What aftermarket brand and model # head unit did you install?

The auto-search didn't come up with a similar topic hit, so, hopefully, this topic has not been discussed. I'm curious to know what brand head unit and model number you installed in your 987.1 . I've got a 2007 Cayman S (basic radio) and I'd like to remove the factory radio and install a new head unit. I checked out Crutchfield and saw quite a few possibilities. I've heard good things about Pioneer , but would certainly consider other brands. My budget for just the head unit is up to $300.00. What did you install? Are you happy with it? Easy to install? What would you do differently? An advice for me? Same question with door speakers.

My 2014 981 CS I bought in Feb 2015 with 2400 miles had a 1st owner installed Pioneer head unit with NAV and backup camera, and it was nice. Pioneer has a newer and better model now, but I can't tell you who offers the best one.

I put in a Kenwood DDX374BT. I picked it because it has touchscreen, a physical volume knob, Spotify integration and Wi-Fi sync for navigation. I've installed or helped with about a dozen head units in various cars, they're all about the same to install, and they all sound about the same. Pick based off the options you want. If I were to do it again I'd get a unit with android or Apple car connect ability. I didn't think I'd be bothered by not using google maps, but I am. Plus future proofing. A side note, the POR911S (or POR912B if you want black). Fascia kits are cheaper on Amazon than they are on ctutchfield or eBay.

Amazing advice already! Thanks! tabrin, how easy is it to take out the factory radio and install an aftermarket unit? Same question for door speakers. I wasn't thinking I would need a GPS unit. But I don't want to regret not getting it down the road. Is there a GPS antenna that needs to be installed somewhere, or does the unit have a built-in antenna? The radios I've looked at didn't have Sirius compatibility. I've got a Sirius subscription with another vehicle, so I could switch it to the Cayman . Question: Where do most folks install the satellite antenna? Is it easy to route the wire? Thanks!

I've seen these front plates with the word "PORSCHE" written on the top, but I don't know who sells them. Any ideas where I could get one of those?

I've yet to see a din with a built in GPS. Usually there's a puck with a wire that leads to the radio. There's space under the dash to shove a GPS receiver into. The plastic won't block the signal. I haven't seen a sirius reciever before but I assume it's not too large and could fit there above the radio as well. Getting the stock radio out is a bitch, not going to lie. There's guides here on the forum as to how. I thought about getting sirius but couldn't justify the cost over Spotify . There's a deal now for a free reciever but the rep on the phone said with that there's no intro rate available. The fascia with the Porsche logo is like $250. The blank one is $25. Could get it stenciled or etched.

Do you have a link? I've found a lot of threads about installing new head units, but none that have step-by-step DIY instructions for how to remove the factory radio.

I replaced mine with a Pioneer as well. A 4200NEX with Sirius XM. Love it! Love it! I actually had read about what a pain it is to work with the OE stereo so I used Amazon 's car stereo install service which was like around $100 and the guy came to my house. I bought the adapter kit off Ebay and the Stereo off Amazon although I didn't have to buy it from Amazon to use the install service. I had the non- bose setup so I didn't have to swing for that overpriced fiber optic cable. I also love the big touch screen and the fact that I can choose a wallpaper. Here's a night shot.

Great info! I had no idea Amazon had car stereo installation available. For the $100.00 did the guy remove the stock radio and install the Pioneer, or just remove the stock radio? Where did you put the satellite antenna? Was running the antenna wire a pain or easy? Edit: Bummer, no amazon car stereo service in my area.

Found the article discussing the removal of the factory radio. Doesn't look that difficult (I've said that before). I think I'll give it a try myself before having a pro do it. http://www.planet-9.com/reviews/ele.../electronics/p92-suncoast-porsche-pcm-2-1-install28cdr-24-radio-removal-29.html Now I've got another concern: The car's functionality after installing an aftermarket radio. I've read on some threads that taking the OEM radio out and replacing it with aftermarket will limit some of the car's functions, specifically when the key is or is not in the ignition. Has anyone experienced the loss or change of certain car functions after installing an aftermarket radio? Where there fixes, or do you just deal with the change?

A couple years ago I temporarily removed the CDR24 to install a Tranzit Blu behind it. There are numerous articles and youtube videos on removing the radio - many time-consuming steps, but nothing particularly difficult (on the other hand, the radio in my wife's Tribute takes about 10 seconds to remove).

I installed a Parrot Asteroid Smart about 3yrs ago which runs on an older version of Android (but with a limited app market). Even though it's become pretty outdated and I can't update it all anymore, the apps I need still work fine (i.e. Spotify , Waze , & Tunein). Since it's made by Parrot the Bluetooth works great. I did buy a little vent magnet for my iphone and sometimes I just run everything off that and Bluetooth into the stereo. Works great too if you're using the iphone for Waze and stereo for spotify . If I do decide to upgrade I think I will go with one of the units from Carjoying. I really like using Android over one of the name brand stereo's propriety software.....and the units are a lot cheaper. Since I have the Bose system in mine I went with the Euromotorspeed kit and did it all myself using articles I had seen on here. I have not had any problems.

