Just got our 2011
Boxster
with CDR 30, Sound Plus, no
BOSE
. High on my upgrade list is better sound from the stereo. I've done a bunch of searches and all I found pertain to upgrading the
BOSE
or ASK amp systems. With Sound Plus I expected to find an ASK and wiring to support the low range door speakers. My plan was to tie the rear speakers into that but the frunk has no amp or wiring. The CDR 30 has no front/rear fader option just balance which tells me it is a simple 2 channel HU. There are 7 speakers in the doors and dash that all work. I am assuming the 7 speakers are all powered from the HU in a two channel mode. Not sure how the center dash speaker is powered, but it has power. I'm thinking 7 speakers all powered from a 2 channel factory HU is a major part of the poor sound quality. I expected more for a $700 option.
I have not been able to find a schematic or good rear panel shot of the CDR 30. That might tell me if there are low level outs to feed an amp. So I'm not sure of my starting point.
1) Does anyone know is there a simple way to add rear speakers to the CDR 30 with no amp installed from the factory?
I know I can replace the HU but I would like to keep the CDR if possible.
2) Am I looking at adding an 4-6 channel amp to power all the speakers?
update: I've researched some more and found some cars have the amp under the passenger seat. I looked and there is a metal box under the seat that could be an amp.
Well, the box under the passenger seat is the ASK amp but unlike the 2005-2008 models it does not have rear outs. The front outs go to the door bass speakers so not a good power source for the rear shelf speakers. The CDR30 wires all route to the ASK so the front and rear signals are available under the seat close to the rear shelf. That at least is convenient. I tapped into the rear signals as a test but found the output weak. The 60 watt speakers that come in the Eurospeedmotors kit are very nice but not efficient enough to sound loud with the weak HU. There is no fader control in the HU so the only way to make the rear speakers louder is another amp.
I decided a 2 channel add on amp would be simple, cheap and not disturb the existing OEM sound too much, just add to it. I plan to mount it under the passenger seat as well since all the wiring is already there. Just need to run a power wire from the fuse box.
CDinMB Hope You're still Around...........
Seems I'm following your path, Just purchased a Rear Speaker Kit for my '10 987v2 Boxster and I have the same CDR30 + Sound Plus System. I sent messages to Mortorspeed where I purchased the Speaker Kit on Ebay and they sent me the attached diagram of the CDR30 Rear Plug, their suggestion, splice the AUX1R+, AUX1L+ and AUXRTN but after reading your posting how could that be, perhaps I'm missing something. Can you post a follow-up to spoon feed me, or maybe someone else can share some technical thoughts. One thing I've learned, the CDR30 and the Factory Installed Sound Plus just doesn't deliver enough sound when the top is down.
