33 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCH2004 996 stereo
Leading reported evidence
Replace along
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
The stock Bose MOST system in your car does use fiber optic, so amp will have to be replaced along with the head unit.
Leading evidence: 'Replace along' (no explicit attributable resolution; this is a reported action or suggestion). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'lot more work than i thought' (1 discussions; 0 report identifying it and 1 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean enough' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I replaced the head unit with a single DIN Kenwood and then replaced that with an Alpine because the Kenwood's BT functionality was lacking (at least with an iPhone 5S.) You'll find info on this
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I changed my head unit out with a double din and new sub.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
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Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I just replaced most of my audio with products from CAI.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I have a 2001 996 C2 that had the HiFi system and I replaced the whole thing with a Kenwood double DIN unit with Apple CarPlay, Focal 5 channel amp and Focal component speakers in the dash and and woofers in the doors.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I replaced the head unit with a single DIN Kenwood and then replaced that with an Alpine because the Kenwood's BT functionality was lacking (at least with an iPhone 5S.) You'll find info on this
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
I have a 2001 996 C2 that had the HiFi system and I replaced the whole thing with a Kenwood double DIN unit with Apple CarPlay, Focal 5 channel amp and Focal component speakers in the dash and and woofers in the doors.
Outcome qualification: Negation, uncertainty or missing explicit repair resolution overrides the raw extraction signal.
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Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
33 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 1 adjusted by outcome qualification.
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Generation: 20261026T135432Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Hi guys! I am a newbie. I just purchased 2004 996C2 Cab. with 26,000 miles on. Having read this forum over the years, I bought 5 year extended warranty to protect myself from RMS and IMS issues. Car came with premium sound system with Bose speakers. They are not bad. It is stock radio with one CD slot. I want to change to a new unit with bluetooth and streaming music (Pandora and Spotify) from iPhone 5s. I am looking at Kenwood, Pioneer, and Alphine for large tough screen units and standard size unit. A large touch screen unit will require relocating climate control unit and deleting CD holders which I don't mind as I don't listen to CD or FM. I usually stream music from iPhone.
Here is the issue. Two car audio shops I went said that since my current unit (radio, bose speakers (6), and amp behind the spare tire) uses fiber optic line, it is not comparable with the ones they sell (Kenwood, Pioneer, and Alphine, etc.). Here are two options they are proposing:
1. To keep the current bose speakers, they will bypass the existing amp and use the amp built in the new replacement unit. I think I may lose power and sound quality by bypassing the current amp. Am I correct? they are quoting about $600 to $800 including labor and harness, etc., depending on what new unit I buy.
2. Replace the whole thing (speakers, radio, and amp) with new unit, new amp., and new speakers (4) rather than 6 speakers. It will cost $1,500.
Question: is it true that new unit can't work with the existing amp due to usage of fiber optic line? Is there no new unit out there using fiber optic line?
Thank you very much for reading and your response.
As soon as I can figure out how to post pics, as all newbies are required to, I will post pics.
Tons of info on forums about this. Good search terms (through Google) are 996 speakers and 996 stereo.
I have a 2002 so no fibre optic. I replaced the head unit with a single DIN Kenwood and then replaced that with an Alpine because the Kenwood's BT functionality was lacking (at least with an iPhone 5S.) You'll find info on this
thread
. Also here is the
installation guide
that I wrote, which will help you with the physical aspects but not the electrical ones since you have MOST (fibre optic.) Another thread that you will find useful is this
one
that describes a MOST install and amplifier bypass.
I would replace it all. The stock Bose MOST system in your car does use fiber optic, so amp will have to be replaced along with the head unit.
Not much sense in keeping the mediocre speakers after all of that
I just ordered 4 GTO 328's and a 528 and some dynamat for the Bose sub box. I'm keeping everything else stock. I may end up getting the Becker aux in at some point.
I read a post from sds911 that 328's go in the f/r. In the cab, there is only one speaker in the sub box. That's where the 528 will go. I'm not messing with the doors. BTW, I'll have a new extra 528 if your interested. $25.
Just to clarify, I have the coupe with the bose sub box in rear. I could have used either the 528 or 628 in the bose sub box, and ended up using the 628 (a 6.5 inch coax speaker). Set the db button to 0db for tweeter. I don't know what size sub is in the Cabriolet bose enclosure. You can always measure it first and then order the correct GTO size to fit. Can't really go wrong since the 528 and 628 must be last year's model and are 50 to 80 bucks at SonicElextronix online and on other sites. Still 99 bucks on the JBL website.
They also have a GTO component speaker line -- so you may want that one for your sub box -- since it won't have a tweeter on the woofer and comes with a cross over you can wire in line easily.
