Speaker upgrade on 02 S

[Amfibius]

Originally Posted by Porsche_farsi

So what if i get a new amp? Replace the existing ones and just keep the wires that are there? And I do not have the becker hu anymore I have a kenwood does that make a difference?

If you have a Kenwood instead of the Becker, then you DO NOT have the proprietary Porsche interface. I don't know how much you know about audio, but here is a quick explanation:

ALL aftermarket systems work like this:
Headunit --> (analogue line level signal) --> amplifier --> (amplified signal) --> speakers

Porsche system (standard):
Headunit --> (amplified via internal amplifier) --> speakers

Porsche Enhanced Sound:
Headunit --> (digital signal) --> amplifier with built-in digital-analogue converter --> (amplified signal) --> speakers

If you want to install that headunit, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you also buy an amp. You will have to fit the amp under the bonnet, unless you buy a small amp and can fit it somewhere else in the cabin (e.g. under the seat, behind the seat, in the rear parcel shelf). This means that the wiring will be easier, as you do not have to pass a cable through the firewall to the amp, and back again from the amp to the speakers.

The simplest and cheapest way is to install the headunit in the dash, use the internal amplifier, and run that to the speakers. This would be a 1-2 hour job and cost next to nothing. It will not sound very good though.

The reason why my car stereo install was so expensive:
- The entire standard system had to be removed - this involved removing a lot of trim, prising off the carpet, locating the hidden grommets for access through the firewall, tracking the wiring through the dash, etc.
- I wanted sound deadener installed in the doors. This adds about 10kg of weight to your car but makes a huge improvement to the sound.
- I was a fussy bastard when it came to speaker positioning. I wanted the speakers in the standard location but I also wanted the sound to "gel".
- The amplifier and all the electronics (including external DAC) were hidden in a false floor under the boot.

... and a few other things. I am happy with my install.