Today I went and priced some radio's for my 997.1 and they mentioned no matter which radio I pick that I will have to pay $650 for some part that will allow the radio to play through the factory Bose speakers. This is my first time hearing this.

I've searched the forum and found a few threads discussing replacing the factory radio in the 997.1 but haven't heard anything about this....can anybody offer any insight? Is this something I can get around?

 

the adapter/harness for the bose radio is expensive. your workaround would be to not use the bose amp or speakers at all. install an aftermarket amp and speakers.

 

Yea the guy also mentioned that and said it'd be more of an upgrade in speakers/amp. Just kinda irritated I can't get a new radio without paying an additional $650 for that adapter.

Is there anywhere known for selling the Bose harness cheaper than $650? They are quoting me over $2k for the radio I want with parts and labor: http://sdrv.ms/QbMZ4T

And here is the touchscreen Kenwood radio I was looking at: http://sdrv.ms/PSM203

 

For $650... I'd just spend more and get a real speakers and an amp. The Bose system sucks. I'm really disappointed with it.

 

Doesn't a lot also have to do with the type of radio in terms of speaker quality? Do you still have the factory radio with your Bose speakers?

 

I have the PCM3.0 in my car. Main reason I picked up an 2009, was for the updated PCM... so I don't want to swap it out. Most of the sound quality comes from the speakers. I'm sure you could attribute some of it to the deck... but.. the speakers are what you hear.

 

I saw some posts about using an inline amp to boost the output of aftermarket head units that mated to the Bose system in the MOST chain. Keep searching on the terms "head unit", there are some options that seemed much less expensive.

 

If you have controls on your steering wheel you will need a part that is on ebay. Search for Porsche HUR. Trouble is that it is a little more than $650

 

Terpsed - cool will do.

Goldduster - yea I heard about that, I don't have controls on my steering wheel though

 

It has to do with the fact that the porsche PCM uses a fiber optic connection to link the deck and bose amp. Everything aftermarket is not fiber optic from what I know. The device converts the FO to a standard connection an aftermarket amp will accept.

 

The only thing that is fiber is the send/return for the CD changer. (digital)
All else is analogue. (wires).
There are bypass wire harnesses than can be bought on eBay that can allow some flexibility for install.
Here's a sample link.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PORSCHE-w-BOSE-PREMIUM-AMP-STEREO-Radio-Wire-Harness-/200569471780?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories &fits=Make%3APorsche&hash=item2eb2df4324&vxp=mt r

In the end, although Porsche offers regular and premium stereos, it is moot.
The sound dampening alone hardly lends itself to high fidelity.
To me, it's a sports car first. I wanna hear the motor sing.

Besides if you replace the system as some have, you lose all system integration with the dash. Especially with Sports Chrono.

 

Oh. I guess I was wrong.

 

+1. Can you replace PCM 2.0 to PCM 3.0 without losing integration and Sports Chrono?

 

This device is only $14 and specifies Boxster before 2004--do you think it'll work for the 2004 Cayenne?

 

That link is for a 1997-2003 Boxster harness.

The 997 radio to amp connection is fiberoptic (MOST bus) and it does require that ~$650 analog-to-fiberoptic adapter (for the Bose systems).

Alternatively, you can install your own aftermarket amp to go along with your aftermarket radio. Then the $650 adapter isn't necessary.