This is the reply I got from MTX....

[pologuy 10+ year member]

Hi,

I sent MTX an email asking them what they recommended for speakers in my car and after one basically non-answer email, this is what I got back...

The factory Monsoon sound system is designed to work with the factory

Monsoon speakers.

The process to make the stereo sound better is far more complex than just

replacing the speakers.

While that might be true, or is true, won't just changing the factory speakers improve the sound A LOT?

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/confused.gif.e820e0216602db4765798ac39d28caa9.gif

Click to read more...

 

[jbizzle 5,000+ posts]

Not much if you plan on powering them with your headunit.

 

[hoxie08 5,000+ posts]

mebey.

 

[btdickey99 5,000+ posts]

you must own a VW //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[mtlhead 10+ year member]

Hi,
I sent MTX an email asking them what they recommended for speakers in my car and after one basically non-answer email, this is what I got back...

The factory Monsoon sound system is designed to work with the factory

Monsoon speakers.

The process to make the stereo sound better is far more complex than just

replacing the speakers.

While that might be true, or is true, won't just changing the factory speakers improve the sound A LOT?

//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/confused.gif.e820e0216602db4765798ac39d28caa9.gif

Not necessarily, some of those "Premium" systems have weird impedances and its hard to JUST replace the speakers

 

[Ed Lester 10+ year member]

I agree with MTX.

especially if your car utilizes enclosures for the speakers as most Monsoon systems do.

For improvement you will have to get high end components, deaden the doors and areas where speakers will be installed making sure to seal all air leaks.

Run the components from a good quality amp, and run the amp from a good aftermarket headunit. Add a sub amp and subwoofer and then you will have an improved sound system.

 

[pologuy 10+ year member]

LOL, no VW.... //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

It's a 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi with the Monsoon sound system...

Not much if you plan on powering them with your headunit.

The Monsoon system includes a Monsoon amp in the trunk.

I want to/have to keep the head unit - as removing it causes a lot of problems as I have found out from other SSEi owners...

All the chimes/alert sounds are in the stock head unit or some reason, as well as the On-Star, alarm system, the "heads up display", and others...

The Monsoon amp is replaceable, I am told, but some have fried the whole system after replacing it...

I am not really after ultra high end audiophile sound (ducks) lol, I just want something that sounds better than what is in there.

I am REALLY interested in the Pioneer Premier PRS line or the Boston Acoustic PR60...

And would not be opposed to change the Monsoon amp for a Pioneer Premier one as well...

I just, for a lack of other problems down the road, would like to keep the head unit...

 

[duece212 5,000+ posts]

Vey rarely do I say this....but this sounds like a great time for a visit to a brick and morter store to talk ideas over instead of emailing a manufacturer with a vague question.

 

[5.3bowtie 10+ year member]

monsoon speakers are 8ohm therefore if you replace them with aftermarket 4ohm speakers it will burn up the amp. the only way to do these cars it to replace the head unit and all the speakers and run all new speaker wire. You cant run 4ohm speakers on an 8ohm amp.

 

[pologuy 10+ year member]

monsoon speakers are 8ohm therefore if you replace them with aftermarket 4ohm speakers it will burn up the amp. the only way to do these cars it to replace the head unit and all the speakers and run all new speaker wire. You cant run 4ohm speakers on an 8ohm amp.

Actually the speakers in the Bonneville SSEi Monsoon system are 2 ohm and 4 ohm.... there are 8 speakers...

And all are hooked up to the Monsoon 4 channel amp...

 

[forbidden 10+ year member]

So instead of wasting time on a forum getting partial information and wasting manufacturers time getting partial information, go to a specialty car audio store. You need a advanced LOC (something like a Audio Control 6XS or LC6i), then a new amp and new speakers. All items are necessary and this will allow you to keep your factory gear. I am a specialty shop and do this type of system all the time. Go to a shop dude.

 

[Ed Lester 10+ year member]

You can get a module that keeps the factory chime and warnings etc.. and still do an aftermarket head unit. There is the GMS LAN 03 or equivalent. Another technique I have used was to extend the radio harness and mount the factory deck under the seat or in the trunk and put a new deck in the dash.

Moral of the story, it can be done and would be the best thing for you to do.

 

[pologuy 10+ year member]

So instead of wasting time on a forum getting partial information and wasting manufacturers time getting partial information, go to a specialty car audio store. You need a advanced LOC (something like a Audio Control 6XS or LC6i), then a new amp and new speakers. All items are necessary and this will allow you to keep your factory gear. I am a specialty shop and do this type of system all the time. Go to a shop dude.

Yeah..I know, I just wanted to try here first, with all you experts... //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

I just don't want a shop hard-selling me on something just because they carry it....

And, I feel stupid going to a shop and having them spend all their time with me and then coming on here and buying the products at half the price....

 

[Ed Lester 10+ year member]

Yeah..I know, I just wanted to try here first, with all you experts... //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif
I just don't want a shop hard-selling me on something just because they carry it....

And, I feel stupid going to a shop and having them spend all their time with me and then coming on here and buying the products at half the price....

I recently installed the Audio control units in a 2008 Focus with the Sync system. It worked out real good.

If you know how to install and set it up then get er done. If you are just wingin it, go to a shop for advice and get them to install for you too.

 

[pologuy 10+ year member]

The other problem with a new HU is that it needs to be a Double-DIN...

And preferably then, match the red/orange lighting of the rest of the dash... not all that important, but would be nice...