Hi Fi Stereo Question - If I can change ONE thing...

Since I just got my car, I don't want to start spending a wad of cash on a custom stereo. I know there are tons of threads on subs, and crossovers, and enclosures. I don't even like aftermarket head units with subs. I just want slightly better sound than the stock setup is providing. I like the CDR220, so that will be last to go. Question is, if I can change one part of the system to get better sound, what should I do, while keeping the look (and the rest of the system) stock? For example, if just upgrading the stock amp would improve the sound, great. Or, if changing the door speakers would improve the sound more than changing the amp...etc, etc. Thanks!

Amplifier, and then speakers shortly thereafter

don't know if there are sub outs on the cdr220, but an amplified amp (infinity basslink, bazooka tube) does wonders for any system. vastly improves the sound of the stock speakers b/c it lets them do their thing without having to deal with the lows. i had a basslink in my wagon and it really was an easy yet effective upgrade. if i recall correctly, i believe people placed them on the shelf behind the rears seats on the 911's.

In most audio systems, the single most contributing component to sound quality are the speakers. However, most car speakers of even reasonable quality are not very efficient and need more power than stock speakers. Underpowering speakers is not a good idea since clipping the amp will take out a high frequency driver quicker than too much power. My system is stock since the PSE is music to my ears. I usually don't even turn the radio or CD on unless I'm cruising on the Interstate. Then it's usually only to a volume just a bit louder than the road noise. You may be able to do an upgrade in two stages depending on how loud you do your listening. If not bone crushing loudness, maybe go for the speakers first, then an amp later.

I have a WOOX mini sub in my 944, and with the two front 4x6's, I get a decent sound. I think I can buy sub outs that plug into the back of the head unit. Might go that route, ordering from crutchfield or something. But doesn't the sub go to the amp's sub outs? If I replace my amp, is there one that plugs right in, and fits in the little holder? I am NOT after bone crushing bass or super loud sound. Just better quality tone. I enjoy listening to the music as I cruise around town, or even on the highway, in 6th gear, keeping it under 80. That's why I don't want multi subs, or large amps with tons of power. Know what I mean?

If I end up picking up a 911, I'd like to know what it'll take to make it sound as good as the Harmon Kardon unit in my M3. Is it THAT bad the stock system on a 911? I believe it has premium sound.

Put it this way, the sound is very condensed sounding, with no middle, and mushy lows. I bet the speakers are to blame.

Most people jump on the speakers, but usually amplifier makes a huge difference - I think you will really have to do both.

OK, so if I wanted a decent set of speakers, and a decent (not the ultra best) amp, what should I get? And what sizes?

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Andy, I was having the same thoughts when I first got my car in February, even with the hi-fi sound digital upgrade, I thought this would be one of my first mods. I have only been able to put about 500 miles on the car, but the more I drive, the more I am starting to realize I am driving with the radio off so I can hear the sound of the car. The radio is no longer an issue for me, so maybe give it some time. I have also changed my opinions on what mods I thought I really wanted after getting to know my car better. IMHO I would spend some time with the car as is, a month or two down the road may change some ideas, if not, you haven't lost, or won't regret, anything. Congrats again, and good luck! Oh yeah, and I love music. 6500 songs on my iPod, always burnig CDs to take with me, so driving with the radio off is not a normal thing for me!

you know..... i did the whole sha band..... head unit, sub, amp and speakers..... but before i placed in the speakers, i had the amp in first with stock head and speakers, and it made a difference..... i think what you want first and should be satisfied until you want more is get the amp and sub first......... then get the speakers.... get decent ones, and i kid you not.... you WILL hear a difference, then the head unit... don't spend more then $250-$300. i got the alpine for around $250....very happy with it and it DOES make a huge difference...... oh btw, you won't need the ones in the back.... just the two on the dash and ones on the doors are really good enough........... good luck...!

Funny how many different audio opinions there are! One post says forget it, the next says "go"! How easy is it to buy a better amp, and hook it up to the stock stuff? Plug, and play, or no? I figure I could start with a new amp, see if that improves things enough. If not, maybe new speakers, then listen again.

