opinions on stock stereo

2K1GrandAm · 10-13-2003, 09:12 AM

overall, im very pleased with the Monsoon stock stereo in my 2001 Grand Am. Of course, it gets quite a few flames, as im sure most stock systems do. Im no audiophile by any means, i just like a system with power and clear sound, and for me, the Monsoon systems delivers it. It has great sound and pretty decent thump to it (trure, it wont rattle anyones windows from 1/2 a mile away, but not everyone wants to go deaf before the ripe old age of 30). A lot of people who ride in my car have asked me what kind of system i have in it, and they cant believe that its stock. Ive found that it thumps pretty hard without any distortion, like some stock systems. For those of you who have the Monsoon system, what do you think?

teambeechstreet · 10-13-2003, 09:25 AM

I like it too, thats why I've kept it. I just wanna hook up my audio from my PS2 to it, so thats why I might swap it out for an aftermarket deck...

rocketfast123 · 10-13-2003, 09:32 AM

I like my 2001 SE sound system. The grand am is the only some what cheap car I seen with factory tweeters on the base sound system. Only thing I did was add was a sub and it is perfect. In the future I will get a MP3 HU,or maybe one out of a 2004 GA if i can find one for cheap. My friend has a 99(i think) explore with the sound upgrade and it does not even compare to my stock system. Then again he does not care about clear sound, he just wants bass.

athomas · 10-13-2003, 09:52 AM

Definately not bad for stock. In fact, I've found that GM seems to have one of the nicer stock systems.

Ant · 10-13-2003, 10:29 AM

i'm happy with my Monsoon. however, I'd still prefer the MP3 capability instead of the stupid tape deck. The bass is good enough for me....i don't need to set off car alarms.

MODS - shouldn't this be in the Audio/video category..?

AznGA · 10-13-2003, 10:55 AM

I love my Monsoon system that came with my 2002 GA GT. I was going to get one of the SE's or GT's without Monsoon, but I am glad I have it. It hits pretty hard compared to other stock ones. Bose system in my brother's 04 Nissan Altima don't hit as hard. But I agree that it would be a lot nicer to have MP3 instead of a tapedeck. I still don't understand why GM put tape players for 2002 model cars. I mean major stores like Best Buy don't even sell tapes anymore.

I would love to get aftermarket HU with subs, but this can be good enough for long time until I have the money.

Not2OLD · 10-13-2003, 11:07 AM

I like the monsoon well enough. I didn't think I would ever use the cassette player, but now it is the only cassette player I have.
The factory set up is more balanced than some aftermarket systems I have heard.

ZakkWylde470 · 10-13-2003, 01:54 PM

I love the Monsoon system in my parents 2001 GT1. Clear as hell, and as much as it pains me to say this, it almost (and that's a pretty big ALMOST) hits as hard as the two 10" subs I had in my 99 GT.

Vintalage · 10-13-2003, 02:01 PM

Add a basslink to the monsoon and you will see where the monsoon is missing in the bass department. The basslink really completes the system. It adds those low bass notes that the woofers on the self fail to produce. It also adds extra thump.

But I must say that the Monsoon is a pretty good system stock. It plays loud without distortion and has some decent bass. The reason there is no distortion at loud volumes is that the monsoon amp is doing some work behind the scenes. It is basically limiting the bass and whatever other freqencies when it senses distortion.

What I want to do is add the navigation unit found in the Oldsmobile Aurora, GMC Yukon, Caddilac Escalade, and other GM cars that have it. A member here has already done it and it works. I will problably be the next member to do it once I can find one for a nice price. It will be an interesting look. I also want to add the factory xm once GM releases the equipment if they ever do.

Vintalage · 10-13-2003, 02:03 PM

By the way, if you have a basslink and you setup the system like this:

bass: -2
mid: -2
treble: +6

...the highs will be much clearer. The stereo effect is better to. I have the basslink doing most of the work. I still have to fine tune it. Some frequencies are missing in the higher bass range.

kire · 10-13-2003, 02:51 PM

I like my Monsoon deck, but I'm with others in saying I wish it had MP3 capability.
However, I'm not gonna swap for a new deck. Mainly because the odds of my car getting broken into increase heavily by putting in an aftermarket deck.

I'd rather avoid anyone having any reason to break into my car, and I'm happy with my Monsoon system. If I do anything, I'll put a 10 in the trunk,

Warthog · 10-13-2003, 02:54 PM

i love the system in the 2000's, bass pumps hard and the sound is great...treble is a bit quiet at times but it works for me...and i don't listen to music that requires huge bass thumping so i don't really need subs.

jake3217 · 10-13-2003, 03:00 PM

I love it, 'nuff said.

Vintalage · 10-13-2003, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kire
I like my Monsoon deck, but I'm with others in saying I wish it had MP3 capability.
However, I'm not gonna swap for a new deck. Mainly because the odds of my car getting broken into increase heavily by putting in an aftermarket deck.

