I hate my car stereo, and I did something about it!

That said, I only want to change out the head unit for now, keeping the stock speakers and amp. The CDR-220 HAS to be the weakest link in the chain. In other words, I can spend a few hundred, but that's IT! Has anyone stuck an Alpine head unit into the existing system? I have to think it would improve the sound to the point where it doesn't sound like an AM radio from 1962, yet be a direct plug in replacement (with the right wiring harness from Crutchfield) right??

Yes, it can be done. Search the web for some of the Pioneer Avic install threads. This weekend, I relocated my AC controls so I can fit a Pioneer double DIN unit in there, next month. BTW, I'm selling an Alpine head unit IVA-W505, NIB from crutchfield (still in crutchfield box and ready to go) for $500, plus shipping. Add $250 if u want the Navi module. PM me if ur interested. Aaron

My 996 'stereo' sounds terrific: has 6 cylinders and the volume is controlled by a pedal under the right foot

I also needed to upgrade my stock stereo, but I took the opposite path that you're taking: I kept the Becker 220 and replaced all stock speakers, replaced the factory amp and added a pair of subwoofers. While the head unit upgrade would have given me better CD quality, I use Becker's iPod adapter and it sounds fantastic. The factory speakers and amp really suck, but they may prove to be worthwhile in your coupe (but not in my cab). Good luck w/ your project!

I really don't have a project, yet. I'm looking for the biggest bang for the buck improvement. Replacing the head unit, or, getting new speakers, etc. I do NOT want a large amp stealing trunk space, or sub woofers. Like I mentioned, my budget is really non-existant. If I can get a middle of the road Alpine single DIN unit for under $300, I'd be happy. As long as that would make the crap speakers and amp sound $300 better. Know what I mean?

Replacing my head unit definitely improved the sound but not all that significantly. I reused the factory Bose speakers/amp/Sub woofer

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As in, it wasn't worth the effort? My sound is so lame, I can't believe they sold a $70k car with a system like this! Yeah, the engine makes it's own music, but sometimes I want to hear musicians and not pistons and exhaust making the music!

Andy, get you a higher-end Kenwood or Alpine and talk to a reputable installer who knows the harnesses you need. It is plug and play. They are the same as VW. I had a Kenwood and the sound was phenomenal over stock, even with factory amp/speakers.

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Nice! An improvement using existing stock stuff. Now, "high end" means what, $$ wise? Examples?

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I got my ~$400 Kenwood for like $140 on E-bay brand-new. The key is getting a nice EQ (which usually requires >$300) to tune out the bad frequencies and enhance the ones you need like Bass. The factory amp is top notch (IMO) in the car and the magnets are huge for a tiny speaker. But, Im not claiming it wouldnt sound better with aftermarket speakers. When I first turned mine on, it blew me away the sound quality, and I hadn't tuned it yet.

I feel your pain, but cannot bring myself to dig into the dash . . . Will have to live on Fabspeeds and +4000 RPM.

I went exactly the way SKIRACER went with the new amp and speakers and kept the Becker and went with the iPod adapter. I am very happy with the iPod performance. Don't know the science behind this but am guessing the iPod becomes the head unit and goes through the Becker but gets the sound quality from the Alpine Amp. As far as taking up trunk space I put mine under the passenger's seat in the well. iPod tip: My installer says disable the EQ on the iPod as it is designed to improve sound into ear buds--hinders replay on a large stereo. Went with Co-Ax front and rear and woofers in the door panel (as they plug into the extra channel on the alpine amp that would make them subs). Hope this helps.

AndyK - You are going at this the exact opposite way you should (as others have said). The weakest link in the system is the speakers, then the amp, last of all is the head unit. You could put the world's best head unit in the car and it will still sound like crap with the stock speakers, nothing will make them sound good. I put Focal 100KP component speakers in the dash, Focal slimline 100 coaxes in the rear, and Focal 5WS (no longer available, use the 13KS) in the doors, and a JL Audio 6 channel amp in my car, still running the stock head unit and the stock CD player. I will hold it up to any system using the stock speakers and will beat it hands down.

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Sounds like a plan, then.

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Frankly, I found the Bose adequate for my needs, I accomplished what I wanted by adding Nav, XM Sat, good iPOD interface and Bluetooth.

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I had an Alpine iDA-X305 single DIN head unit put in as a replacement for the CDR-220 in my 2000 996, and it took the stereo guy about 15 minutes. This is a no-CD, iPod/AM/FM unit. I think the unit was around $300, but I don't recall the exact price. Works great, although I have to admit I haven't noticed if the sound quality is any better. My wife is the classical pianist, I mostly listen to Wait Wait Don't Tell Me podcasts during my grueling 15 minute commute :-) Bob

I honestly don't think the stereo is that bad compared to what the 944 used to come with! I have the CDR-200 and once you tune the bass and treble to your liking it's sufficient for my needs. Sure it could use some extra power and better sound reproduction but the 996 is a loud car so any stereo is going to struggle to sound decent. What I do miss though is MP3 capability that I used to have on my Kenwood deck on my previous car. But I really do like the stock look of this Becker system so it might stay put for a while.

I find the engine saps all the bass away when driving. Pull up to a light, and the bass magically comes back, to a point. I also find that cranking the CDR220 produces better sound than at lower volumes. Hence the speed sensitive volume included with the unit I guess? I was looking at that Alpine X305! Bob, you can't notice a sonic difference?? If I spent $300 and it sounded the same, I would sell or return the unit ASAP! Both 944's I've owned has stereos that sounded about the same as the one in my 996, which is pathetic considering the advances in audio in the last 15 years!

Andy, whats system does you car have? I dont think Mk1's had bose, right? Is it the "Hifi" system? I think thats what I had in my 01 986S, had the DSP panel in the console. The Stereo in my 996 BLOWS away the 944 stuff!

