Looking to dump PCM2.1 - what are my options on a 997 C4S?

Looking to dump PCM2.1 - what are my options on a 997 C4S?

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Discussion

Splurge997

Original Poster:

252 posts

169 months

Sunday 25th September 2016
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Hello,

Being alive and kicking in 2016 means I've not bought a CD for years and I have all my music on my Android phone. After having to hum to myself for pretty much an entire 10 hour journey I've decided it's time to bin the stty PCM system and find something more modern and suitable.

Can anyone recommend any particular aftermarket units? I understand it is possible to retrofit PCM3, but the posts I've seen about the subject makes this sound like a project for someone with a PHD in electronic engineering.

Car in question has:

- Bose Sound System.
- Sports Chrono.
- CD change in front.
- Non-multifunction steering wheel.

Key criteria for purchase is:

- More modern Satnav capability. Having a Macan loan car recently was an absolute eye-opener how far these systems have moved on!
- Ability to play music from my Android Phone.
- Ability to answer calls in my car.
- not stick out like a sore thumb.

Thanks in advance!

Richard Hamilton

523 posts

261 months

Monday 26th September 2016
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Dynavin N6-PS-B is about the only plug & play replacement that works with MOST, and will give the features you want. http://www.dynavin.com/products/n6_ps_b.php

It used to be cheaper buying from suppliers in Holland and Germany, but not sure how it works out with current exchange rates.

v8ksn

4,711 posts

184 months

Monday 26th September 2016
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I have a Kenwood DNX7250DAB double-DIN stereo in my 997 GT3.

Reasons I changed ....

1) Original PCM unit failed resulting in blank screen
2) No bluetooth phone connection
3) CD player didn't work
4) Satellite Navigation was dire
5) No speed camera notifications
6) No way to 'plan' an itinerary or route
7) No way to (simply) avoid certain roads or motorways

The Kenwood DNX7250DAB addressed ALL of these issues and now I can happily accept incoming phone calls, play music through bluetooth, navigate easily and quickly and best of all......receive speed camera notifications (a godsend that has saved me MANY times)

I'll upload pics when I get chance...

jakesmith

9,461 posts

171 months

Monday 26th September 2016
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Hallo
Check out Audiofile In car online. They can put in a new head unit and interface with most so u keep your bose etc. However for about £2.5k they'll Dynamat your doors which is essential, and add a new JL amp, did all that in mine and it's awesome well worth it

rosino

1,346 posts

172 months

Thursday 29th September 2016
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I can't understand why they don't offer OEM upgrades to 3.1 or 4.0

jakesmith

9,461 posts

171 months

Thursday 29th September 2016
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The color is wrong so would look very odd as PCM 3+ is black
Also it would put people off upgrading their car

v8ksn

4,711 posts

184 months

Thursday 29th September 2016
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Paddy_N_Murphy said:
With the Kenwood, how did you go about the DAB aerial, and live feed etc? was it a professional installation,


And have the beards not birched you for tampering with a GT3.
wink
Sorry, only just read this!

DAB aerial is located on the inside of the windscreen on the passenger side, its quite discreet.

I bought all the kit off the 'net and then contacted a local mobile installer who fitted it for me. I removed and replaced all the interior myself....which was quite a job!

As for the beards, I dont care as its MY car and I can do what I like with it thumbup

v8ksn

4,711 posts

184 months

Thursday 29th September 2016
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You can see the Kenwood installed here....it looks almost like it belongs there and its fully reversible.


Shewie

553 posts

190 months

Thursday 29th September 2016
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rosino said:
I can't understand why they don't offer OEM upgrades to 3.1 or 4.0
I'm surprised Porsche don't do an OEM replacement that uses the later tech but suits the earlier cars. Surely there's demand for people who don't want to go aftermarket. Something like they've done for the single DIN fitments for the pre 993 cars, but for the 996/997.1. I'd probably buy one!

Fireblade69

628 posts

203 months

Friday 30th September 2016
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I had a nice Panasonic DNX-5240BT double din touchscreen that worked perfectly with the 996 Bose system. Had sat nav, bluetooth phone & music, microphone, video input for iPhone as well as CD/radio/SDcard/USB and a few other goodies. Perhaps the modern version of that would be a good option?

Gallicbred

77 posts

170 months

Saturday 1st October 2016
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Pioneer AVIC-F88DAB in my 996. Very impressive unit and functionality. Better sound than CDR23 as well IMO. Not keen on DAB aerial on screen tbh - would have preferred it on rear quarterlight in hindsight. 996 installation is more challenging than in a 997 if only due to most fascias are for the 996.1 (which don't fit the 996.2).



