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    Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    After a few years stuck with a TomTom in windscreen in the Boxster I thought it would be nice to upgrade the CDR-24 to a PCM with navigation. This turned out to be a very, very expensive upgrade and I started searching around for alternatives. After some research I found that the CDR/PCM slot is standard 2-DIN unit and that it would be possible to install any 2-DIN unit with a facia plate that makes it look like a factory install. Further research confirmed that the 7 speakers that are part of the Sound Package Plus option is a heap of sh*t and should be replaced.

    Hence I came up with the following upgrade:

    • Alpine INE-S900R Advanced Navi Station (Headunit)
    • Alpine PDX-F4 (4-Channel Amplifier)
    • Focal K2 Power 100 KRS (2-Way Speaker System)
    • Focal K2 Power 165 KBE (Bass Extension Speaker System)
    • 2-DIN Antracite Facia Plate

    boxes.jpg

    The Alpine headunit has a 6.1" touchscreen and built-in DVD/CD player (MP3/DivX/WMA/AAC compatible), an AM/FM tuner, a USB connection for iPod, etc. as well as GPS navigation, Bluetooth phone integration, etc. It basically offers everything that the PCM3 offers plus a bit more in the audio/video department.

    The 100 KRS speakers have been installed in the dashboard (left/right) and the doors (left/right) and are connected to the amplifier. The 165 KBE speakers have been installed in the doors (left/right) and are connected to the subwoofer output on the headunit. All speakers have been installed in the original speaker mounts and there is no visible difference compared to before. The amplifier has been installed in the front boot where the original amplifier use to sit. All original cables have also been upgraded to audiophile counterparts. The GPS antenna has been placed in the dashboard where the center speaker used to be. All in all a very neat and stealth installation.

    So how does it sound?

    Absolutely amazing!!! It is 100 times better than the factory Bose system I have in the 911 Carrera S. The mid-range is clear and warm and fills the cabin in an unbelievable way. The bass is deep yet quick and snappy. One can play loud, and I mean loud, without any distortion, drone or rattle. It is simply crisp clear music! Smiley

    alpine1.jpg

    alpine2.jpg

    alpine3.jpg


    --

    997.2 Carrera S in Carrara White. PASM-Sport Suspension (-20 mm), PSE.

    987.1 Boxster S in Arctic Silver. OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT Wheels, H&R Monotube Coil-Over Suspension, H&R Anti-Roll Bars, Sachs Racing Clutch, Single-Mass Flywheel, Recaro Pole Position Seats, PSE.


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    Impressive - did you install it yourself.
    --

    Matt C
    2009 997 GT3 Mk2  / 1988 911 3.2 Conv.


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    Hi Matt, no I had it done by professional car HiFi shop here in Zürich.

    Although, I did order the parts over eBay which saved me over 30% on the total price (all parts are new and with full warranty).


    --

    997.2 Carrera S in Carrara White. PASM-Sport Suspension (-20 mm), PSE.

    987.1 Boxster S in Arctic Silver. OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT Wheels, H&R Monotube Coil-Over Suspension, H&R Anti-Roll Bars, Sachs Racing Clutch, Single-Mass Flywheel, Recaro Pole Position Seats, PSE.


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

     Very nice - look forward to hearing it.

    Whilst looking around this subject, one guy who did a similar fitment was able to change the boot screen of the head unit (replacing it with a Porsche logo).  Don't know if this is possible with Alpines, but it might be worth a bit of research if you like the 'factory' look..


    --

    2011 987S, 2007 987S, KW v3 1964 Type 1


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    Thanks - Yes, one should be able to upload any boot screen, as well as, changing colors, themes, menus, etc. I just need to read the 149-page manual first  It does look like everything is customizable to suit ones needs and preferences.


    --

    997.2 Carrera S in Carrara White. PASM-Sport Suspension (-20 mm), PSE.

    987.1 Boxster S in Arctic Silver. OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT Wheels, H&R Monotube Coil-Over Suspension, H&R Anti-Roll Bars, Sachs Racing Clutch, Single-Mass Flywheel, Recaro Pole Position Seats, PSE.