Andy, I had Rod (Car audio innovations) install an Alpine head unit that I bought at Best Buy for about $250. He installed an Audison amp (expensive at about $700....but he highly recommended it) in the factory location behind the spare tire. Even with the stock speakers, the system sounds fantastic. I planned on upgrading the speakers later, but it sounds so good now...it's a pretty low priority. The alpine head unit looks great, especially at night. I enjoy having my Ipod hooked up to the system. The amp fit perfect and uses no additional trunk space.

I know I made my point above but I have one more thing to say. I love the 996--almost everything about it. By why would Porsche go to the expense of buying and integrating a seperate amp into the system and then have that amp suck? They should have put that money into decent speakers or head unit. Instead, they went through the trouble of setting the car up with six crappy speakers, a marginal head unit (which we all seem to agree is the least common denominator) and a terrible amp. I would rather have a 20 W. head unit and two good speakers. Glad I got mine straightened out. It seems like all the auto manufacturers offer a "premium" $3500 sound system that performs significantly below what you could buy after market for $2000.

I hear it time and time again that the speakers and amp are garbage just like this thread. I can attest that the Kenwood HU I installed "woke up" the speakers big time. I couldnt believe the lows and highs those little drivers put out for their respective size. Of course installing nice speakers like Focal or Infinity would help that much more, but to me, the best bang for the buck is a good sound quality HU. I actually have a high-end Alpine now and feel the Kenwood is better in the sound quality department.

Marc - My car came with the Hi Fi option, but not Bose speakers. Mark - So there were no better amps that didn't cost $700? I would love to find a decent used amp that would fit right where the old one is, only sound clearer, etc. Is the amp wiring pretty much plug and play, or do I need some audio expert to re-wire if I get a new one? Cory - This is very encouraging! I am looking for bang for the buck, so replacing the head unit may work for me. Do tell, which Kenwood do you like better than your high end Alpine? Thanks for all the ideas everyone, and for not giving me the "you have to spend $$ and get two subs, two amps, and a 2-DIN video/NAV head unit"!

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I would be lying to you if I told you the model, I dont remember and there is so many. The thing is this, I hear it here all the time that when replacing the HU, they didnt notice a sound improvement. I tell you that mine was night and day. Once I coupled the Infinity Basslink II, it wasnt too bad. Of course a complete system would of sounded better than mine but just the Kenwood HU alone impressed me.

So in this thread, some say the stock speakers and amp are junk, and some say the head unit is the problem! I guess the easiest thing to do would be to get a wiring harness kit and swap out the head unit. If that improves the sound, fine. If not, I can sell the head unit and plug the Becker back in - then look at replacing the speakers and/or amp.

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Does the HIfi have the subwwofer on the rear deck like the Blose?

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Nope, just the door sub woofers/speakers added to the dash and rear speakers.

I have put stereos in every car I owned myself, but after looking at the amount of potential "****-up" in dropping a lot of money for not much sound I let the pro's do the install in my 996. Replaced the stock amp with a mid-range Audison (pricey but legendary sound) and the Clarion VZ709. This is without a doubt the best money I have spent yet on my Porsche. Full Bluetooth stereo. If I want to have full dash control of my iPod/iPhone I just hook it up to the iPod connector in my glovebox. Plus my wife can watch DVD's on long trips and I have a backup camera that auto displays when I shift to reverse. It can be a bit finicky about keeping the BlueTooth connection, but I attribute that to the fact that there is often two iPhones and a iPod Touch all in the car at once. The system totally over powers the Bose speakers and Sub...but right now putting $4k worth of speakers in doesn't work with my budget. But the ease of control with my phone makes the money well spent.

I was going round and round with this. I replaced everything and got everything except the head unit from Rod. As others have indicated the audio system is a component system. If you have the door speakers like I do. They are powered by their own amp under the hood. I think this will make just head unit changes a bit challenging to re-fire them up. I was surprised that the adaptor provided by Rod was easy and would support the dash and rear speakers. If you remove the factory speakers you will see they are a weak link. I was glad I did a full system replacement. The install was a lot of work but not real hard. The end result is great. I am happy I did it. The Porsche audio systems I have in my 99 car. So I do not have the Bose or bus system. I did have the upgraded factory system with the door speakers. I ended up installing a single DIN Alpine head unit. This reduced the cost of the install. I also opted for the Hertz speakers. Per Rod�s recommendation and saved some cost compared to the focal. The Hertz are three way and were installed in the dash and door location. I installed Hertz�s 2ways in the rear factory location. I ordered from Rod his rear behind the seat sub. This came with 3 JL Audio subs. To power all this I went with the better Audision amp. The amp fits nice were the factory CD player was installed. After the fact I wish I did the 2din with nav, sat and video. This will be the next upgrade. I think the bad news is you have to bite the bullet and replace the whole system.

I'll go along with the "it's the speakers" crowd. I'm sure a more powerful HU will wake the speakers up, but, honestly, in a noisy car evironment, the quality of sound from a new head unit will not be as apparant as more efficient, better balanced speakers. New HU's and amps will give you a lot more OPTIONS and POWER, which are very important, but just based on sound quality, the difference in modern electronics, in a car, are just not that great, compared to huge difference in speakers. If you want the bass in the door subs to work, you can't just replace the HU, period, it will still have to go thru the trunk amp. I replaced the dash and rear speakers with Infinitys ( I used the blank speaker covers, cut out, about $20 each), and some cheap subs that fit the door with a little work. There was a great post on 6speed, and he was pretty much right on. All told, not more than about $250 and a few hours of my time, and the difference is night and day. Nothing is irreversible, either.

Put me in the camp with those who think the 996 is too loud (tire + engine noise) to ever achieve really "HiFi" quality sound, no matter how much money you throw at it. My car had a $3k Alpine/JL Audio system when I bought it used. Everything worked fine, but it still sounded lame (to my ears). I found myself getting more and more annoyed with it, which spoiled the pleasure of just simply driving the car. So I removed the whole entire system, did the center console delete and put a useful factory cubby where the HU used to be. In total, doing that removed 75lbs from the car. No regrets. Now I just get in the car and drive!!!!

