I got my new head unit!

EddieGT28 · 03-05-2003, 07:50 PM

I called and my new head unit is in, it's a Apline-9815. I'm going to get the head unit installed professionally because I want the steering wheel controls to work and don't want to bother programing it. Anyway, the installer said that my sound quailty will be about the same, or even worse because the monsoon system was designed just for those speakers, is this true? I have no experience with installing car audio stuff, how hard would it be to install new speakers all around?

MagiLLa · 03-05-2003, 08:57 PM

installing new speakers there is a STICKY at the top of this forum that shows pics how to remove door panels and everything. GL.
i don't think your sound qill get worse, that sounds ridiculous...
and better? i dont know.... it's still "upgraded" stock speakers.

MattBatt · 03-05-2003, 08:57 PM

As far as difficulty goes do you have experience taking apart the inside of a car(removing door pannels back seats etc.). If the answer is yes then you shouldn't have too many problems.
You see replacing speakers is only removing 4 or so screws cliping wires and splicing wires and screwing in screws. The real fun of the day is figuring out how and the heck the door panel comes off. And for the rear how to get under there ( that takes more skill).
For instruction on how to do it exactly do a search and I'm sure you can find some answers. Heres the basics. there are 4 screws in the door one is under the electric door/window switches. Pull the door pannel out until all of those plastic things are out then lift it up over the door sill.
The back speakers require you to remove those two pads on either sides of the back seats and maybe the plastic pannels that go back to the window. With the seat folded down you should be able to remove the plastic doo hickes and lift up the cardboard rear shelf.
The speaker pods just unclip and that's it. Have Fun and welcome to the wonderful world of car audio.

AmIGrand · 03-06-2003, 04:46 PM

That is a very fine CD player, and a decent foundation for an all around upgraded sound system. The reason he's tellin' you it might be the same or worse is that you haven't made a real upgrade to what you actually hear - the speakers, and in a lessor way the power (amplification). The Alpine has onboard power that must either be line dropped and fed to the existing Monsoon amp, or driven directly to the speakers, bypassing the Monsoon. Trouble is, the Monsoon speakers are of a lower impedance than the industry standard, and a lot of decks don't like that very much.

For monsoon owners, I usually recomend leaving it allone and adding a small subwoofer system. This allows you to reduce to bass through the rest of the system to obtain better sound and more volume, while improving the low end presence. To get much better than that, replacing the whole getup really is the only way to go.

I guess what I'd ask you is this - what were your goals/reasons for making the change in the first place, and where do you want to be when it's all said and done? And on what kind of timetable and budget?

MattBatt · 03-06-2003, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AmIGrand

I guess what I'd ask you is this - what were your goals/reasons for making the change in the first place, and where do you want to be when it's all said and done? And on what kind of timetable and budget?

Very nicely put!
Couldn't agree more!

EddieGT28 · 03-06-2003, 09:28 PM

I got the new deck because I wanted Mp3 capabilities and wanted to expand my system eventually. I originally planned to keep the same speakers and get a mono amp with 2 12's this summer. After talking to the installer, im starting to think of getting alll new speakers first, before the subs. I wouldn't need to spend that much because I wouldn't need speakers that have a high power rating since im just hooking it up to my deck instead of another amp.

AmIGrand · 03-07-2003, 12:53 PM

Do the amp/sub first, it's a biggger improvement in sound for the money.

How much bass do you want to have when you're done, and how loud do you like to listen to your tunes?

EddieGT28 · 03-07-2003, 11:05 PM

I mostly listen to rap/hip hop so I like a lot of bass, but I don't want to lose all my trunk space. My friend just got a box for 1 15' in his Impala and he has no trunk space whatsoever.

SilverEcstasy · 03-08-2003, 09:53 AM

The Monsoon system runs at 2 ohms and normal head units and speakers run at 4 ohm. Atleast, thats what I thought, and thats what the car audio guy agreed with me at the store about. With Monsoon speakers running at 2 ohm and your new Alpine headunit running on 4, it'll sound like sh*t.

