Stereo upg Do/Dont's? Any custom stereo installs here? recommend 1 in Orange County.

I heard the PSE at dealer last week, it was loud. I decided instead of the PSE $2400.00 installed, to upgrade my sound system. Here is what they recommend. 1) Alpine head unit with mp3 function(XM option) 2) 2 8" Subs behind the rear seats 3) 2 Alpine AMps in the front of the car (1 for sub & 1 for speakers) 4) MB Quarts speakers & tweaters 5) all custom cables & enclosure box for subs all installed for $2000.00 <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" />

Get the PSE.. you won't need a stereo

You should check out The Reus Systems In Orange(714)633-6636... You'd Love it.

yeah that place is supposed to be great. Alpine for a deck is ok but otherwise there are better components for a marginal cost with much more benefit. go with focals for the components and jl for the subs. Amps are you choice, I really like ppi myself but that's me. YOu can actually buy a box already made from caraudioinnovations that is really nice and factory carpeted, albeit not cheap. that should save you some dough on labor etc. Either way you go it will be better, the stock setup is just junk.

Check out Good Guys - Wow location in Laguna Hills. They do some awesome stuff. (do't go to any other good guys, just this location.) Ask to see their credits and they'll break out a stack of recent magazine show cars. Top notch MDF/Fiberglass worksmanship.

RICK REUS. Enough said. [phone removed]. Bring your pocketbook, cuz it's at least 4 bills for a nice setup. Please do tell him Ryan Gaytan sent you. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Yellowbmr, I have a cab and put in an Alpine Head Unit and changer with Alpine amp, MB Quart tweeters all around, Kicker mid basses in my doors and a 10" JL Sub in an enclosure in the rear. The system rocks and I couldn't be happier. My system cost me less than $1500.00 installed! The key is don't go just pay retail prices on the equipment. Retail establishments will charge you full retail prices. Figure out what equipment you want and then take advantage of the internet and EBAY and buy the equipment and then have your favorite installer put it all in for you. It's worth the trouble and I found it fun finding the best deals. Here is but one of the many sites I found that you might want to use: <a href="http://www.wholesaleaudio.com/" target="_blank">http://www.wholesaleaudio.com/</a> Happy hunting!

I did the full install in my C2 coupe. The most important part is the install. Look for a photo album of past work and make sure that the work being shown is being done by the same guy that is presently doing installs.

Sort of on-topic, any suggestions where one can put a sub-woofer(s) in a cabriolet? bearing in mind that my 996 has the door panels with compartments in and not the speaker grills.

Scouser, Reus Audio has a custom enclosure for a Porsche subwoofer. It fits in and around the spare tire. The problem is that they usually do not sell parts alone; they only do full installs. Being that you're in the UK, it would be rather pricey to fly them out, eh? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> Try to email them anyway: [email removed] <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Scouser, I have a 10" JL Sub in an small enclosed cabinet with a tuned port much like this one. <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3030730551&category=14945" target="_blank">http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3030730551&category=14945</a> I put the rear seats down and it sits on top of them. I also had my installer put spring loaded connections in the back of the unit and it was built with a nice handle so if I want to quickly remove it for more storage or to put the seats back up there is no problem. With it set up like this the sub it not far from the middle of your back and the tuned port rocks air into the middle of the cabin. I like a hefty dose of base and I can really feel it. It is also pretty handsome and since I have a graphite gray interior it matches well. It was also relatively inexpensive! You can also find custom enclosures that fit in the well behind the front seats and in front of the back seats. They are virtually invisible but I think they may interfere with the distance your seats can go back and can be a bitch to remove. They are also muy expensive! Hope this helps you a bit...

see the post... "Looking to upgrade stereo in 996 - any suggestions ?" posted 07-28-2002 00:38 includes pics and description(s) Michael '01 Triple Black C2 Cab

there is a really good place in Orange County( Anaheim) It's called speakerworks, call 411 for their number, good luck. They've done some very very impressive work.

If you are looking for a cab subwoofer, here is what I had done. <img src="http://a3.cpimg.com/image/9B/0D/17237403-83ea-028001E0-L.jpg" alt=" - " /> Those are Image Dynamics in a custom enclosure made by Rod at Car Audio Innovations. I also went with the Focal speakers, matched to an ARC amp. You need to decide on speakers before you choose an amp, since the speaker efficiency will determine how much power you need. I wouldn't waste time and money on an Alpine amp, but that's just me. Rod does great work on 911s and 996's, and as someone mentioned, will sell you his enclosures and let your installer put them in if Sacramento is too far to drive. And how come no one has mentioned the famous Jamie at Paris Audio-I would put him above Ruess if Beverly Hills isn't too far away.

