914 Radio Madness Options

[MJHanna]

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2, one is NOS, the other does not seem to work on CB). Those stop at 104 on FM. The 24 CB channels all are the same as the US but there is no channel 19 which is the main frequency in the USA. You could switch out one of the crystals but they are soldered in place and it was a hassle I did not want to deal with. Still, it is a cool, mostly period correct unit with dual shafts.


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Ummmm no body even uses channel 19 I have one in my truck and turn it on once in a while... I have never hear anybody on it...

[Amphicar770]

i really like the look of the VDO (and honestly, the kienzle as well...)

...and since my 914 came with a SATURN factory radio wedged into the dash, now you've got me thinking...

I'll probably wind up selling one or more of them so will let you know. Won't make my final decision on which one I use until I see them in person. The two shipped from Germany pretty fast but I find that things often sit in customs for days or weeks before finally arriving and the DHL tracking is useless for international.

[barefoot]

I don't know the last time I played a CD in a car. Get something that'll read USB, an SD card, or your iPhone.

I agree, CD's are dying off fast.

The Keinzle has bluetooth, and supports usb and SD card. The VDO has USB port in front. There is a version of the VDO that supports blue-tooth but on either that or the Becker I will probably just put a small bluetooth dongle behind the dash and wire it into the aux.

We listen to books on "tape" (Tapes have all but disappeared, but lots of books on CD) all the time when on the road. Once the 914 is running, not sure how long road trips will be envisioned, however want that option. Also want USB front jack for IPOD or phone

[Ed_F]

I'm a huge fan of Nakamichi. Probably the best sounding aftermarket deck I have ever experienced. Had one in a Miata many years ago, and regret not pulling it before selling the thing. They are pricey, even for older models though.

[malcolm2]

Do you need a 6 disk changer? I found that i prefer the USB port. One in front and one in the rear. Buy a short USB extension cord and run the back one into to the glove box. Then you can use an ipod or a large gig thumb drive and never be limited by disks. Or have them all over.

Use the front one to charge your phone or for Siri directions.

Blaupnkt san fransico is the one for me.

[Amphicar770]

This weekend I installed the TrafficPro. Redid all the old wiring which was using vampire taps and ran everything properly to the fuse box. Then added a porsche / VW reverse harness so that I can just plug into radio. Install was very easy overall.

While I was at it I added the following Bluetooth kit and connected that to the rear aux of the Becker.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FRU5UN...ag=theampfor-20

I now have Bluetooth for the phone and to stream music. Was able to hide all the wires for that and the GPS antenna

While not period correct, I do give this unit thumbs up for a well matched, not too blingy, look. The only downside is that the face has a curvature where I would prefer something completely flat. The porsche logo is a plus.

The radio reception and sound quality are a huge improvement. I am only using two speakers (upgraded units, I forget the make and model) in the original front housings. An audiophile would gag but I do not drive the 914 for the radio.

The Keinzle arrived from Germany this morning. I may try popping that in just to see. It looks REALLY nice as a modern option with a very retro look. May be the perfect balance between look and features. It has everything (except CD) built in.

[gryphon68]

Porsche Classic Radio Navigation System

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=553l5ZrkyYU

[Amphicar770]

Here are the three units lined up on top of each other.

I think any of the 3 provides a nice, not too blingy option for the 914. Each has it's pros and cons.

I think the Kienzle is the most discreet, least blingy. It is only about 1/2 chasis depth so it fits very easily. Includes SD card and flash drive support as well as built in blutooth. No CD drive, it is mechless.

The Porsche / Becker unit from the Boxter has the advantage of the Porsche logo and, in this case, also has GPS (albeit dated). It does have more shiny bits than the others. It also has the largest display which is both good and bad.

The VDO is also a nice choice if you want CD player. I like the classic two know look and the VDO logo matches the gauges. A bit less discreet than the Kienzle but still goes well.

One nice thing is that they all use the same Porsche style electrical connector. Once you have wired one up, you can plug any of them in using the same harness.





I won't yet reveal which I went with but, what do you think of the three?

[Amphicar770]

Porsche Classic Radio Navigation System

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=553l5ZrkyYU

Crazy expensive and no USA maps.

[Amphicar770]

So, I installed the TrafficPro and it seems to work well / look good. I added a bluetooth kit to the aux so I have phone and can connect ipod or other device.

One snag I discovered with the TrafficPro which is important for anyone considering this option. The TrafficPro requires feed from a VSS speed sensor in order to calibrate. It will not function if it is unable to calibrate. Becker does make some sort of adapter for the speedo cable but it requires cutting the cable which I was not to keen on.

The solution I went with was to use an Alpine NVE-K300 speed pulse generator which magnetizes a tire to provide speed pulse (sounds weird but works well). JVC KV-PG1 and Pioneer ND-PG1 are the exact same unit with different name. Unfortunately, these are NLA and very hard to find. I did pick up a new one but it cost me more than $150. If I did not already have the Traffic Pro I probably would have just gone with another option like the Koblenz or the VDO without GPS.

[Amphicar770]

For anyone considering the TrafficPro, here is a readily available and easy way to address the need for a speed pulse sender.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Intellitronix/556/S9020/10002/-1