964 stereo upgrade?
Discussion
As title, has anyone upgraded the standard speakers etc for something more modern (or something that you can actually get any decent sound out of!)
We have a nice 964 targa, but it has the original head unit and speakers and to be fair they are awful.... Ideally i want to replace the speakers with some exactly the same size that will fit under the covers as to look factory. I don't want to spend a fortune, but was thinking any modern replacement would be better than the existing speakers.
Not planning on amps/subs etc. And will source a very understated looking head unit with an AUX input for the iPod. Any speaker help appreciated!
We have a nice 964 targa, but it has the original head unit and speakers and to be fair they are awful.... Ideally i want to replace the speakers with some exactly the same size that will fit under the covers as to look factory. I don't want to spend a fortune, but was thinking any modern replacement would be better than the existing speakers.
Not planning on amps/subs etc. And will source a very understated looking head unit with an AUX input for the iPod. Any speaker help appreciated!
It's hilarious isn't it. 
If I put a CD on in mine, it takes about ten seconds to guess the song! It's so tinny.
I'm happy listening to the engine most of the time though.
There isn't much you can fit in the 964 without butchering door cards etc with door builds. I know some people have had ok results with good components in the doors and a small sub in a custom box behind a seat, but obviously you lose the legroom for the kids, if you have any.
I just live with it. To be honest if I'm on a long motorway run, I stick my Ipod in. I know that's not too clever but I don't have it stupidly loud and I just pay more attention for emergency vehicles etc.
If I put a CD on in mine, it takes about ten seconds to guess the song! It's so tinny.
I'm happy listening to the engine most of the time though.
There isn't much you can fit in the 964 without butchering door cards etc with door builds. I know some people have had ok results with good components in the doors and a small sub in a custom box behind a seat, but obviously you lose the legroom for the kids, if you have any.
I just live with it. To be honest if I'm on a long motorway run, I stick my Ipod in. I know that's not too clever but I don't have it stupidly loud and I just pay more attention for emergency vehicles etc.
Can't help with the speakers as I haven't done them yet (but I'll watch this thread with interest to see if there's any good suggestions)
Have the changed the head unit though - to a Becker Grand Prix and I can HIGHLY recommend it. Fits in really nicely with the look of the interior, and works perfectly with an iPhone. Sound, even with the original speakers, is good, and the bluetooth phone works really well. Amazing considering it's not all that quiet in the cabin. Don't make them anymore though, so it's an eBay job...
Have the changed the head unit though - to a Becker Grand Prix and I can HIGHLY recommend it. Fits in really nicely with the look of the interior, and works perfectly with an iPhone. Sound, even with the original speakers, is good, and the bluetooth phone works really well. Amazing considering it's not all that quiet in the cabin. Don't make them anymore though, so it's an eBay job...
I have the Becker Cascade in mine, looks like the one above and fits in nicely with the surrounding bits and bobs. It has Ipod connection and Sat Nav so you get the modern comforts while maintaining the older/classic look.
I have Morell speakers in direct replacment for the door units, and all charged by an amp in the boot. Sound is good and the system easy to use, but as mentioned the sound of the engine (and rattling) is much more fun.
I have Morell speakers in direct replacment for the door units, and all charged by an amp in the boot. Sound is good and the system easy to use, but as mentioned the sound of the engine (and rattling) is much more fun.
I'm no audiophile but also wanted to get some better sounds on a budget. Your current sound is probably poor because after 20 years the original speakers probably looked like mine:
I replaced mine with a pair of Alpine coaxial speakers so that I didn't have to worry about changing the crossovers. In fact, I wanted to get rid of the crossovers and tweeters because I was putting RS style door cards on at the same time (but you could just leave the original tweeters in place as dummies when not changing the door cards). I couldn't see a way of keeping the factory covers but I did re-use the protective covers behind the door card that stop water getting at the speakers).
Link for speakers:
http://www.raysmith.co.uk/alpine-spg-13c2-5-13cm-c...
