I have a 1998 Formula with the Monsoon CD system. I already have JL Audio 6.5 subwoofers in the factory locations (sail panels) running off the Monsoon. Otherwise, the sound system is stock. I want a system that doesn't add a lot of weight (hence the 6.5's) and is just a good all around (SQ biased) system. I'm not looking to shake the ground, but I want to be able to hear the music in full clarity while running down the interstate with the tops out at 90 mph. I'm looking for a warm tone with good highs but not bright. I can't stand the shrill tk,tk,tk,tk of a cymbal. I also like a factory look so I will be keeping it all under the panels. So here's the plan. I'm thinking Polk MOMO MMC6500's in the factory door locations. Remove the Monsoon amp. Run the JL's and the Polk's off a 4 channel amp mounted in the spare tire well (keeping spare). I demo'd the Polks on their C400.4 amp. I really liked the sound but I am not locked to a Polk amp. I will be buying a 2001-02 Monsoon CD player to get the input on the back via adapter for XM radio. BTW, I listen to all sorts of music, everything from rock, rap, popular stuff to classic rock, 30's jazz, classical and a cappella.

So thoughts on product selection, potential installation issues, etc.? Let me hear 'em!

Thanks!

 

Please?

 

If you're looking for sound quality then you'd be better off keeping the factory amp and ditching the head unit. The Monsoon amp is actually pretty good but the head unit distorts terribly and clips early. This is a lot of what kills the factory speakers.

 

Can you give me an example of the early clipping?

Thanks

 

Clipping refers to the way an amp (including the internal amp of a head unit) cuts off, or clips, the wave form of an audio signal at higher volume. The audio output should be a smooth curve (called a sine wave) that varies in width for frequency and in height for amplitude. If the amp can't handle the output it cuts off the tops of the curve causing an abrupt change that speakers can't handle well. Early clipping refers to clipping that occurs before the system reaches its rated output level - in other words it distorts before you would expect it to.

This is not something I can give you an example of - just turn up the volume on your system and listen to how bad it sounds at higher volume levels.

 

Clipping usually sounds like distortion or a "Harsh" sound. try playing a song you are really familliar with and listen to it both softly and then louder. A good stereo will sound very much the same at both volumes. It's almost linear in feeling. A clipping sound seems to be WAY too bright all of a sudden when large dynamics play in. Like drums or a scream. Something that is WAY above the baseline volume.

The way clipping effects a speaker is like adding DC (Direct Current) at the top and bottom of the wave. Think about how your cars feels when you hit a pot hole.

If you ever take a battery 1.5-9v (AA or 9V) you see the speaker move either all the way up or all the way down depending on the polarity. Now imagine the speaker moving in and out normally like a roller coaster: up and down but varying in the AMOUNT of up and down. Some times a little some times alot. Now speed this motion up about 10x-1000x as fast.

Imagine in the middle of this up and down you rise suddenly but then have to stop and hold at a peak. The suspension can't take this kind of momentary thrust. It'll eventully work on the weakest link in the speaker design. Usually you'll see torn speaker cones, torn tinsel leads, warped cones, torn spiders. The suspension takes the abuse. Just like a cars suspension takes the abuse when you hit a pot hole.

This kind of abuse very rarely happens all at once. It's a cumulative affect. Very similar to driving on bad roads. It'll take it's toll eventually.


Now. What usually causes this kind of distortion. Your Right Thumb and index finger, gains too high on amplifiers, Cheap amplifiers. Most radio's are designed with a range at the limit so they can play both soft and loud recordings. If you turn it up high and it's a high recording, the amp will clip. Cheaper products will use cheaper amps that clip easier. That's what the THD % rating is.

If you start out with a so-so (aka "dirty") signal, and then amplify it, you also amplify the dirt too. So if you start out with a cleaner signal, the end signal will also be better too.

That's why it's a good idea to upgrade the HU since the stock monsoon amp is a decint amp.

 

^^^ Great explanation! I particularly like the pothole analogy.