What would you guys think of this solution for a stereo upgrade (Im really on a budget since there's so much other stuff I need/want to do):
1) Im replacing the factory head unit with an Alpine iDA-X200 - 16 watts RMS/45 peak x 4 channels
2.) Replace dash speakers with the 4" Infinity Kappa 42.7i speakers that people seem to love and I know can fit
3.) build the door baffle and replace the "woofers" with the Infinity Kappa 63.71, 6.5" 3 way speakers
4.) the head unit will be used to power all the speakers
the fancy option, which Id LIKE to do, but would more than double my cost and require way more time, would be to:
steps 1-3 from above
4) install the rear speaker kit
5) buy a 2 channel Blaupunkt THA275 (75 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms (120 watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms - its on sale for 59.99 at Crutchfield)
6) have the head unit power the dash and rear speaker kit & have the amp power the Infinity 3 ways
Im thinking that option 1 would be more than sufficient, but I keep hearing from everyone that the rear speaker kit makes such a difference, that I just dont know.
Keep in mind that I dont even have the car yet (it arrives in a week and a half - a used 99), so I have no extensive experience with how crappy the system is (which is why I value all of your experience with the car); I just know it sucks from riding in it a few times. Also, Im only using this as my screw around summer car (Im in Chicago), so I will probably only drive it ~7 months a year.
Any opinions/help is appreciated.
Here's the link to the PNP harness for the THA 475 PNP amp
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Ite...015&tp=6348
And here's the extension to run the wiring to the front or rear trunk area...
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Ite...amp;i=023THA25M
These two harnesses and one of the THApnp Blaupunkt amps are all you need... No wiring, no splicing, no running new wires... Everything just plugs into existing wiring from your factory head unit, usually the Becker CDR220.
The only thing I'm not sure of is how you run the extension harness through the firewall... Anybody know??? Also, you may be able to mount this amp in behind or under one of the seats.
Man... now the amp looks even better...
I will probably pursue this in the near future, since I have already replaced the dash and door speakers and installed a rear speaker kit (which I fabricated). Right now I have gone a little over my budget on mods and I am doing the B&M short shifter install next.
One very....simplistic (maybe stupid) question...from someone who understands very little about audio - Anyway you can just place this amp in the OEM place and simply plug the OEM connectors/wires that come from the cabin (Becker) into the new amp? You currently have the 4X40 HAES, don't you?
Just wondering...
If you document your DIY it will be a great help for future attempts, like I intend to do.
Best of luck,
Gus
Yes, I have that sorry Nokia 4x40 amp. This amp should fit right into the OEM location in the front trunk with a small modification to the existing bracket that holds it in place. Once you get in there, it may not need to be modified at all... As far as the plugs, here's what you do.
1. Put the keys into the left and right slots on the head unit to unlock the radio and pull it out.
2. Unhook the existing harness that's plugged into the back of the Becker.
3. Then, plug the $9.99 Crutchfield harness into the back of the Becker where you just unplugged the factory one.
4. Then take the factory harness and plug it into the other end of the $9.99 Crutchfield harness
5. Then hook the plugs from the extension harness into the other plugs on the $9.99 Crutchfield harness, then plug all the remaining ones on the other end into the new amp.
That's really all there is to it.... I've just got to find out how to get through that **** firewall with the extension harness so I can plug it into the amp. Once I get around to doing it, I'll take pics and post a DIY.
OK.. I've ordered the Blaupunkt THA475pnp amp. Got it for $249 online at OnlineStereos.com (Best Deal out there) Ordered the T-Harness (that's compatible with the Boxsters) and the harness extension from Crutchfield. T- Harness is 9.99 and extension is 54.99 but you need both to mount the 475 in the factory location. The T-harness is on backorder so it may be a few weeks before I receive it. When I do, I'll take pics during the install and post on here for anyone who is thinking of upgrading their sorry factory amp. :cheers: