That is why I bought a Sony HU GT700HD Great sound with the stock Amp and I have HD radio, it is a cleaner crisper sound.

 

I would do this, but I'm not looking for better sound at all. I just want ipod compatibility. My stock HU light went out, and if I pull it out... I won't put it back.

suggestions on fairly cheap HU's that work well with the stock amp?

 

Honestly, pretty much any name brand aftermarket unit is going to sound a lot better than the stock HU. I prefer my current Kenwood that has both aux in and USB. USB will sound better than aux in when using an iPod. Remember, you're talking about 15 year old technology at best with the stock HU. Just go to BB, pick one you like, then buy it online or from one of the sponsors on this site. Just don't let BB con you into installing it. Again, all you need is the harness and a mounting kit. I believe Kee (a sponsor) sells a complete install kit. Or you can buy a mount from eBay, but be careful to get one that fits flush or it might look like crap.

 

get all those METRA parts to do the install .........and your set.....did mine this weekend

 

Tell that shop owner to go read up on the monsoon system as he obviously does not know what he is talking about. I had about 5 shops tell me that same BS about having to rewire the car before I came on here and learned that what they were saying was 100% NOT TRUE. If you want to keep the monsoon amp (which is very good and will sound MUCH better with a quality aftermarket HU than with the stock HU), then just get the mounting kit, antenna adapter, and correct wiring harness and you're good to go. No rewiring necessary at all.

 

They just trying to get you for more $$

 

Yes..... I have a bridge in Brooklyn for sale if anyone is interested. lol

 

This is a good thread. I might get the head unit I want and wait on the rest of the setup this summer.

And I just sold my damn bezel too!!!

 

Guys...bottom line is that you can use the stock system with a speaker upgrade and get decent sound. Add an aftermarket HU and you get even better sound because you clean up the signal sent to the Monsoon amp so it has a better processed clean signal to send to the speakers now.
Any quality HU will be good. Just remember it's like different flavors of chocolate ice cream...they are all pretty good...it's really a matter of preference at that point. My personal preferences lean toward:
USB Input
Aux Input
24bit DAC processing
Good EQ for tuning
Color matched illumination
Kenwood, JVC, and Pioneer all have great units for not a lot of money that meet all of the above. Alpine also has a good unit. Clarion have great sound but generally have blue illumination only so that's the only reason I don't use them as much...great sound out them though.
I generally use JVC alot as a great bang for the buck unit. They can also change any color under the sub so matching an interior is easy. You can also do a separate button and display color with them for a more custom look. I also like the displays on them, nothing flashy.

As for companies like Best Buys...if they carry something that works with your car they just recommend taking out what's there and starting from scratch. This simplifies things for them because they can then sell you something they do have and are familiar with. In a way if they were going to do the install i would prefer that because then they would know what they are doing. When it comes to modding the stock system it takes someone who is familiar with the stock system and does the research....or better yet someone who has actually owned your car. For the most part unless the guy doing the install at BB is an F-body owner or is familiar with the system your not going to get what's best for your stock system generally. I have even sold members the correct speakers and have had BB tell the customer that they won't work in his vehicle. Speakers that I have been installing in F-bodies for 5 years. It was comical.
Anyway...you can mod the stock system with good to great results with the right equipment and be completely satisfied with it for years to come.

 

+1 for what Kee Audio said. I changed out my stock HU with an Alpine IDA-X100 with Bluetooth. That made a great deal of difference. Then, my POS stock speakers started blowing and the guy who owned the car before me put Sony components where the stock subs would go.

Fast forward a bit and I put in Kee's basic package with the CDT front speakers and the Bazooka subs (rears are still stock), and it TOTALLY changed the sound of the system. It was a night and day difference!