I just added two Alpine Type-E 10" subs (200 watt rms - 600 watt max) and a V12 Alpine mono amp (600x1 max, 300x1 max - internally bridgeable to run 150 watts rms to each sub, 300 watt max to each) and it sounds wonderful. With some minor tuning, it sounds great.

peeps · 03-08-2003, 10:06 AM

If you don't want to lose alot of trunk space, I highly recommend the Infinity Basslink. Mine takes up no trunk space really...

the sound with the stock monsoon setup is great! However, soon I will be replacing the speakers and HU and running them with a separate amp

EddieGT28 · 03-08-2003, 10:46 AM

thanks everyone I really appreciate the help. MikeNT256, I think what you heard sounds right, and I will probably be putting new speakers in first if it really sounds that bad. Do you think I should just replace the normal speaker like the 6x9's or get circular ones in its place, I remember reading on these boards that the circular ones were better.

AmIGrand · 03-08-2003, 12:29 PM

Unless your a serious audiophile or plan on competing, you won't appreciate or really notice the difference, and most 6x9's are more efficient and will play louder off your deck power.

You don't need to lose your trunk to get killer bass. The Basslink is a tiny option, and sounds decent. If you can give up a little space, a single good quality 12 in a ported box can be quite loud with 3 or 4 hundred watts.

SilverEcstasy · 03-08-2003, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EddieGT28
thanks everyone I really appreciate the help. MikeNT256, I think what you heard sounds right, and I will probably be putting new speakers in first if it really sounds that bad. Do you think I should just replace the normal speaker like the 6x9's or get circular ones in its place, I remember reading on these boards that the circular ones were better.

If you're going to get subs, then get some simple 6x9 co-axial speakers. My subs overpower my rear 6x9's and I don't even notice them.

These were the exact words from my Sales rep at Circuit City

Quote:

I would never sell you a Basslink. Especially for a Grand Am, with such a large trunk, a Basslink cannot produce enough bass to actually make a difference. Basslink's are perfect for open-air SUV trunks. But not for your car..

Not hating on the Basslink! I just don't think its worth it to actually get "bass"...even a minimal amount of extra oopmh.

My 0.02 along with my sales rep's 0.02

athomas · 03-08-2003, 06:21 PM

Who's the sales rep and at what CC did you go to Mike? Just curious if I know the guy

SilverEcstasy · 03-08-2003, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by athomas
Who's the sales rep and at what CC did you go to Mike? Just curious if I know the guy

Shane Truss - Sales and Installation Manager at Circuit City Westland

peeps · 03-08-2003, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MikeNT256
Not hating on the Basslink! I just don't think its worth it to actually get "bass"...even a minimal amount of extra oopmh.

My 0.02 along with my sales rep's 0.02

Your sales rep obviously hasn't heard a Basslink in a Grand Am then. For those who don't feel the need to shake the neighbors, it adds more than enough bass. I have my HU bass set to -2 and lets just say some girls have commented about that special tingly feeling from the bass......

Any you can find them on ebay for ~$200....find another single ten inch woofer, enclosure and amp for that price that sounds just as good with the same dimensions....

EDIT: Sure the salesman has a point though. If you bought this from him at MSRP of ~$500, there are definatley better, more powerful setups....

SilverEcstasy · 03-09-2003, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by peeps
Your sales rep obviously hasn't heard a Basslink in a Grand Am then. For those who don't feel the need to shake the neighbors, it adds more than enough bass. I have my HU bass set to -2 and lets just say some girls have commented about that special tingly feeling from the bass......

I don't understand why this "earth shattering bass" keeps being brought up. A simple way of defining a subwoofer's job is to provide bass that the 6x9's cannot provide. I wasn't even interested in two 10's however they were on sale for two. Even with two 10" subs running roughly 150 watts rms to each, isn't earth shattering. Its enough bump to satisfy anyones craving, with much more to offer if needed.

