Wiring sound bar?
 

Hey Troops,
This is a dumb question... So please bear with me.... My '98 2.5 came with the rear sound bar installed.... But no cable, just
The connector behind the right seat. I found the correct cable online but it ends in
A unusual (to me) connector, not the standard RCA ends that (I) would expect.... (I'll post a pic. Below In replies)
I do have the 5 disk player in the FRUNK, that I am not using since I installed a new Alpine Bluetooth stereo a few months ago.... Do I need to add an Amp to properly run the sound bar?
Thanks!
Fred

Here is the stereo side of the cable from the rear sound bar....

https://oi497.photobucket.com/albums...73F9C7CD6.jpegtt

https://oi497.photobucket.com/albums...9E4D15129.jpeg

Here is the cable that exits the sound bar.... Sorry for the crappy pics!!!

https://oi497.photobucket.com/albums...0A1B8E09B.jpegg

I don't have my Boxster book here at work with me. So I really can't check the diagrams for you.

But you will notice that the sound bar end only has 4 pins. Those pins should be ground and a positive for the left set and right set of speakers. With the soundbar out, and the speakers unplugged a DVOM will tell you which wires go to what. At that point I would say wire them directly to your new head unit. If you need replacement speakers, Pioneer, JBL and few others make speakers that fit the sound bar.

Are you sure that connector isnt for the hard top rear defroster. That connector you show looks similar. The defroster cable is on the driver side in that same area.

The defroster cable for a hardtop or glass window top will be on the drivers side in the US, the rear speaker cable would be on the passenger side. The rear speaker plug is there to allow you to remove the rear speakers/storage shelf when accessing the engine.

The cable you have pictured looks like the right one, one end is for the rear speaker plug, then it is routed under the passenger side sill and across the passenger footwell to the Becker head unit. The plug you are holding in the picture is the plug for the back of the head unit. If you have a 6x40W amp from a 996 you can also use an adapter to connect the rear speakers directly to the amp. The only difference between the two is the amount of power provided, I think the HU does about 50W watts.

The CD changer doesn't have anything to do with the rear speakers. They are pretty useless these days, unless you want to use it wire an AUX input if your Becker HU doesn't support AUX.

I do think it is very odd you have rear speakers and no cable, I would search the area around the passenger side of the engine bay and behind the B-pillar trim that covers the seatbelt (you will have to remove that piece anyway when you install the new cable).

Search rear speaker install instructions for details on installing the cable. If you want a diagram/pin out of the back of the Becker HU you can also find that by searching the HU model number. If you have an aftermarket HU you may need and adapter, unless you want to use the pin out to wire it yourself. :cheers:

Would you post a larger pic?

"Could you post larger pictures?"

Sorry I'm old..... I don't see like I used to..... ��

Since I ditched the factory stero (which I saved for possible resale down the road)
I installed an Alpine Bluetooh stereo from crutchfield's.....

I am thinking the easiest solution is to cut the red (Becker) connector off and replace it with solderess RCA clips/connectors and then I can plug directly into my Stereo? Will that be the ticket?

And if I am running the sound bar will my Alpine stereo be enough to push them?
Or should I run all the speaker through an Amp? (I have a $100 credit at Crutchfield's
That is burning a hole in my pocket!)

Thanks much, and once again sorry for the newbie questions!
Fred

That should work, you will just need to make sure you correctly ID the left and right and + and -.

Depends on the model of head unit. If it was me, I would probably run them off the amplifier.

Hey Rick3000,

Thanks for the help..... I'm thinking of picking up this amp, would this be a decent choice for my Alpine Head unit?


https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130GMA6704/Pioneer-GM-A6704.html?tp=35782

Thanks!
Fred

I have used Pioneer amps in the past and have had great luck with them. I just recently switched up to JL audio. People claim the JLs produce a cleaner sound. With the top down, at 70 MPH, and all the other sounds.... I really can't tell if the JL is clearer than the Pioneer :p

I was just razzing you. My eyesight is terrible. I keep a couple of magnifying glasses around the place. Terrible.

If it were me... I'd get a 4-channel 400-500 watt amp... connected to your head unit... and 4 speakers tolerating 125W each. Get a slim powered subwoofer and mount it at the passenger top footwell, behind the floor mat. Done. If you can employ any wires already running front to back... I'd run with it.

Good luck.

Hey Starter986,

No worries! I was kinda being a smart ass back.... I'm 52 and not ready for the old folks home .... Yet! I'm a cop, so have a pretty think skin as well! As long as ya don't spit on me... I hate that!�� I have already redone my door speakers, and put the Alpine in myself (like a big boy!) but I admit.... I know nothing about car stereos and systems..... I read on Pelican's page that the rear speakers do make a big difference.... But I guess a sub would be a good idea.... As well!
Would I need more then a 4-5 channels amp since I have the two in the dash, two in the doors and the sound bar.... Plus a sub?

Sorry for all the dumb questions.... I don't mean to be a pest..... But I have been trying not to just toss money at my car.... Well not stupid money anyway.... She has be pretty well behaved so far! Bless the privious owner for his maintainence fetish!

Thanks Much!
Fred

A few companies make self powered slim sub boxes that fit nicely behind the seats of the Boxster. I myself have Alpine subs. Since they are self powered, they take their source directly from the back of my Pioneer deck. There was a thread here not to long ago discussing powered subs and the such.