Stereo change options.

[Benjs]

Whilst I love the 997 there is one thing I don't love. PCM 2 is a bit pants. I can't live with diverting calls to sim everytime and tbh even with the ASK amp the sound is poor. So I've looked into changing as I'd like Bluetooth and DAB as well as better navigation.

The quotes I've had back are for pioneer or alpine units and fitted range from £1000~£1250 fitted and possibly £200 more if the amp is fibreoptic (can't tell until they take it apart). This was a bit more than I hoped and I'm now just thinking I may just need to put up with the PCM and/or get a Bluetooth kit (drive too many miles to risk using handset).
Has anyone else come across as better option or am I just going to have to consider selling the dog?

 

[angusc]

I fitted a Viseeo kit to my 997.1 which has the Bose fibre optic MOST system. You could also Chex or this blue tooth conversion from iSimple search eBay item 361360255427. I actually purchased a replacement 7" display unit with the MOST conversion and the matching fascia to change or my PCM 2.1 but just can't bring myself to fit it as I have become very attached to the navigation interface in the dash display. I hadn't noticed it when I first got my C4S but now I can't bear to lose that feature.

There is another thread hear with more detail about the same subject so take a search for that one and have a read. https://www.porscheclubgb.om/forum/FindPost/855542

Oh and there is a 2015 PCM 2.1 navigation update available to freshen up the map data.

 

[Gordon Attar]

Look up the Parrot 9200 colour kit.

 

[Benjs]

The only down side with the Parrot is there is no DAB option i believe.

 

[Tony Daniel]

Dynavin make a head unit which looks very similar to the Porsche PCM units. A big plus with this unit is it also works with the CanBus & MOST (fibre optic) system in your car without requiring any expensive adapters, basically it is plug and play.
Available in grey for gen 1 cars and black for gen 2.
http://www.dynavin.com/products/n6_ps_b.php
http://www.dynavin.com/products/n6_usb_dab+.php


You may struggle to find it for sale in the UK at the moments so call/email http://www.bigdogaudio.de/ for the best prices.

If you wish to fit a Pioneer,Kenwood etc. head unit you will need to fit a Nav-Tv adapter first at £280 or replace the amp in the frunk. http://www.nav.tv/products/porsche-pcm2-21-head-unit-replacement-por-hur

 

[Tonyporsche]

I have installed the Dynavin unit and am really happy with it, does Parrot Bluetooth with microphone, DVD, USB, touch screen sat nav (free upgrades), can get dab module, has hard drive for photos etc all for about £850, this is on a gen1 997. Works very well.

 

[Benjs]

In the end i went for an Alpine w925R double din header unit. Overall i'm pleased. The nav is excellent and the ability to split the screen for the nav and the stereo is a great touch. I will have to go back to the installer as the base speakers in the door appear to hardly work but this may be a lead apparently (it sounds tinny at the moment) so i'll hold judgement on the sound.

 

[angusc]

Hi Benjs,

Nice colour car matey!!

Can you post a little review of the Alpine unit in operation. What is the Blue tooth connectivity like, how is the voice volume on phone calls, can people hear you or is the engine noise too high in the back ground, what navigation software is being used on the Alpine, how up to date are the maps and do you get any free updates. How does the navigation voice come over the music, can you change screens from the radio to navigation and still listen to music etc.......How much was the Alpine and what cost to install.....

THanx in advance.

 

[Benjs]

Hi Angus

I'll stick a mini review up when i've had a bit more time to get used to it as that will give a better overall picture.

Cheers Ben

 

[David Stevens]

I installed the Pioneer unit , works great
I suggest you make the investment , you will not be disappointed
bye

 

[angusc]

Hi Angus

I'll stick a mini review up when i've had a bit more time to get used to it as that will give a better overall picture.

Cheers Ben

Hi again Ben,

Any time to make that review yet? I've to hear how you are getting on with your new head unit.

@David Stevens
Hi David would you be able to post some photos, of the Pioneer unit and model number and an review of how it all works/interfaces with the car ....?

 

[NickNickNick]

I have this hard wired in my car - you can play/pause YouTube, play/skip tracks saved on your Phone, and answer calls.

It connects 12v to the device (mine is on the key barrel 'switch'), and uses Bluetooth between the device and your phone. When you use it the signal is transmitted to FM, and the signal is 100% clear. It was so good that I had it hard wired into the car -> £70 at Halfords! I have another in the runaround, and a mobile one for when I am out in customers cars. If anybody would like a demonstration of this Bluetooth device I am based around Norfolk/Suffolk.

http://www.belkin.com/uk/p/P-F8M117/

 

[Stuart Mackay]

+1 for the dynavin, first mod I made to the GT3 [s3][]

 

[David Stevens]

Pioneer supplied by Cartronics in Byfleet , has Bluetooth and iPod connection
great investment , good supplier also

 

[Benjs]

Sorry it has been ages, but a combination of work and not using the car daily has meant i haven't had the chance.

So all in all i'm very impressed with the Alpine. I did end up upgrading from the standard ASK amp as it delivered very little base (Rainbow beat 2 ) and i have to say even with the stock speakers this delivers plenty of good crisp sound. Best way to sum up my experience is in a list of pro's and con's (below) as it might be some may consider my points in either column.

Pros
1.Brings the interior ICE up to a 21st century standard with NAV/Ipod/Bluetooth/DAB all built in
2. DAB reception even with windscreen mounted aerial good on national stations.
3. Touch screen fairly responsive
4. Personal settings for quick links
5. More than one phone for bluetooth connection so will swap between different handsets automatically
6. Choice of display and easy splash (start up screen) change to suit your colour scheme
7. The volume knob (honestly my wife insisted on a unit with this and i now know how much easier it is to use if you don't have steering wheel control)
8. The ability to either use preset setup or personalise to your taste/music type
9. Nav give clear precise instructions and is easy to look at
10. Call and microphone fairly clear on the move

Cons
1. There are too many sound options (from parametric equaliser to time corrected sound to cross over) it is bewildering and takes time to set up
2. Destination entry on sat nav is complicated, or should i say more complicated than it should be. After getting used to it is okay.
3. Touch screen is hard to use when travelling over uneven surfaces (is better if you disable swipe function)
4. There are more menu pages than the bible. Sometimes it takes a little over five presses to get to something as simple as changing tracks (there are shortcuts but i haven't worked them out yet)
5. The manual is on dvd/cd (i like a bit of paper i can take to the car)
6. The microphone whilst okay does suffer if you are doing lets say more autobahn speeds (tyre roar)
7. DAB on regional stations can be a little sketchy but mostly hampered by the search which will only look in that ensemble
8. Cost. All in it was £1500 i didn't expect to spend just to have a half decent stereo

If anyone has any more specific questions please do not hesitate to ask but if i suddenly discover anything more (positive or negative) i'll add it on.

 

[Doof]

Hi, were you able to use the in-built mic or did you install a separate one please?