I just don't "agree" with the idea of a Basslink, thats all. A sub is made to push air, granted if it has the box space and depth for it. But if owners of the Basslink enjoy it, thats all that matters. The dimensions and combination just doesn't mix with my idea of bass, but a very good reason for that is cause I haven't actually heard one before. Regardless, i'm happy with my purchase, and if the Basslink owners are happy, then so be it.

EddieGT28 · 03-10-2003, 06:23 PM

Thanks for all the input, im looking at getting 2 12's and a mono amp now. The 2 subs im looking at are Alpine Type R's and JL Audio 12W6. The JL audio is a little more, but I heard the hit harder. Amp wise im looking at the Alpine MRD-M500. There is another amp that i've read about on these boards but I just can't remember the name, I think there made by JL audio or JBL. Any input would help, you guys are the best.

MattBatt · 03-10-2003, 07:41 PM

My dad has a phoenix gold 8 inch sub in a ported enclosure that gives a nice little back massage with only 150 watts. It's enough for him and he loves to show off the system I installed in his Buick to all of his business associates, especially the ones who think their factory system sounds good

SilverEcstasy · 03-10-2003, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EddieGT28
Thanks for all the input, im looking at getting 2 12's and a mono amp now. The 2 subs im looking at are Alpine Type R's and JL Audio 12W6. The JL audio is a little more, but I heard the hit harder. Amp wise im looking at the Alpine MRD-M500. There is another amp that i've read about on these boards but I just can't remember the name, I think there made by JL audio or JBL. Any input would help, you guys are the best.

The Type R's matched with the V12 MRD-M500 would be awesome! I believe that amp runs 1000 watts peak, so i'd actually check into getting a capacitor as well, but matching the alpine subs with the amp is a great idea!

The Alpine V12 Mono amps include a digital display with 4 readouts (voltage, output, celsius temp, farenheit temp). The only thing kinda hard is the menu's to get used to. Give yourself 10 minutes and you'll know how to tune in no time. I should be taking pictures of my setup soon to show you what i'm talkin about.

03-05-2003, 07:50 PM	#1
EddieGT28 GAGT - Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Milwaukee, WI Age: 36 Posts: 44 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am Gt Sedan	I got my new head unit! I called and my new head unit is in, it's a Apline-9815. I'm going to get the head unit installed professionally because I want the steering wheel controls to work and don't want to bother programing it. Anyway, the installer said that my sound quailty will be about the same, or even worse because the monsoon system was designed just for those speakers, is this true? I have no experience with installing car audio stuff, how hard would it be to install new speakers all around? __________________ 2001 Black Grand Am GT 75th Edition 4 dr 1997 Silver Ducati Monster 750

03-05-2003, 08:57 PM	#2
MagiLLa Team S.M owns Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Winnipeg Age: 35 Posts: 711 Vehicle: '00 GASE	installing new speakers there is a STICKY at the top of this forum that shows pics how to remove door panels and everything. GL. i don't think your sound qill get worse, that sounds ridiculous... and better? i dont know.... it's still "upgraded" stock speakers. __________________ See My Body I have Kanji letters on the hood that release special dragon power above 3700 RPM's

03-05-2003, 08:57 PM	#3
MattBatt I'm An Audio Monkey AKA: Matt Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Orlando FL Age: 41 Posts: 1,015 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am SE Coupe	As far as difficulty goes do you have experience taking apart the inside of a car(removing door pannels back seats etc.). If the answer is yes then you shouldn't have too many problems. You see replacing speakers is only removing 4 or so screws cliping wires and splicing wires and screwing in screws. The real fun of the day is figuring out how and the heck the door panel comes off. And for the rear how to get under there ( that takes more skill). For instruction on how to do it exactly do a search and I'm sure you can find some answers. Heres the basics. there are 4 screws in the door one is under the electric door/window switches. Pull the door pannel out until all of those plastic things are out then lift it up over the door sill. The back speakers require you to remove those two pads on either sides of the back seats and maybe the plastic pannels that go back to the window. With the seat folded down you should be able to remove the plastic doo hickes and lift up the cardboard rear shelf. The speaker pods just unclip and that's it. Have Fun and welcome to the wonderful world of car audio. __________________ My car is dieing My Website "Life's big problems include the words 'Indictment' or 'Inoperable'. Everything else is small stuff."