Respectfully, the sound system in our M3s (I have had 2, although sold mine now) is not very good either. I dont imagine there's a big difference between the Bose audio in the Porsche and the Harman Kardon in the M3. However, speaking of stock sound systems, the all-new THX certified Carver system in the M Roadster is an unbelievable upgrade over the standard Z4/M3 system.

even with new speakers.... you need more power......... it's better to get the amp first then the speakers....... although i highly rec. focals...... this is the one i got...... and it's night and day........ some here sports the MB Quarts...... and that's a great alternative as well....... but go with the amp first... if you get best buy to do it... make sure they know how to work in a porsche ... it's around $75 for amp install......

Aren't all the wires already there, for the stock amp? Couldn't I just replace the stock amp with something a little better, myself? I would never bring my beloved 911 to Best Buy installers!

you know... i have no idea... i had a pro did mine... i just know that they charge for the amp install so i'm not sure if it's just plug an play........you know... i spoke to a couple of guys at the best buy in San Diego and they have worked on 9-10 porsche 911...... so THESE guys know what they were talking about... i don't suggest you take it to someone who have never worked on a porsche before......but if you take it to a professional, make sure they have worked in our cars b4....... it's not the same as the general population unfortunately.......

Andy, I have the stock upgraded stereo in my 996. It is terrible. I believe the door speakers are the culprit (they might be defective...over 1/2 volume they distort). Newport996 has posted lots of info on this site on his extensive upgrade. He included pictures. I purchased new MB Quart woofers for my doors. In the next couple days I'll try to tackle them. I'll let you know my results.

Thank God! BB/CCity and the rest of those guys are tools for the most part. Total idiots only interested in making a sale. Get a good amp first. It is not 'plug and play' but it is not that bad either. Get a copy of the amp pinouts and inputs. Once you have the amp in, you can move onto speakers. Spend some decent money on the fronts/doors then use whatever is left to do a reasonable fill speaker for the backs.

Correct - I went from an '04 M3 with the H/K to the Bose "hi-fi" in my '04 996. Very comparable sound quality. I am a serious home audiophile, with six figures invested in my 3 home systems, but elaborate car systems seem a waste to me - especially in a sports car - too much engine, tire & wind noise, plus vibration, to justify big bucks. Enjoy the sound of the flat-6 wail!

Andy, I just pulled my driver's door panel apart to upgrade to my 6 Inch MB Quart woofers. The speakers were not the problem. There was something loose in the door. I pulled the speaker out of the enclosure. It actually appears to be a pretty nice speaker (I doubt looks mean much when it comes to speakers, but the magnet was larger & heavier then the MB Quart woofer). It sounds much better without the rattle. I'm going to try and build an enclosure for the rear deck to install the MB Quart Woofers in. Good luck with your upgrade. This site has lots of good information... www.caraudioinnovations.com on upgrading 996 stereos.

At least you found the problem with your rattle. What was loose? Also, how do you remove the door speaker grille? My passenger side grille is rattling, but there are no screws to tighten, as far as I can see? Makes sense to have a small sub behind the rear seats, I may do that first, to get the "full spectrum" first.

Andy, It was a piece of metal behind the air bag cover that was loose. The grilles are held in by 4 speed nuts on the back side of the panel. One of them probably fell off. Unfortunately, you have to remove the door panel to get to them. If you need instructions on how to remove the panel, let me know.

Removing the door panel to tighten the speaker grille. How Porsche! Must be a PITA, airbag and all?

OK, another question. Are the door speakers supposed to be subs? Would replacing only the door speakers improve or tighten the bass up a bit? Also, what speakers does the amp power - all of them, or what? Thanks!

Andy, the door panels are very easy to remove and replace....about 10 minutes. The air bag does not need to be removed. It is attached to the door, not the panel. The door speakers are mounted to a large plastic piece that is your subwoofer enclosure. Sorry, I don't know the answer to your other questions. If you search under "newport996" and "speakers", he has pictures of the subwoofer enclosure.

Glad to read input from E46 M3 friends here. I was quite happy with the HK system in the M3 so if the Bose system in '02 C4S I'm hoping to pick up is comparable, I'm fine and not going to dump any $ into it. I was thinking it was worse based on my experience listening to a buddy's stock system in an '01 911 Carrera. It sounded tinny whereas the HK unit in the Bimmer had good bite.