A new client from Weldon Spring contacted JML Audio of St. Louis about upgrading the technology in his 2004 Porsche 911 996 audio system. Our team set a time for him to stop by our shop with his vehicle so we could get to know him better. When he arrived, we went out to the vehicle, looked it over with him and listened intently as he explained his goals for the upgrades. Porsche vehicles are near and dear to the heart of JML and we work on lots of them, so we offered our suggestions as well during the conversation.
After we were done at the vehicle, we invited him inside our showroom where we could let him see and operate the new technology we were suggesting. At the end of our consultation, we worked up a solution that we felt best suited his needs, and he liked it, so we arranged a time for him to drop off his 996.
Navigation, Video and Touchscreen Source
These are great vehicles, but there are thousands and thousands of them on the road with ancient technology when it comes to integrating a smartphone, playing external media, using backup cameras and satellite radio, and on and on. In this Porsche, we elected to replace the factory stereo in the dash and install a Kenwood DNX892 navigation system. It instantly gave the client technology similar to a new vehicle. Now, he has a 7” in-dash touchscreen unit, HD radio, turn-by-turn navigation, and two USB ports for external media and charging portable devices. We placed one USB port in the glove box and one in the pocket below the navigation system. He also gained Bluetooth for hands-free calling and wireless music streaming.
SiriusXM Entertainment
We added SiriusXM to the vehicle as well, giving the client access to over 100 new channels of music, sports, talk radio and more. Since we work on so many 911s, we know how to hide the satellite radio antenna and the GPS antenna underneath the cowl at the base of the windshield. This gives the driver a direct view of the sky while keeping the clean lines of the vehicle intact. It is another way JML installs go above and beyond our competition.
Keeping, And Improving, Cosmetics
As you can see in the pictures, the Kenwood unit looks factory-installed in the dash. We ordered the pocket and trim pieces that go around the climate controls directly from Porsche and relocated them to the lower console. That gave us space in the upper dash to house the navigation unit. We used a specially designed trim plate for the unit, making the whole dash area look like Porsche did this install from the factory. That is always the goal of every install performed by JML Audio. We feel that adding electronics to a vehicle should improve it in every way, including cosmetically.
Blind Spots No More
If you have driven a 911, then you already know they have some nasty blind spots when backing up. For this reason, we installed a backup camera above the rear license plate and color-matched it to the vehicle, again, keeping with the factory-looking theme. Now, whenever the driver puts the vehicle in reverse, the Kenwood screen gives him a bright, vivid view of everything behind him.
Re-Amping With Hertz
This particular 996 model had the Bose system, which operates over a fiber optic network known as MOST. For this reason, the factory amplifier can’t be retained. We installed a Hertz HDP5 to power the front door and dash speakers in an active configuration, meaning every speaker gets its own dedicated channel. This improves output and sound quality. The mono channel on the amplifier now powers the factory Bose subwoofers.
Client Loves Porsche 911 996 Audio Upgrades
When the client came to pick up his vehicle, he loved how perfectly everything was integrated. He thought it looked like the car came installed with this equipment, which made our day. When we sat in the vehicle with him and demonstrated all the new electronic upgrades, he knew driving this car was going to be a lot more fun.
Come See Us Today!
If you love your vehicle, but feel it needs help in the area of technology, we invite you to contact us HERE at JML Audio in St. Louis. Let’s set a time to get together with you and your vehicle to explore how we can help you modernize your technology so you can keep on enjoying that vehicle you already own.
Clayton Brown says
Interested in the same technology upgrade you did on the 2003 Mercedes SL 500. I have a 2003 SL 55 AMG. I am located in San Antonio, Tx – geographically challenged from MO. Although I could drive to your location, it may make more sense to ship the car to and from your location…assuming we come to terms. I know that you like to consult with each client individually. That said, I would like to get a budgetary range for this upgrade (including back up camera). https://www.jmlaudio.com/sl500-technology-upgrade/
Josh Landau says
https://www.jmlaudio.com/contact-us/