Porsche GT3 audio issue and sound package plus ASK amp replacement
 

The audio in my (new to me) 997.1 GT3 didn't seem right. There was no bass whatsoever even when the bass was turned up to 9. I have heard and read all these reviews saying how horrible the stock audio system is in the GT3 but I thought to myself, it can NOT be THIS bad!

So after doing some research, I found the sound package plus ASK amp in the frunk and disconnected it. The sound stayed the same, so the amp was clearly not working.

I took it apart and didn't notice anything obvious, no loose or burnt components and no smell, so the only option was to send it in for repair. I contemplated that idea for 5 min. From all of the research it seems that the design of these scheiss amps is terrible and even after a repair they can still go bad so I promptly started to search for a replacement aftermarket amp. Here is what I came up with.

I bought this Alpine 4 channel amp, it's cheaper than the cost of repairing the stock amp and it probably won't go bad after a year or less ( at least I hope). I got the 4 channel version because I wanted to connect the center dash speaker as well. If you get the 2 channel version you won't be able to utilize the center speaker.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also bought these banana terminals so that I would not have to cut the loom, so the upgrade is easily reversed.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1. I soldered the terminals to the wires.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...834e8f514e.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...bdb1d45361.jpg

2. Tested it to make sure all works fine using the below wire diagram.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...d76c7fe837.jpg


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...6be714e2f8.jpg

3. I then mounted the amp on a piece of aluminum sheet, so that I can utilize the stock mounting method. This way there is absolutely no drilling of holes required. I attached the amp to the aluminum sheet with rivets so that the back side would be as flush as possible.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...5bdf3740e1.jpg

4. Finished product. The terminals simply slide snuggly into the stock plug. The aluminum plate mounts via the factory system. The stock plastic cover will fit over the setup as well. I will drive around without it for a while and measure the temperature of the amp after use , I will then place the plastic cover on and test the temperature after use. I want to ensure that the amp is not getting too hot with the plastic cover in place. The audio now sounds....good, I will say. It's not going to win any awards, but at least there is bass, and all of the speakers work. Well worth $120.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/rennlis...9b505c133d.jpg

Nice write-up!

I may give this a try. I hardly ever turn it on as the sound is like a crappy clock radio. Thanks for posting this.

Thanks.
That's exactly how it sounds when the amp is fried, like a crappy alarm clock radi :roflmao:o
This changes the audio quality by alot!

You may want to post this in the 997 GT2/GT3 forum. I'm sure it won't get overlooked there.

Yup, already did.

I am doing this repair to my GT3. Has anyone got the wiring diagram available?

If at all still useful, this thread has detailed wiring diagrams for the Sound Package Plus that's typical on 997 GT3s https://rennlist.com/forums/997-gt2-...l#&gid=1&pid=6

Subwoofer on 4th channel?
 

Hi DriftKr6l,

Really solid work, thanks a lot for sharing. I have a similar problem in my 991.1 C2 convertible. I am thinking about going your route, however I was also wondering whether I could use the 4th channel to run a passive subwoofer since I only need three channels for bass and center speakers. So one channel should be left over on the Alpine 4 channel amplifier version. Do you think this would work and/or is a good idea?

Would really appreciate a feedback from the master.

Thanks again!

Hi,

Unfortunately I'm not audio expert, so I'd rather not give advice on it.

Fair enough, thanks for the quick feedback. I'll touch base with a car hifi specialist then. Don't think it'll be a problem though.

bravo did you add a sub or will eventually?

Hi Pors2kche,

thanks, I have decided to leave the car as is. Installing a subwoofer would require running cables and screwing the sub to the floor under the passenger seat if you don’t want it to be visible in the cabin. I can’t do that since the car is still under Porsche approved warranty. I’ve also learned to just live with the sound, that the sound package pro produces. It’s actually not that bad. I do miss the standard (!) sound system in my 2006 VW EOS though. It had much richer, powerful sound while the car itself only cost a sixth of what I paid for the Porsche. Crazy world 😄

Stay safe during these Covid times!

PS: if you’re thinking of buying a new car, I recently had my car in for service. They gave me a Macan rental with the Bose sound system installed. I thought it sounded even worse than the SPP in my 991 despite it coming with a sub. So for my next car, I will definitely spring for the Burmester system. If Porsche ever makes a 911 with a naturally aspired engine again that is, of course ;)