The Vancouver-based owner of this 2010 Porsche Boxster S recently dropped into Ralph’s Radio to inquire about upgrading the features and technology of the car’s entertainment system. The local Porsche dealership suggested that we could install a new radio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration as well as built-in navigation for road trips. We inspected the vehicle and talked to the client about how he intended to use the radio and his listening preferences.
Our team gave the client two options. We could replace the radio with a new Kenwood multimedia receiver and connect it to the factory amplifier and speakers with a Nav-TV interface. The second option was to add the radio and replace the factory amp with an eight-channel solution that would give us complete control over the signal going to each speaker in the car. The client liked the idea of us being able to fine-tune the sound of the system, so he opted for the radio and amplifier upgrade.
Porsche Boxster Technology Upgrade
We started by removing the factory radio and amp from the car, then preparing the wiring to mount the new Kenwood DNX695S in the dash using a Nav-TV mounting plate. The new radio includes the CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity that will allow the client to make phone calls and send text messages by simply talking to the radio.
We added a Rydeen CM-DUO camera to the rear of the Porsche. This compact, surface-mount camera is located just above the license plate and makes it easy to see everything behind the vehicle when backing into a parking spot.
Audison Eight-Channel System Amplifier
The output of the Kenwood radio feeds an Audison Prima AP8.9 bit eight-channel amp, which is mounted under the Porsche’s passenger seat to keep it out of the way. As you can see from the photo, our team soldered each speaker wire to the amp’s speaker output plug and protected each connection with heat shrink tubing. Finally, we wrapped all the wiring in automotive-grade cloth tape to keep everything neat and tidy. The final step was to configure the digital signal processor in the amplifier for the speakers in the car. We applied crossovers, equalization and signal delay settings to each channel so the system would create a realistic soundstage across the dash of the vehicle.
After we spent a day working on his car, the client returned to Ralph’s Radio to check out his Porsche Boxster technology and audio upgrade package. He loved the features of the radio and the way the system sounds. If you are in the Vancouver or Victoria area and are interested in upgrading your audio system, drop by either Ralph’s Radio location and speak to a member of our team. You can also reach us by e-mail using our contact page.