All-aftermarket system EXCEPT head-unit... possible?
#1
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
All-aftermarket system EXCEPT head-unit... possible?
So from everything I've read, it'* a ROYAL pita to replace the stock head-unit without screwing up all manner of things. And I don't really have a problem with the stock head unit. Is it possible to put in aftermarker speakers and an amp to drive them without replacing the head unit? Not really interested in running a sub.
#2
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: In your garage, swipin' da lug nutz
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Sure is.
First off, we need to know your budget, as budget dictates mods. In any event, you will need at the very least a low-level converter to convert your speaker signal to a lower voltage amplifier signal. Shop around...there are tons of them out there, and the more expensive ones even have eq settings.
Next up is the amp or amps. A 4-channel amp will do ok, but if you are going to be running component speakers, you would be better off with separate amplifiers.
Speakers. Don't skimp on these...esp. the rears. If you do not wish to run a sub, but still would like some punch, high-quality 6x9s will be the ticket.
Ebay is your best friend in cases like this. Many shops have discontinued merchandise that is still new but at much lower cost.
First off, we need to know your budget, as budget dictates mods. In any event, you will need at the very least a low-level converter to convert your speaker signal to a lower voltage amplifier signal. Shop around...there are tons of them out there, and the more expensive ones even have eq settings.
Next up is the amp or amps. A 4-channel amp will do ok, but if you are going to be running component speakers, you would be better off with separate amplifiers.
Speakers. Don't skimp on these...esp. the rears. If you do not wish to run a sub, but still would like some punch, high-quality 6x9s will be the ticket.
Ebay is your best friend in cases like this. Many shops have discontinued merchandise that is still new but at much lower cost.
#3
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by sandrock
Sure is.
First off, we need to know your budget, as budget dictates mods. In any event, you will need at the very least a low-level converter to convert your speaker signal to a lower voltage amplifier signal. Shop around...there are tons of them out there, and the more expensive ones even have eq settings.
Next up is the amp or amps. A 4-channel amp will do ok, but if you are going to be running component speakers, you would be better off with separate amplifiers.
Speakers. Don't skimp on these...esp. the rears. If you do not wish to run a sub, but still would like some punch, high-quality 6x9s will be the ticket.
Ebay is your best friend in cases like this. Many shops have discontinued merchandise that is still new but at much lower cost.
First off, we need to know your budget, as budget dictates mods. In any event, you will need at the very least a low-level converter to convert your speaker signal to a lower voltage amplifier signal. Shop around...there are tons of them out there, and the more expensive ones even have eq settings.
Next up is the amp or amps. A 4-channel amp will do ok, but if you are going to be running component speakers, you would be better off with separate amplifiers.
Speakers. Don't skimp on these...esp. the rears. If you do not wish to run a sub, but still would like some punch, high-quality 6x9s will be the ticket.
Ebay is your best friend in cases like this. Many shops have discontinued merchandise that is still new but at much lower cost.
On another note, my all-stock Monsoon system currently has a nice background hum... very soft, but very annoying. Any ideas?
#4
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by sandrock
In any event, you will need at the very least a low-level converter to convert your speaker signal to a lower voltage amplifier signal.
Originally Posted by UNCCBum
I've done an aftermarket system before, just didn't know if I could hook all the aftermarket stuff up to the factory Monsoon headunit. In any case, a 4-channel amp wouldn't work anyways, right?
That hum you mention MAY go away with the new setup but if it doesn't, it can be a real PITA!
I am in the process of a similar upgrade.
#6
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by hawkjet
Originally Posted by sandrock
In any event, you will need at the very least a low-level converter to convert your speaker signal to a lower voltage amplifier signal.
Originally Posted by UNCCBum
I've done an aftermarket system before, just didn't know if I could hook all the aftermarket stuff up to the factory Monsoon headunit. In any case, a 4-channel amp wouldn't work anyways, right?
That hum you mention MAY go away with the new setup but if it doesn't, it can be a real PITA!
I am in the process of a similar upgrade.
#7
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by UNCCBum
I still don't see how a 4-channel amp can drive 8 speakers? :?:
#8
Member
Posts like a V-Tak
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by hawkjet
Originally Posted by UNCCBum
I still don't see how a 4-channel amp can drive 8 speakers? :?:
#9
Senior Member
Posts like a Corvette
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The amp is located in the trunk. You'll find a plastic panel that spans the width of the trunk immediately behind where the rear seat back is located. Remove this panel. It will be held in place by one clip towards the upper right side, the remaining fasteners are magnets across the top. You'll find two diagonal cross braces. The amp is located on the driver side brace and should be labelled "Monsoon" in red lettering.
Edit:
In reference to the factory head unit, there are four outputs connected to the input of the amplifier. LF, LR, RF and RR. The head unit will adjust the output level based upon whether there is an amplifier detected (there is an amp present signal in the wiring harness).
The Monsoon amp has the following outputs:
L & R Tweeter Output (Front Door)
L & R Front Midrange Output (Front Door Panel)
L & R Rear Speaker Output (Rear Door)
L & R Subwoofer Output (Rear Shelf)
In the Non-Monsoon, 6 speaker systems, the two front door speakers are wired in parallel (within the door panel) and there are no rear door speakers. This leaves LF, LR, RF and RR connections directly to the head unit.
Edit:
In reference to the factory head unit, there are four outputs connected to the input of the amplifier. LF, LR, RF and RR. The head unit will adjust the output level based upon whether there is an amplifier detected (there is an amp present signal in the wiring harness).
The Monsoon amp has the following outputs:
L & R Tweeter Output (Front Door)
L & R Front Midrange Output (Front Door Panel)
L & R Rear Speaker Output (Rear Door)
L & R Subwoofer Output (Rear Shelf)
In the Non-Monsoon, 6 speaker systems, the two front door speakers are wired in parallel (within the door panel) and there are no rear door speakers. This leaves LF, LR, RF and RR connections directly to the head unit.
#10
Senior Member
Posts like a Turbo
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Posts: 360
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by UNCCBum
where is the amp supposed to be in the trunk? Is it hidden behind a panel of some sort? I looked back there and didn't see anything.
EDIT:
It looks like this is redundant - ddalder and I posted at the same time