996 TT without PCM

[Guest]

Do 996TTs WITHOUT PCM have the normal sized car stereo in them? If so, does that mean I can install my standard Kenwood stereo in it? Just thinking it would be cheaper to buy a 996TT without PCM and install a normal stereo with Mp3 capabilities rather than get a 996TT with PCM and then have to get the whole sta nav system upgraded as well.

I realise that this is the Turbo forum, but I have the same questions about the 996 C4S. Does anyone have the answers?

 

[Grant]

Buy a Turbo without PCM & it will be harder to sell on, OPC's don't generally buy them, make sure you get a good deal, the price should definitely be considerably lower for a 996TT without PCM. The stereo varies according to new spec, but it is usually a Becker single play cd with Porsche branding, or similar, with optional upgrades including multi-play Cd in the boot, don't forget from 02 model year the 996TT came with the full BOSE system as standard (previously an option), it is pretty good! So if you are into your stereo, best pick one with Bose PCM aside! Hope this helps.

 

[Guest]

I know it will be harder to sell on without PCM, but I am thinking about keeping the car for a good few years and at somepoint getting a new sat nav system installed anyway. I would want the BOSE speaker system. So if the BOSE came as standard from MY02 and I think that PCM became standard in MY04, does that mean that I could find a MY02/03 with BOSE and no PCM and then get my current Mp3 enabled stereo installed before upgrading at somepoint to a new sat nav/stereo/DVD console?

 

[Grant]

Best check with an official Porsche centre, you can definitely use Becker head units & others have used a host of different set ups, but not sure about Kenwood, sorry!

 

[burrow01]

Hi
I think the requirement for PCM will fall away as the years go by and the system becomes more outdated

I don't think that manufacturers, with their long lead times etc, can keep up with the pace of development in electronic technology

In a few years time I think people will be looking at these cars and saying "H'm nice car, pity about the out of date PCM...

Personally I would rather save the money, and install a system from a different vendor, which would be cheaper to update as new features and facilities become available, especially if you are making an initial saving on the purchase price of the car anyway

Pete

 

[996_STEVO]

I kind of agree & disagree on the resale thing as the Standard Sat Nav unit is a heap of shit (ooops my tongue!) it seriously is that bad, I have just had a major install of equipment which is truly unbelievable, and it still retains a factory look about it! I will post pics tomorrow (Sunday) to let you see what I have done, any questions just PM me and I will let you know my experiences regarding this!

Installed

Kenwood DDX-8027 Head Unit
Kenwood KNA-DV3200 Sat Nav Unit
Kenwood KNA-TM320 Traffic Master
Kenwood KDV-C820 10 DVD Changer
Kenwood KTC-V500 TV Tuner
Kenwood KCA-IP500 IPOD Connection
Audison LRX6 6 Channel Amp | Audison LRX2
CDT HD-642 Component Set
Diamond Audio Subs with Stealth Sub Box (custom Fit)
Nokia CK-7W Bluetooth Set up through Head Unit

 

[Guest]

Stevo, wow, that sounds like a lot of kit! I'd really like to see the pictures of what that looks like. Also, what did that lot cost?

 

[marcus a]

Stevo, I have an 03 Turbo with the BOSE system but without PCM. To upgrade my head unit the problem I come up against each time is with the fibre optics. The only option I was offered was to replace all the wiring and amps but still retain the speakers. I wanted a pioneer AVIC - X1 BT head unit with motorised touch screen navigation but sounds a big job and expence at approx £3,000. The BOSE is o.k but I am told the replacement amps would give better sound too. My car is still under extended warranty so I expect this complicates things also if the speakers were to blow. I guess the alternative is to keep what I have and get one of these mobile tom tom type units which I keep seeing advertised.

 

[996_STEVO]

It really depends how far you want to go with your audio/visual set up. Basically I love a quality/clarity product and the standard stuff is just rubbish and that includes the PCM, sorry but it is! I have installed mine so it still has a certain factory look and it can be taken out in 1 day and returned to stock, this I requested!

I don't know the ins & outs of the Optics stuff but I heard you come up against problems if you are planning on keeping certain items i.e. keeping the rear speakers but changing the amp!!! (only an example)

What I would say is get the old out and replace with new, all!

It really comes down to individual preference, Good luck!