Stan1911

I have a monsoon system, 10 speakers and an amp. Pretty much all the speakers need to be replaced and the head unit does not play cd's anymore, E23 code.

Option 1 - Thinking on buying the component speaker package from Kee Audio $300 and maybe spending $200 on a head unit. That way I could use the installed/existing wiring and amp.

Option 2 - Get everything new but a spend a max $600 including running new wires and all.

Which way would you go, or is there a 3rd option I am not seeing.

Oh and this is on a 2002 Firebird.

These are the speakers I am considering.

4th Generation Firebird Speaker Package:

1.) CDT CL-61.2 6.5" Component Speaker System (doors)
2.) Bazooka 6.5" DVC Subwoofers (sailpanels)
3.) CDT CL-4EX coaxials (hatch)

"MAC"

iTrader: (1)

Just buy all new speakers and head unit. Go to bestbuy they can help you match up the right head unit if anything you need an adapter which i highly doubt you'll need.

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

get the best Kee Audio package you can afford and swap out the headunit, swapping out the amp and re-wiring everything is gonna add a lot more to the cost, but get a headunit with 3 full sets of RCA's that are atleast 4 volt preouts so that if in the future you want to expand your system you can.

Stan1911

Thanks for the replies guys, ordering speakers shortly and start researching head units. Not sure what (get a headunit with 3 full sets of RCA's that are atleast 4 volt preouts) is but I will find out.

Daniel Richards

iTrader: (1)

RCA outputs are how you connect aftermarket amps to the aftermarket headunits, lower end headunits typically only have 1 set of RCA's which would be used for connecting a subwoofer amp and it is typical to see them output at 2 volts, as you go to better headunits you see 2 sets of RCA's one set being the front output and the other set being switch able between either a rear output or a subwoofer output, then the higher end radios give you a front, rear and Subwoofer RCA (3 sets of RCA's), when you get into this level you start to see ones that have 4 volt outputs which gives a better signal to the amps resulting in better sound.

So in the future if you want to replace the factory amp you'll need a headunit with both front and rear RCA sets (2 sets of RCA's) then if you want to add a subwoofer while still running the other speakers off amps you need that 3rd set of RCA's.

As for brand I am partial to Pioneer myself.

Stan1911

Awesome, thanks for the explanation and great advise!

M4N14C

iTrader: (3)

Go with option 1. I upgraded to Kee Audio level 3 speakers, then added a 10" stealth sub and a new head unit. System sounds crisp and hits hard all utilizing stock monsoon amp; not to mention a lot cheaper than rewiring a new amp.

2nd Gen Fl 'bird

iTrader: (13)

Is this using factory wiring? If so I'm in. The days of going around beating my chest about 12" subs and 1000w amps are over. I just want like you have said, good hit and crisp.

M4N14C

iTrader: (3)

Yes all the speakers (doors, sails, hatch) are using stock wiring. I did have to wire the sub to it's own amp but that's nothing compared to tearing out all the wiring and laying down new ones.

"MAC"

iTrader: (1)

I got a kenwood 7in lcd touche screen head unit and Panasonic speakers back in 09. I paid 1200 for it all, that covered parts and labor. I wanted the best headunit at the time and it was very expensive they are a lot cheaper now.

98_1LE

iTrader: (17)

How much does a new head unit offer if going with the better Kee kit for Monsoon (Level 3 Premium IIRC)?

M4N14C

iTrader: (3)

Kee Level 3 is just the speaker replacement. HU can go from $50 to $1500 depending on what you want out of it.