03-06-2003, 04:46 PM	#4
AmIGrand Car Audio Guy AKA: Jamin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Vegas, Baby! Age: 46 Posts: 993 Vehicle: '05 Ion Redline	That is a very fine CD player, and a decent foundation for an all around upgraded sound system. The reason he's tellin' you it might be the same or worse is that you haven't made a real upgrade to what you actually hear - the speakers, and in a lessor way the power (amplification). The Alpine has onboard power that must either be line dropped and fed to the existing Monsoon amp, or driven directly to the speakers, bypassing the Monsoon. Trouble is, the Monsoon speakers are of a lower impedance than the industry standard, and a lot of decks don't like that very much. For monsoon owners, I usually recomend leaving it allone and adding a small subwoofer system. This allows you to reduce to bass through the rest of the system to obtain better sound and more volume, while improving the low end presence. To get much better than that, replacing the whole getup really is the only way to go. I guess what I'd ask you is this - what were your goals/reasons for making the change in the first place, and where do you want to be when it's all said and done? And on what kind of timetable and budget? __________________ Las Vegas Motor Speedway (2200 ft): 15.922 @ 86.70 MPH, stock '98 2.4 / 5 speed coupe with a K&N drop in filter and crappy tires (2.3 60's). Gone now.... R.I.P. 1993 Oldsmobile Achieva SCX W41, parted out. 2005 Pacific Blue Ion Redline, competition package, set up for SCCA Stock class, Koni Yellows/Hawk pads/Powergrid endlinks/245/40/17 BFG R1's for race day...

03-06-2003, 09:28 PM	#6
EddieGT28 GAGT - Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Milwaukee, WI Age: 36 Posts: 44 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am Gt Sedan	I got the new deck because I wanted Mp3 capabilities and wanted to expand my system eventually. I originally planned to keep the same speakers and get a mono amp with 2 12's this summer. After talking to the installer, im starting to think of getting alll new speakers first, before the subs. I wouldn't need to spend that much because I wouldn't need speakers that have a high power rating since im just hooking it up to my deck instead of another amp. __________________ 2001 Black Grand Am GT 75th Edition 4 dr 1997 Silver Ducati Monster 750

03-07-2003, 12:53 PM	#7
AmIGrand Car Audio Guy AKA: Jamin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Vegas, Baby! Age: 46 Posts: 993 Vehicle: '05 Ion Redline	Do the amp/sub first, it's a biggger improvement in sound for the money. How much bass do you want to have when you're done, and how loud do you like to listen to your tunes? __________________ Las Vegas Motor Speedway (2200 ft): 15.922 @ 86.70 MPH, stock '98 2.4 / 5 speed coupe with a K&N drop in filter and crappy tires (2.3 60's). Gone now.... R.I.P. 1993 Oldsmobile Achieva SCX W41, parted out. 2005 Pacific Blue Ion Redline, competition package, set up for SCCA Stock class, Koni Yellows/Hawk pads/Powergrid endlinks/245/40/17 BFG R1's for race day...

03-07-2003, 11:05 PM	#8
EddieGT28 GAGT - Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Milwaukee, WI Age: 36 Posts: 44 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am Gt Sedan	I mostly listen to rap/hip hop so I like a lot of bass, but I don't want to lose all my trunk space. My friend just got a box for 1 15' in his Impala and he has no trunk space whatsoever. __________________ 2001 Black Grand Am GT 75th Edition 4 dr 1997 Silver Ducati Monster 750