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    Wonderful outcome - I'm bookmarking this for future reference - cheers  


    --


    RT Moderator 
    - 997.1 C2S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm sports suspension/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    wonderful outcome +2. Probs on letting it done professionally and getting the wiring right, ie. replaced as well. The sound must be amazing!! Looks beautiful!


    --

    indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :) 


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    Wunderbar

    You have inspired me, am hunting around for a new system as well now


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    HeavyMetalThunder:

    Wunderbar

    You have inspired me, am hunting around for a new system as well now

    Thanks.

    Since you have PCM 2.1 I would keep the headunit, add a Dension Gateway 500 for iPod connectivity and replace all speakers/wires. Check out the Focal speakers on eBay or Discount Car HiFi (Swiss online shop). You could possibly add a more powerful amp too if needed.

    Let's catch up for a Kafi tomorrow Smiley


    --

    997.2 Carrera S in Carrara White. PASM-Sport Suspension (-20 mm), PSE.

    987.1 Boxster S in Arctic Silver. OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT Wheels, H&R Monotube Coil-Over Suspension, H&R Anti-Roll Bars, Sachs Racing Clutch, Single-Mass Flywheel, Recaro Pole Position Seats, PSE.


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    Looking very, very nice. Did they change any drone-absorbing material or are they relying on the factory-installed product?

    Smiley


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    Thanks! 

    They added custom cut mats to reduce noise and vibration in the doors. Seems to work very well. There is zero rattle or drone present.


    --

    997.2 Carrera S in Carrara White. PASM-Sport Suspension (-20 mm), PSE.

    987.1 Boxster S in Arctic Silver. OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT Wheels, H&R Monotube Coil-Over Suspension, H&R Anti-Roll Bars, Sachs Racing Clutch, Single-Mass Flywheel, Recaro Pole Position Seats, PSE.


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

     Wow -looks nice! I've got the PCM 2.1 that came with my 987s, and I'm experiencing touch-screen navigation envy.  


    --
    2008 Boxster S

    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

     Looks great!  Didn't know such an installation was possible.


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    I wanted to do the same thing for my 07 boxter, but my local hi-fi in Shanghai didn't look comfortable at doing it. They told me that I couldn't just change the Navi Station and just use the Bose speakers, but had to change the amp also. Where did you get the 2-DIN Antracite Facia Plate? Also, can you tell me without installation, what was the approx. cost of the upgrade?


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    I believe your local HiFi shop is correct. As I understand the PCM and Bose amp talk over the MOST bus which is not compatible with aftermarket amps. Hence you need to change the amp too (possibly the subwoofer too since I think it has a built-in amp). Have a search on the Planet-9 forum. A lot of members on there have done audio upgrades and shared a lot of useful information on compatibility, components and installations.

    However, if you plan to do the same thing I would change everything; Head unit, amp, speakers and cables. Even though I don't I have rear speaker or a subwoofer the bass is way better than in a Bose equipped car (my 911 with Bose sounds like a tin can on a string compared to the Boxster).

    The total cost, excluding installation, was around CHF 3'000. I got most of the stuff from eBay, including the 2-DIN facia plate. Just do a search on eBay and you will find it.

    I am very happy with all my components and can recommend them all. The sound is fantastic and the navi works excellent.

     


    --

    997.2 Carrera S in Carrara White. PASM-Sport Suspension (-20 mm), PSE.

    987.1 Boxster S in Arctic Silver. OZ Racing Ultraleggera HLT Wheels, H&R Monotube Coil-Over Suspension, H&R Anti-Roll Bars, Sachs Racing Clutch, Single-Mass Flywheel, Recaro Pole Position Seats, PSE.


    Re: Navigation and Audio Upgrade

    Thanks for the info, much appreciated

     
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