I just bought a CDR-220 off eBay for my 95 cab. I was told I may need an amp. Do they have an external amp?

 

The CDR-220 should be pretty much plug and play (with the exception of the faceplate which will be hard to read if your 220 unit originally came from a later model). If you're replacing the stock 210 headunit you'll need to remove the metal cage in the DIN slot. Do a search, there's lots here about this upgrade.

 

I just did a search for the faceplate upgrade. I'm confused. No one stated what it is. Is it a brighter display or does it change the angle of viewing or is it a different color of display?

 

The CDR-220 has an internal amp, but it is not very high power. it will drive speakers OK. I would try it without an external amp, and if you are OK with it, then leave it. If it distorts at levels you like to listen too, get an external amp. but if you head down that path, I would suggest getting better speakers at the same time. It is a double edged sword as better speakers will sound better with more power. Really good speakers are typically power hogs.

 

the CDR-220 was initially designed for the 996 which has a different viewing angle.

 

Yes, the CDR-220 head unit radio can drive an external amplifier. IIRC the 8 pin C2 position at the back of the CDR-220 will provide a line level output needed to see an external amp. Becker NJ has a pigtail cable terminated with RCAs and the 8 pin connector at the other end. - this should do the trick.

First up though would be to identify the audio system as installed in your MY95 Cab. From the factory there were three audio systems and various head unit radio's/CDs/cassettes/CD changer, etc., throughout the 993s production years.

Should your MY95 Cab have the HiFi option - in either of its 2 forms - its an "active" arrangement where by the usual frequency dividing network (crossover) is internal to the external amplifier chassis located under the passenger seat; from the external amp chassis the speaker wiring is direct to each driver. mid range, woofer and tweeter respectively.

If your MY95 Cab's audio system is the standard fare then its a head unit radio...(soon to be the CDR-220) ... directly wired to the passive crossovers in the each front door and then to the woofer and tweeters. Adding an external amp to this will require a wee bite of wiring - simple actually.

As for viewing of the CRD-220 face plate, when installed in the 993 car the viewing angle is not ideal. This way off axis issue can be remedied by a face plate mod; Again Becker NJ is your source - $100 used to be the charge to mod the 220 faceplate.

http://www.beckerautosound.com

All the best.