Audio Systems comparison

[bdonovan]

Hi everyone - have been a PCGB member for 2+ years, but here is my first post! A few quick questions:

I currently have an '02 996 C2 (facelift) that I am considering trading in for an '05 997 C2. I like everything about the 997 in question - sports exhaust in particular - except that it is missing two options that my 996 has - a sunroof and the Bose sound system. I know they are both cosmetic issues (particularly in this forum!), and have gotten my head round not having a sunroof (though I'll miss having the roof open on a sunny day - you can hear the exhaust note better!). The sunroof seems to be a very rare option on the 997 anyway.

However, I am an audiophile so am more concerned about giving up my Bose system (though like seemingly everyone here, in the Porsche I spend more time listening to the car itself than the radio). So, my questions:

1. Is the standard Porsche system in the 997 any good? If anyone has specific opinions vs. the specific Bose systems in the 996 or the 997, or could point me to a comparison test (have been trolling the net with no luck), that would be especially helpful. I gave the standard system a listen when I was test driving, and it seemed OK if a bit light on bass, but it was too quick of an experience to form a firm opinion.

2. An alternative would be aftermarket upgrades - any suggestions on a specialist to help on that, or upgrades you've used and thought were worthwhile but reasonably cost-effective?

Thanks in advance for any responses. Ben

 

[okellyt]

I had the soundpackage plus (911's stock stereo) in my Boxster, problems with eharing it at speed - Had to keep turning the volume up till it hurt. Ok at low Speed.

had Bose fitted in second boxster and in my 997. Comparision from Boxster to Boxster the Bose was a world better - you ddin't have to keep turning it up until your ears bleed at speed. Much better sound.

So when i came to buying on the 997 for the extra £800 it was a no brainer to have the Bose. However I would not pay much more than that for an after market fit. there are much better after market stereos out there - It depends upon preference and how deep your pockets are. Martin Levanson anyone........

I took the view that th Bose, while not wonderful, was good enough for all the listening I would do and going aftermarket could mean more problems at trade in - at the very least the money i'd spend I wouldn't get anything back. besides the acustics within a car aren't conducive to a good audiophile stereo - So I saved the cash and spent it on upgrading the system at home.

 

[graham m]

Ben
I had a 997S without Bose - and then later traded up into the 997 Turbo which has the Bose as standard. Got to be honest I'm glad I didn't pay the extra in the S. The cockpit is so compact that I don't think it makes one jot of difference. OK there is loads more base available with the Bose system, and it may well impress people in the know, but I wouldn't put it on my 'must have list'. PSE tho is a different matter!
Graham

 

[bdonovan]

Great thanks, that is very helpful.

I nosed around a few other porsche fora and as okellyt said there seem to be a number of aftermarket options, for compact subwoofers (which can apparently fit in the space designed for the Bose option) and other speakers which are designed to be the exact size and shape as the door speakers. I also found out that the 997 base Porsche system has a fairly powerful amplifier as standard, which was available only as an option on the 996, so if you are on a budget(ish) you need only focus on the speakers for a reasonable improvement in sound.

Thanks again.