Splurge997

Original Poster:

252 posts

169 months

Saturday 1st October 2016
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Hi all,

thanks for all your contributions so far. Had a discussion with Road Radio in Redhill, Surrey and will be choosing something over the next couple of days. I'm fairly pc & technology savvy but I'm feeling like a fish out of water with all the available options. Currently mulling over the Pioneer AVIC F80DAB/Kenwood DNX8160DABS...not sure if they have more functionality than i require as i rarely listen to the radio. What benefits does DAB offer over traditional radio?

Also does anyone have any experience of Android Auto? is it worth getting?

cheers

Gallicbred

77 posts

170 months

Saturday 1st October 2016
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I initially had the AVIC-F80DAB - it looks very similar to the 88 (see pic) but around £130 cheaper and with slightly fewer features. The 80 has a resistive touchscreen (like a tomtom) whereas the 88 has a capacitive one (like an iPhone etc) - I thought the latter would be better but hardly any difference in use though. I do think the 88 sounds slightly better but that could be me.

I was initially looking at Alpine, Kenwood and the AVIC-F980 (think it looks more OE with the CD slot and smaller screen) but AV place persuaded me to go with the F80/F88 as he said it is the best out there and pretty much future proof.

Android Auto is excellent- highly recommended and Google Maps way better than built in 'Here' ones. My iPhone is too old to try CarPlay so I can't comment on that but looked impressive when I saw it demoed.

Jury's out on DAB - costs more and you get the nasty (IMO) aerial in your sightline but you do get the extra stations.

Only other tip is make sure your installer knows exactly what he's doing with your 997! E.g. wiring into the fibre optic amp (via an adaptor), correct fuse (so it doesnt switch off when you turn the engine off) and lighting circuit (to dim at night) - I found this out the hard way!!


Splurge997

Original Poster:

252 posts

169 months

Saturday 1st October 2016
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Thanks for sharing your experience - guess it remains a toss up between the Pioneer AVIC F88 and the Kenwood DNX8160. will visit in person to get a feel for them and provide an update.

Luckily I have confidence in the Road Radio - they've done several 9E cars which is good enough for me!

Gallicbred

77 posts

170 months

Saturday 1st October 2016
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The Kenwood unit looks really good also and similar functionaility and look to the Pioneer. The one thing I miss on my unit is a dial or knob to adjust the volume etc. I find the buttons a bit small and fiddly - and you have to use the touchscreen to change source and radio stations etc! I'm therefore looking to get a remote, which will hopefully cut down on fingerprints on the touch screen too!

I have heard very good things about Road Radio. The place I went to had some pretty tasty motors in there and a good reputation. However after my unit was fitted the first 0time I got the feeling their fitter hadn't seen a 996.2 before... I will say their after sales was very good though, rectifying everything.

Next thing on my list is to switch out the amp and dash speakers, as it seems the head unit is too powerful for them.. maybe a small sub under the front seat too.

Will be great to hear how you get on and see pics when done.

Eta: here's a pic of my DAB aerial, as fitted; and, my attempt to hide the 'giant paperclip' part of it... thinking about an outside sticker to hide the glue bubble.


Edited by Gallicbred on Saturday 1st October 21:37

Splurge997

Original Poster:

252 posts

169 months

Thursday 6th October 2016
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Updated - having a Pioneer Avic F88 DAB fitted on Wednesday. will post photos when completed. Oddly excited!

Gallicbred

77 posts

170 months

Saturday 8th October 2016
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Great stuff. I'm really pleased with mine. Looking forward to seeing the pictures and hearing your thoughts.

If you get a chance can you ask Road Radio's views on remote controls for it? Also how they wire in the dimmer switch (mine isn't connected so stays bright at night).


nickpan

580 posts

189 months

Sunday 9th October 2016
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hi gents

very useful info here thank you. I have been contemplating upgrading my becker 23 in my 996.2 for months. My car is bose and MOST which I understanding is a complicated set up!

would you recommend road radio for fitment ?

many thanks

nick

Splurge997

Original Poster:

252 posts

169 months

Monday 10th October 2016
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Hi Nick, Road Radio have a good reputation (nine excellence sent me there and I trust Ken) - radio will be fitted on Wednesday this week. Will post pictures once complete.

Will also ask about the remote control!

Splurge997

Original Poster:

252 posts

169 months

Wednesday 12th October 2016
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Updated - fitted today by Steve at Road Radio. Top bloke and knows his Porsches v well. Highly recommended. Will update with photos as soon as i manage to find my phone...