Hello all,

between AVIC-Z120BT and AVIC-X920BT which one is better? They are about the same price on amazon.

Also, do I need to buy an AMP, or will the factory with factory Bose be ok??

Need to play my iPhone, this is a must! Also would like to use Nav antenna that my car came with.

Any advice appreciated.

-thanks!

 

If you have a good installer, then you can make the Pioneer head unit work with the factory Bose system. I'd make sure you choose an experienced installer who has worked on the 996 before.

My 996 is at an installer having a new system installed today. I ended up putting in a new amp and new speakers. My speakers weren't necessarily bad (I also had the Bose system), but they are approaching 10 years old at this point. I decided to just upgrade it all.

I chose a Kenwood head unit, but the Pioneer units are very nice also. I seriously considered Pioneer.

 

I have Avic 710BT in my C4S. Excellent unit with Ipod connexion in glove box, Aux output (for Zune). I had 2 new Alpine amps installed but kept the original Bose speakers. Am very pleased with it.

 

I have been recommended a good installer in Chicago

Confused about Amp, do I need it or not, what is it for? What's Alpine Apmps, what models are they?

Thanks again

 

Let me go look

 

OK, so I have 2 Alpine MRP F300 4-channel amps in the bonnet and I think the Bose amp still powers the subwoofers.
Actually I wanted the higher spec Pioneer that would have allowed me to stream Pandora thru my phone but it was then out of my price range and my current cel plan only allows data streaming for additional $$. I'll have to wait until my current contract is up to think about that upgrade.

 

If you have to enter a code in your head unit when the power goes off, you most likely cannot use the factory amp - BUT... if you go with the AVIC Z120BT, the internal amplifier will give you similar sound quality to OEM so you can just bypass the amp if the security feature stops it from working with the new HU. I used mine like that for a while, but I eventually added a sub box for my rear shelf and added an Alpine PDX-5 to power everything. It turned out great looking and sounding - me = happy.

 

I have to enter both NAV and RADIO codes when battery is disconnected, otherwise I never have to put in any codes.

I wonder would anyone be interested in buying my factory radio with gps screen (2002 model) + 6 CD changer ) ?

 

PM'd

 

Dennis, why does it make a difference if the installer had worked on 996 before, is anything in particular about Porsche? Turns out a friend is an installer who would do this for a nominal fee, but I am not sure he's worked on Porsches before. Can they mess it up bad? Thanks

 

Porsche510,

I have the older Z110 in my 911 and the X920 in my Boxster. Both units are nice. But, I like the X920 a little better. The Z110's (& Z120) volume and track buttons are a bit small.

 

I was in a buddies car last week, and boy do i miss good sounding music and amenities like BT, GPS...

So i decided to call my buddy who has a shop, see what i need...I would need the Pioneer double din deck, and add an amp for the sub.

Now I'm on the fence, only really wanted a new deck...back to the drawing board i guess

 

If your friend is an installer, then he might do just fine. I'm not an installer, so I can't really comment on the details. My understanding is that there are a few subtle nuances to installing these units in Porsches. As an example, I believe there is a brown wire that needs to be dealt with that connects to the alarm system in the 996. If it isn't, then you will be unable to set the alarm after the new head unit is installed. Also, I've seen many photos using commercially available trim rings that do not look good. I believe that an experienced installer will know which parts to use, where to get them, etc. to ensure the best possible outcome.

 

One difference between the 2 units is that the Z120 is motorized; that's an extra part that could have some issues down the line. If you don't have to have the gps, Pioneer now makes the 3300bt - it has most of the features of the 920 with the exception of the navigation.....and you can find it on eBay for as little as $345 (that's for a new one.) Pioneer also has the 4300DVD - doesn't have bluetooth or nav.....

 

***Kenwood VS Pioneer***

I've been reading Amazon reviews and my impression that Pioneer is somewhat more difficult to navigate the GUI and hard to press buttons and Navigation is not that good VS Kenwood has nice navigation and good screen buttons but iPod integration is not as good and boot time is slow (20seconds).

Anyone has a personal experience on that? I'm going to hold off on my purchase until I am confident it suits my needs.

r9g: I would like a unit that has both good Navi and iPod integration since it's costly to install might as well get $$$ unit