stock CDR 210 underwhelming, what next ?

[Augustus Barone]

Greetings. My  early (3/98) C2 still wears the original CDR21O. As much as I like the bare bones look as it is combined with the center console delete on this car, it could use some improvement in sound quality as well as adding a bluetoooth  to allow more music + phone option .  Any preferred head units recommended? I would like to stay with a single DIN type  to  retain the previously mentioned console delete. This may have been covered before so any links will also be appreciated .Cheers 

Edited June 30, 2018 by Augustus Barone
punctuation error

[B3-CPO]

On 6/30/2018 at 12:21 PM, Augustus Barone said:

Greetings. My  early (3/98) C2 still wears the original CDR21O. As much as I like the bare bones look as it is combined with the center console delete on this car, it could use some improvement in sound quality as well as adding a bluetoooth  to allow more music + phone option .  Any preferred head units recommended? I would like to stay with a single DIN type  to  retain the previously mentioned console delete. This may have been covered before so any links will also be appreciated .Cheers 

 

Hi, The good news is that your car has an analog system which is much easier to upgrade to an aftermarket radio than the Porsche digital "MOST" based systems, but you need to determine what level of analog system you have. Porsche sold three primary systems on the 996 - Base, HIFI, and Bose. Some variations in these systems were optional. For example, CDR-23 vs. PCM2.  

 

I see you have the CDR-210, but does your system have the amp in the frunk? Is it 4 speaker (dash and rear) or 6 speaker (dash, door, and rear) setup? Is it Bose? 

 

If it's the 6-speaker "HIFI" system (non-Bose), then more than likely, you have the Harman or Nokia 6x40Watt amp driving all speakers. 

 

There are several ways to get "better" sound without upgrading the radio to a new aftermarket HU. Your system is ONLY as good as the weakest link. The HAES speakers are a start. They are paper cone and known to deteriorate over time and cause distortion. The dash and rear speakers are 4 inch but have proprietary speaker mounts. Replacement aftermarket speaker will have to be modified to fit and wire adapters are needed to connect to the OEM wiring. Crutchfield includes free OEM wire adapters when you purchase the speakers from them. The door speakers are 5.25 inch. Most aftermarket 5.25 speakers will fit the Nokia or HAES mounts without modification unless you have the Bose enclosures. Bose does the speaker mount different.

 

Installing a newer single DIN radio is not that difficult. I recommend a simple wire harness instead of cutting the OEM cables. The wire harnesses can be purchased on Amazon or eBay.

 

Here's one that will work. It's only $10. Pretty much plug and play with most aftermarket single din radios.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Radio-Wiring-Wire-Harness-FACTORY-Amplifier-AMP-Integration-BEST-KITS-BHA1787/282404972870?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

 

I can offer more advice, but I'll wait for you to respond to the specifics. 

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[White987S]

On ‎6‎/‎30‎/‎2018 at 11:21 AM, Augustus Barone said:

Greetings. My  early (3/98) C2 still wears the original CDR21O. As much as I like the bare bones look as it is combined with the center console delete on this car, it could use some improvement in sound quality 

Maybe a new exhaust! Like Fisters stage #3. Windows open. Radio off.

Edited July 2, 2018 by White987S

[B3-CPO]

2 hours ago, White987S said:

Maybe a new exhaust! Like Fisters stage #3. Windows open. Radio off.

 

ha! I agree the best music is what comes out the back of these cars, not through the speakers! ?

[wyovino]

I'm one of the very few people who actually think the sound is pretty good. I have a CDR-220 with factory HiFi option. While the bass won't loosen your fillings, it is pretty decent and can be felt in the chest during some songs. I've added a bluetooth module to it and use my iPhone as a source.  (For reference, my home audio equipment is Bang & Olufsen. so while I'm not an audiofile,  I do have some taste when it comes to sound systems)

 

I've read a few posts where people swapped out the door subwoofers only to be very disappointed. The factory ones are likely tuned specifically for the car. They're also not easy to replace as they are only 2 ohms.  I think if you want a lot more bass you would need to add a powered subwoofer. 

 

Here is a custom fit one from Sound In Motion. Not cheap but pretty cool.  http://www.sound-in-motion.com/installsDetail.html?id=17

 

My car is a cabriolet and I do have Fisters, so maybe you can completely discount this whole post.  ?

[Augustus Barone]

  After reading B3freak's post I verified that indeed it is a HIFI version.  Adding the bluetooth bit still baffles me as it has no CDC option so it will involve additional bits and labor. That brings in getting a new HU which may make  things easier  all the way round. Crutchfield offers a  interconnect harness adapter so no butchering factory harness required . As per the speakers, replacement are possibly the best idea due to the age factor of the paper cones. Looks like I've got a bit of work to do. Thanks all

[B3-CPO]

52 minutes ago, Augustus Barone said:

  After reading B3freak's post I verified that indeed it is a HIFI version.  Adding the bluetooth bit still baffles me as it has no CDC option so it will involve additional bits and labor. That brings in getting a new HU which may make  things easier  all the way round. Crutchfield offers a  interconnect harness adapter so no butchering factory harness required . As per the speakers, replacement are possibly the best idea due to the age factor of the paper cones. Looks like I've got a bit of work to do. Thanks all

 

Regarding installing new aftermarket speakers... Please study the attached schematic of the M490 Harman "HIFI" system. Notice the areas I've highlighted for you. The reason is because you MUST be mindful of polarity. The aftermarket wire adapters will NOT compensate for the phase reversal that Porsche does on the rear speakers (notice the circle area) of your system. Personally, I would advise proper polarity alignments instead of phase reversal. This can be checked and confirmed with a multimeter. 

 

Good luck!

 

 

Edited July 2, 2018 by b3freak

[YellowJacketGS]

Don’t know if something similar is available for your unit.

https://www.suncoastparts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=9X6DDIN&Store_Code=P

[wyovino]

I'm surprised at what they're asking for used CDR-220's, but CDR-210's are actually going for a lot more.