Here's another recommendation for Jaime at Paris Audio in West LA. They did my '03 996 coupe a month ago. As part of a modified "level one" package, they installed Focals in dash, doors and rear, Eclipse head unit, Diamond Audio amp. They added deadening material to the doors and some other areas. The installation was absolutely first rate - only the head unit looks different than stock. You would not know someone did anything to the car. Sound is fantastic - clear and strong. However, I did not add a seperate sub (too expensive) and I think the system needs one depending on what type of music you like. I have no problem with rock and jazz at all volumes, but when I turn up the hip hop I'm missing the nasty pound. A sub would give me even clearer highs and mids as well, but the current system is miles beyond the stock (digital HiFi option) system that came in the car. Really nice guys at Paris Audio also (but they do know how to spend your money...)

I absolutely do not want to get into an argument or pissing contest between Paris and Reus, especially since I have no relationship to either of them, but: After having heard systems from both companies, I personally prefer Reus better, and I'm not just saying that; I actually own a Reus system. ALSO, and this is a BIG selling point for Reus: Reus has a literal graveyard of Paris audio stuff that has been taken out of Porsches in order to make room for Reus systems. Rick showed me some of the Paris items and compared them head to head with Reus items, and you can tell that the Reus equipment is put together in a MUCH more professional way. One of the differences is that Paris uses other brands of speakers, amps, etc... whereas Reus designs, engineers, and builds their own components. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Jay & 65cent which Focal speakers did you go with in the dash, rear & doors? Size and model would be helpful.. Are the amps 5 channel? Thanks guys

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Jay & 65cent which Focal speakers did you go with in the dash, rear & doors? Size and model would be helpful.. Are the amps 5 channel? </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">The door speakers are the 3-way Focal Utopia's, which are fantastic- I think they only make one size/model. They don't fit in the standard mounting however (too deep), so Rod custom-made a pair of enclosures (see picture below). The rears are 5" two-way Poly-K's, and in the dash he mated a 4" woofer with a separate titanium inverted dome tweeter. <img src="http://a2.cpimg.com/image/40/6D/16113472-c7eb-028001E0-.jpg" alt=" - " /> The amp is an ARC 5150, 5 channels, each with flexibly configurable filtering for crossover needs, designed by the "Z" in Zapco, for you trivia fans. I think it sounds great, but I am sure it pales in comparison to the stuff Reus makes <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> . Seriously, it would bother me that they feel compelled to criticize Jamie-says more about them than about him, IMHO.

My 2 cents or $6000, I went alittle overboard on my 996 coupe, Alpine head unit, MB Quart separates, 2 Kicker L7 subwoofers, 3 Alpine amps, Alpine DVD Nav., 6 disk DVD changer and a TV with a 7" 16x9 Alpine screen. Audio wise it sounds great and I can know listen to it unlike the stock one I refused to listen to because it would distort terribly. Go for the stereo, the exhaust can come later.

Kevin, I can't recall which Focals they are (I'm out of my office where the paperwork is), but they do fit the standard mounts w/grills (including the door speakers). The amp is Diamond Audio's D5 4-channel. I didn't go with a 5-channel because I wasn't going to install a sub. Now, I'll have to add another amp when I add a sub. If you call Jamie at Paris Audio and tell him that a recent customer, Eric Reid (slate grey '03 996 coupe), suggested you call - he should you all of the specs on what they did for me and the prices. This might help you evaluate your options. One other thing that I liked about Jamie was that they really understood the MOST system issues on the newer 996s. I'm certain Reus or other high-level installers will understand this system as well, but it's obviously something you would want to discuss wiht any potential installer. I've also read great things about Reus on this board, but that quality seems to come at a high cost. Paris ain't cheap either, but since they were local to me and recommended by my dealership, I went there and never checked out Reus. BTW, I was deciding between the PSE and a stereo. Since the stock '03 996s seem to sound a bit better than the prior (99, 00, etc) ones, I felt the cost/benefit on adding a PSE to my car wasn't worth it for me in comparison to wanting a great sounding stereo. As I continue to break in the car (it's at about 2700 miles now), it's sounding better and better. I don't regret the decision at all. (That doesn't mean that I won;t add the PSE some day . ER

JayM, I did not mean to imply that Reus was knocking Paris - or any other company for that matter. In fact, he makes it a point to tell people to compare Reus to anyone else. Apparently all of his customers reach the same conclusion: there is no comparison. Rick merely took me into a room and showed me the "graveyard". Without mentioning the Paris name, he said something to the effect of "these are some other installers $6000 systems that we took out and replaced with ours". Knowing about Paris Audio myself, I asked if that was the installer he was talking about, and he confirmed that it was. Sonic perception is a VERY subjective topic, so people should draw their own conclusions. I would however STRONGLY suggest listening to a Reus system before buying anything else. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

So those that have upgraded...anyone have their stock CDR-220 laying around and want to sell it? If so email me. Thanks.

