gxpintn

So I know I need to buy the "adapter" to retain door chimes, etc but what am I getting myself into with putting an aftermarket stereo in with the Monsoon system? Do I need to buy some type of line output converter to avoid sending an amped signal to the stock amplifier? I've never attempted putting an aftermarket stereo in a car with a stock amp, and I'm googling as I type this but I was hoping for a more personal experience, lol.

higsy

Been about 3 years since I put mine in. I did the pioneer Aviv z3, you need 2 adapters, one for the door chimes and one (that u have to program) for the steering wheel controls. There is a really good write up in the impala forums with lots of pics.. one thing I lost even with the adapters was the date function on the dic and also the radio station channel on the headsup. No biggie

Hawkins04

iTrader: (4)

Now why did you lose those functions just curious

higsy

I assume they were an original function of the stock hundred where info is stored and when changing it the aftermarket harness' are not vehicle specific as the gxp and Hudson and dic are unique.

gxpintn

Well, I broke down and took the plunge on a new head unit today, a Kenwood DPX308U. I also lost my calendar function and my steering wheel controls... which isn't so bad as they make an adapter for it to get them back. $300 later and still with stock speakers, it sounds pretty damn good inside

Hawkins04

iTrader: (4)

can you post a picture of how it looks?

gxpintn

Absolutely. I took some earlier to show a friend of mine.


This is the snake pit of wires and the adapter



I used crimp connectors and electrical taped the shizz out of them.



This is the finished product. I bought it specifically cause you can change the color of the unit, so I could match the gauges and DIC in the car. It's on sale for $169+tax at Electronic Express.

heavyft

Wow. I've been debating an upgrade. What is better with the aftermarket vs. stock if it still going through the factory amp and speakers?

neilownz

That adapter/module thing is $130 at crutch. Yikes.

gxpintn

You get better signal processing, for one. Stock radios don't have the guts to hit those clear notes like an aftermarket does. Even without changing out the "Monsoon" (read- delphi) speakers in my car it sounds 20 different levels of fantastic.

Another thing is you get functions not previously present- aux input, bluetooth, etc. The only real limit here for outfitting your car with things GM didn't see fit for a 35k car is the size of your wallet. They had some really nice navi units when I went yesterday, but I can live without navi for 700 bucks. A good thing about getting a navi unit though, they make adapters that include functionality to display directions on your HUD just like the factory one would (if you have a HUD ), if the navi you buy supports it. And, I was -finally- able to hook up my 12" JL Audio w3 the RIGHT way instead of doing line level

I have no idea why yours is more. Crutchfield shows mine for 99 bucks, Electronic Express gave it to me for 89. Maybe you should try ebay?

neilownz

They are always more expensive.

I was looking at the Rosen GM replacement unit for the ss. Seems nice.

Hawkins04

iTrader: (4)

I want to get one with navi too but for a good one they are like $700-up and thats without out the adaptors, sub, amp, and interior speakers I want.