When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I had the hi-fi sound option on my 1999 C2 Coupe and the sound quality was embarrasing to say the least! I spent big $$ to have Innovative Audio custom build a fiberglass sub enclosure with twin 8" kicker solobarics inside. OEM quality with factory carpet and leather to boot. In addition, they rack mounted a big Kenwood Amp in the front trunk, left the hi-fi amp driving the OEM rear speakers and dash " and I had them also install a K40 front/rear radar detection system with LED's between the seat heater switches. Very clean.
When I moved from the 1999 C2 to a 2001 C2 I moved the sub enclosure over, upgraded to an XTANT Amp, and also to Memphis Audio speakers all around. Night and day difference over the first car and every single person who listened loved it!! Even with PSE installed (wide open full time) on long highway trips having great sound is essential IMO. Subs, good speakers and decent Amp is a solid investment. FYI, if I had to do it again though I'd go with Reus Audio in CA as I've heard they have wicked good system that's best upgrade bang for $$
Vic, I had the system professionally installed at Sound Advice in Boca Raton, Florida so I can't say that I have first hand knowledge of the actual fit; however, the MB Quarts and Bostons are built on the european specs, and as far as I know they fit seemlessly, and was assured that the system could be put back to stock without any problems. The AMP is huge and actually sits on the floor of the trunk. The factory AMP was pulled and in its place went the XM tuner and the crossovers for the MB's. The Alpine head unit is standard DIN size so it fits just the same as the Becker. The only non-stock side effect of the head unit is that all of the buttons and display are BLUE, so its obviously conspicuous, but pretty cool. The sub box has the same carpet as the rest of the car and looks like it was meant to be. Lastly, the sound is one thousand percent better...man is it LOUD!! BTW, Car Audio Innovations makes a pair of subboxes that sit on the floor behind the seat in the Cab...caveat though, if you're 6' + you might not be able to put the seat all the way back. If you need any other info let me know, I'd be glad to pass it along.
thanks MLA. Strange how I miss the stereo more than the actual 996. Had I purchased an 02 or newer car with the factory Bose System I'm not sure that I still would have upgraded since for the most part I've heard that the Bose is adequete whereas anything Porsche offered previously was simply terrible by any modern car audio standard.
Hi-Fi sound system in the 01 and earlier cars was laughable.
Does anyone know if its possible to attach an amp to the Porsche CR22 tape headunit. I ask because looking at the rear of the unit it doesn't look like there are any RCA preouts to connect an amp to.
Westcoast...I'd have to agree with you there. My neighbor has an '03 TT with the Bose system in it, with navigation and it sounds pretty decent. Unless you were going to go with a DVD screen in place of the nav unit, I'd be hardpressed to rip it out; however, the only thing that I would want to integrate is Satellite Radio. If you don't have it yet, get it! I don't know about Seattle but SoFla radio sucks, to put it mildly. Satellite Radio is the only way to go! I've been an XM subscriber since its inception, and will never be without it again. M-
Zish - without RCA's I think you're SOL, unless you can obtain an aftermarket wiring harness. But why do you want to keep the CR22 anyway?????
Porsche's Top 5 Most Questionable Naming Decisions
Slideshow: For a company obsessed with engineering precision, Porsche has occasionally named its cars in ways that left even loyal enthusiasts scratching their heads.
Pogea Racing's 964 Porsche 911 Reimagination Stands Out in a Crowded Field
Slideshow: Pogea Racing's latest Porsche 964 project blends carbon-fiber construction, modern chassis upgrades, and up to 500 horsepower while keeping the air-cooled 911 experience firmly analog.
Talos Takes Your 991 Porsche 911 GT3 to the Next Level for a Cool $1.13 Million
Slideshow: Talos Vehicles has transformed the Porsche 911 GT3 RS into a carbon-bodied, race-inspired machine that costs well over $1 million before the donor car is even included.
9 Vehicles Porsche Helped Engineer that Aren't Porsches
Slideshow: Long before engineering consulting became trendy, Porsche was quietly helping other automakers build everything from supercars to economy hatchbacks.
9 Features and Characteristics That Only Porsche People Understand
Slideshow: Some brands build cars. Porsche builds traditions, obsessions, and a few habits that stopped making sense decades ago but somehow became part of the charm.