Replacing amp/HU
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 184
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From: Atlanta, GA
Replacing amp/HU What would be the optimal way to replace the stock HU and amp, while retaining functionality of all 10 speakers in an 02 TA?
Really, I need all 10 speakers to run off of the amp(s). I plan on doing the android tablet install that was done in the C6 in another thread. I also plan on adding either a 10" or 12" sub (suggestions?) in a stealth box which I assume I would power with a separate amp.
I'll be using stock speakers in all factory locations with the exception of 6.5" bazookas in the sails because they came out of my old f-body.
Really, I need all 10 speakers to run off of the amp(s). I plan on doing the android tablet install that was done in the C6 in another thread. I also plan on adding either a 10" or 12" sub (suggestions?) in a stealth box which I assume I would power with a separate amp.
I'll be using stock speakers in all factory locations with the exception of 6.5" bazookas in the sails because they came out of my old f-body.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,328
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From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
Replace the head unit first for the most noticeable upgrade, then replace the factory speakers for an additional improvement. Replace the Monsoon amp only if you decide to do a complete rework of the entire system with aftermarket equipment - including rewiring everything.
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Land of the Mormon's although I'm not one of them
Personally... the Monsoon system is really an all or nothing type system. Either keep it all (Maybe a headunit swap only) or ditch the whole thing and go completely aftermarket. The speaker impedance's are all funky (non standard) and the amp has some crazy crossover/filtering schemes in it.
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
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From: Eastern MA
If you want to replace the headunit with a tablet, get a 25+watt x 4 mini amp. The Monsoon amp is designed to use the speaker-level outputs of a headunit (not the RCA outputs). The tablet's headphone output won't provide enough power which is why you need the mini-amp.
Connect the headphone output of the tablet (or preferably line out if there is one to get cleaner unamplified signal) to the RCA input of the mini-amp and connect the speaker-level output of the mini-amp to the car's radio harness using a Metra or Scrosche adapter.
There have been a couple threads on this a while back. Do a search and you'll find more info.
Connect the headphone output of the tablet (or preferably line out if there is one to get cleaner unamplified signal) to the RCA input of the mini-amp and connect the speaker-level output of the mini-amp to the car's radio harness using a Metra or Scrosche adapter.
There have been a couple threads on this a while back. Do a search and you'll find more info.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 184
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From: Atlanta, GA
Then why on earth would you want to replace the factory amp? The factory speakers are designed for certain positions in the car because the Monsoon amp filters the signal to certain output channels. Retaining the factory speaker configuration without the amp would require at least two replacement amps to provide eight channels of output - four channels of low pass filtered signal to the sail panel subs and another four channels of full-range signal to the door and hatch mids.
Replace the head unit first for the most noticeable upgrade, then replace the factory speakers for an additional improvement. Replace the Monsoon amp only if you decide to do a complete rework of the entire system with aftermarket equipment - including rewiring everything.
Replace the head unit first for the most noticeable upgrade, then replace the factory speakers for an additional improvement. Replace the Monsoon amp only if you decide to do a complete rework of the entire system with aftermarket equipment - including rewiring everything.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 184
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From: Atlanta, GA
NEW QUESTION: If I run the tablet's headphone out into a mini amp, how will controlling the volume from the tablet affect the sound quality? Will it be incredibly distorted at higher volumes?
I might just ditch the entire system and start over to make this work.
I might just ditch the entire system and start over to make this work.
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Verdad Gallardo Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
To my knowledge, the C6 stereo setup uses lower level outputs (like RCA) instead of high-level outputs (like speaker outputs).
But I'm not completely certain on the C6 stereo setup so you'll have to ask someone that knows more about it.
But I'm not completely certain on the C6 stereo setup so you'll have to ask someone that knows more about it.
Monsoon System- Get rid of it UNLESS you want to keep the factory originality in the car.
I am using ROCKFORD FOSGATE PBR300x4 (bought from Double D mods),
its a 300 watts RMS 4 ch amp.
I connect my Nexus 7 to Amp with an 3.5mm stereo to RCA cable that runs to the amp.
New wiring was installed for my Alpine Components in the doors are Coaxial in sail panels.
I am using ROCKFORD FOSGATE PBR300x4 (bought from Double D mods),
its a 300 watts RMS 4 ch amp.
I connect my Nexus 7 to Amp with an 3.5mm stereo to RCA cable that runs to the amp.
New wiring was installed for my Alpine Components in the doors are Coaxial in sail panels.
Last edited by bad_408_vert; Feb 25, 2013 at 08:45 PM.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Monsoon System- Get rid of it UNLESS you want to keep the factory originality in the car.
I am using ROCKFORD FOSGATE PBR300x4 (bought from Double D mods),
its a 300 watts RMS 4 ch amp.
I connect my Nexus 7 to Amp with an 3.5mm stereo to RCA cable that runs to the amp.
New wiring was installed for my Alpine Components in the doors are Coaxial in sail panels.
I am using ROCKFORD FOSGATE PBR300x4 (bought from Double D mods),
its a 300 watts RMS 4 ch amp.
I connect my Nexus 7 to Amp with an 3.5mm stereo to RCA cable that runs to the amp.
New wiring was installed for my Alpine Components in the doors are Coaxial in sail panels.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Anyone have a link to said 4x25+W mini Amp? I'm having trouble finding one that will match up with the adapter that goes to the Monsoon amp. Maybe I'm just dumb. I searched too. Didn't find much 
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 514
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I don't know that you need that much power. You're not driving anything. You just need more gain. How much, I'm not sure...
Look up "HTD LGB-1". There was another RCA to RCA, low to high powered little amp on fleabay but the link to tech was slow at work, I got frustrated, and now I can't find it. I'll see if I can find it in the morning.
Look up "HTD LGB-1". There was another RCA to RCA, low to high powered little amp on fleabay but the link to tech was slow at work, I got frustrated, and now I can't find it. I'll see if I can find it in the morning.
Copy & Paste Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Why not? The Metra adapter is the stock connector on one side and cut wires on the other. Just use the wires you need and leave the others disconnected (better idea would be to remove the unused wires from the adapter).