In dash CD Player for 83 SC

[TOM DELANEY]

Anyone had any experience installing a later model oem in dash Radio/CD player in a 83 era 911? Do I really need a unit with an amp? Am I going to have to rewire for existing speakers?

[yelcab1]

I found happiness with a late model Alpine CD/MP3 player with built-in amps. and 2 nice speakers. If you drive a convertible, you may need more bass oomph from a bass amp.

The sky is the limit for car audio. You can spend as much as you want. People can spend thousands of dollars in high end heads, low resistance wires, high end component speakers, separate amps for each. Or, you can spend that money on a kitchen (which I did).

[scottb]

Do you "need" an amp? No. Will you want one? That depends on you.

The DIN opening in your dash should take any standard DIN-sized receiver/CD unit. I installed a Blaupunkt Heidelberg. Others like the Alpine units.

It really boils down to what you want. Do you want a$$-kicking, thumping bass? Do you just want music? For me, because my car is a Targa and I generally drive with the top off whenever possible, I just wanted a decent sounding unit, and the Blaupunkt is just that. It's not great. It's not horrible. It does the job. I added new MB Quart speakers in the doors and rear deck, and I'm satisfied. I think I spent less than $400for everything.

If you're just going to replace the speakers with drop-in replacements, unless there's a problem with the inegrity of the existing wires, you can reuse them.

[daniell911]

I did installed a Mp3/Cd player in my 83 but I have also a 300 Watts Amp.

I also installed a small 6 inches subwoofer under my seat. It does make a HUGE difference.

I builded my own boxes. I have a cabrio and it's sound GREAT!

I have 2x 6.5 in the back(side) and the original speakers in both doors.

Dan

[Mysterytrain]

I found it difficult to find a radio that looked period correct for my 78SC. I ended up going with the Nakamichi 400.

[84porsche]

Originally posted by scottb
I just wanted a decent sounding unit, and the Blaupunkt is just that. It's not great. It's not horrible. It does the job.

I am with you especially as a Targa owner. I have a Blaupunkt as well and it sounds fantastic (top on or off).

[cbeers]

Ditto. I went cheap and waited for Fry's to have a sale on a Blau.

Got one for $75! Not top of the line, but it does the job for me


see here:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/212300-stereo-installation.html#post1820791


-Chris

[lateapex911]

Find a Alpine CDA 7833...fast..they don't make em any more. It has a decent amp built in...pretty great actually...for a head unit, great audio controls, a removable face, and ............adjustable button color (over 200 choices) to "de-bling" the look and match the car. Under $300 in Texas I think.

It will allow upgrades to amps later, if you feel the need, and can grow completely with you if you want.

Nakamichi TD 300 or 400 is the other (only) choice, IMHO, that can yeild the sound and appearance. Or McIntosh...LOL

[TOM DELANEY]

I have a Blauplunk now with a cassette tape and it has a separate amp. Have the docking stations changed from 83 or can I plug and play with a newer model oem unit. I see em on ebay but cannot setermine if the docks are the same>>

[scottb]

Tom: If you buy a new radio, it will come with the proper sleeve. You should be more concerned that whatever you buy will fit a standard DIN opening.

Scott

[lateapex911]

Tom, are you saying your radio is removable???

If so, yes, nothing will fit your "Docking station".

All new DIN radios fit a specified opening, and use a thin sleeve that stays with the car. The radio slips into that. Most current radios/CDs have removable faceplates that you take with you to deter thefts.

However, your amp can easily be wired to most anything you buy. Just be sure that the inputs on the amp are standard, and the outputs on the head unit are the same. Most units have 2V low level outputs, with some producing 4V now. Thats plenty to drive most any amp.

[rs6er]

I just replaced my original Blaupunkt with a Sony CDX-GT20W that I bought at Walmart $119. The same unit was available at Best Buy but with red lighting instead of green which I felt fit the car better. I looked at a lot of units before I found one that looked right in the car. I didn't want one of those disco ones. This one is mostly black/grey and subtle looking. It has a removeable faceplate and plays MP3CDs, so you can put hours of music on one disk. It also has a front jack for an Ipod and a wireless remote which I didn't particularly care about, but which is actually kind of handy. You can add an additional amp which I don't feel it needs, and it has a jack for a subwoofer.