I've heard Reus' cars at the LA Auto Show year after year. Their stuff is pretty good. Personally, I think Paris Audio is as good or better. Even though Reus manufactures their own stuff, how is this necessarily better than Focal, Dynaudio or any of the larger guys? If Reus made the best speakers and components money could buy at such low prices, then why aren't they putting Krell, Wilson Audio, Martin Logan, and Harman International out of business? Look, I'm not knocking Reus, I think they are nice guys and have great sounding systems. But to say they are the end all be all of audio? I think not. BTW, the guys at Paris Audio are not only top notch, but they are very nice and easy to deal with. They have always treated me well, even if all I needed was for them to hardwire a V1 into my car.

ER996: I went with Paris too, but I added the all-too-expensive floor sub & EQ package. Sounds pretty good, although too left-side heavy somehow (needs tweaking). However (as you can see from my signature) I eventually added a PSE, and I'll tell you that sometimes no music sounds as sweet as WOT through the PSE with the top down! My bet is you run out of CDs soon and throw the PSE on. Makes a huge difference. Also, I added a PhatBox (Paris put that in too) - that's the coolest thing going right now. 60 gigs of music sitting at my fingers and it sounds better than the head unit itself (IMHO)...

Er996... thanks for the info.. I went to my local stereo shop today.. its looking like all Focal's for speakers.. Phoenix Gold Titanium amp.. and Kenwood DVD/TV 6 1/2" screen deck with the 20 gig Music Keg.. same as the Phat Box... my only question is will I have enough bass if I just put the 5" woofers in the doors.. I really want it all to look stock, If I do put rear subs, I want them to be removable.. <img src="http://ebay0.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_EBAY_11fdbbfe89827857fa3a19e972b3b991/i-1.JPG" alt=" - " /> <img src="http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/20055055/Images/Kenwood%20khd-cx910.jpg" alt=" - " />

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Kevin M.: <strong>... my only question is will I have enough bass if I just put the 5" woofers in the doors.. I really want it all to look stock, If I do put rear subs, I want them to be removable.. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Kevin... You need to talk to your installer about mounting the 6.5" speakers in the doors. They will need to make some baffles to mount them, but they should be able to install them in your doors with no cutting. Also by going with the 6.5" in the door you can get the matched 3 way system from Focal which would give you the 4" and tweeter for the dash. I went that route with JL speakers, though the Focals were offered as well. Edit... I think it is the 165-3 in the Polyglass and Polykevlar lines.

Kevin - it's really hard to say whether the sub is necessary. I did not want to add something that would take up the passenger footwell or the entire rear deck area. Still, there are plenty of times I wish I had more bottom end. But this feeling really happens only when I am cranking hip hop. When I'm playing straight rock or jazz, loud or soft, I really don't feel the need for a sub. Paris Audio charges a lot to add the sub to the system so it's not an easy decision. Depending of course on your personal music tastes adn the sound you like (not to mention finances!), you might want to do what I did which is do the system without the sub and make a decision to add it later once you've lived with the system for a while. The key there woudl be to discuss with Jamie (or whoever you end up using) what the costs will be if you build the system in two stages. ZeeZee - Why do you want to rain on my parade, bro? Here I am convincing myself I don't need the PSE and now you got me thinking about it all over again. Now I gotta go listen to one at the dealer again, start to think about how to rationalize paying for it, etc, etc. I just want to live a simple life with my simple car (not)....

ER996: Sorry - I guess the glee over the PSE sometimes gets the better of me and I start selling like crazy! I find that there are a minimum level of upgrades that almost every 996 could do with - a good stereo, PSE, a 3-spoke wheel, and probably a B&M shifter. Wish Porsche would just get with the plan and start building these things in to their stock cars (along with about 50 more HP!). Kevin: The Porsche really needs a sub - while a 5 or 6.5 will give you lots of bump, it just won't fill out the low end enough. I have a **** to turn off my sub, and I've re-EQ'd the car for more low-end through the Focals, and it seemed too muddy and not deep enough. I'd say put the system in sans-sub, but have it installed so it will be easy enough to add the sub later. This way if you're happy you won't have spent the extra dough, and if you decide on the sub then it'll be simple to add afterward. My guess (after seeing pics of the killer mods to your car) is that you'll end up with the sub

You will need the sub...especially in a cab!