Hi all,

I know that for some, this borders on blasphemy, but I'm looking to upgrade the sound system on my 911 (despite the constant symphony of the flat-6): my girlfriend needs something to keep herself entertained.

I bought a new head unit and was thinking that I could use some new speakers. I'm trying to keep costs really low, so I'm just looking to replace the stock speakers with something better and was wondering if:

1) Anyone had any suggestions?
2) Anyone knows the size of the speakers on the hi-fi package so that I can just go out, buy a new set and replace them?
3) Also, is this something I can do myself?
4) Is there something else I should do that will improve sound? (e.g. I noticed that there is an amp in the trunk... anyone ever replace that?)

Right now, due to cash flow considerations, I'm just thinking of doing the speakers, but don't want to be re-doing things and have plans to add a sub later, but any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

Tacoman,

There are countles threads upon threads about stereo upgrades on this forum. Normally, people will steer your to Reus Audio or Paris Audio in the L.A. area, but that's for a $3000-$7000 budget.

If you're looking to keep costs down, you can install new speakers yourself (I'd spend at least $150-$200 per pair - don't get really cheap stuff). However, while I have installed my own equipment on other more mundane cars, I would never trust my Porsche to my own hands.

Budget at least $1500-$2000 and take your car to a really reputable shop where you live. With that, you should be able to get at least MBQuart quality speakers and maybe squeeze in a $500-$800 amp.

Side note: I notice you live in Canada...all the dollar amounts I just discussed are in US dollars of course.

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I would recommend an Infinity perfect component system. I have heard these speakers in 3 cars and they sound amazing! Depending on the year of your car install could be semi reasonable or very expensive. In 99 Porsche decided to try and put a bandpass system in the doors which did not turn out very well. In order to install speakers in the doors you have to fork over a little $ due to the complexity of the install. Trojan Man's estimate sounds right to me for a nice component system installed. If you want to save a little money on speakers you could go with Boston’s which also sound very nice. Almost any decent quality speakers will be an improvement over the stock system. Porsche has never been known for it's sound systems. Good luck with the hunt.
-Andrew

 

Do it yourself. add a separate amp like 5 channel or 2 amps for a sub and separates. Use focal 4" components for the fronts and coaxial if you care for the rears. Otherwise you are being ripped off. Boston's rob too much power and you need madd watts to make them sound good anything else is crap. mb quart is ok on a decent amp but they have the same power handling as focal and focals are much better. YOu can make do without anything in the doors with a competant external corssover and separate amps on the components and a sub. There are obviously some other components that are good etc. too but these are the most talked about.-

 

Replacing your speakers will make the most noticable improvement.

Here is what you would want to do upfront...
I went with a 3 way component system using a 6.5" driver in the door, 4" mid w/ tweeter in the dash. The shop had to make a custom wood baffle (not expensive) to mount up the 6.5" driver, but there was not cutting required and the whole thing can be returned to stock. Focal, MB Quart, and JL Audio all make a good 3 way system. The JL XR653cs is what I have in my car, great sound with a great price.

Rear speakers... replace only if you must as they are not really heard. The rear speakers are the same as what is in the dash. I went with a 4" JL coaxial for rear fill (XR400-cx).

Subs are nice to fill in the low end, but that is personal preference. I went with two 8" JL's behind the rear seat. Photo op...
<img src="http://www.986host.com/albums/Sloth996/sub_box_2.sized.jpg" alt=" - " />

To make this all sing you would need some real power pushing the speakers. I went with a single 5 channel JL amp to power the whole system. And if you are going that far... you may as well go for broke and install a proper head unit... I would avoid Sony.

The most important and difficult part is finding an installer than you feel comfortable working with. Do not be timid about asking for references or asking for photos. Trust me, if the installer is good they will want to show his work.

Do a search for more info, this topic is covered about once a week.

 

Matching the factory speaker size, if possible, is the key to keeping the costs down.

If you want a cheap(er) option, I would get the diminsion of your speakers and go to a few stereo shops and start asking questions. With the diminsions, you will be able to do a reality check on what they tell you.

And believe me, you will get recommendations accross the board on what to buy.

 

By the way, stock speaker sizes are approx 5.25 in the doors, 4" and tweeter in the dash. The rears have the same combo as what is in the dash. I very much suggest what I have done to my own car with the 6.5" drivers in the doors. If you are not planning on subs, you will get better low end from a 6.5" as opposed to a 5.25". I do not know if you could even fit an aftermarket 5.25" into the factory enclosure. So if custom baffles have to be made (again, not expensive) it is worthwhile to step up to a larger bass driver. You could also just do a two way system, or a coaxial if you really want to be cheap. Do some research and go with whatever works best for you.

 

Hi All,

Thanks for the tips and advice. After going around town and checking out some things. I've decided to go with the following:

1) Pioneer DEH-P8400 Head Unit
2) INFINITY KAPPA 63.5i Car 6" 6.5" 3 Way Speakers for the Doors and;
3) INFINITY KAPPA 42.5i 4" 2 Way Speakers for the dash.

I'm going to leave out the sub for now, but was wondering if anyone had a recommendation as to an amplifier that would work well? Also, does anyone know if the 3 way speakers for the door would work well with the 2 way in the dash?

If I am thinking of foregoing the sub entirely, can I just get a 4 channel amplifier?