New speakers fitted in the car:
The sound is a lot better but that's not surprising considering the state of the original speakers!
I replaced mine with a pair of Alpine coaxial speakers so that I didn't have to worry about changing the crossovers. In fact, I wanted to get rid of the crossovers and tweeters because I was putting RS style door cards on at the same time (but you could just leave the original tweeters in place as dummies when not changing the door cards). I couldn't see a way of keeping the factory covers but I did re-use the protective covers behind the door card that stop water getting at the speakers).
Link for speakers:
http://www.raysmith.co.uk/alpine-spg-13c2-5-13cm-c...
New speakers fitted in the car:
The sound is a lot better but that's not surprising considering the state of the original speakers!
marky911 said:
That does look good JB.
I'll keep an eye out for one of those I think. Do you know what model they were originally fitted to, 993/996 etc?
My car has a naff modern Sony single disc CD player in.
Don't think they were Porsche specific. Quick eBay search shows one here:I'll keep an eye out for one of those I think. Do you know what model they were originally fitted to, 993/996 etc?
My car has a naff modern Sony single disc CD player in.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Becker-Grand-Prix-7990-C...
Yeah JB, thanks. I was thinking of Blaupunkt for some reason, as my car left the factory with a Blaupunkt Toronto head unit, according to the options.
I'll keep an eye on that Ebay Becker though. I found it after your initial post but, I think due to this thread there may be a couple of people after it.
The "Billy big button" style does suit the 964 dash really well.
I'll keep an eye on that Ebay Becker though. I found it after your initial post but, I think due to this thread there may be a couple of people after it.
The "Billy big button" style does suit the 964 dash really well.
Junior Bianno said:
Can't help with the speakers as I haven't done them yet (but I'll watch this thread with interest to see if there's any good suggestions)
Have the changed the head unit though - to a Becker Grand Prix and I can HIGHLY recommend it. Fits in really nicely with the look of the interior, and works perfectly with an iPhone.
That looks very good....Have the changed the head unit though - to a Becker Grand Prix and I can HIGHLY recommend it. Fits in really nicely with the look of the interior, and works perfectly with an iPhone.
thanks for the suggestions so far!
Junior Bianno said:
Can't help with the speakers as I haven't done them yet (but I'll watch this thread with interest to see if there's any good suggestions)
Have the changed the head unit though - to a Becker Grand Prix and I can HIGHLY recommend it. Fits in really nicely with the look of the interior, and works perfectly with an iPhone. Sound, even with the original speakers, is good, and the bluetooth phone works really well. Amazing considering it's not all that quiet in the cabin. Don't make them anymore though, so it's an eBay job...
Out of interest, does this head unit have a aux input? Or does it only connect to the iPod via Bluetooth? I was hoping to connect an old iPod nano I do not use anymoreHave the changed the head unit though - to a Becker Grand Prix and I can HIGHLY recommend it. Fits in really nicely with the look of the interior, and works perfectly with an iPhone. Sound, even with the original speakers, is good, and the bluetooth phone works really well. Amazing considering it's not all that quiet in the cabin. Don't make them anymore though, so it's an eBay job...
It has a proper dock connector. If you look carefully in the passenger footwell you can see where the cable goes from the headunit and comes up next to the handbrake. I've just got it tucked under the mat right now. As you'll know access to the back of the stereo in a 964 is completely open so its easy to get at!! It won't charge my iphone 4 without an adaptor though, but you can get them easily enough.
It connects to the unit via bluetooth for the handsfree phone, which is good if you just leave your phone in your pocket for a quick trip. I've got the microphone connected to the steering wheel boss. Quite subtle and in a 964 pretty close for speaking into.
HTH
Jnr
It connects to the unit via bluetooth for the handsfree phone, which is good if you just leave your phone in your pocket for a quick trip. I've got the microphone connected to the steering wheel boss. Quite subtle and in a 964 pretty close for speaking into.
HTH
Jnr
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