[JWahlsten]

I searched and read through multiple responses from Flash and others. I am not an audiofile, but enjoy good sound while driving. My largest problem with the system isn't the sound, it's the lack of a CD/MP3 player. Yes, I have the original casette deck in there now.



My question is this. Do I need to go scorched earth with the audio system to make it work well or can I just replace the headunit? If I decide to go with just a head unit, should I use the preouts to feed the amp in front and the speakers in the rear. I got out the wiring diagrams to see what I am up against.



My usage of the car is to make a 2hr commute to work once in a while, a track/autocross car (no subs wanted), and a weekend car. I am not worried about having the radio overly loud, and am not interested in thumping bass.



I am currently looking at the Alpine CDA-9857 and the Pioneer Premier DEH-P590IB or P490IB. Funny as Pioneers go up in price they go from a parametric eq to graphic eq in direct contrast with what Flash was saying.



Thanks for any assistance

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[flash]

on the subject of the pioneers, i noticed the same thing - it's not really in contrast to what i was saying - a parametric would still better - however, a graphic is a less expensive set of algorithms to program, so i understand why they use them - i have the 9800 - however, at least it is a 16 band graphic (2/3 octave), with which, while still with limitations that i feel would be less with a parametric, i have been able to tune fairly well - this is due partly to the additional crossover features, as well as the time alignment features - it still has some holes, and i had to work around a few things, but it's not to bad at all



as for a deck connecting to the factory amps, it is going to be a bit if a struggle to get it right - they are hard-wired, and not likely low level input like modern amps



you'll probably need to change out the amps - however, you will need amps capable of low ohm output, as the 10 speaker setup has a lot of speakers on each channel



the speakers could stay though if you get the amps to work

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[JWahlsten]

I know one of the amps is under the passenger seat, but the others look like they are co-located with the rear speakers. Is this the case? I am not looking forward to pulling the rear windows unless I have to.



Has anyone here actually replaced or tapped into this system with just a headunit or headunit + an amp or amps?



A low impedance amp shouldn't be that hard to find as I don't need a very powerful one. I used to have a Rockford Fosgate that loved to drive a low ohm load.

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[94SilverCab]

Just to chime in a bit...my original CR-1 Radio with cassette was all ready for a 6 disc changer in the trunk. I just had the changer installed and it was plug and play.



Regards,



Jay

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[JWahlsten]

Jay,



A good thought, and one I considered. However, I would like to be able to use my i-Pod as well. I do have the rf connection for the radio, but would like a more elegant solution. Of course the ability to play MP3 CDs would be great too. Some of the new unit have Bluetooth available as well which is good for me on the road.



What type of CD changer did you end up with? Is it the original type or something later that still functions?



I still need to get up to visit you guys at Pete's shop. Are you going to be around this week?

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[porsche]

I've gone a number of routes (as I have an audio video sales and installation shop).



1. Yes, I've also added the Genuine Porsche 6-disc changer in the trunk. Simple, easy, plug and play.



2. The period correct Genuine Porsche in-dash CD radio (e.g., CD-2) is also a nice factory option. We re-condition these units and replace all the items that typically "go south" with upgraded Alpine pieces. Once rebuilt, the CD-2 is a nice sounding and reliable fix.



3. Period correct Alpine head unit. Again we go through these head units, recondition them and replace all "weak" parts. I like to install these "simple" looking head units with Alpine's current amps and speakers. We are also a Focal dealer and am a big fan of their speakers.



We have a lot of clients that do not want the big boomin systems. Just a nice fix for tunes and their ipods (we have a custom easy to use ipod interface), with discretely placed amp(s) and high quality speakers behind the stock grills.



My professional 2 cents.



Porsche

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[gryphon]

I have an Alpine CDA-9847 in my cab with what I assume are OEM speakers and it sounds pretty darn good to me.



Tom

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[JWahlsten]

Porsche and Tom, thanks.



Porsche I had a CD-2 in my first 89 944 turbo, and that thing used to skip all of the time. When you recondition, is that one of the things you address? Additionally, I haven't looked yet, but are all coupes wired for the CD changer? Finally, what's the going rate for a CD-2 or the factory changer?



Can you send me more info on your i-Pod interface?

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[happysails2you]

I recently put in the Alpine 9857 receiver (about $350, also plays MP3) & Alpine CD changer (about $300) (didn't add/change any amps). I am very happy with the system. The nice thing about the Alpine receiver is that it has a direct connection to the iPOD ($29 cable) with on-board capabilities so that you can use the Alpine unit to operate the iPOD. I had the iPOD cable run into the glove box so it just sits in there, locked up, and I don't need to touch it or think about it. My original speakers were dry rotted and had to be replaced. I put in new MB Quart (doors) and JBL (rear) speakers, very happy with them. Needed to have extra Dynamat put in the rear after the installation to eliminate a wicked reverb at certain frequencies, but after that, they were fine. I highly recommend the Alpine unit -- good luck!

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[94SilverCab]

I have the Alpine changer too...



I haven't done this yet (but hope to before celebration), friend of mine has a plug in that allows you to play iPod through FM channels on your radio...I'm definately looking forwad to that.



