Hi all. I've searched (keep ending in database error) and cannot find to the answer to my problem. I have a 2001 996 Turbo with the base CDR-220 system. It has the door speakers, dash speakers and rear speaker. No DSP or Bose. I have already relocated the AC controls, installed the double din cage and wired up my Pioneer Appradio2 DA100. My question is should I bypass the factory amp and run the deck amp? I am using the Metra connectors (the car has a black and a yellow connector) and have no idea how I would do that. Would this require rewiring from the deck to the speakers? Any help would be much appreciated. Thank You.

 

I know suncoast and others sells kits that are suppose to be plug and play I'm sure someone will add better info.

 

The easiest route will be to turn off the internal amp of the head unit and let it send the low level signal to the stock amp via the aftermarket metra connector, eventually to the stock speakers.

If you decide to use the head unit amp, then you will need to use the wires connected to the internal head unit amp. The problem is you have six channels in the car and only four coming from the head unit. The factory amp has the crossovers built in and feeds the proper signal to each of the six channels. So, you will have to eliminate two of the channels , or stick with option one.

Or, you can go with an external 6-channel amp setup bypassing the head unit and factory amp. This is the setup I have. If you have gone through all this trouble, you might as well finish the job correctly and improve the sound tremendously. Then, all you need to upgrade are your speakers to finish it off.

 

Thanks for the input guys.

mmm635 - I am planning on upgrading the amp to a Alpine PDX-V9 in the near future. I installed this unit in my free time and even though I haven't popped it in the car yet it seems very simple ( cage already in, wiring done, just sitting on my desk now.). I was just trying to see if any minor improvement can be made in the sound right of the bat. You are right in replacing the amp and doing it right. The Pioneer DA100 also only seems to have 4 Channel out. How would that work then? Crossover?

Thanks again. hp

 

I am running two external amps - 6-channel Jl Audio for the cabin speakers and a JL mono amp for the subwoofer. You do not have to go crazy with a subwoofer, but the 6-channel JL amp is the way to go if you want good sound quality. It is also very small as you can see in the pic below. I opted not to install it in the factory amp location as it will not get enough air for cooling. I upgraded all six speakers with components that have outboard crossovers. Or, if I had used regular two-ways I had the option of tuning the frequency directly from the amplifier to each set of speakers (front, door, rear). There are options.

You can easily install the amp below and use your existing speakers until you are ready to upgrade - rca direct to amp, then amp to all six channels with no "true" fader control. It will still sound much better than the head unit or oem amp.

JL Audio XD 600/6 Specs

 

Del Rey Customs is a board sponsor and have prewired kits for our cars... plug n play. They are using a newer Alpine headunit. Ask for Saturn.

https://www.facebook.com/DelReyCustoms

 

Thanks guys. Now a new problem.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...t-engaged.html

 

You didn't actually say what problem you were having... I replaced my stock setup, but I had the NAV and CD player as well. If you do have NAV and replace the head unit, you can kiss the stock amp goodbye. There is no way to get the new head unit to transmit the unlock code to the amplifier. Most new head units come with as much power as the stock system (without Bose) anyway, so you could go without a new amp if you are happy with that, but you get a much better quality sound if you add a new amp as well. I went with the Alpine PDX-5, new speakers all around and a custom sub enclosure where the Bose would be. Night and day difference!

I think you are saying you were locked out of the amp but had to put the car in gear to unlock - is this the trick to get the amp to work if you don't have Nav?

 

Here's my Alpine 8" navi

http://www.flickr.com/photos/99558942@N08/9385748072/and amp board
http://www.flickr.com/photos/99558942@N08/9385746566/

 

Hey Slider, problem was so different I made another post, click on link in post 7.

Nice setup rxbike, The 8 in navi fits perfect.

Here's my non-working setup so far.

 

Here's my sub/imaging rear it is two JL Marine audio 8" with 1" dome tweeter . They are individually amplified and manually controllable from driver's seat

http://www.flickr.com/photos/99558942@N08/9384480535/
And the 8" driver

http://www.flickr.com/photos/99558942@N08/9387259488/
Can't find carpet to match OE interior so I still looking