Rear speakers - How do I know if my amp is 6 ch.

[larryshomework]

I have a 2002 Box with CDR-220 and Sport Package (includes rear storage box).

I've seen several threads about rear speakers and rear speaker upgrades - how do I know if I already have the appropriate amp?

Thanks

[szentej]

The amp you have probably does not matter. Most of the aftermarket rear speaker kits plug into the head unit.

Although there are 6 channel amps available, most Boxsters don't have that option. You could get one off of the auction site. Not a major modification required to make it work in your car.

Getting the rear speaker power from the head unit provides enough power to give your sound system enough of the fill needed to make your stero acceptable for top down, wind in your hair, permagrin experience.

Most of use just listen to the pleasures of driving this car.

John

[husker boxster]

If no one else has a better way to ID it without digging out tools, you can always remove 2 bolts and look at the rear panel of the amp. It will say 4x60 or 6x60. The first number indicates the number of channels. If you have a 4 chl, the rear spkrs are running from the radio. You will need to look at your amp anyway if you find you are a 4 chl and want to upgrade to a 6. There are 3 versions of amps (Bose, Harman, Haes) that could be used and you want to be sure to get the same version that's already in your Box. You can read the version without having to remove bolts (just can't see the # of chls). The amp is located between the spare tire and battery cover in the front compartment.

[larryshomework]

I didn't realize the kits would work with the 4 channel.

I have noticed that my head unit has a fader --- when changing the bias towards the rear, the sound goes away --- I assume that means it's trying to send signal but there is no speaker to receive it.

[Tool Pants]

First there was DSP in 1999. That had a 6 channel amp.

In 2002 DPS was replaced by Bose, another 6 channel amp piggy back.

In 2003 Porsche went to MOST, another 6 channel amp.

A 2002 with the standard amp and 220 radio will be 4 channel.

This is from my 8 years of failing memory.

[husker boxster]

Larry,
Do you have speaker grills or cubby holes in the corners of your rear shelf compartment? If you have cubby holes, you do not have rear speakers.
Terry