I just replaced the HU with a bluetooth adapter. (I had BOSE , so also had to swap the amp). Installed a flat plate over the vacant space, and stuck a phone mount to it. The phone + bluetooth does everything I need. Adapter I used: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-980-000910-Bluetooth-Adapter-Streaming/dp/B00IQBSW28 Power converter for the adapter: https://www.amazon.com/SMAKN-Conver...odule/dp/B00CXKBJI2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1486738786&sr=8-3&keywords=12v+to+5v

I have a 2006 987.1 with CDR24 and Bose . After doing a bunch of investigation, i realized that I just don't care enough to get into all of the necessary misery of dealing with Bose replacement. I use a Bluetooth adapter and my phone. I have a Garmin GPS near the driver's side A-pillar. My needs were met for $100. Yeah, it's kludgey, but it wasn't $1500, either.

That is a brilliant idea/system! Any photos of install and final product? Also, what amp did you get? Where did you put it?

I'm in the same situation as there are so many options. Was considering Excelon DDX6903S but all the Amazon reviews mention a hissing sound when connected with Apple CarPlay so now the two leading candidates are Pioneer AVH-4200NEX or Sony XAV-AX100. 4200NEX seems popular and I like the simple look of the Sony with real knobs but being a single-DIN in the back installation requires some creativity according to Loi at Euro Motorspeed - going with their install kit to make it as plug-n-play as possible plus I've read so much about their great customer support.

I'm holding out for the Alpine iLX-107 that was announced at CES. They claim it will ship on 2/24/17 and will be the first aftermarket unit that does wireless CarPlay . I think wireless CarPlay is about as good as it gets for those invested in the Apple ecosystem. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_500ILX107/Alpine-iLX-107.html Jon

Yeah, that looks very interesting...

I recently upgraded my 987.1 . I went with the Pioneer 4100NEX. Mainly because I guess I couldn't justify to myself the extra for the 4200. I only mention that because it sounds like your budget for this is tight and if you keep a close eye out, there are some good deals to be had on the 4100 on eBay. As some have mentioned here, go with one of the kits. I did Loi's kit and it made a tough job for a novice much easier. For me, everything went smoother than I expected. A lot of videos and docs out there for connecting the aftermarket DIN. Then I came to the backup camera install. Two months later and I still haven't completed it. With the engine in-between the trunk and the front, running the cables has been a huge challenge for me mainly because there is a lot of discussion around it. But I have yet to find anything that actually shows how to route it in pictures or video. I mention that only because if that is something you are looking at doing and since you haven't started anything yet, you may want to look into just having a shop do it all for you and save the headache. It might cost more than you have budgeted for it, but in retrospect, it may be worth it.

This is what I'm going with to connect the backup camera to the head unit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008Z9E4DW/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Figured it's worth the gamble at $16. For the camera itself going with Coolint CT-107B which seems to have a few users in this forum.

Hi Newold. I actually have considered the wireless option myself. I actually bought the one you linked to among a couple. I also bought a Tadi Brothers one as well. And then went with a similar one to the one you linked to, but with a trigger wire. The biggest pain (and reason I have gone through three now) is that the entire point of the wireless is to not have to route the wires front to rear. But without a trigger wire on the wireless, the video will not pop on reverse. You have to manually change to video every time you want to backup. Which was one of the problems with the one you linked to as well as the Tadi Brothers one I bought. Which sort of defeats the purpose for me. The main concern I have (and I plan to test before a perm install) is that there is a lot of discussion about the cheaper wireless units and how hot they get. The transmitter isn't a problem since it will only get power when in reverse. But the receiver will need to have constant power. And a lot of reviews I have seen on them have talked about them getting so hot they start to melt. Which is obviously scary. I went with the Tadi Brothers one since that seemed like a much better build and from what I understand doesn't have the overheating issue. But it doesn't have the trigger wire. Which is just a pain. For the cost of that one, you would think they wouldn't have overlooked something so obvious as that. So I ordered one like you linked to, expect with a trigger wire. Only place I could find it was from China on eBay. So once I get it, I am going to test out the overheating issue. I am hoping it doesn't have that issue. The solution of course would be to hit a backup light wire upfront somewhere. I know I can get it under the drivers seat. But my car unfortunately has some stripped screws which has made that a really challenging task. I have been trying to find a wire under the dash that would give me this. I believe there is one. But I have been unsuccessful in locating it even with the wiring diagrams. Anyway, I wanted to make you aware of the overheating issue so you can test it out before you possible connect and hide away the connector somewhere and not realize its melting.

