OK after a lot of work, the car stereo is in. A friend of mine and I did the install. I'm really happy with it. I tried to take some pics, so that i could encourage others....
System:
- harman kardon traffic pro
- alpine pdx4.100 amp (running 100x2 and 200x1 in 3 channels)
- 3-way component speakers - Ultimate UP35
- stock rear speakers (just for rear fill)
- JL Audio 8" subwoofer in a sealed enclosure in the passenger side front footwell
Result: Very smooth full sound and particularly natural sounding (not sythesized!). It is a great sounding stereo. I could use some more bass, but what can i expect out of a single 8" woofer.
Notes:
- i specifically picked this amplifier so that i could keep it in the factory location. I am really happy with the result here. I did build a little padded shelf for it and stuck the crossovers (which were rather large) in the area as well. I did have to relocate the cd changer, but only slightly.
- i'm very happy with the 3-way speaker install, but it did require some special help from the dremmel and a bit of epoxy.
Pics:






oh and i have to post the midpoint pics

 

nvm.

 

Excited to see pics of the completed interior, especially the head unit in location and the subwoofer location. This was clearly very well thought out!

 

i'll take some pics on wed and post the subwoofer and headunit. The headunit looks completely stock. I did spend considerable time planning it out and just did it very very slowly. If anyone wants to check out the system and is local, they are welcome to come by. It is a bit different from typical 2-way focal setup that most use.

Boris

 

i wish you were local cause ive been trying to find a way to make it look stock while enhancing the sound.

 

Just so i am clear - that is the stock Porsche CD changer? Very cool. it seems like it would be hard to get the CD magazines in and out of the changer because of the wires there - am I wrong?

My TTS came with Navigation - would this setup work with that as well? I am definitely not ambitious enough to do this myself, but would consider attempting it through a good installer. Did your system come stock with the Bose speakers as well?

Kudos to you for the hard work that went into this! I wish I was in the area so that I could come check it out.

 

2002+ and above come with MOSFET which is different than what he had. and i dont believe that is the stock changer as well.

 

i have a 2001 996tt, so i don't have the fiber optic system. it is the stock porsche changer and i mounted it with the velcro, so when i need to change the magazine i just simply pick up the changer and change the cd i wish.

the head unit is a becker/harman kardon unit with navigation that fits into a single din. Porsche sold them under the tequipment and it is a real nice unit.

 

post some pics up asap.

 

i would but i'm not with the car...in 2days.

 

Boris,

I am in the middle of a similar project and find it very enjoyable and rewarding work. Lots of hours to do it right...

I chose the Audison LXr 6.9 amp (950w), Morel Elate 3 way components w/crossovers up front, Hertx co-axial rears for fill and two 6" Morel Elate Supremo Subs mounted in the factory Boze subwoofer enclosure. I installed the Nakamichi CD400 for clean source and factory illumination color, as well as the fact that it offers bass-mid-treble and sub volume adjustment.

These stereo installs can be very time consuming, as I am sure you have learned. Like you, I am taking my time with it, planning carefully how the wires run, where things mount, etc. I have designed my entire system with multi-pin quick disconnects, so that I can easily remove the amp and crossovers for track days. I am down to installing the door speakers and I will be done.

Boris, this is great fun, huh? Here are a few pics of what I have done so far -

NAK head unit installed with all connections to amp, power, etc.


Just getting started


Hertz rear fill speakers


Subwoofers installed (after a lot of dremeling, fabricating, etc.)


Wires marked with pins attached


All connections made


Rough shelf (must be trimmed to exact shape)

 

John,

Looks nice!!! i'm sure it will sound great. I had Morels in a car a bit ago and they were among my favorite speakers. I'd put the dynaudio's at the top and the morels and ultimates up there as close. then i put the focals and mbquarts in a third tier. Enjoy your car, i'm sure it will sound great.

My #1 objective was to install something that was completely stealth and keep all my trunk space. so i went the small amp route and put everything under panels.

I looked at the nakamichi, a very warm natural sounding unit. The becker/harman kardon is definitely the weak link in my system. I chose it because it for two reason:

a) it is stock (utlizing the factory wiring - just a simple plug and play except for running rca's and a turn on lead)
b) it has a GPS in it.

Enjoy!

Cheers,
Boris

 

Boris, great job retaining the OEM connections and accomplishing an OEM look - looks like you did your homework!

I was reluctant to sacrifice trunk space, but decided to try it with 4" less depth and the carpeted shelf to see how it works out.

 

What size 2 way component speaker would fit into the dashboard? I'm thinking MB Quarts.

Thanks.

 

100mm mid 25mm tweeter will fit, which converts roughly to a 4" and 1". although i was very surprised by the factory speakers, they are pretty good. i don't know that i would replace them with mbquart separates. i would change the amp is it is way under powered for the setup.