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I am with you on this. I pulled my Clarion DX head unit, JBAudio 500/5 amp, crossovers, sub woofers and wiring. The speakers go as soon as I have time to open the door panels. I can't remember that last time I turned on any tunes while driving.

Andy, I originally bought a less expensive amp from Best Buy (about $200). Rod highly recommended that I take it back and go with the Audison. I wasn't excited about the price difference. I had Rod do the install. It was the only part of my rebuild that I payed someone else to do....it was not plug and play, because my new wiring harness was from a car with a different sound system option. I was very pleased with the quality of his work and the performance of the system. The Audison amp fit in the factory location...that alone made it worth the extra money. The improved sound was a bonus. I highly recommend calling Rod. He has a 996 and is very enthusiastic about his work. He was happy to help me improve my system on a tight budget.

Aaaahhh! It's so frustrating to get out of my cheap Accord coupe with factory stereo that sounds decent, and into a Porsche where the stereo sounds like it's coming out of a cheap left side dash speaker! I realize that a new head unit won't do it. I'll still have weak speakers and the new HU might reveal that even more! Is replacing the dash and rear speakers enough, or are the door subs terrible too? I like the idea of having subs in the door, I'm not putting holes in my rear interior, only to think it sounds lame, like Quickxotica up there! Perry - So, you replaced the dash and rear speakers - how does it sound now?? Improved, or a little less lame?? Worth the effort, in other words? I have to check 6speed and look for that post. Replacing the dash and rear speakers seems pretty straight forward. Thanks for all the ideas! Note I still can only spend a few hundred, and not thousands on a complete new system. So the old amp will have to do for now.

I just came in to look for pics - nothing yet except that nice shot from Mfletch - woohoo !! I love my factory stereo - it sucks so bad I never even consider turning it on I know lots of people like a stereo and I understand... so good luck with a good / inexpensive resolve to this

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I was crankin some Steve Ray V in the 996 on the way to work, sounded damn good to me (I did lower it to listen to the exhaust at WOT when I went through an underpass)

On replacing the factory amp, is it basically plug n play with any amp that fits? I can see upgrading the amp, and maybe that would provide a better clean signal to the current speakers?

The amp is so far from P&P, it's not funny. The connectors are unique to the 6 speaker model, plus there are crossovers in the amp for the sub channels, in order to power 6 channels from 4. I'd love to see the Audison that Mfletch had Rod install. You would have to cut the cables, add extensions, and then wire direct to make any amp work. Here's the link to the 6speed post http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/9...er-find-2.html I made rings to bring the subs more forward, rather than cut a hole in the sub enclosure. They are louder, crisper, not muddy, and have a very nice complementary roll off to the Infinitys. The bass sounds deeper, but it just may be clearer..pretty hard to get real deep bass from a 5 1/4" sub. I used Kappa 462.9cfps instead of the ones he used here: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...+462.9cfp.html they are the 4X6 plate version of the same speaker, less expensive, and you don't have to RTV them to the blank covers, either. The "plate" part is plastic, easy to cut to match the blank covers (you HAVE to be handy with a Dremel or equal to install all these speakers, nothing is a direct install), the covers have screw stand offs that have to be shortened, but allow you to screw the plate to the cover and seal the speaker to the cover with self stick door insulation. The covers are Porsche part number 996-645-049-02-01c and are $21.31 each from Sunset. The sound difference is very significant. Though louder than the stock setup, IMHO the volume is still lower than what I'd want for really rocking, but certainly more than just "adequate".

These threads always come down to two camps: 1) those who feel that if the music coming out of the speakers sounds good, it IS good. 2) those who consider themselves audiophiles, and compete like teenage girls checking out each others brands, labels and credit card receipts to see who's "best dressed". It's kind of like wine, when you think about it. Except even fewer people can appreciate high end audio in a car than can appreciate great wine. And a $30 cab will taste pretty damn great for 99% of the wine drinking population just like the stock amp and speakers are just fine for 99% of the people here asking audio questions. If people are really enjoying a $10 bottle of chardonnay, would you walk over and tell them that they better buy a Puligny Montrachet if they really want to enjoy wine? Of course not. So why do the same with amps and speakers? Great audio in a small, noisy sportscar? Better drink that Puligny Montrachet out of a beer stein with a straw.

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Good points. I remember my 944's, when I replaced the speakers, added a sub, and changed the HU to an Alpine - and it STILL sounded like crap! I think my Honda system sounds so much better because it has 2 large speakers on the back shelf, 2 decent sized door speakers, and 2 dash tweeters. Good low end, pleasant to listen to. The 996 has 4 tiny speakers and 2 door subs that really don't work very well. Hence, the weak sound. I really have no intention of gutting the wiring and replacing everything. I don't want a sub woofer. I just want better sound than what I am getting now. But it seems I can't buy a new HU without getting a new amp. And if I get a new amp, I have to replace the speakers. And since they don't make direct replacments, I would have to pay someone a fortune to install the new speakers and amp....etc. Maybe I'll just listen to the engine more!

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I'm basically the opposite of a "golden ears" audiophile. I thought the CDR220 sounded OK, and that the X305 also sounds OK. I upgraded because I really wanted a better UI for my iPhone, the ability to charge it while listening, etc. Sound quality was not the motive. Bob

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I "hear" ya. I'm tempted to buy a modern HU and just say WTF, and leave the stock stuff in place. Then I read somewhere that the stock amp likes a LOW level input signal. If I buy a new HU with 4V or 5V preamp out, I might overload the amp and cause even worse sound! Anyone confirm or deny this?

