Monsoon Sound System question

[GTA Girl]

I looked but couldn't find the answer in the FAQ, so I apologize if this has already been answered someplace. What I would like to know is does the Monsoon 8 speaker system have preamp outputs? While the stock set up does have nice bass I have a set of 12s from my old ride that I'd like to put in my 2002 Grand Am with out having to redo the whole sound system. Is this possible?

[sunrunner_pei]

There are no pro-amp outputs, but you can add an amp/subs using a Line Level Converter. :)

BTW, Welcome, and thanks for reading through the FAQ before posting! :thumbup2:

[Matt95GT]

Originally posted by sunrunner_pei
but you can add an amp/subs using a Line Level Converter. :)


Just wanted to add... some amps have them built-in. Look for "high level inputs" on the amp.

[Rainbow1616]

I just did this same thing. Go to Walmart get a line level converter(about 17 bucks). Then all you have to do is run 1 power wire from your battery back to your amp. The Line level converter can go in the trunk with the amp and just tap off the rear speakers for the input.
I ran my power wire down the drivers side then into the trunk, mounted my amp on top of the sub enclosure and mounted the Line level converter next to the monsoon amp in the trunk. Very simple and didn't take long to do.

[GTA Girl]

How do I tap the line in converter off the rear speakers? I have never used this method to run subs before. Also, is there a particular watt amp that would be better suited to this application? I have to purchase a new one anyway, so I'm just wondering if there is something specific I should look for. Does this process diminish the sound output from the rear speakers extensively or is it not a noticable difference? Thanks for all your help. :)

[Rainbow1616]

If your just looking for more bass and a little kick I'd go in the range of 1000-1200 watt amp.
I'm using a 900 watt Rockford Fosgate with 2 10"JL subs and thats plenty for me.
The line level converter I bought from walmart is actually a 4 channel but I only used it as a 2 channel. Just tap the 4 wires that go to your existing monsoon speakers (sub) and they will be the input to your line level converter(left rear and right rear). Then just run rca jacks from that to your amp. Hook up power, ground, and remote wires to your amp and thats it.
You can adjust the output of the line lever converter to add more or less kick. I think I have mine set on 3.
I tied the remote turn on wire into my wiper fuse so it goes off when the car does. You could put it on a switch if you want manual controll of your amp.

If you are buying the amp new then as suggested above maybe you want to look for an amp with speaker or "high" level inputs.

[cardude007617]

but dont most amps have those now a days tho?

[Blackhawk]

I'd suggest wiring your line level converter right at the HU and running RCAs from there. If you ever upgrade your HU then you don't have to run new RCAs and it will be less work.

[Rainbow1616]

Originally posted by Blackhawk
I'd suggest wiring your line level converter right at the HU and running RCAs from there. If you ever upgrade your HU then you don't have to run new RCAs and it will be less work.

I understand that logic certainly, but if you don't plan on getting a new head unit (like I don't) then why bother doing all the extra work?

If you put it in the trunk you don't have to take the dash apart and radio out and you don't have to purchase and run long rca cables?
If your sure like I am you won't upgrade the radio then all the extra work is for nothing.

[shootnmiss09]

Hey....my car is a 2000 Grand Am GT1, and I was wondering how i tell if i have teh monsson sound system? It seems to have pretty good bass, but I am gonna buy new speakers for front doors cause one is blown.

[Blackhawk]

You never said you didn't plan on getting a different HU (or I missed it), so sorry. If you are simply trying to hook up an amp/sub combo with the least amount of work then go for the trunk LOC. I am going to run a LOC up by the radio once I get my setup in, but that's because I plan on getting a different HU at some point.
Shootnmiss, the radio should say Monsoon on it. Otherwise, open the trunk and look near the left strut tower, if you have Monsoon you will see a black box that is the amp. I believe the front speakers are supplied directly by the HU though so you shouldn't have problems wiring it.