No bass - Page 2 - Boxster/Cayman - PistonHeads UK

I'm the lucky owner of a 987, a 2008 Boxster S. I hardly use the radio as I drive with the roof down whenever I can. But I noticed the other day that there doesn't seem to be any bass when listening to a CD or the radio. The Sound controls work and you can add bass or treble and hear the difference. There are two speakers in each door and all the sound appears to be coming from the smaller, upper speaker and none from the larger speaker below, which presumably handles more bass. Any ideas? Is this likely to be a simple connector problem, require a software update or a blown output on the PCM amp? Thanks, Phil

trout02 said: I'm the lucky owner of a 987, a 2008 Boxster S. I hardly use the radio as I drive with the roof down whenever I can. But I noticed the other day that there doesn't seem to be any bass when listening to a CD or the radio. The Sound controls work and you can add bass or treble and hear the difference. There are two speakers in each door and all the sound appears to be coming from the smaller, upper speaker and none from the larger speaker below, which presumably handles more bass. Any ideas? Is this likely to be a simple connector problem, require a software update or a blown output on the PCM amp? Thanks, Phil Which sound system do you have - standard, plus, or Bose?

Hmm. How can you tell? I don't think it's Bose as I can't see any Bose logos anywhere. Below is a photo of the PCM dash panel.

trout02 said: Hmm. How can you tell? I don't think it's Bose as I can't see any Bose logos anywhere. Below is a photo of the PCM dash panel. If it has Bose it will have "Bose" written on the speaker covers. And sound rubbish to anyone other than a teenager, even if it's working correctly.

There are no Bose logos on the speakers. BTW, it was my son who first noticed the problem. Must be the younger ears.

If it has the 'Plus' system it should have the option code 490 in the handbook along with any other options specced.

Yes, it's got 490 in the spec list.

trout02 said: Yes, it's got 490 in the spec list. Trout - would it be fair to say you're all about that bass?..... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc3iQL3R_WE

Well, it definitely can't be right if there is no sound coming from the larger speakers at all. It might be worth checking that all of the connections are made at the amp in the front boot. Other than that, it will be quite hard to diagnose without removing the PCM or the door card.

Happened to me, lost all bass and it turned out the amp was f ked! OPC fixed it under warranty, I have the amp for sale if you want/need it as the stereo has been removed from my car since they replaced it.

Thanks for the replies, especially the youtube link. I will check the connectors this weekend to see if the amp is buggered or not.

I've looked in the front boot but can't find the amp. This search isn't helped by the fact that I don't know what an amp looks like. Any clues please?

I could be wrong but I think its behind the panel where the tyre compressor and puncture gel lives.

Thanks Trev450. I'll take a look at the weekend when I get back.

Hi Trev, you were correct and I've found the amp. I've tested the fuses and so far as I can tell there's no problem with the power. It's a part no: 987.645.331.01 which apparently is an ASK amp. Do you know how the wiring harness/connector block is fixed to the amp? I'd like to check that power is getting to the amp and to do that I'd need to pull the connector off? Thanks, Phil

I've never had the need to investigate mine so can't help with your question sorry. Someone like cd1957 or pope (both regulars on here) would more than likely know.

Hi Trev, I have now removed the amp - God bless youtube. v8ksn replied to this thread and he has an amp out of a 997. The connector looks identical physically - same number of pins and format (but his is white, mine is black) - but the part numbers are slightly different. His is 997.645.331.01 HW10, mine is 987.645.331.01 HW11. The ASK part numbers are different too - his is 7204110001-03, mine is 7204112002-02 Is there anyone on the forum who would know if the 997 one is compatible with my 987 one? I don't want to plug something in and find I cause more problems than I solve. You mentioned cd1957 or pope - how can I contact them?

The 997/987 at the begining of the part number denotes the model and normally porsche dont alter the part number if they are useing the same part , i often see 996 part numbers when fitting to a 997. Haveing said that i did find this on Ebay which would suggest they are the same .. and the part numbers other than 997/987 are the same ... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191489813777

trout02 said: H Is there anyone on the forum who would know if the 997 one is compatible with my 987 one? I don't want to plug something in and find I cause more problems than I solve. You mentioned cd1957 or pope - how can I contact them? CD1957 (Chris) can be contacted at 029 20692911.

Hi Trev, I spoke to CD1957 (Chris). He was incredibly helpful but it seems my problem might not be as simple as a failed amp. Given where I live he recommended I take it to Northway Porsche for them to put the laptop on it. I've used Ray for years and he and his team are very good, so I'll do that. Phil

trout02 said: Hi Trev, I spoke to CD1957 (Chris). He was incredibly helpful but it seems my problem might not be as simple as a failed amp. Given where I live he recommended I take it to Northway Porsche for them to put the laptop on it. I've used Ray for years and he and his team are very good, so I'll do that. Phil Good luck Phil. Let us know the outcome.

Phil, just found this thread.... http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=123... These guys can fix your existing amp for €120 including shipping http://www.bergvillfx.com/index.php/services.html A new amp from Porsche is £360.92 Edited by v8ksn on Thursday 18th February 15:26

Hi Kul, Thanks for this. Tore seems to get good reviews but I'm still don't know if the amp is at fault. That's what I need to check first.

It will be, the ASK amplifier in SPP is notorious for it. It powers the door bass speakers and the centre dash speaker. Talk to Tore at http://www.bergvillfx.com/index.php/services.html he fixed mine and offers a 5 year warranty on his work. All for fractionally over £100. He will verify if your amp is at fault before he takes it apart.

Hi. I sent my amp to Tore Bergvill in Oslo. Postage took forever in both directions but he has fixed it in a day and now it works just fine. Great service for Euros120. Thank you to everyone on the forum who contributed. Phil

trout02 said: Hi. I sent my amp to Tore Bergvill in Oslo. Postage took forever in both directions but he has fixed it in a day and now it works just fine. Great service for Euros120. Thank you to everyone on the forum who contributed. Phil Great news! Glad you got it sorted