Thanks again,
MT

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by mightytaco:
<strong>

I'm going to leave out the sub for now, but was wondering if anyone had a recommendation as to an amplifier that would work well? Also, does anyone know if the 3 way speakers for the door would work well with the 2 way in the dash?

If I am thinking of foregoing the sub entirely, can I just get a 4 channel amplifier?

Thanks again,
MT</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Perhaps I am confused, or I confused you. When I said 3 way, I was referring to a 3 way component system with 3 separate speakers (one in the door, and the other two in the dash). I do not think it would be a good idea to do a 3 way coaxial in the door with another 2 way coaxial in the dash (coaxial meaning all the speakers mounted in the same frame... ie: tweeter in the center of a larger speaker). This would surely mess up your soundstage, but if it sounds good to you.

You would want these in the front...
Example of 3 way component system... <a href="http://www.jlaudio.com/evolution/XR653CS.html" target="_blank">JL XR653-cs</a>

Example of 2 way component system... <a href="http://www.jlaudio.com/evolution/XR650CS.html" target="_blank">JL XR650-cs</a>

You would want this in the rear...
Example of 2 way coaxial speaker... <a href="http://www.jlaudio.com/evolution/XR400CX.html" target="_blank">JL XR400-cx</a>

If you have your heart set on Infinity, they do not offer a 3 way component system. However, a two way component would work pretty well too (larger driver in the door and tweeter on dash). Save the 4" coaxial for the rear.

A 4 channel amp is fine for what you want to do, you can add a mono amp later if you decide to add a sub. I just put this unit into my fiance's car... <a href="http://www.jlaudio.com/amps/3004.html" target="_blank">JL 300/4</a>. I have the 5 channel version in the 996.
<img src="http://www.986host.com/albums/Sloth996/Boot.sized.jpg" alt=" - " />

PM or email me if I can help you further. Good luck.

 

If you really want to go cheap, just upgrade the front speakers with a 3 way component set and a 2 channel amp. Use the stock rear speakers powered off the headunit for a bit of rear fill... remember, you can not really hear them anyway.

 

A word of warning...

When I replaced my stereo I did it in stages to help spread out the cost. The first step was head unit and CD changer with stock amp and speakers. Next was a new amp (MTX 4-channel) and 3-way Focal speakers in front. Finally, I added a box with 2 8" subs, similar to Sloth's setup.

It sounds like you're planning to go through the equivalent of my stage I and II. You should know that some higher end component speakers will actually produce less bass than the stock speakers, so you may be somewhat underwhelmed at the overall sound of the system without any subs.

I'd definitely suggest that you pick up a 4-channel amp at least, even though all you really need is a 2-channel for the fronts. I run my rears (stock) off of the head unit's power, and it's fine, as they're just there for fill. If you get a 4-channel amp, you can always bridge the rear channels and use that to power your subs if you decided to add them later.

The JL amp that Sloth recommended is a great one, and the MTX that I have in mine is slightly less powerful but sufficient for the job. My amp was about $375.

<a href="http://www.mtxaudio.com/caraudio/products/amplifiers/thunder684.cfm" target="_blank">My amp</a>

One last thing, you might want to speak with a professional who can give you advice. Rod @ <a href="http://www.caraudioinnovations.com" target="_blank">www.caraudioinnovations.com</a> helped me pick my components and did the installation. He's known on rennlist as being very helpful and friendly, even if you don't get the stuff from him. Top notch!

All told, my system cost me about $2500. I made the subwoofer box myself (and it doesn't look nearly as nice as Sloth's) to save a few $$$.

Best of luck!

 

Thanks for the compliments Chris.

The folks at Car Audio Innovations are very helpful. They hooked me up with their source for factory carpet.

 

Whoops, My bad.

I realized that after I was doing some more research (and the dudes at the audio store asked me if I was smoking something other than tobacco).

The guys at the store recommended that same JL amp (300/4) and suggested that for a few bucks more, the 500/4 was also a good choice (apparently, I've been told there is also a 500/5 which cures the need for a separate amp for the sub... but I'm not sure how much that would run).

I think I am really sold though on the Infinity Perfect 6.1 (unfortunately, it is a two-way system only), so I'm not sure what I would do with the 4" in the front--I guess I could just leave it there? Would it hurt to replace the 4" in the front dash with a two-way coax speaker? Or am I better off just leaving it there?

Thanks again everyone. I really, really appreciate it.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by mightytaco:
<strong>Whoops, My bad.

I realized that after I was doing some more research (and the dudes at the audio store asked me if I was smoking something other than tobacco).

The guys at the store recommended that same JL amp (300/4) and suggested that for a few bucks more, the 500/4 was also a good choice (apparently, I've been told there is also a 500/5 which cures the need for a separate amp for the sub... but I'm not sure how much that would run).

I think I am really sold though on the Infinity Perfect 6.1 (unfortunately, it is a two-way system only), so I'm not sure what I would do with the 4" in the front--I guess I could just leave it there? Would it hurt to replace the 4" in the front dash with a two-way coax speaker? Or am I better off just leaving it there?

Thanks again everyone. I really, really appreciate it.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">The JL 500/5 is probably around $700 and it is the last amp you would ever need to buy.

The two way would be fine but the three way would be best. If you do the Infinity 2 way I would leave the 4" dash speaker unconnected.

 

Don't skimp on the amp. It does you no good to buy good speakers and a crap amp. Trust me when I say that you will be much happier 6 months from now if you spring for the $700 amp now, even though it hurts to fork over the extra cash.

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