The CDR-220 sounds like garbage, it is all mid-lows and mid-highs. If it were a EQ, the settings would resemble a bell curve. I cant imagine just replacing the speakers and calling it a day. The Kenwood I was mentioning Andy has "system Q", a sound processing/EQ functionality that allows 12 bands of equalizing. What I mean is, is you can tune out the harsh frequencies from the little-bitty drivers and boost the lows to compensate for the poor response they put out. If you just change speakers, you still have a **** sounding signal being sent to great speakers IMO. Of course, it is the sum of all the parts and speakers, HU, and amp would round out the package. But, you said $300.

Another thing, as many said, you will never have great sound, just better. You would have to use a sound processor, mic up the car, and tune from there to get an audiophile sound.

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Well, I definitely don't hear any clipping, and I do listen occasionally to music at a high enough volume that if the HU were overloading the amp I'd expect to hear the problem. Basically, it all works fine, I just can't speak to the audiophile view of upgrading the head unit vs. the speakers vs. everything. For what I wanted, the head unit upgrade was relatively cheap and easy, and has been working fine for a few months now. Bob

There is no doubt that you can tailor the frequency response car specific with a 12 band equalizer a heck of a lot more than with just bass & treble, but saying that the CD or CDR-220 sounds like garbage is way off. The "all mid lows and mid highs" IS the speakers, not the HU. When you EQ with a new HU you are correcting the speakers weaknesses, obviously not the old HU's, as you just removed it. If you just replace the speakers you will see a 7/10s improvement, and if you could EQ the car with the OE HU in place, a 9/10s improvement. That last tenth is what costs you. Like I said, versatility, options, power, etc are all worth what you are willing to pay to get. The OE HU is almost as basic old school car stereo as you can get, and like everyone else, I'd rather have a blank canvas of standard mounting dimensions for amps, speakers and HUs, but since Porsche didn't give us that (what IS it with all the German car builders and stereos, can't they JUST leave it standard!), I do what I can for the most bang for the buck. With the exception of the double din AVIC type HUs, every other aftermarket HU is just way too disco for my tastes.

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I agree. So when you changed your HU to the Kenwood, were you able to EQ out the harsh sound and get something more listenable, using the factory amp and speakers?? Bob - The head unit you have uses LOW 2.5V preamp outs (mentioned in a review as being low compared to more hi-fi units). The Kenwood or JVC HU I would get have higher output preamp voltage - not sure it makes that much of a difference though.

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I was under the impression that the factory amp's actually use 'speaker level" outputs, That may be limited to the Bose systems?

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Yes, I believe the Bose system is completely different than the regular hi-fi system.

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Yes. I could hear the tweeters for the first time and the lows (for the size) was not bad. I added a sub so the lows were covered. But, for mids/highs, it wasnt bad. Like I said, it isnt audiophile quality but for your budget, I think it sounded fairly good. The CDR-220 sounds like you said, an AM radio. My Kenwood sounded so brilliant with decent mid range reproduction. I have an Alpine now and it was barely noticeably better sounding than my factory HU in my 4Runner. But hey, its just my opinion.

I was all set to order a new HU from Crutchfield, when their website said there was no harness that would work with the factory amp equipped cars. I thought the Audi/VW harness would work - but it looks to have 4 RCA plugs. Is that right, or is there another adapter? http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1207017...tab=review#tab

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Lets see, I had 4 sets of Y-adapter RCA's. You use the front channel on the HU to plug into the front speakers and the door subs on the amp. The rear channel of the HU plugs into the rear speakers and the subwoofer (if you were to use one) on the amp. Then, all you need is the power harness adapter.

If I cant get an adapter, stick it on, and plug in to the existing speakers and amp, I'm not doing anything! I won't be getting a sub, and need simplicity!

The non Bose "hifi" uses the low levels from the Becker, not speaker level. The speaker outputs on the HU are not even hooked up. I don't know if thay are high level pre outs or low level, tho. Tippy is right that you will get better tailored frequency out of a 12 band EQ HU than changing the speakers, BUT you are still limited to what the poor OE speakers with paper cones can do. I personally feel (and lets face it, audio is ALL subjective) that just upgrading the speakers gives you more clarity and punch. I may not be able to balance it exactly, but what I have is very listenable. I'll have to look up and see what that Kenwood looks like.

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Andy, you can. Just ask an installer at Best Buy or car audio shop for which adapters you need. It is plug and play. 15-30 minute install no problem.

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That is all my point is. He has a limited budget and wants plug and play. Speakers require melting plastic tabs on the grills and resecuring back with potentially different size speakers frames, etc,.

I'd much rather try making the stock system (speakers and amp) sound more pleasing by getting a HU with better equalizer, and get the benefits of iPod connection and HD radio. That is, if the adapter harness will work. I have to pull the Becker unit out and have a look at the connections. I assume the speaker wires all lead to the amp, and the preamp outs (via RCA) come from the HU to the amp inputs, right? Why did Crutchfield say the adapter wont work for this application?

The RCA's plug from the HU directly to the factory amp.

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Via that black plug that also has the amp power on/off blue wire, right? Crutchfield has the adapter but doesn't realize it?

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It was 3 years ago. Sorry, I dont remember exactly. Thats why I would ask an installer who does them regularly, I would have to look at it to figure it out. The installer gave me all the RCA's and harnesses I needed right there and bought them.

I'll pull my radio out this weekend and have a look back there.

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You'll figure it out, its easy once you do.

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I've changed 4 stereo HU's in 2 944's and 1 BMW E36, so I know exactly how it's done. I just want to make sure the adapter I get will work, and not eliminate the rear speakers, etc! Thanks for the help, hopefully I'll have a favorable review of the new HU in the next few weeks!

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Thats what the 4 sets of Y-shaped RCA's are for, to split the signal for all 6 speakers.