03-08-2003, 09:53 AM	#9
SilverEcstasy boosted..finally! AKA: Mike Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Michigan Age: 37 Posts: 2,633 Vehicle: 08.5 MS3 GT	The Monsoon system runs at 2 ohms and normal head units and speakers run at 4 ohm. Atleast, thats what I thought, and thats what the car audio guy agreed with me at the store about. With Monsoon speakers running at 2 ohm and your new Alpine headunit running on 4, it'll sound like sht. I just added two Alpine Type-E 10" subs (200 watt rms - 600 watt max) and a V12 Alpine mono amp (600x1 max, 300x1 max - internally bridgeable to run 150 watts rms to each sub, 300 watt max to each) and it sounds wonderful. With some minor tuning, it sounds great. __________________ Mike* 2008.5 CWP Mazdaspeed 3 Grand Touring - mine 2008.5 CWP Mazda CX-7 Sport FWD - hers

03-08-2003, 10:06 AM	#10
peeps OU Sucks! AKA: Philip Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Denton (Dallas), TX Age: 43 Posts: 1,094 Vehicle: 2005 M6 Torrid Red GTO	If you don't want to lose alot of trunk space, I highly recommend the Infinity Basslink. Mine takes up no trunk space really... the sound with the stock monsoon setup is great! However, soon I will be replacing the speakers and HU and running them with a separate amp __________________ peeps' N-Body Registry philpeeps.com GAP '02 Pics \| GAP '03 Pics

03-08-2003, 10:46 AM	#11
EddieGT28 GAGT - Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Milwaukee, WI Age: 36 Posts: 44 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am Gt Sedan	thanks everyone I really appreciate the help. MikeNT256, I think what you heard sounds right, and I will probably be putting new speakers in first if it really sounds that bad. Do you think I should just replace the normal speaker like the 6x9's or get circular ones in its place, I remember reading on these boards that the circular ones were better. __________________ 2001 Black Grand Am GT 75th Edition 4 dr 1997 Silver Ducati Monster 750

03-08-2003, 12:29 PM	#12
AmIGrand Car Audio Guy AKA: Jamin Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Vegas, Baby! Age: 46 Posts: 993 Vehicle: '05 Ion Redline	Unless your a serious audiophile or plan on competing, you won't appreciate or really notice the difference, and most 6x9's are more efficient and will play louder off your deck power. You don't need to lose your trunk to get killer bass. The Basslink is a tiny option, and sounds decent. If you can give up a little space, a single good quality 12 in a ported box can be quite loud with 3 or 4 hundred watts. __________________ Las Vegas Motor Speedway (2200 ft): 15.922 @ 86.70 MPH, stock '98 2.4 / 5 speed coupe with a K&N drop in filter and crappy tires (2.3 60's). Gone now.... R.I.P. 1993 Oldsmobile Achieva SCX W41, parted out. 2005 Pacific Blue Ion Redline, competition package, set up for SCCA Stock class, Koni Yellows/Hawk pads/Powergrid endlinks/245/40/17 BFG R1's for race day...

03-08-2003, 06:21 PM	#14
athomas GAGT - Member AKA: Adam Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Lake Orion MI Age: 41 Posts: 711 Vehicle: 2004 Pontiac GTO	Who's the sales rep and at what CC did you go to Mike? Just curious if I know the guy

03-10-2003, 06:23 PM	#18
EddieGT28 GAGT - Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Milwaukee, WI Age: 36 Posts: 44 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am Gt Sedan	Thanks for all the input, im looking at getting 2 12's and a mono amp now. The 2 subs im looking at are Alpine Type R's and JL Audio 12W6. The JL audio is a little more, but I heard the hit harder. Amp wise im looking at the Alpine MRD-M500. There is another amp that i've read about on these boards but I just can't remember the name, I think there made by JL audio or JBL. Any input would help, you guys are the best. __________________ 2001 Black Grand Am GT 75th Edition 4 dr 1997 Silver Ducati Monster 750

03-10-2003, 07:41 PM	#19
MattBatt I'm An Audio Monkey AKA: Matt Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Orlando FL Age: 41 Posts: 1,015 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am SE Coupe	My dad has a phoenix gold 8 inch sub in a ported enclosure that gives a nice little back massage with only 150 watts. It's enough for him and he loves to show off the system I installed in his Buick to all of his business associates, especially the ones who think their factory system sounds good __________________ My car is dieing My Website "Life's big problems include the words 'Indictment' or 'Inoperable'. Everything else is small stuff."

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