I changed my head unit out with a double din and new sub. I am waiting to do the speakers later. If you are a bit of a do it your selfer, talk to Rod at Car Audio Innovations. I bought a turn key package from him and replaced it myself. Kit included trim bezel, wiring harness, etc.. I had a bit of trial and error because I didn't read through his instructions thoroughly (guy thing) but he has you tube clips and written instructions that walk you through everything.
agree. I just did my new to me 2004 c4s. Pulled out the bose completely and finally gave in and talked to Rod. i wound up getting head unit and pre-wired harness from him. Then ordered cab sub and door speakers from him as well. I bought JBL speakers for fronts and rears and Alpine amp from Sonic. All in it was about 2 grand. He has answered no less than 10 emails from me on questions as I never installed this type of complexity before. But.....it went well and the sound so far has been awesome and I still have the sub left to do. In fact, the doors have triangle shaped speakers so Rod built out a complete bose box with 5.25 inch Hertz woofers and just offered to trade me for my bose box (which is identical) to make my install easy.
it took me awhile but getting the proper "fishing tool", a good dremel tool to tweak the speakers into the frames and a color code chart made all the difference.
Some clues:
The 4 prong plug behind the storage bin has switched power, its the green wire.
Illumination can be had on the cigarette lighter, it's blue/white. wire crimps work fine.
You can buy a 5 channel amp and wire the rear speakers right into head unit, works great (green and violet wires).
You can mix and match with Bose speakers, but sounds bad, ohm mismatches and on a cab you can forget the floor sub by the passenger as it's only .5 ohm.
Grommet right behind battery goes right into HU area, remove temp control unit first, gives more room.
There are no replacement speakers for Bose doors as the are triangle shaped, you must modify.
Rod makes a fiberglass custom woofer that fits perfectly into a cab, expensive but very clean and worth it, probably 1/3 of all cost associated with a replacement.
good luck, definitely a great difference, well worth it.
Hi, can anyone suggest an easy way to stream just music from my phone to my 04� 996 C4S sound system? I could care less about hands free and my CDC, but want to keep my pcm 2 unit.
Geez...I have not turned on my radio in like 6 years. Just roll down the window and listen to that beautiful flat 6 sing. Best music I've ever heard. Takes all the annoyance out of driving around.
Agree 996%! I've dumped tons of money upgrading sound systems in the past only to find I barely listen to them and don't get a return on the investment when I sell the car. My stock system is clean enough. But I understand why people want to upgrade their stock system in order to enjoy streaming music and hands free phone and all. I get it. For me? Phone calls and text can wait. My Becker radio produces clean enough music for me to enjoy without busting my eardrums or annoying the cars next to me. (drop mic)
Hi to Everyone!
I am a new owner of 2001 996 carrera 4 cabrio. The car has the basic stereo system, non-Bose, with only 4 speakers and cd changer in the front. The sound quality is quite poor, so I am planning to upgrade it. I found used Bose speakers on Ebay. Can these work with the current amplifier? Should I change the wires? Or if I just install them should I expect some sound quality improvement? I found also a subwoffer which on the floor on passenger side, I suppose for that I need a new amplifier too, am I right?
Thank You Guys for your help in advance!
For a 2001 base system I would recommend replacing both head unit and speakers with an amplified aftermarket system. Don't bother with trying to replicate a Bose system - I think you will be disappointed with the sound quality and your $$$ are better spent with newer technology. Your 2001 does not have the MOST system that came on later 996's. I have a 2001 996 C2 that had the HiFi system and I replaced the whole thing with a Kenwood double DIN unit with Apple CarPlay, Focal 5 channel amp and Focal component speakers in the dash and and woofers in the doors. I did buy a used Bose subwoofer box from a 996 Cabrio on eBay (matching carpet and all) but the 4x6 Bose "subwoofer" was junk, so I sealed up the box and mounted a 6.5 inch JL Audio sub in the side of the box, which sounds great and hits surprisingly hard. It turned out to be a lot more work than I thought but I am very happy with the end result.
Does anyone know if I can remove the 4 disc changer and move my A/C controls to that position so I can install a double din in that space. We have an 03 TT Coupe arriving next week and I am sure this stereo will not meet needs. Thank you!
Yes, lots of threads on here that describe how to move the a/c controls to the bottom of the stack, remove the usless CD holders and install a double-din head unit at the top of the stack.. Try search.
Just finished mine up a few weeks ago, though I moved AC to bottom slot, cubby above that. Not hard to do, and plenty of threads and CAI in Roseville has some good instructions online as well.
I just replaced most of my audio with products from CAI. Ask for Rod, super helpful and patient. I did the Alpine amp, Hertz speakers and a new DD Kenwood. He has many options from adding an amp to full system replacement.
I hope I'm not sabotaging the thread asking this, may fall in center console mod territory. I'm hopefully picking up an 04 c4s next week, plan to upgrade to PCCM+. Has anyone tried to wrap the trim piece around the head unit / vents that has openings for the PSM, rear window defrost, sport exhaust etc controls in leather? I've seen you can get replacement Carbon Fiber look or aluminum look. I've seen people wrap the center console in leather (Also a wish list Item for me)... haven't seen anyone wrap the trim piece there. IMO it stands out as a very aggressive plastic look.. I figure the wrap would be difficult with the button holes.
thanks
I don't have a photo, but mine was wrapped in leather by my brother. He got the leather (it was thin) from Relicate (
https://relicate.com
). The leather wrapped horseshoe from Porsche is $800!
FWIW, I wrapped my horseshoe in a faux Alcantera / faux suede from Hobby Lobby and think it turned out really well. It�s relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. I recommend a strong spray glue and numerous videos on YouTube are helpful regarding technique.
Cheers!
