A client from Frederick recently contacted our Porsche stereo upgrades experts here at Westminster Speed and Sound to inquire about upgrading his Cayman. He was interested in modernizing the technology in the vehicle with state-of-the-art smartphone integration. In addition, as is typical of the 981 cars, he wanted the audio system to play louder and sound better. After consulting with the client about the specific features he wanted, we designed a bespoke audio and technology upgrade to deliver on his expectations.
Sony Radio Upgrade for Porsche Cayman
The heart of the new sound system was a Sony XAV-AX7000 multimedia receiver. This new radio features a bright, glare-resistant 6.95-inch touchscreen display along with a high-performance tuner and both CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. We integrated the radio into the dash using a Porsche trim piece to ensure that the fit and finish were flawless.
Our team mounted a NAV-TV lip-mount backup camera just above the license plate on the rear of the car to help make parking and maneuvering safer and more convenient. The camera image displays automatically on the Sony radio as soon as the vehicle is in reverse. We also added a dual-USB extension port to the center console. The Sony radio has two connections on the rear so that the client can connect his smartphone and a USB memory stick for media playback at the same time.
New Speakers Deliver Improved Audio Quality
The next step was to upgrade the audio system. We removed the stock speakers from the doors to make way for a set of BLAM Live-Series 8-inch woofers from an L200P set and a pair of matching 3-inch LM80 midrange drivers. Our fabrication specialists created mounting adapters for both sets of speakers out of expanded PVC plastic. While some shops use adapters made from wood, our plastic adapters are impervious to mold and moisture damage from water running down from the window when it rains.
The last step in the speaker upgrade portion of the project was to remove the air vents from the dash to install the tweeters from the L200P set. We were able to remove the stock tweeters from the top portion of the vent assembly and secure the new drivers using the existing installation hardware.
The six new speakers are powered by a Match UP 7DSP seven-channel amplifier that includes integrated digital signal processing. We powered the woofers from the high-power channels to give each driver up to 160 watts of power. The midrange drivers and the tweeters each have their own 65-watt channel on the amp.
Careful Calibration Completes Cayman Project
With the gear integrated into the vehicle, our team set to work calibrating each speaker’s output in the car to create an impressively realistic soundstage that spans the width of the dash. The system delivers smooth and natural frequency response that brings out the details in any type of music that the owner plays. In addition, the 8-inch woofers in the doors deliver solid output down to 40 Hz, rivaling the output of some small subwoofer enclosures.
The client was thrilled with the upgrade and loved the new hands-free communication technology. If your Porsche could use a touch of modernization, drop by Westminster Speed and Sound and speak with our product experts. You can also reach us by phone or e-mail using our contact page if you can’t get to the store during regular business hours.
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