Thread: Want more sound...

Does anyone know if GM offered a Monsoon (or equivalant) stereo for the 05 Grand Prix? The stock stereo is ok, but nothing special. And I've checked aftermarket, but nothing is compatible in keeping the calander operational. My wife wants to keep that, so my options seem to be limited. Any help would be awesome. Thanks.

The Monsoon was an amplifier setup for GM cars. It is highly integrated through the BCM and I don't think it'd be worth your time to try.

You do have options if you absolutely gotta keep the OEM radio. For higher quality sound, I would second the addition of an amplifier. You'll need a line out converter like this one to send a signal to your amp. This is the amplifier I used (I have a Pioneer navigation head unit). Of course, your stock speakers won't be happy, so you'll need to look into replacements. And if sound quality is important, you've gotta have a sub. This is the one I'm pretty happy with. You'll need yet another line out converter to hook it up.

This will allow you to use an iPod as an aux. There are other adapters that will give you a 3.5mm jack to plug other audio devices in. There is indeed a six disc changer available, I don't know if it'll work in your non Monsoon setup or not. It will need to be programmed, either by a dealer or a buddy with access to a Tech-2.

The calender function is completely worth giving up in order to go with an aftermarket radio. Who even needs a calender in their car? Any basic phone has a calender.

Those line out converters are limited by the quality of the source, being the stock radio, and no matter how flat you tune the stock EQ, it never gives you quite as clean/flat as a signal as some would like. Don't get me wrong though, it won't sound any worse, just not quite as good as an aftermarket radio with dedicated line-outs. The Monsoon could be different since it's internals are better, but then money comes into play. It will save you a lot to avoid the Monsoon regardless of what you wind up doing.

Hell, even try some speakers alone and see how it sounds, ones with a 2-ohm resistance come to mind to get as much power as head units offer. My Infinity Kappa's kept me content running off my head unit until I had cash for an amplifier. The Infinity Reference are damn cheap for how loud they can be.

Subwoofers are another game. If you just want to be able to hear the low end and get a little more bump, then those bass tubes are a good deal and very simple to wire. If you want audiophile sound quality and/or serious bass, you really need an actual box sized and tuned to the sub.

Originally Posted by nik12937

The calender function is completely worth giving up in order to go with an aftermarket radio. Who even needs a calender in their car? Any basic phone has a calender.

Those line out converters are limited by the quality of the source, being the stock radio, and no matter how flat you tune the stock EQ, it never gives you quite as clean/flat as a signal as some would like. Don't get me wrong though, it won't sound any worse, just not quite as good as an aftermarket radio with dedicated line-outs. The Monsoon could be different since it's internals are better, but then money comes into play. It will save you a lot to avoid the Monsoon regardless of what you wind up doing.

Hell, even try some speakers alone and see how it sounds, ones with a 2-ohm resistance come to mind to get as much power as head units offer. My Infinity Kappa's kept me content running off my head unit until I had cash for an amplifier. The Infinity Reference are damn cheap for how loud they can be.

Subwoofers are another game. If you just want to be able to hear the low end and get a little more bump, then those bass tubes are a good deal and very simple to wire. If you want audiophile sound quality and/or serious bass, you really need an actual box sized and tuned to the sub.

To go along with what nik said, I couldn't wait to rip out the OEM radio. My head unit has 3 RCA 4 volt outputs. It means I don't need as high a gain setting on the amp. It also means a cleaner signal to the amp. I have Sirius XM directly in the head unit. I can control my 160 gig iPod from the head unit screen. I can Bluetooth from my smartphone to the head unit. I have hands free calling through the head unit. And, I have navigation.

As nik also said, those line converters aren't all of that for sound quality. It is, however the only real way to add an amp other than rewiring everything, if you've absolutely gotta keep it OEM. Since I no longer have a calender on the DIC, I just set the page to average economy. It helps remind me to keep off the gas pedal.

One more thing to consider, and it's the most important thing: cost. I have about $1,500 wrapped up in my system. That's all parts. I did the install myself. If you're not comfortable with taking out an interior, or doing quality basic wiring, you'll need to add for labor to install any of these goodies.

You may not want or need navigation. That'll save ya about $400. If I'd done a bit more homework, I would have gone with a head unit capable of integrating with my smartphone better and used the navigation apps in that.

Start with a new deck... could be enough added sound your looking for!! Get a quality one also.. Don't go a cheap route...