Crutchfield does not carry the 6 channel ones for sure. Here's a great thread from 6speed that I had forgot I had marked a while back. http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/9...6-cr220-3.html Good install pictures, and they reference having to use both the Metra 70-1787 and 70-1784 harness adapters, which are available on Amazon, about $25 and $12 each. In fact this thread is oneof the ones that convinced me to not just change the HU, but his was also an Alpine, which Tippy said doesn't sound too great either.

Andy, here is a picture of my amp.

I ran a recording studio for over ten years and still do as a side job. You need to replace the speakers and the amp, before the head Here's the links to my stereo upgrade: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-one-pics.html https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-two-pics.html

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I have played guitar for 20 years. I've learned that a lame sounding guitar wont sound good through any amp/speakers. So there are two sides to this problem. Sure, replacing the speakers and amp would make a new HU sound better. But I think a lame CDR-220 hurts the sound more than average speakers. If not, then I'll have to replace the speakers and amp eventually!

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That's how I would do it, if I were replacing my amp. Looks great! $700 is not in my budget for this year though!

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Well, YOU do, one percenter.

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how are you Jon? How are you liking the C4s?

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Can someone tell me what I need in an adapter harness that isn't in the Crutchfield Audi set I pictured above? I read that 6speed thread and I still don't get what they are talking about. The Crutchfield adapters have speaker connections in one plug, and amp connections (via 4 RCA plugs) in the other one. What additional adapter would be needed?

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???

I found an interesting CDR220 tone setting that makes the system sound almost good! I cranked the treble, and turned on the loudness. Then, I lowered the bass to -3. Not bad, showing the speakers can sound relatively decent.

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Sorry--context is my earlier post. You of all people CAN appreciate the difference. My point was that directing people who can't, toward high buck upgrades, perhaps doesn't do them the favor you think it does.

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Do I know you? I don't, but somehow I feel like I do.

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OK, I just tried to do this today, with bad results. If you need speaker level outputs--like for a Bose amp like me or PCM--you need all eight wires for the brown connector (doesn't look like that brown half of that black square thing gets the job done). If you want line outputs for F/R + L/R only, then those RCA plugs will do the job.

I have the non-Bose system, and need preamp level outs, not speaker level (I think)?

Then the kit in the picture you show will work fine.

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Really? Does the amp take the 4 RCA cables, and the normal 4 speaker wires, and route out power to 6 speakers - via built in cross overs? Or will I be missing a set of speakers with these adapters. I'm confused! I should just order the new HU and take my chances!

Yes, according to the wiring diagram, that's correct. If you have any doubt, pull your head unit and look. No matter what any diagrams say, you can see for yourself immediately what you have.

I ordered the head unit from Crutchfield. They had a disclaimer on my order saying something like the adapter harness doesn't provide Accessory power, and I have to tap into existing wiring to find it? Does that make sense?

Andy, if you have the "hi-fi" system, the factory HU uses RCA's to connect to the factory amp. So, RCA's are all you need for the speaker side of things. Thats why I said to use 4 sets of Y-shaped RCA's to split the signal. Split the front channel of the new HU and plug into the front and door speakers (RCA) of the factory amp. Spit the rear channel of the new HU and go the rear speakers (RCA) and leave the remaining left over RCA's for an amp. Or, forget splitting the rear channel of the new HU if it has a sub out. You should not have to use speaker-level inputs, RCA only. The power harness is either VW or Audi.

Cory - So you are saying I only use the black plug adapter for the power wires, and I use the red plug adapter's 4 RCA cables for the speaker connections that go to the amp? Why do I have to split the RCA's if I am using the adapter to plug into the HU, and then plugging the red plug right into the car's harness plug? Are there 8 factory RCA wires that have to go into 4 RCA preamp outs on the new HU? Like these: http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=3295840 Or, these? http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2 Here is a shot of the rear of the JVC head unit I bought. It has 4 RCA preamp outs, but the sub outs must be included in the wiring harness. Do I use the sub outs for the door speaker "subs" or no? http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...KD-AHD59.html# Sorry for being clueless - I've only wired A to A, B to B using adapters!

I had 4 sets of link #1. Here is a word doc:

Cool, thanks! I'm sure I'll post more questions when I try my install !

Once you have the speakers wired, it is simply the power/trigger harnesses that are standard Audi or VW.

In my humble opinion, Bose sucks completely becuase of this https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...ghlight=stereo Luckily, you don't have to worry about it AndyK. Show us pics when you get it all done!

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With model year 02 the Bose is not "most Bus" so I had no such issues

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That's the way to do it! I crank SRV's music frequently. I have the factory Bose system. It's certainly not the best car stereo I've ever had, but considering the cabin noise mentioned before, I am not inclined to change it.

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Will do!

I took out my radio for the first time, can anyone explain how I'm going to use an adapter with RCA plugs to hook up to these strange connections???

That black plug goes into the big black square receptacle on the adapter. The yellow plug goes into the end of the red receptacle that has the wires with RCA plugs coming out. Those RCA plugs will plug into the harness that comes with your new head unit. You'll have to splice the rest of the wires to match up, except that you'll ignore any speaker outs from the new headunit (and the corresponding wires on the black square receptacle). I don't know what the vampire taps are for. Oh, and don't forget this if your new head unit has a standard Motorola antenna plug and the install kit doesn't have one of these: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_12040VW...r.html?tp=2569

What IS that black box jumpeered to your HU? Maybe that's why yours sounds so bad? SOme kind of isolator? I tried your settings that you said gave you the best sound, (max treble, bass -3) and it is so unlistenable it's not funny. Talk about tinny AM radio sound. Something is just plain WRONG with your setup (which is the exact same as mine) Either the speakers are shot, (or have been replaced), or the amp is shot, or the HU has a problem, or something is affecting it, if those settings sound "good". Do you know anyone else with a stock 996 setup to listen to?

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I think the black boxes COULD have something to do with the K40 radar built into the dash? Not sure though. That's the only thing that isn't factory stock. My settings (don't forget the Loudness ON) work in the garage - turns out the garage has lame reception, so the treble was getting muffled. Driving on the road, I am back to loudness off, bass and treble at +1. Still sounds lame to me though. As for the stereo, can I ignore the vampire attachments, and just wire as told??

