Standard 987 Speakers

[paulbox]

I am currently waiting for my new boxster to be delivered in March. At present it is specced with the standard sound package and I was wondering which speakers Porsche now use in the 987. Does anyone know? Can anyone recommend any direct replacement units that will fit with the minimum of fuss.

My budget won't stretch to Bose but (if it is still possible) should I consider the Sound Plus package?

Paul

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Have you specced the sound pack?

 

[paulbox]

No not as yet and I dont know whether or not I am still on spec hold. Is it worth doing? My OPC told me not to bother !!

In the mean time I would like to see what is possible with replacement speakers. Surly Porsche still don't use nokia speakers!!

Paul

 

[Black80XSA]

By the time you find an amp and speakers to replace the standard ones, plus someone to fit them you might as well spec the PSP and save the hassle. You might get a better sound from aftermarket but you also run the risk of rattles when trim is removed and replaced.

 

[paulbox]

As a quick upgrade I was planning to keep the amps and just replace the two speakers on each side with some that are direct replacements.

I take your point about reduced hastle. Which brand does the PSP use?

Paul

 

[paulbox]

Can anyone help me with details of the standard speakers. I am having difficulty finding any details on replacing 987 speakers (lots on 986).

Was the OPC right to put me off the "sound plus" package?

Paul

 

[Dapster]

I specced the BOSE and can't complain about the performance in absolute terms but I can not see that it's actually worth the thick end of £900. A small 2 seater convertible is never going to be that accoustically sound, so the BOSE may not be a worthwhile extra as it may be in say an Audi A8 or a Range Rover. My memory of the standard sound system was that it lacked mid range and bass, and struggled on higher volumes when you may be motorway cruising with the hood down. As such I'd recommend the PSP as a minimum.

 

[Black80XSA]

Not entirley sure for the 987, but on the 986..

std factory unit used the internal amp of the headunit - which means easy hook up of anything aftermarket -coupled to simple paper cone one way 4" units in the dash top

porsche sound package (PSP) gave a separate amp in the front boot, wired to the headunit by fibre optics, and uprated speakers, albeit still paper cone Nokia untis ( in dash were 0.75" tweeters, 4" midrange) and then 5.25" bass units in an enclosure in each door

Bose - uprated Bose manufactured speakers, with interior noise sensor, plus subwoofer betwene seats. amp in fornt boot still


I don't expect the 987 to be much different - the headunit is now double din sized (twice the height of standard) but the connections on the back are the same as the CDR23 of the later 986s.



PSP is not the last word in hifi but its a safe option for resale and suits 90% of buyers. Bose might be better, but its an acquired taste and a softtop is not conducive with acurate sound reproduction anyway.

Of course, after all that, for the first few months you'll only be listening to the exhaust note []

 

[jw2015]

I've got the basic sound system in mine and while it's good ok for any top up driving or lowish speed top down, it's not worth having on when the top is down and the revs are up, but then again that's when you're only interested in hearing the exhaust note. However, my standard head unit (2nd one I've had) loses it's sound memory settings on a random basis, just like the unit I had replaced. This is a pain coz only by messing with the 4 different sound settings do I get reasonable sound and I'd like it to stay that way but it doesn't. Funny thing is that the unit retains it's radio station settings, so I don't think it's a faulty power supply. I'm thinking the solution might be an off the halford's shelf system (if I can find one to suit the look of the dash), perhaps with better dash speakers, but definitely with bass speakers placed in the doors. I'm a digital radio convert anyway so I'd like to get a digital radio headunit in anyway.
How easy would it be for a stereo installation place to install a basic system like this - are there cables going to the doors where the speakers should be in the upgraded system. Does anything special have to be done when installing a new head unit, I seem to recall the Porsche unit is hooked into the alarm system somehow. And can the dash speakers be replaced without pulling out the dash? Out of curiosity, would my friendly OPC charge me an arm and a leg for this sort of job? Has anyone had their system changed with their OPC?

 

[paulbox]

I have visited my OPC today and am still able to add the Sound Package if thats what I decide to do so I would appeciate your views :-

1) Stick with the new 987 standard speakers as they are good enough.
2) Purchase standard set-up but budget to upgrade 2 way door/dash speakers with reputable brand after delivery.
3) Add "Sound Package" to order as it sounds much better and is well worth the extra cash.

I would still be interested to know which brand of speakers they use if anyone knows.

Paul

 

[paulbox]

I have just been told that the Sound Plus system includes the following with the door speakers being supplied by Harman Kardon (I guess these are probably built by Infinity who are part of the same group).

Porsche Sound Package Plus

Switch Panel:
Two 1.9 cm high-frequency loudspeakers
One 7.0 cm mid-frequency loudspeaker (Centre speaker)

Door Panel:
Two 20 cm low-frequency loudspeakers
Two 10 cm mid-frequency loudspeakers

180 Watt additional amplifier.

This seems to be good value for £388. What do you think?

Paul

 

[Black80XSA]

If thats true then £388 isn't too bad - its certainly a wise choice for ease of resale if nothing else.

 

[Guest]

Before speccing my 987S I sat in a showroom Boxster with the sound package (that's already the slightly improved version over the standard sound) - it sounded aweful, to be honest.. even after fiddling with some bass and treble settings.

Seems both the standard sound and the upgraded sound package have only front speakers, whereas the Bose options gives you rear speakers as well. Personally I'd say if you ever listen to music in your car, I'd recommend the Bose.

But in the end you should probably head to your dealer with your favorite CD in your hand and try the different options in their showroom cars.. with roof up and roof down, and then decide.