Adding Receiver Keeping PCM II Possible?

Recently purchased my 996 Anniversary Edition and wanting to upgrade the stereo system to incorporate Bluetooth and Handsfree. I have the PCM II communications with the Navigation currently. I know it's fairly easy to swap out the unit with a new Double Din, but I don't want to do this. I would like to keep the PCM II in place and have it still function. Just not control the audio. I would like to add a single din below it in the CD holder slot. This single din would control the audio/speakers, bluetooth etc. Has anyone done this or know if it is possible? I actually like the look/functionality of the PCM II so trying to come up with a solution to modernize my setup. I need my XM and Bluetooth for those terrible days when you get stuck in traffic here in Atlanta. Thanks in advance.

Here's what I did in my '03 Boxster to incorporate a decent radio with the MOST system. Since there was no Aux In for that model radio, I used an in-line FM modulator (if you're stuck using a radio transmitter/modulator to get any audio source, using an in-line unit is essential to salvage audio quality). Set to FM 88.3, the Porsche radio was the world's ugliest preamp, but it worked really well.

Did you follow any write up or diy for the wiring or have a shop install?

I did it myself - and didn't even scratch the screen during the process! The install is greatly simplified since you're not dealing with speakers, Satellite radio receivers and other AUX devices, etc. Connect the three power wires (-, +, switched +), use a car payment's worth of antenna adapters and cables to get both units connected to the antenna, tune the factory radio to whatever frequency is required, and say goodbye to a truly special member of the "dreadful 80's user interface design" scene. I was very happy with this admittedly hackish solution, but the GT3 console delete came along and deleted half of my available DIN slots. I kept the JVC, but I got rid of all the other MOST crap including the amp and installed an Alpine 5-channel amp instead. I think I also had to rewire the Bose subwoofer, but I don't remember the specifics. The speaker wiring for the Bose/subwoofer setup was funky.

Alternatively look into a dension gateway 500BT integrates with the Pcm2 but will most likely cost you more than the option that Schnell recommended.

I wouldn't necessarily recommend it...heh. It was an inexpensive solution to a decidedly frivolous problem. The sound quality in the Boxster was never going to justify spending a ton of money, but far more elegant solutions exist for for folks who don't mind spending the money.

Haha, if it works all good! @OP fair few options just depends on your budget: FM modulator, additional HU, Dension etc.

This is the interior I have. So the Factory Navigation unit actually looks OK not ridiculously dated like the single din head units. So I would like to keep it and keep it active. But for the audio functions like Radio, BT, iPhone, XM etc... I plan on replacing the CD holder below. I'm thinking that I will probably simply have to "rewire" the head unit to the speakers and pull power from somewhere else for the head unit. This should allow me to simply leave my PCMII plugged in and functioning (minus audio). Has anyone else done anything like this?

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I like my CDR-23! haha I dont think it looks dated it looks right for the car Anyway you might find its slightly more difficult then a simple re-wiring as you will have the MOST system to contend with which is a headache. Basically your head unit sends a light signal via fibre optic cable to your frunk amplifier which is then connected to your speakers. IMO your best options are either of these: 1. Buy a dension Gateway 500BT and connect it into the MOST loop for BT audio and phone connectivity (dension acts as a CD changer into the PCM2 allowing AUX + Phone) 2. Buy a single DIN headunit to replace the CD holder - as you planned to do and then purchase a RCA to MOST converter to plug the RCA out of the HU into the factory amplifier. In this scenario you'd only need to power the HU and the MOST box.

Couldn't I simply replace the "Bose" Speakers with better aftermarket options, wire them either directly to the new head unit or a 4channel amplifier and just leave the MOST system as is now unwired from any speaker connection?

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You could do that too, sorry let me rephrase the least invasive options are the ones I've provided above. However yes, you could replace the entire system all the way from HU, amp and speakers.

With all this Bose/MOST talk, seems like a re-wire with better aftermarket speakers/amp etc might be just as easy.

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It's your choice really, if I was in your situation i'd try either of the two options I suggested. You might find one of those options works really well and may not want to change the amp or speakers. IMO keep your car as original as possible but hey its yours