OK! I wired up the new stereo, everything went perfectly as planned. I fired it up to try it, and it BLOWS...the CDR220 away! I now hear bass, treble, and a pleasant sound coming from the STOCK factory speakers and amp! And that's with the complex EQ flat. When I have a chance to fine-tune it, it will rock! Is it as good as if I got replacement amps and subs? Of course not. But for $179 I got a good stereo w/ iPod interface, HD radio, and the complete wiring kit. An excellent deal. I'll post some photos this morning. Thanks for all of your wiring help and support everyone!

Excellent!

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Thanks for confirming what I have said for years on this board. The CDR-220 sounds like doo-doo. Very AM like. Im glad you like it Andy!

Wait until you get to tune on it!

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Yup, the speakers AREN'T the weak link in the chain, and the factory amp is fine when it's fed decent pre-amp signals! The new radio also has sub-bass frequency control, so the door speakers can now thump much better too! Thanks again!

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Yep! Garbage in is garbage out.

Well then I'll say that I'm glad to be proven wrong! Some pics would be great, for sure. Of course, now you've got me wondering if mine sounds better with jus tthe speakers changed, how much better would a new HU be...

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I guarantee that if you get a new HU, the new speakers will sound MUCH better than with your Becker HU. With the right wire harness adapter, you can always buy a new HU and switch back if you don't like it. That said, at highway speeds, the bass still gets sucked away by the drone of the flat 6, but it sounds great at stop lights.

Here's a photo:

Looks great Andy!

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Thanks. I am heading to the garage to customize the display color to match perfectly. That's why I bought a JVC, I couldn't live with a blue display!

wow - what a terrific thread...makes me want to diy my radio...

didn't know my P-car had a radio..thought that blinking red light had to do with my alarm..... and the buttons where to set the code..... but with the top down and sport pipes who needs anything else!!

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Fixed (I always need some tunes)! PS--Anyone know why I was able to turn on the Becker unit with no key and the car off -but I have to move the key to the first position to turn the new HU on??

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I think that was a function of the Becker, same thing with my AVIC, car must be on.

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Nice install man!

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Thanks, it doesn't look factory, but it blends well. Not to mention it sounds 100 times better, with controls for the door sub woofers that make them nice and loud.

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I remember it worked with an aftermarket Blaupunkt in my 944s too. Maybe it's a German thing?

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Could be! I had Alpines in my 944's Come on the drive tomorrow morning, give you a chance to enjoy! Morning Drive Link!

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Thanks, but no can do. I have too much going on tomorrow morning. Next one though.

Soooo many threads on ICE upgrades here... i was going to upgrade speakers , amp head unit etc etc but chose a fazed approach.... i upgraded the speakers to focals... made a huge difference.... the only true weakness now is prob the amp and the subs in the doors. Sky is the limi but space is also..... thick base needs space..... something we do not have in the porka....

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDAH...9.html?tp=5684 Andy is that the same one you bought? How hard was install? Did crutchfield give you a harness that worked and matched up to everything properly?

....am a lurker here (now that cobra is sold am looking at 2nd car - either 993 or 996) sharing my audio upgrade in my 964...i maintained all original wiring/stock amp in the car in the event return to bonestock was appropriate. car was all rewired to accomodate new install: -alpine cd9886 head unit (with built in mp3 dock) -front speakers: boston sx50 with separate tweeters (stock size) -rear speakers: alpine sps 400 (stock size) -amp: alpine pdx4.100 -ipod dock was installed in the glove box, only remaining item to be done install of usb dock in glovebox Present 92 911 turbo look C2 Past 04 Mustang Cobra (Whipple Blower @ 15p.s.i. on a dyno at 575rwHP)....missed aka M3 eater 02 Alfa 147 2L & 03 Alfa GTA (missed, delightful & dependable) 2 BMW's (not missed....convince me to never have anothe bimmer) more American muscle, except for modified crxSi and celica(really fun)

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Yup. Crutchfield's harness was fine, except the rear speakers seem to not work. Not sure if this is fixable. Otherwise, the radio sounds great, and has subwoofer controls that make the door speakers actually sound like subs! And the color is almost a perfect match for the orange/amber interior lighting. Installation requires I think 5 connections via wire nuts or solder. The speakers are all connected via the 4 RCA cables to the back of the HU. Blue antenna wire AND amp turn on wire get spliced together (I had to call on that one). Piece of cake!

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Well the rear speakers to me are HUGE. Since I have a Boxster and the rear speaker help to fill it out for my ears. I know there has to be some way to get this to work with the rears on as well. Yeah the selling point for me is the display as well. I don't like childish looking gear. My buddy has a Avic-d3(I think) with a nice glossy trim frame with PORSCHE(in their font) and the display is adjustable(set to Porsche amber) and it looks OEM. If it was some green or blue it'd look wack. What are these 'wire nuts' your speak of? Did you have to buy any other parts to install or was everything there from Crutchfield?

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Wire nuts are things that crimp the two wires together, without soldering. They are available at Radio Shack, cheap. You stick one end of wire in one end, crimp, then stick the other wire in the other end, crimp, solid connection. Do that about 5 times, and you are set. As for the rear speakers, turns out Crutchfield tech Paul found out that since this JVC has two speaker outs, and two sub woofer outs, I have my stereo connected so that the front speakers are connected, and the door speakers are connected as true subs. To get it back to factory, you need to buy 2 "Y" RCA connectors to make the 2 outputs into 4, then plug the harness RCA cables in. I'm going to try that tomorrow, but if the stereo sounds better controlling the door speakers as subs, I may leave it as is. Stay tuned!

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Sweet looking! Love the iPod in the glove box, too bad my new radio has the iPod connection on the front panel - I'll have to find a nice black iPod cable to be a little more stealth!

