Porsche Targa 4S Stereo System for Vancouver Client

A client from Vancouver contacted Ralph’s Radio about upgrading his 2010 Porsche Targa 4S stereo system with more technology. The client wanted to be able to use the features of his iPhone while driving. Around the time the client came to us, Alpine announced its iLX-107 multimedia receiver with wireless CarPlay. We explained how the system would work and the client loved the plan. We scheduled an appointment to start work on the vehicle once we received the Alpine receiver.

Alpine iLX-107 with Wireless CarPlay

Cosmetically, the dash kit and radio look perfect in this Porsche.

Alpine’s new radio features wireless CarPlay access.

Apple CarPlay gives the client voice control of his smartphone while driving.

The backup camera display is visible on the radio when the Porsche is in reverse.

Adding the backup camera helped to make backing up the Porsche much safer.

The tiny backup camera tucks in neatly above the license plate.

We removed the factory radio and wired up the new Alpine receiver to the factory radio connectors. A new dash kit from Metra took care of letting the Alpine unit fit into the dash of the Porsche. The iLX-107 includes an input for a backup camera. We installed a Rydeen CM-DUO just above the rear license plate to make maneuvering and parking safer.

If you haven’t experienced CarPlay, it’s well worth dropping into one of our stores to check it out. CarPlay allows you to use Apple’s Siri voice recognition to control communication, entertainment and navigation functions. You can place a phone call by asking the radio to dial a phone number or search the Internet for a number based on a business name. Siri will read out incoming text messages and allow you to dictate a response.

In terms of entertainment, you can play any of the music on your phone by asking for a song title, an artist or an album name. CarPlay is compatible with Spotify so that you can stream music just as easily.

One of the best features of CarPlay is its navigation system. Ask for directions to an address or business, and Apple Maps will plot a route for you. The system uses real-time traffic flow information to optimize the route around accidents, construction and congestion.

Audison Door Speaker Upgrade

The speakers in the factory Porsche Targa 4S stereo system aren’t too bad – except for the doors. We’ve created a very cost-effective solution to optimize the performance of the sound system. We removed the factory door speakers and installed a set of Audison Prima AP 8 mid-woofers in their place. While the door panels were off, we treated the doors with a layer of Silent Coat sound deadening material. The deadening not only reduces the amount of road and wind noise that get into the cabin but improves the performance of the new speakers by ensuring none of the sound from the back of the speaker cancels out the sound produced by the front.

Audison System Amplifier with Digital Signal Processing

The real key to optimizing the performance of the sound system is the Audison Prima AP8.9 bit amplifier we installed. The AP8.9 bit is an eight-channel amplifier with an integrated digital signal processor. We removed the factory amp from the Porsche and wired in the new Audison amp. Once in place, we used our Audison bit Tune to configure crossover, signal delay and equalization for each speaker in the vehicle. This configuration optimizes the system so that it produces smooth and natural frequency response and creates a soundstage that makes it sound as though you’re sitting behind a mixing console in a recording studio.

We mounted the amplifier under the passenger seat to keep it safe and secure. Audison Connection power wire supplies energy from the battery to the amp, and we used Connection interconnects to feed audio signals from the new Alpine radio.

Porsche Targa 4S Stereo Upgrade Project

After finishing the tuning and giving the project a final inspection, it was time to turn the Porsche back over to the client. He was very impressed with the cleanliness of the installation. We showed him how to pair his phone with the ilX-107 WiFi hotspot and use CarPlay. He loved being able to see behind the car when backing up as well. If you are interested in upgrading the technology in your sports car, drop by Ralph’s Radio in Vancouver or Victoria and speak with a member of our sales team. We have connectivity options or iPhone and Android-based phones for most vehicles. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, call our store nearest to you or send an e-mail using our online contact form.