I'd rather avoid anyone having any reason to break into my car, and I'm happy with my Monsoon system. If I do anything, I'll put a 10 in the trunk,

The 2004 models have MP3 capability. If you do a swap, then you will have MP3 with a stock look. You will lose the cassette though. Not a big deal since you probably don't use it.

ZakkWylde470 · 10-13-2003, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Vintalage
The 2004 models have MP3 capability. If you do a swap, then you will have MP3 with a stock look. You will lose the cassette though. Not a big deal since you probably don't use it.

Is that a direct plug-in replacement?

kire · 10-13-2003, 05:54 PM

Anyone know the part number on the new MP3 capable deck (pictured above)?
I want one!

Vintalage · 10-13-2003, 08:28 PM

ZakkWylde470, yes it's a direct plug-in. Reprogramming is needed if it was pulled out of another car. I don't know if it needs to be programmed if it's brand new.

10-13-2003, 08:39 PM

my sis' 01 GA SE has the monsoon system and it really does sounds pretty good for a stock stereo. best stock stereo i've probably ever heard. that small amp on the trunk really helps

-dc

Vintalage · 10-13-2003, 10:09 PM

200w monsoon amp

LukeD · 10-19-2003, 12:10 PM

So are you guys saying I can just buy one of these MP3 players for my 99 and just plug it in? The unit looks to be the same size...

I do have the Monsoon system, so would it be an easy swap?

10-13-2003, 09:12 AM	#1
2K1GrandAm A thing of beauty... AKA: Ben Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Valdosta, GA Age: 39 Posts: 63 Vehicle: 2001 Grand Am GT coupe	opinions on stock stereo overall, im very pleased with the Monsoon stock stereo in my 2001 Grand Am. Of course, it gets quite a few flames, as im sure most stock systems do. Im no audiophile by any means, i just like a system with power and clear sound, and for me, the Monsoon systems delivers it. It has great sound and pretty decent thump to it (trure, it wont rattle anyones windows from 1/2 a mile away, but not everyone wants to go deaf before the ripe old age of 30). A lot of people who ride in my car have asked me what kind of system i have in it, and they cant believe that its stock. Ive found that it thumps pretty hard without any distortion, like some stock systems. For those of you who have the Monsoon system, what do you think? __________________ you wouldn't know the truth if it bit you on the ass the truth's so far from you and it's movin' mighty fast

10-13-2003, 09:25 AM	#2
teambeechstreet R1ce w/boost AKA: beechstreet Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: NorCal Age: 37 Posts: 742 Vehicle: '04 Honda Civic Si	I like it too, thats why I've kept it. I just wanna hook up my audio from my PS2 to it, so thats why I might swap it out for an aftermarket deck... __________________ R.I.P. '02 GAGT1 Coupe

10-13-2003, 10:29 AM	#5
Ant LS2 - Member AKA: Anthony Join Date: May 2003 Location: DC metro area Age: 34 Posts: 2,251 Vehicle: S5/GTO	i'm happy with my Monsoon. however, I'd still prefer the MP3 capability instead of the stupid tape deck. The bass is good enough for me....i don't need to set off car alarms. MODS - shouldn't this be in the Audio/video category..? __________________ USAF -06 IBM GTO/M6 - 477 WHP Best e/t before H/C - 12.71 @ 111.77 -18 Audi S5 Prestige Navarra Blue/A8 - DTUK Tuned 12.14 @ 111.19

10-13-2003, 11:07 AM	#7
Not2OLD beware the asshats Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Royal Oak, MI Age: 64 Posts: 220 Vehicle: 2003 Polo Green GAGT	I like the monsoon well enough. I didn't think I would ever use the cassette player, but now it is the only cassette player I have. The factory set up is more balanced than some aftermarket systems I have heard. __________________ Mike's N-Body page. Soylent Green.

10-13-2003, 01:54 PM	#8
ZakkWylde470 Tae Kwon Flow Master AKA: Marty Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Wherever I May Roam Age: 37 Posts: 613 Vehicle: '99 Ram 1500 Sport 4x4	I love the Monsoon system in my parents 2001 GT1. Clear as hell, and as much as it pains me to say this, it almost (and that's a pretty big ALMOST) hits as hard as the two 10" subs I had in my 99 GT. __________________ "A free people ought not only to be armed and disciplined, but they should have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own government."

10-13-2003, 09:52 AM	#4
athomas GAGT - Member AKA: Adam Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Lake Orion MI Age: 41 Posts: 711 Vehicle: 2004 Pontiac GTO	Definately not bad for stock. In fact, I've found that GM seems to have one of the nicer stock systems.

10-13-2003, 10:55 AM	#6
AznGA GAGT - Junkie AKA: YJ Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Midwest Posts: 4,440 Vehicle: GAGT	I love my Monsoon system that came with my 2002 GA GT. I was going to get one of the SE's or GT's without Monsoon, but I am glad I have it. It hits pretty hard compared to other stock ones. Bose system in my brother's 04 Nissan Altima don't hit as hard. But I agree that it would be a lot nicer to have MP3 instead of a tapedeck. I still don't understand why GM put tape players for 2002 model cars. I mean major stores like Best Buy don't even sell tapes anymore. I would love to get aftermarket HU with subs, but this can be good enough for long time until I have the money.