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Also, today I figured out how to get my rear speakers back, thanks to your tip on splitting the outputs via the Y RCA adapters. The JVC unit only had front RCA outs. Since you provided the wiring diagram showing the front and rears going to the same RCA out, I was able to split the two into four and now have all speakers working! And it has so much bass, I actually have to EQ the bass lower. Sweet!

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So you just taped into the front speaker RCA outputs for the rears? If so,then there has got to be something wrong here,I mean that's what fader is for...to control the rears...Does it have fader controls?

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The fader doesn't really work, but I think that's the only way to do it with this particular HU without chopping up the factory wiring. So I keep it centered, I hear my rear speakers fine, and it works so far!

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Yepper, that is what the Y -RCA's are for.

So was the wiring harness that you have to cut and wire nut together pretty straight forward like matching up colors? Did you have to set up any new mounting brackets? How hard was it? Any special tools required. Let me make sure I get this straight before I start ordering stuff. You split the front left/right with the rear left/right via 'y - cables' and all 6 speakers(dash tweeter and midrange and rears) still work? Also you used the sub out on the receiver to power the door left/right 5.25" speakers?

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If you're going for the same receiver and Crutchfield harness, here is what I did and got all speakers working: 1) Remove old radio, unplug two harnesses and the antenna 2) Install Crutchfield provided antenna adapter into new HU antenna jack 3) Install metal radio sleeve by coercing it into the radio cutout 4) Wire radio harness to the Crutchfield harness using provided instructions (do this on a nicely lit table) 5) ** reverse the yellow and red power wires!! For whatever reason, Porsche is different than Audi in this case, but the wiring diagram doesn't say so. 6)**wire the blue wires together (amp turn on, antenna) into the HU harness blue wire. Instructions from Crutchfield don't mention this either. 7) Buy 2 of the small Y RCA splitters listed in a link on my earlier post 7) Plug in the two splitters into the top two RCA out jacks on the HU 8) Plug the 4 harness RCA cables into the splitters, matching right and left 9)Plug the antenna cable into the HU from the top down, so the L part of the plug points UP towards you, over the RCA plugs, or the antenna cable will pop off during the final radio slide-in! 10) Carefully hold the radio close to the install area, while stuffing all the wiring back into the cavity so there is room for the radio to slide in without getting stuck on the cables, etc. 11) Install the faceplate, and try it out! I think that's everything. There are about 5 or 6 wire to wire connections, and the RCA plugs. If you wire it the way I listed here, you have no subwoofer controls, but the overall sound is much better, and I even cut the bass to lower the boomyness. If you decide to wire the front speakers and door speakers, without the splitters, you get the door speakers as sub woofers and can control the frequency and volume seperately. But it doesn't sound as good, and you lose the rear speakers.

Andy did do you have the factory 6x40 amp? DSP?

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No DSP, just the amp and door speakers "hi-fi" option.

I just stumbled onto this thread and its very useful; thank you. I am installing the newer version of the JVC unit that Andy put in (KD-AHD79), and it has two pairs of outputs in addition to the sub-out, so at least I don't need a splitter. I selected it for the same reason that Andy did; the abilityt o match the disply color. With your instructions this sounds like an easy install (yikes, I just cursed myself!). Thanks again.

Ha! Glad you found the thread! Except for the asinine way the JVC requires you to change the radio presets (push a menu button, scroll with the volume wheel, then push the wheel to choose the station), all is still good. As a tip, I found the "hip-hop" EQ setting works best while driving - you need all the extra bass you can get to compete with the flat 6!

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Funny how things change... since this thread, I've completely changed my system. I've got a new head unit, new amp and new speakers all the way around.

I found this thread a month ago when I changed out my factory head unit for a JVC Arsenal unit, and the wiring instructions that Andy posted were invaluable. Meant to post a "thank you" back then, but, well, I didn't. So better late than never: Andy, thanks for your work!

Glad the posts helped! Funny how everyone seems to be going with a JVC. Is it because of the display color match feature?

I went with Kenwood. It also has the option to match display color. I believe Pioneer does also.

Completed my install last night. 15 minutes to solder up the wiring harnesses. 5 minutes to pull the old stereo. 15 minutes to install the frame, connect the harnesses and slide in the new head unit. Then another 15 minutes to track down a buzzing sound (one of the wiring harnesses wasn't plugged in solidly). New head unit works terrificly. Definitely improved my radio reception a bit. HD FM reception is very impressive. And iPod integration is amazing. FYI, Crutchfield updated their instructions to show the swapping of red and yellow power wires, but still don't tell you abour interconnecting the three blue wires (thx Andy).

speakers should be the firs think to replace.Then amplifier.i removed rear speakers completely and running 3 way plus sub.It is all about front stage and rear speakers are waste of time and money. good processor like audison bit1 is good investment to tune system properly. Any car audio system without proper sound tuning (crossovers,phase,slope etc0 will sound like crap and play 60% or worst of the capability.

I put in a Sony MEX BT5700U. It was less than $200 and came with bluetooth handsfree calling, bluetooth music streaming and a USB jack on the face. It sounds great too. I can use my EVO 4G for all my stored music and Pandora The USB jack charges the phone too. Totally solved my CD cases rolling around in the car. It's iPhone compatible, but I don't use apple anymore. http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MEX-BT570.../dp/B002EZV77O

Darn it you guys....PICTURES!

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why are you interconnecting the three blue wires? is that why my amp won't turn on, I have a clarion nx500 and it works fine just no sounds come out. so either the amp is not turning on or the wiring on the RCA out is wrong.

Help me out with the harnesses, if you would. How does this work: Does the new radio come with a harness that plugs into their radio and Crutchfield provides a second harness designed to marry the radio to the factory wiring? Sorry to be such a dunce, I am trying to decide between a new radio and sending the original unit in for repair.

