I've been going back and forth and it seems as though it's an expensive ordeal to change out the stereo in the 996. I have a '99, and i'm not quite sure if I have bose or not, I don't see bose on any speakers, etc. I'd like to get a better sound from the current setup. Over the years working on cars I have stayed away from the audio department. I was just wondering if there was a simple solution to use the stock headunit change out speakers to get a better sound with as little modification as possible. Perhaps in the future i'd get a sub (idk, maybe it's necessary to get good low end response) and pony up for a double din and an amp.

Any thoughts? Suggestions? And most importantly costs?

Anyone ever put a sub in the front (trunk/boot)???

Thanks in advance!

 

I don't think the Bose system was an option in 1999, although I may be wrong about that. The good news is that the 1999 cars didn't utilize the MOST fiber optic system, so upgrades are relatively easy. You should be able to install a single-DIN head unit for a very reasonable price that gives you bluetooth, iPod, etc. I don't think this would be difficult at all.

Most people (me included) believe that the speakers are the weak link in the system. If you installed a new head unit and better speakers, you'd really improve the sound. Look at crutchfield.com and see what options they have. I'm guessing this upgrade wouldn't be too expensive...

I do recall seeing an installation somewhere that featured a sub in the "frunk". I'm sure it's possible, but it does take away some of your limited storage space. There are sub kits for installation behind the back seats, as well as some that go on the floor in the back seat.

 

I just took a quick look at www.crutchfield.com. They sell Kenwood Excelon units, which I really like. I have a double-DIN Kenwood unit in my car.

The Kenwood Excelon KDC-X396 retails for $129.99. I'm not sure if your car has door speakers or dash only, but they offer options for both at several price points.

 

I changed all of the speakers including the door speakers, added a 300W 4 channel amp up front, made a sub box with an 8"inch sub that looks like the Bose box, added a 450W Sub amp installed on top of the sub box on the right side and replaced the head unit with a Kenwood KDC x995, that has Bluetooth, iPod and Pandora. My system sounds unreal and being the cheap XXX that I am, I did it all myself for under $1000.00. Best part is I sold the CDR210 on eBay for $350.00 so after all was said and one it only cost me $650.
My advice is dive-in and do it yourself, it really is not difficult and you'll get a great feeling of accomplishment when you're done. It was a first time attempt at a car stereo for me and if I can do it so can you.
If you need help contact me.

 

Added a Pioneer AVIC-930bt plus brand new speakers and had to go with a new amp since I had the MOST system. $2200 total inc installation. The amp and pre-amp are in the front.

 

Great news on the most(or lack thereof)! I DO in fact have door speakers so i'll look at crutchfield. my thoughts are that I'll also need the Loi kit for double din, i'll need to relocate my HVAC controls, and purchase the "upper" cubby hole. That and THEN get speakers so the head unit may take a back seat for now.

Speaking of back seat i've seen the subs in the floor by the back seats and love that. Looks clean.

I'm all for doing my own work but i do NOT want to get crazy and start fabricating stuff... plug and play is probably as far as I'll go with audio, as well as this car. I've got my hands on my father's '85 which is currently getting fiberglass fenders/bumpers/etc...

 

I've got a sub behing my rear seats in a custom, carpeted enclosure. It's totally concealed. I've also got subs in my doors, and they provide great performance. You may get all the low-end sound that you need with door subs alone.

 

Generally speaking upgrading the speakers is going to give you your biggest bang for your buck in terms of sound quality upgrade. A headunit upgrade (leaving the speakers alone) is really best if you are looking to upgrade features / functionality but will only give a slight improvement in sound.

Adding an amplifier to power upgraded speakers will give you a huge improvement in sound quality and dynamics, and an amp and sub are really the final step to fill in the missing bottom end.

I managed a high end car audio shop here in FL for a number of years in my younger days and from a general perspective this is the way I approached every car audio upgrade.

 

what are the logistics required to relocate the HVAC?

 

There are three or four connectors on the back of the HVAC control that have to be rerouted. Takes maybe half hour to an hour. You can scrape a few knuckles doing it as it is pretty tight behind the various controls.