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Porsche 997: Stereo Modifications

Get crystal clear sound that beats the limitations of the factory stereo with these aftermarket modifications for the Porsche 997.

By Jared Hammond - May 8, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 997 (2005-2012).

If you've ever envied the sound of a booming bass cannon, wished that your speakers could drown out the wind noise going at high speeds, or maybe just wanted a few additional features from your stereo, then this article is the perfect source of inspiration for your Porsche 997's stereo setup. Whether you're interested in upgraded features, like Bluetooth and SiriusXM, or looking to improve sound quality, read more to discover your options and what it takes to make these mods happen.

Stereo Modifications

Head Units

DIY Cost – $2,100-$5,000

Professional Cost – $2,300-$5,200

Skill Level – Moderate; You'll have to remove the old head unit and install the interface, requiring custom work.

The Porsche 997 stereo setup makes use of most fiber optic cabling. For the majority of head unit modifications, you'll need an interface for this cabling unless you plan on tearing out the whole system altogether. These interfaces tend to cost between $400-$600. But aftermarket head units are so feature-rich that it'll be worth the initial cost. Many come with SiriusXM radio, Bluetooth, a USB plug for your phone, backup camera capabilities, and GPS navigation. If you're looking for multiple features, then it's recommended to go with an aftermarket head unit because features like SiriusXM and Bluetooth are not compatible with the PCM and both require expensive interfaces to work.

SiriusXM

DIY Cost – $900 + $15 monthly subscription

Professional Cost – $1,000

Skill Level – Easy; Simply install the interface behind the head unit.

SiriusXM allows you to listen to over 140 channels commercial-free. It's perfect if you're looking for more variety or there aren't many radio stations in your area. The factory PCM system does not support SiriusXM, so you'll have to install an interface and antenna to access it. This can be as simple as a generic plug-and-play satellite radio kit or a custom job, integrated into an aftermarket head unit as seen above.

(Related Article: How to Add Satellite Radio to the Porsche 997 - Rennlist.com)

Bluetooth

DIY Cost – $750

Professional Cost – $850

Skill Level – Easy; Similar installation to satellite radio.

Bluetooth allows you to utilize hands-free calling and stream music from your phone, making those long commutes or road trips much more enjoyable. Similar to satellite radio, Bluetooth will also require an interface in order to function with the factory head unit. There are options currently available, like the pictured Tooki unit, that plug into the factory head unit and work with the OEM electronics.

(Related Article: How to Install Bluetooth to Your Porsche 997 Nav - Rennlist.com)

Auxiliary Input

DIY Cost – $30-$530

Professional Cost – $130-$630

Skill Level – Moderate; Depending on how you implement it.

An auxiliary input will allow you to play music through your music player or smart phone. The advantage here is that the sound quality is better than when streaming through Bluetooth. There are a couple ways to implement this modification. You can purchase an interface to directly connect to the sound system, or you can hard-wire an auxiliary cable to your factory head unit. Hard-wiring a cable is much more challenging and voids the warranty; however, it's significantly cheaper than an interface.

Door Speakers

DIY Cost – $50-$150+

Professional Cost – $150-$250+

Skill Level – Moderate; Requires taking apart the door panel to replace the speaker.

Door speakers are usually made from cheap components like paper or foam enclosures, so switching out those factory speakers with something sturdier can drastically improve your stereo's sound quality. But the potential of your speakers is more dependent on the quality of the amplifier than the speaker material. A sturdier material will result in superior acoustics as the sound is better amplified out of the speakers, compared to the stock items.

Amplifiers

DIY Cost – $50-$450+

Professional Cost – $150-$550+

Skill Level – Easy; You can install a new amp where the factory amp is mounted, unless the amp is significantly bigger.

The amplifier is what gives power to your sound system. Without this, you'll hardly get any volume coming from those speakers. Simply replace the factory amplifier in the front luggage compartment.

Subwoofers

DIY Cost – $200-$1,000+

Professional Cost – $400-$1,000+

Skill Level – Moderate; You're going to have to modify your car in order to install subwoofers.

If you truly want to hear every part of your music, then you're going to need a subwoofer. A subwoofer is a speaker that produces really deep bass. Most people purchase a subwoofer enclosure that they install in the trunk of the car or underneath the seats. Depending on what you get, you'll probably have to modify your 997 quite a bit to get it to fit, and you'll have to do some wiring. For this modification you may want to hire an expert.

Pro Tip

When you're replacing the components of your stereo setup, keep in mind the wattage of the speakers, amp and subwoofer. If you overpower the speakers or subwoofers, you risk blowing them out, and if you underpower them, you won't get the sound quality you're looking for.

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