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yeah, its one of the easiest radio installs you can do, specially if you buy the 169$ kit on ebay, I am doing it my own way so my cost will be around 40-50$. Buti can't get my amp to work, so not sure whether the amp is broken now (fuse), i didn't connect the antena wire (blue) and thats stoping the amp from turning on, or maybe the fact i have the DLP (equilizer thingy) unpluged is messing up my install. Will test it when I am the storage unit in few days.

I went with the Pioneer DEH-P8400BH with factory Bose. The difference is amazing. Also, with the Pioneer you now get XM/Pandora/iPHONE Integrated/Bluetooth and HD radio. Depends on what you're looking for.....I like the modern stuff.

Pioneer AVIC-X930bt. Bluetooth, Pandora, iPod Connection, CD, DVD, Sirius/XM, Handsfree Phone Integration, Nav, Voice Activated. Works great.

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here is my install, just completed it today, total cost around 40$ with a custom plate made by a plastic shop in the city held in place by bubble gum. I integrated my iphone in the ashtray so I can charge it on the go, I have the USB connection in the arm storage bin, where i plug my flash drive in. Stereo cost about 260 on ebay.

mike, did you figure out the wiring? if not let me know.. i can help with that...

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yeah it was the DLP, i was just unlucky that I unplugged everything first and then try connecting the stereo, I looked at the wiring diagrams and was thinking do I really need this thing, its not mentioned in any instructions anywhere about radio install. Either way I have it plugged in and just lying on top of my Airbag computer, if it moves on the track I will zip tie it. everything works perfect, I considered putting it in the place of the casette holder but it would be too much hassle and I loose the cubby space. So i set it at Hifi setting and hopefully it does not loose that setting because the stereo goes soft when the DLP is off.

You can get rid of the dsp and just run it off the deck and amp. You'll need to buy an adapter that allows for the wiring connector for the amp to allow to accept the RCA output of the radio. Cheap adapter. Let me know if you need the part number and I'll look for it. I think its $10 on eBay..

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yeah i have all that, but in order for the amp to turn on you need the DLP end unit to be hooked up, I am sure you can short the plug but its way easier to just turn it on and hide it and never worry about it (another member here sugested that solution to me), and its free solution, In theory if I want to change something I can just rip the panels out adjust the dsp setting and put the panels back on, less than 1 min to do all that.

U would need to power the amp turn on not short it out or it'll be toast...

What jvc models did you guys get? Looking at the 720,thx

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Mike, good find on the double din unit. Looks good

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I installed the KW-AVX840. Everything works fine except the telephone. Complete crap and useless.

How do I deal with the plastic divider found in the single din set up if I want to install a double din head unit? If my car came with the Nav system I would think it would be plug and play but my car came with a single din HU.

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Dremel it out, or use a metal saw if you don't have a dremel.

Just thought I'd throw this up here. Not the best picture, but this is the Pioneer Z130BT and I used the EuroMotorspeed installation kit from ebay. Worked like a charm and looks factory... but you cannot use their wiring instructions.

[QUOTE=ivygreen;9471759]Just thought I'd throw this up here. Not the best picture, but this is the Pioneer Z130BT and I used the EuroMotorspeed installation kit from ebay. Worked like a charm and looks factory... but you cannot use their wiring instructions. made my own kit from parts on ebay and custom plastic shop in my town, cost me around 45$. looks as good as your minus the porsche sticket on your plastic but I guess I could get one printed.

I have a single DIN kenwood excelon, not too thrilled about the deck, sounds good but I hate trying to navigate through kenwood menu's to get to simple adjustments like bass adjustment, plus the display characters suck. BUT I LOVE the front USB port that works my iPod without issue,I listen to Pandora every day.

"Dremel it out, or use a metal saw if you don't have a dremel." So this is what folks have done in the past? I just did not want to mess up a OEM part on my car but don't see any other way around it besides a single din slide out pop up screen and frankly I am not finding any single din pop up screens available if I did go that route.

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There is no other way, the part you dramel is standalone you can buy a replacement for around 80$ on good day on ebay. bad day about 150$ i think.

"you can buy a replacement for around 80$ on good day on ebay. bad day about 150$ i think." Do you mean the style as shown in the attached pic "Comm Console" which has no center plastic frame and is for the OEM Comm GPS. Versus the two single din version shown in the other attachment labeled Center Console I single din ?

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yeah those would work, just wait when your color shows up on ebay.

If you dremo out the divider. Install a double din Pioneer. Then in the future decide to go retro OEM could you reuse the modified enclosure or are you SOL?

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I think you need a new one, you need to dremel couple of sports were support screws go in. Plus the divider keeps the OEM stereo in place. Just wait and snype one on ebay for 80$ if you really one to go back OEM at some point. They show up all the time.

Ok , I wish I had known before I purchased the one in the pic above with the divider. But live and learn. I am still knew to this single din and double din requirements.

Just replaced the factory stereo in my '99 C2 with: Alpine Head Unit Focal 6-1/2" 3 Way rear Focal 4" 2 Way front JL Amp 2X100W JL Amp 1X300W JL SUB 8' Stinger amp power kit and interconnect Sounds really good, exploring doing a door speaker install next.

photo(s) would be nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pete

Here is the 8W3v3-4: 8-inch (200 mm) Subwoofer Driver, 4 Ω installed with custom box: https://www.dropbox.com/s/879jlj2xq2ey81b/sub.jpg

I would be interested in pictures adding bass but not losing the back seat. Anybody?

My back seats are still there, I just folded them down for the pic.

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I built custom sub box. Fits behind rear seats on parcel shelf. Two 8" Kickers.

I went into Car Audio Innovations today. I have lived in Roseville for 10 years and was my first time going in. VERY impressive. I spoke to Carl, the store manager, and he was extremely knowledgeable. WOW! I encourage anybody in Nor Cal, doing major stereo upgrades to their Porsche, to check that place out.