10-13-2003, 02:01 PM	#9
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	Add a basslink to the monsoon and you will see where the monsoon is missing in the bass department. The basslink really completes the system. It adds those low bass notes that the woofers on the self fail to produce. It also adds extra thump. But I must say that the Monsoon is a pretty good system stock. It plays loud without distortion and has some decent bass. The reason there is no distortion at loud volumes is that the monsoon amp is doing some work behind the scenes. It is basically limiting the bass and whatever other freqencies when it senses distortion. What I want to do is add the navigation unit found in the Oldsmobile Aurora, GMC Yukon, Caddilac Escalade, and other GM cars that have it. A member here has already done it and it works. I will problably be the next member to do it once I can find one for a nice price. It will be an interesting look. I also want to add the factory xm once GM releases the equipment if they ever do. __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

10-13-2003, 02:03 PM	#10
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	By the way, if you have a basslink and you setup the system like this: bass: -2 mid: -2 treble: +6 ...the highs will be much clearer. The stereo effect is better to. I have the basslink doing most of the work. I still have to fine tune it. Some frequencies are missing in the higher bass range. __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

10-13-2003, 02:51 PM	#11
kire GAGT - Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Age: 39 Posts: 39 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT Sedan	I like my Monsoon deck, but I'm with others in saying I wish it had MP3 capability. However, I'm not gonna swap for a new deck. Mainly because the odds of my car getting broken into increase heavily by putting in an aftermarket deck. I'd rather avoid anyone having any reason to break into my car, and I'm happy with my Monsoon system. If I do anything, I'll put a 10 in the trunk, __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT Sedan - Silver Mods: FDP CAI w/K&N Cone, Accel 8.8mm Spark Plug Wires, 33% front/22% rear tint, shorty antenna, misc GrafxWerks, gutterguard grills, Lotek A-pillar 3-gauge pod with Autometer A/F ratio gauge, voltmetre, and electrical oil pressure. 2000 Volvo S70 1980 Volvo 240 (rally beater)

10-13-2003, 02:54 PM	#12
Warthog Free Member AKA: N/A Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: N/A Posts: 750 Vehicle: N/A	i love the system in the 2000's, bass pumps hard and the sound is great...treble is a bit quiet at times but it works for me...and i don't listen to music that requires huge bass thumping so i don't really need subs.

10-13-2003, 03:00 PM	#13
jake3217 Operation .500 AKA: J Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: - Posts: 484 Vehicle: -	I love it, 'nuff said. __________________ Mods: 15" hubcaps, cold Wisconsin air, brand new FRAM air filter, newly flushed radiator

10-13-2003, 05:54 PM	#16
kire GAGT - Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Age: 39 Posts: 39 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT Sedan	Anyone know the part number on the new MP3 capable deck (pictured above)? I want one! __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT Sedan - Silver Mods: FDP CAI w/K&N Cone, Accel 8.8mm Spark Plug Wires, 33% front/22% rear tint, shorty antenna, misc GrafxWerks, gutterguard grills, Lotek A-pillar 3-gauge pod with Autometer A/F ratio gauge, voltmetre, and electrical oil pressure. 2000 Volvo S70 1980 Volvo 240 (rally beater)

10-13-2003, 08:28 PM	#17
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	ZakkWylde470, yes it's a direct plug-in. Reprogramming is needed if it was pulled out of another car. I don't know if it needs to be programmed if it's brand new. __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

10-13-2003, 08:39 PM	#18
balludc Guest Posts: n/a	my sis' 01 GA SE has the monsoon system and it really does sounds pretty good for a stock stereo. best stock stereo i've probably ever heard. that small amp on the trunk really helps -dc

10-13-2003, 10:09 PM	#19
Vintalage Hey paisanos! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Maryland Age: 38 Posts: 5,490 Vehicle: 2002 Grand Am GT1	200w monsoon amp __________________ 2002 Grand Am GT1 Sedan - Black 7000K HID PICS [SOLD to Jscarano]

10-19-2003, 12:10 PM	#20
LukeD Hear it scream! AKA: Luke Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: California, Bay Area Age: 36 Posts: 924 Vehicle: 1999 Grand Am GT Sedan	So are you guys saying I can just buy one of these MP3 players for my 99 and just plug it in? The unit looks to be the same size... I do have the Monsoon system, so would it be an easy swap? __________________ 1999 Grand Am GT1 Sedan (Bright Red) -- CAI, SLP exhaust, MSD, DHP, TOG, P&P Upper and Lower, FFWD UD Pully, 42.5# injectors and RAM AIR, EATON style! Last edited by LukeD; 10-19-2003 at 12:19 PM.

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