

blinkwatt · 05-14-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary in BR

I am going to upgrade my stereo this fall (engine mods first) the Alpine 9887
http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/products/product.php?model=CDA-9887
Its leading the pack as of now. the sound is very good, and it can change all of illumination to red or red and orange. So it should match the interior better than my Pioneer does now.

Hey Gary,

Did you know you can get a refurbished Pioneer N2 for a couple of bucks more?

xxxalexxxx · 05-14-2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinH1990

If I had some extra money, this is what I would do:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=19074

agreed. definitely!

Gary in BR · 05-15-2008, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Hey Gary,

Did you know you can get a refurbished Pioneer N2 for a couple of bucks more?

I have a Pioneer now and have for about the last 4 years I want to get away from the silver look and the blue buttons

There is a Pioneer that changes colors and I considered using it, but I dont think I would ever use the video function.

I am open to opinions if you guys think the Pioneers look, sound or are better buys let me know

this is the current setup of my dash (its not finished)
My plan is to add a few more gauges where the radio is now and move the radio down to the slot above the ac.

Everything will be trimmed nicely this picture is takes as a work in progress

Boxster22 · 05-17-2008, 03:42 PM

Thanks for the help. Can I go to any aftermarket audio store for an install or do I have to be careful to find someone that knows Porsches?

E Kaplan · 05-18-2008, 03:18 AM

Recently upgraded to a Pioneer which has XM radio and a USB cable if you want to add a thumb drive to play music. Aux insert for IPOD. Love it! Purchased the system with installation from Crutchfeld online for only $350.00. They will send you installation cards and you choose a local instal company. I was very pleased with my installation. Best $ I have spent so far on my Boxster. Also, did not have to change the amplifier.

Gary in BR · 05-18-2008, 06:14 AM

When I added the Pioneer I currently have a audio shop did the work. Its a very basic install. If you are upgrading to a double DIN from a single DIN there are pleanty of pictures here of this change so you may want to take pictures with you so that you can show them what you want it to look like when its finished.

Good luck. Post pictures when its done.

Boxster22 · 05-24-2008, 02:25 PM

Great responses and help but I still really don't know what to do or where to go to get it done. It is becuase of my unfamiliarity and also not wanting to screw up the car.

Called Crutchfield, they said no way, can't help you because of the diffulty level of the Porsche and existing stereo. Can't even tell you where to go to get help.

I thought, OK, be safe and just upgrade to the factory Bose system. Dealer said $3,500 minimum (what?) because of the complexity of the wiring and system. That just ridiculous.

So, I am still stuck.

Help and advice is really appreciated.

Jerry

chitowndad · 05-25-2008, 08:33 AM

I strongly recommend the Avic D3
http://986forum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15893

The instructions from Trillionare are awesome and I've gotten sooo many compliments on my new setup. I did it all myself $699 for Avic at Best Buy and a few bucks for the install kit (follow the threads on the link and you'll find itr on eBay). I also upgraded the amp and it rocks. I was just jamming to the new Rush album Snakes and Arrows and it rocks!

Good luck. Remember it's a Porsche so it deserves the best!

-Steve

Boxster22 · 05-25-2008, 10:35 AM

Thanks Steve.

chitowndad · 05-25-2008, 10:51 AM

No problem...

The install kit from Trillionare includes the wiring harness and instructions. You can use the car wiring. If you replace the amp you'll need to cut the amp wires. Email me and I'll send you the wiring color coding for the amp. I'm assuming that you don't have the optical head unit.

I got my amp off ebay for $65. It's a Pyramid amp that has crossover for subs on the door and dash speakers so it worked out really well.

Good luck.

-Steve