Not around much during the week anymore, working to make money for more RS Barn stuff <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



Jay

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[JWahlsten]

[quote name='happysails2you' post='33868' date='Apr 8 2007, 11:07 AM']I recently put in the Alpine 9857 receiver (about $350, also plays MP3) & Alpine CD changer (about $300) (didn't add/change any amps). I am very happy with the system. The nice thing about the Alpine receiver is that it has a direct connection to the iPOD ($29 cable) with on-board capabilities so that you can use the Alpine unit to operate the iPOD. ...I highly recommend the Alpine unit -- good luck![/quote]





Yep the i-Pod connection was one of the reasons I was drawn to the Alpine. I'm glad to get such a glowing recommendation.



Do you know if they used the original amps when they connected your system? I'd be more interested in the Alpine if I knew it would work with the original components even if I had to hard wire it. BTDT.



Jay,



Maybe we can hook up at Hershey if you're going. I have the Monster Cable solution that lets you play the i-Pod through the radio, but it gets a lot of interference if you're in an area with many radio stations. This really applies to the Philly area and NJ.

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[Darryl]

Joel,



When I bought my cab, it already had an aftermarket Alpine cassette head unit installed. I installed the CDA-9847 (predecessor to 9857) which has satellite radio and iPod ready interfaces. I have the 10 speaker hi-fi option so there are (supposed to be) amps somewhere! I do believe we've identified one under the passenger seat, not sure if that does all 4 channels or not as I never have found one under the driver's seat. I checked the schematics prior to putting mine in and wired it the same as the Alpine that come out and a- it works, b- sounds fine. My guess is that the factory amps will handle a speaker level input. I've never tried to send a line level signal to the factory amps, so can't verify that. You can check out my handy work at Hershey!



- Darryl

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[94SilverCab]

I heard a rumor that there are amps in the door panels...I have absolutely no idea if this is true as I admit to being completely Audio illiterate.



In fact, maybe someone at celebration can tell me why my door speakers don't work <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> It would certainly make the dirve home so much better.



Jay

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[Mark]

[quote name='Darryl' post='33875' date='Apr 8 2007, 01:21 PM']My guess is that the factory amps will handle a speaker level input. I've never tried to send a line level signal to the factory amps, so can't verify that. You can check out my handy work at Hershey![/quote]





Mine is hooked up using the line out as was my factory-cr1. All wires in my '94 ran to the one amp under the passenger seat- which is under the #$^&&W carpet under the seat.

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[Darryl]

[quote name='94SilverCab' post='33878' date='Apr 8 2007, 02:20 PM']I heard a rumor that there are amps in the door panels...I have absolutely no idea if this is true as I admit to being completely Audio illiterate.



In fact, maybe someone at celebration can tell me why my door speakers don't work <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/sad.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> It would certainly make the dirve home so much better.



Jay[/quote]



No amps in door panels - only crossovers. I'm sure me, flash, and any other audio guys can combine to fix your speakers!!! See you in a few weeks.



- Darryl

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[JWahlsten]

Darryl,



I look forward to seeing your set-up at Hershey. There are three amps in the coupe according to the wiring diagrams. Two are co-located with the rear "deep range" speakers, and one is under the passenger seat.



Mark,



From what you're saying I should be able to use the line level outputs for the amplifier under the seat, and not be forced into using aftermarket amps and speakers yet. I can't believe they stuck the amp under the carpet. That has to hold in heat in a big way.

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[Mark]

Ah forgot there might be a difference between the Coupes and Cabs on number of amps. My factory HU was hooked up to the line out and my Blaupunkt is using those same wires with the internal amp turned off and it still makes music. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/smile.gif" class="smilie" alt="" /> The amp under the seat is tiny and not super powerful so I am not sure how much heat it generates but it can't be much.

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[RPM]

My coupe with the 490 10 speaker option has amps under both seats. I have touched them both and had to replace one. They are deep in there, partially obscured by carpet.



I have been wondering about how they would interact with a replacement head unit...

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[odb812]

i use a 2005 alpine 9835 in my car and it's a good option for driving your internal speakers without using the factory amps. it's the most powerful head unit at 26x4 rms, 60x4 peak. it drives the full range speakers with enough power to match my 2 10" subs driven by a 500watt rms amp. the down side: it's 2 years old and alpine doesn't make a head unit this powerful anymore, plus, as it's the older alpine, it doesn't have the ipod module built in, so it requires a $100 adapter and cable rather than the $30 cable required with the newer head units with the adapter built in. either of these options allow you to control the ipod from the head unit and alpine has very user friendly navigational features. if you are not looking to go overly loud with your stereo, from what i know, the weak point of the factory setup is the speakers, especially being 12-15 years old. if you want to retain a factoy head unit and amps, there are several ipod interfaces that work with factory head units. harmon kardon makes a very nice looking unit.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-md3SQqyfXCX/c...&I=108DP1US

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[RickP]

[quote name='JWahlsten' post='33845' date='Apr 7 2007, 06:03 PM']I know one of the amps is under the passenger seat, but the others look like they are co-located with the rear speakers. Is this the case? I am not looking forward to pulling the rear windows unless I have to.

Has anyone here actually replaced or tapped into this system with just a headunit or headunit + an amp or amps?



A low impedance amp shouldn't be that hard to find as I don't need a very powerful one. I used to have a Rockford Fosgate that loved to drive a low ohm load.[/quote]



Just a note, you don't have to pull the windows. The plastic frame inside the rear windows just snaps out.



Rick

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