944 Speakers Query

[andymac1966]

Afternoon Everyone,
First off apologies as it seems that I have different questions every day!

I have been trying to tidy up and repair the wiring inside the car have been sorting out the stereo. The car has an aftermarket head unit (Kenwood KDC-241) and the original loom has been modified to connect to the Kenwood using an ISO connector. I've checked the cables and they look to be going to the right connections, however the volume from both rear speakers is quite faint and 'tinny'. You can only hear them if you use the fader (on the Kenwood) to only play in the rear as the fronts have a really good volume.

The car has the basic audio system (4 speakers) and I think it probably had the centre console fader switch originally. This isn't there now, however from the sound it almost seems that the fader is still there but fading to mostly front despite the head unit, if that makes sense.

The rear speakers do work so the cables to them are ok, but there is something getting in the way of the signal to them. Could there be an amp somewhere that is either broken or not being powered ? Where would I find that (the line diagrams in the manual don't show anything).

I also wondered if the Kenwood had the power to drive the rear speakers, but on paper it looks like it does - they look like the OEM rear speakers - are they 8 Ohms ?

Appreciate any advice !

Andy

 

[scam75]

The stereo will have plenty power to drive the speakers if the wiring is going direct and the speakers are not gubbed. It is little 6×4's hiding behind the rear quarter panel mounted on an adapter plate. Some other options had bigger speakers in there, which mine had but were shot to pieces. So I replaced them with new Alpine 6x4's and the adapter plates and ran new wires direct to them. The sound is pretty good. It's also 6x4's in the front but I've adapted mine to take 6 inch round speakers for a bit more oomph. Whilst not quite a concert hall the sound is fair enough for the compact cabin the 944 has.

Stuart

 

[andymac1966]

Thanks Stuart,
I was going to run fresh cables to the rear ones, but getting at them is a bit of a nightmare, I think in the meantime I'll run off the fronts only. When the time comes to remove all the interior and the rear quarter lights I'll sort these out (unless I find anything when I pull the bottom of the dash out !).

I have replaced the front door speakers with the Alpine's and they do sound good.

Andy

 

[bmnelsc]

Check the Stereo FAQ in the 944 FAQ section...should help you determine if the speaker wiring has been altered. My 91 S2 was a Japan delivery 4 speaker setup. Whilst changing the Japanese band head unit (Sony) I found my car was already wired for 4 speaker and 10 speaker set up and plug for the Sony head unit had been very well integrated into the loom. Hopefully you will find similar.

 

[Eldavo]

I fitted new Alpines into mine but the best upgrade I made was a powered Bose subwoofer from a Mazda 6 that fits in the spare wheel well.

I ran a relay from the battery for power and then the signal wire and switched power lead come from the Double Din head unit, sound is awesome now - sub might be small but it can make the windows shake if that’s your thing.