A repeat client with a 2011 Porsche Panamera came to Audio Designs & Custom Graphics in Jacksonville looking to upgrade the stereo system. This client had the Turbo model, so the performance of the car was incredible. It was our goal to give him a stereo system that would do it justice.
After meeting with the client, looking over the vehicle and exploring options, we worked up a proposal for him. He liked our idea, so we set a time to begin working on the Porsche.
Porsche Panamera Stereo Lacked Definition
In our opinion, the single biggest thing missing with the stereo system in this Porsche Panamera was definition. Everything sounded flat and almost lifeless. Our goal was to make the music come alive and give the driver an experience that reminded him of his favorite concert.
Audison BitOne is the Foundation of the Upgrades
The BitOne processor was tucked away with the other factory electronics.
The first step in upgrading the audio system in this Porsche Panamera was having a quality musical signal from which to build. The Audison BitOne is a DSP (digital signal processor) that provides many features. For starters, it allows us to take the musical signal coming out of the factory Bose amp and sum it back to a full-range signal. We can also strip out any added equalization, for music that has been unmodified.
Another benefit of the BitOne is its highly flexible crossover, digital delay and equalization benefits. Once all the equipment is installed, we use sophisticated test equipment to analyze the musical signal and make adjustments to it that will improve the sound quality of the finished product. In the hands of a well-trained technician, the improvements in sound quality are nothing short of amazing.
The controller for the BitOne is known as a DRC, and we placed it in a convenient location in the center console.
Audison Voce Speakers Make Dramatic Improvement
It was now time to turn our attention to the front speakers in the car. We went back to Audison, choosing a trio of their Voce speakers. We installed the AV6.5, 6.5” woofer in the factory location in the door on our custom machined speaker mounts.
We also installed the AV3.0, 3” midrange in the door in the factory location, again using our custom composite speaker mounts. The AV1.1 tweeter went in the factory location in the dash. We applied Stinger Roadkill sound-damping material to the inner door skin to lower road noise as well as eliminate any buzzing or rattling. You can buy the speaker adapters now by clicking HERE.
Improving the Rear Speakers
In the rear doors of the Porsche Panamera Turbo, we installed another set of Voce speakers in the factory locations. The AVK6 package includes a 6.5” woofer that needed custom speaker mounts, just like the ones that went in the front doors. The 1.1” tweeter went into the factory location after we machined the opening larger so it could properly fit the bigger tweeter. We also applied Stinger Roadkill sound-damping material to the rear doors for the same benefit experienced upfront.
Magic Happens in the Trunk
If you ask anyone who ever listened to a great-sounding car audio system, they will tell you the biggest improvement was great-sounding bass. In this car, the factory Bose subwoofer was under the rear cargo floor. We used this to make a custom “stack fab” enclosure that we built using our in-house CNC machine. The design of this enclosure allowed us to fit into all the contours of the floor area while still using MDF, a great enclosure material.
We installed an Audiomobile GTS2112, 12” subwoofer in the compact enclosure and covered it in a carpet that blended well with the interior. We wanted the client to get all the bass possible, so we removed the rear cargo panel and used our CNC machine to drill precision holes in the panel, allowing the bass to permeate easily into the passenger compartment. Doing it this way let us keep the factory material that covered the panel intact, making the modification practically invisible.
The subwoofer enclosure is available for purchase by clicking HERE.
Hertz HDP5 Powers the Whole System
All of the gear fit neatly into the rear storage well.
The final step in a project like this Porsche Panamera is powering the audio upgrade, and our team chose a Hertz HDP5 amplifier for that. It supplies more than 800 watts of clean power, giving the client all he needs to listen to his stereo at concert levels any time he desires. We designed a custom amp rack to mount the amp under the rear cargo area in an easily accessible, but hidden, location.
The Client was in Love
When the client came to pick up his Porsche Panamera Turbo, he was in love. Everything from the craftsmanship to the sound quality exceeded his expectations.
When you are ready to upgrade the sound quality in your vehicle, come to the pros at Audio Designs & Custom Graphics. Let us show you why we are the most-awarded retailer in Jacksonville. You can also click HERE for more information about any of our products and services.
Hi there
I love your upgrade. I am from Vancouver Canada .
I recently got a Porsche Panamera 4 2013. It came with standard audio package. I am not very happy with sound quality. I don’t have high expectations. My wife have Bose package in her Cayyen Porsche and it is good enough for me. The main problem with my standard package is that the serous function is disabled and just music is in front area. The signals the rear speakers are so week. In Cayenne when we activevthe seround option sound good enough for me. So I was wonder if you know if I can get a factory genuine Bose amp to replace the standard amp in the standard system?
Thanks
Kevin
I need up grade on door speakers
I put Jl box 12 in hatch but it has to be turn down so it don’t rattle spoiler