Stereo Upgrade - opinions needed

[DG Boxster]

I've decided to continue with the upgrade, but I want the interior to remain "stock looking." I currently have a CDR-210 and dash speakers only. Sounds pretty awful.

So I bought a CDR-220 to replace the CDR-210. That will look stock, but has an iPod input and maybe it will sound a little better.

I also bought a storage box ($95) to add 3.5" speakers for the rear. I will change the front speakers out for better quality 4" speakers.

So my question is - should I get an amp? I kind of want one as I think it might help. I can get an original HAES 6x40 amp for $75. That would allow me to later add 5" speakers in the doors (I can get the door baffles for $50 pair on ebay)

I don't have any of the original amp wiring or mating plugs. Maybe I would be better off with an aftermarket amp in the frunk. I looked quickly on Crutchfield and there are no 6 channel amps. I guess I could use an aftermarket 4 channel amp for the fronts and doors and drive the rears from the CDR-210.

Let me know if you think the Haes 6x40 amp is a good solution - or even if I need an amp at all. I'm not looking for the best system ever... just one that looks stock from inside and doesn't sound terrible.

[KevinH1990]

Originally Posted by DG Boxster

So my question is - should I get an amp? I kind of want one as I think it might help. I can get an original HAES 6x40 amp for $75. That would allow me to later add 5" speakers in the doors (I can get the door baffles for $50 pair on ebay)

I don't have any of the original amp wiring or mating plugs. Maybe I would be better off with an aftermarket amp in the frunk. Let me know if you think the Haes 6x40 amp is a good solution - or even if I need an amp at all. I'm not looking for the best system ever... just one that looks stock from inside and doesn't sound terrible.

I have a Haes 6X40 amp and I'm satisfied with it. I replaced the Haes 4X40 that was in the car when I bought it. My reasons for using the Haes were (1) Cost (I think I paid $30) and (2) it took very little modification to the existing wiring to incorporate it into the system. My second reason wouldn't apply to you because your car apparently did not come with the hi fi package.

I can say that a Haes 6X40 (with two channels driving the rear speakers) sounds better than a 4X40 with the Becker headunit driving the rear speakers. However the biggest improvement came from upgrading the dash speakers.

I used to be concerned about keeping the stock look, but my double DIN Pioneer unit integrates well into the dash and the additional capabilities of a more modern system are hard to resist. If you get something like a dual DIN unit, it will probably have more power than the Haes amp.



There is a little too much flash in this photo, and under normal lighting conditions it actually blends in a little better.

Consider that "stock" is a relative term. Porsche did sell a double DIN navigation unit with these cars. Not many people bought them, but the design of the car's center console accommodates it pretty well. Todays after market units are much "cleaner" in design than the circa 1999 PCM - Porsche Communication Management system. The PCM had buttons all over it and the screen looked like a cartoon.