My wife drives a 2004 911 Cab.

She wants Sirius with a CD player and it would be nice to have iPhone integration. Navigation isn't necessary. The car has the Bose speaker system.

She wants something that is relatively stock appearing...she doesn't like the big fancy units with tons of buttons and flashing lights.

What's a good option in terms of a unit that meets this criteria? Been searching here, but a lot of the threads with aftermarket setups have the big screen double-DIN setups (which look great, but not looking to spend that kind of dough).


Will changing the stereo require changing out the speakers/amp setup in the car? I thought I heard that the bose setup is only compatible with the factory radio.

 

You can certainly find stock take-outs on Ebay, and probably here in the classifieds, that would be plug-and-play and give you everything you seek. Otherwise, you can get a double-din aftermarket nav/cd/dvd/phone/bluetooth replacement.

 

Your 2004 996 utilizes the MOST fiber optic ring. This system uses fiber optics to communicate between the head unit, amp(s) and the CD-changer. The speakers use copper wire.

Bose speakers are typically not compatible with aftermarket amps. Bose systems are designed for 2 ohms and most aftermarket systems are designed for 4 ohms. With that in mind, you'll need to either replace the speakers and amps, or you'll need to buy an adapter that allows you to keep your speakers and amps and connect them to an aftermarket head unit. There is a device called a MOST-HUR adapter that should accomplish this for you. If you go this route, then you should look at different head units and decide what you like. I belive that Alpine makes some nice single-DIN units that will integrate fairly well into the Porsche interior.

Another option to consider is a system like the ones made Mobridge or Denison. These companies make products that allow you to tap into your existing MOST ring and add things like bluetooth and Sirius XM without changing your head unit. I'm not positive that this will work with your system, but if you contact the companies then they should be able to point you in the right direction.

 

I would try to replace the MOST system if I were you. otherwise you are locked into a non-standard technology.