Thanks for the pointers drewman! I did not realize the trigger wire issue and as you've pointed out it seems like an obvious oversight. I'm going to cancel that order and go with a wired signal then.

Here is the one I bought off eBay that has the receiver trigger wire. It actually arrived a little earlier today which is funny since I just wrote about it yesterday. Took 21 days from date of order to get here (ordered 01/25). I hooked up the receiver to a test battery about an hour ago and so far so good. It's warm, but nothing I would consider dangerously warm or even hot. So seems promising. Will probably install it this weekend and see how decent the transmission/signal is from the transmitter and make sure the trigger wire actually works. WIRELESS 2.4GHz TRANSMITTER/RECEIVER FOR REAR VIEW CAEMRA SYSTEM | eBay

I installed iPad Mini on my Cayman . loved it, sold the car last year.

COOL! So did you run a stereo mini-plug from the iPad to an amplifier? Where did you install the amp? What amp did you use? Is there a mount specific for iPads or did you make something? How is the iPad powered? Thanks!

I installed a Sony XAV-AX100 on my '06 Boxster . Here are some photos: https://imgur.com/a/M3OfH Looks great with the physical knob and is classier than the alternatives IMO.

Of all the aftermarket radios, I think the Sony's look the best. Nice, clean, classy look. But I'm concerned about reliability and sound quality. Seems, overall, Pioneer and Alpine get better reviews on both Crutchfield and Amazon . But on many models Pioneer has that huge volume control and the Alpine models look so complicated. Amazon 's rating for the XAV-AX100 were excellent, however... just a bit out of my price range.

Alpine is the only aftermarket brand that offers wireless CarPlay . To me the convenience of not having to plug a cable into my phone every time I get in my Boxster is a major plus.

Can anyone confirm that the radio bezel is that same between the 987.1 and 987.2 aside from the color? I am looking to upgrade the receiver in my R, but I cannot find any aftermarket bezels for the 987.2 . Thanks!

The entire center stack was different colors. The 1st gen were silver(ish) while the gen 2 were charcoal (almost black).

You can get a black bezel from either Crutchfield or Suncoast Porsche . The one at Suncoast is more expensive but it looks to be a much better match.

I installed a 987 styled $400 Chinese headunit with a $60 BOSE adapter. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/And...Core-Car-Navigation-For-Prosche-Cayman-911-997-audio-radio-DAB/32719163302.html https://www.aliexpress.com/item/MOST-for-Fiber-optic/32772239915.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.jd1JaC It looks very close to OEM, which is great. Most of the aftermarket head units look far too Fast and Furious. I'm happy with it as a music player, the MOST interface works great. I'm less happy with it for navigation - it works but I prefer my phone because the startup lag is annoying and because I want live traffic (bluetooth wifi sharing isn't offered). It crashes every two weeks and loses all of my radio presets - however my CDR was also locking up (requiring me to pull the fuse) so that may be my car rather than the hardware.

So for those of you with the bluetooth adapter, how long does it take to kill the battery? I bought a Kinovo bluetooth adapter for $35 and it works really well plugged into the aux jack, however I didn't realize the 12v power outlet is always on. I feel like remembering to unplug it every time is going to be annoying, but I also have no idea how much current it draws and how long it would take it to drain the battery.

There's a simple mod to make the 12v switched. It involves a jumper in the fuse box from the line side of a switched fuse to the load side of the 12v plug's fuse. http://www.planet-9.com/987-cayman-and-boxster-electronics/106153-bluetooth-phone-auto-connect-key-insertion-finally.html

Just had my PCM Bose unit replaced by International Auto Radio in North Hollywood. I ended up with a Kenwood Excelon DDX9903S, Kendwood Excelon X801-5 amp, and reverse camera. The Kenwood is a nice unit with both Bluetooth and Android Auto + Apple CarPlay . The 9903 does not include navigation as I will use my Samsung phone for GPS. Android Auto displays navigation info on the display. It will also do Pandora and Spotify radio. One of the cool things about this unit is you can adjust the input level by source so for me I can adjust the gain on my Bluetooth and Android Auto inputs so I don't have to worry about cranking the volume for those then turning it back down when I play HD radio or CD. International Auto Radio did a great job on the install, removed all the PCM gear including the old Nav unit, Bose amplifier , and 6-disk changer. They put the new 5-channel amp in the frunk where the old CD changer was located. They changed the wiring for the speakers a little by putting the dash tweeters, small mid-range speakers in the door, and the mid-range speakers in the BassBox on one channel and put the larger bass+midrange speakers in the door on a separate channel. I lose the fade, but who cares it's a convertible. Kept the Bose speakers and they sound pretty decent. Not outstanding, but again not gonna car too much with the top down.

I was considering the same headunit. Are you happy with the navigation with your phone? I have an iPhone and would probably mirror through HDMI to use Google maps. I'm wondering how well the mirroring/touch screen will work. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk