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Old 02-16-2008, 02:57 PM
   Amp Hook-Up To Existing Monsoon System
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As has been mentioned in previous threads, better speakers generally do better with more power. How would I go about wiring in a JL 4300 4-channel amp into the exisiting Monsoon system? From what I understand the Monsoon drives the woofer from a low freq output and everything else (tweeters, 6.5", 3.5") are from full range? Would I just come off of the 3.5" behind the drivers seat and then sort it amongst the assortment of speakers and if so, would do I need to do this with other than the amp and new speakers? Sorry about being so vague, but I have never tried to tie an amp into an existing system like a Monsoon. I picked up a set of Pioneer 6.5" TS-C160R speakers with component tweeters at a good price and want to do them justice.
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(North TX, 2007 "Cool" GXP Automatic with Monsoon System, Escort 9500ic, Custom Wind Restrictor, K&N air filter, Hahn BSR Tune & Hahn IC, Dual Horns, Kappasphere luggage rack (when needed), Flash2Pass, MagnaFlow muffler, JLe430 amp with Pioneer Components & Blaupunkt rear, Crossfire amp with Sony Xplode Sub, DDR ProBeam, ADR Propulsion Wheels, Solo Hi-Flow CAT, Halo Demon Eyes), Hide-Away plates, Cherry dashboard
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Old 02-16-2008, 07:08 PM
  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jeff_b_wilson View Post
As has been mentioned in previous threads, better speakers generally do better with more power. How would I go about wiring in a JL 4300 4-channel amp into the exisiting Monsoon system? From what I understand the Monsoon drives the woofer from a low freq output and everything else (tweeters, 6.5", 3.5") are from full range? Would I just come off of the 3.5" behind the drivers seat and then sort it amongst the assortment of speakers and if so, would do I need to do this with other than the amp and new speakers? Sorry about being so vague, but I have never tried to tie an amp into an existing system like a Monsoon. I picked up a set of Pioneer 6.5" TS-C160R speakers with component tweeters at a good price and want to do them justice.

Well there is no easy answer here, In actuality the Monsoon head unit has a set of low level outputs (See your dealership for the diagram) that go directly to the monsoon amp which not only amplifies the signal but has a crossover built in. The Amp supplies power to all 7 speakers in the car. When doing a full amp swap this is useful because all of the speaker leads are conveniently in one harness (tweeters, Doors, and rear) the sub is a separate thicker gauge wire that comes off the amp on its own.

The best way to accomplish this project is to do a sort of hybrid system. I would retain the stock amp to drive the tweeters and the rear speakers because they require less power. I would then tap off that low level from the head unit and use the JL amp to push the new door speakers and run two of the channels in mono to push the subwoofer. Your amp should have a crossover for the sub, if not you could easily use an in line crossover.

Hope this helps,

Martin-GMR
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Old 02-16-2008, 08:53 PM
  
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Originally Posted by GM Roadster Club View Post
Well there is no easy answer here, In actuality the Monsoon head unit has a set of low level outputs (See your dealership for the diagram) that go directly to the monsoon amp which not only amplifies the signal but has a crossover built in. The Amp supplies power to all 7 speakers in the car. When doing a full amp swap this is useful because all of the speaker leads are conveniently in one harness (tweeters, Doors, and rear) the sub is a separate thicker gauge wire that comes off the amp on its own.

The best way to accomplish this project is to do a sort of hybrid system. I would retain the stock amp to drive the tweeters and the rear speakers because they require less power. I would then tap off that low level from the head unit and use the JL amp to push the new door speakers and run two of the channels in mono to push the subwoofer. Your amp should have a crossover for the sub, if not you could easily use an in line crossover.

Hope this helps,

Martin-GMR

Thanks Martin, I'll have to sketch it out and look through the forum for details on getting to the head unit before I even buy the amp I guess. Im not sure how much it takes to drive the new tweeters.
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(North TX, 2007 "Cool" GXP Automatic with Monsoon System, Escort 9500ic, Custom Wind Restrictor, K&N air filter, Hahn BSR Tune & Hahn IC, Dual Horns, Kappasphere luggage rack (when needed), Flash2Pass, MagnaFlow muffler, JLe430 amp with Pioneer Components & Blaupunkt rear, Crossfire amp with Sony Xplode Sub, DDR ProBeam, ADR Propulsion Wheels, Solo Hi-Flow CAT, Halo Demon Eyes), Hide-Away plates, Cherry dashboard
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Old 02-17-2008, 11:30 PM
  
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I'm working on adding a couple of JL Amps. It's a secret though what I'm doing in case it bombs. Anyway, be careful about buying that Amp because of the size Dimensions (L x W x H): 13.80 in. x 9.25 in. x 2.50 in.
350 mm x 235 mm x 63.5 mm
That 13.80 might be pushing it.
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Old 02-19-2008, 08:42 PM
   Monsoon Subwoofer Depth
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Originally Posted by GM Roadster Club View Post
Well there is no easy answer here, In actuality the Monsoon head unit has a set of low level outputs (See your dealership for the diagram) that go directly to the monsoon amp which not only amplifies the signal but has a crossover built in. The Amp supplies power to all 7 speakers in the car. When doing a full amp swap this is useful because all of the speaker leads are conveniently in one harness (tweeters, Doors, and rear) the sub is a separate thicker gauge wire that comes off the amp on its own.

The best way to accomplish this project is to do a sort of hybrid system. I would retain the stock amp to drive the tweeters and the rear speakers because they require less power. I would then tap off that low level from the head unit and use the JL amp to push the new door speakers and run two of the channels in mono to push the subwoofer. Your amp should have a crossover for the sub, if not you could easily use an in line crossover.

Hope this helps,

Martin-GMR

Martin,

How deep is the Monsoon subwoofer? I'm looking at replacing it with something that can handle more wattage. Also, has anyone priced the box that the sub is mounted into and whether or not it would fit on the driver's side?
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(North TX, 2007 "Cool" GXP Automatic with Monsoon System, Escort 9500ic, Custom Wind Restrictor, K&N air filter, Hahn BSR Tune & Hahn IC, Dual Horns, Kappasphere luggage rack (when needed), Flash2Pass, MagnaFlow muffler, JLe430 amp with Pioneer Components & Blaupunkt rear, Crossfire amp with Sony Xplode Sub, DDR ProBeam, ADR Propulsion Wheels, Solo Hi-Flow CAT, Halo Demon Eyes), Hide-Away plates, Cherry dashboard
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Old 02-19-2008, 09:46 PM
  
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Martin,

How deep is the Monsoon subwoofer? I'm looking at replacing it with something that can handle more wattage. Also, has anyone priced the box that the sub is mounted into and whether or not it would fit on the driver's side?

The stock Sub is only about 5 inch deep, we had to fabricate a ¾” collar out of MDF and then silicone it in place. We are on our 3rd sub in the stock box with no clearance issues.

In regard to the stock sub enclosure you can order them through GM Parts Direct or your local dealer for around $90 plus shipping. Also the Stock sub enclosure will not fit behind the drivers seat, there is an indentation in the rear firewall on the passenger side to allow for the enclosure. The Monsoon amplifier is located behind the driver seat mounted to the firewall.

Hope this helps.

Martin-GMR
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Old 02-20-2008, 07:47 AM
  
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Originally Posted by GM Roadster Club View Post
The stock Sub is only about 5 inch deep, we had to fabricate a ¾” collar out of MDF and then silicone it in place. We are on our 3rd sub in the stock box with no clearance issues.

In regard to the stock sub enclosure you can order them through GM Parts Direct or your local dealer for around $90 plus shipping. Also the Stock sub enclosure will not fit behind the drivers seat, there is an indentation in the rear firewall on the passenger side to allow for the enclosure. The Monsoon amplifier is located behind the driver seat mounted to the firewall.

Hope this helps.

Martin-GMR

Thanks Martin,

Five inches should be more than enough for my needs. After I posted yesterday's question to you I found a picture of the box and realized that it wouldn't work behind the drivers seat, even if I removed the Monsoon amp. By the way, my dealer provided me with the wiring diagram for the Monsoon so that should ease my wiring. I think that I will take your advice and tap into one of the low level inputs to run the JL amp and let it power the sub and door speakers. It looks like the sub is a dual voice coil, do you know if that is correct? Any recommendations on a easy fit replacement sub that will do well with 150 watts max? And just one other question, is there a way to ensure that the Monsoon amp is pumping all available power into the tweeters and side panel 3.5" after I run the door and sub through the JL? I'm still trying to decude on a final spot for the JL amp.
Thanks for the help and quick response!
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Bodean
(North TX, 2007 "Cool" GXP Automatic with Monsoon System, Escort 9500ic, Custom Wind Restrictor, K&N air filter, Hahn BSR Tune & Hahn IC, Dual Horns, Kappasphere luggage rack (when needed), Flash2Pass, MagnaFlow muffler, JLe430 amp with Pioneer Components & Blaupunkt rear, Crossfire amp with Sony Xplode Sub, DDR ProBeam, ADR Propulsion Wheels, Solo Hi-Flow CAT, Halo Demon Eyes), Hide-Away plates, Cherry dashboard
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Old 02-21-2008, 04:53 PM
  
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Originally Posted by jeff_b_wilson View Post
Thanks Martin,

Five inches should be more than enough for my needs. After I posted yesterday's question to you I found a picture of the box and realized that it wouldn't work behind the drivers seat, even if I removed the Monsoon amp. By the way, my dealer provided me with the wiring diagram for the Monsoon so that should ease my wiring. I think that I will take your advice and tap into one of the low level inputs to run the JL amp and let it power the sub and door speakers. It looks like the sub is a dual voice coil, do you know if that is correct? Any recommendations on a easy fit replacement sub that will do well with 150 watts max? And just one other question, is there a way to ensure that the Monsoon amp is pumping all available power into the tweeters and side panel 3.5" after I run the door and sub through the JL? I'm still trying to decude on a final spot for the JL amp.
Thanks for the help and quick response!

As far as the 8” Subwoofer goes, when we were at SEMA last year I met with one of Sony’s designers. I told him that I am looking for a solid replacement sub for the Solstice & the Sky. He suggested the 8” XS-L82P5, we put this sub in our test car and are running it on 150watt d-class amp and it hits hard for what it is. About twice what the Stock sub did…

In regard to mounting the JL amp, I would attach it directly to the waterfall panel behind the drivers seat. All the wiring you need for it is right behind that panel so it’s very convenient.

Again, I hope this helps.

Martin-GMR
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Old 02-21-2008, 09:02 PM
   Sub Recommendations
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Originally Posted by GM Roadster Club View Post
As far as the 8” Subwoofer goes, when we were at SEMA last year I met with one of Sony’s designers. I told him that I am looking for a solid replacement sub for the Solstice & the Sky. He suggested the 8” XS-L82P5, we put this sub in our test car and are running it on 150watt d-class amp and it hits hard for what it is. About twice what the Stock sub did…

In regard to mounting the JL amp, I would attach it directly to the waterfall panel behind the drivers seat. All the wiring you need for it is right behind that panel so it’s very convenient.

Again, I hope this helps.

Martin-GMR

Thanks Martin, but you know that the Sony XS-L82P5 has been discontinued for whatever reason. I can still get one on eBay though. When you say attach to the waterfall panel, did you really mean the plastic panel or the firewall behind it (which is where the Monsoon amp is)? Sorry about so many questions but I am trying to get this right.

Thanks Again,

Jeff
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Bodean
(North TX, 2007 "Cool" GXP Automatic with Monsoon System, Escort 9500ic, Custom Wind Restrictor, K&N air filter, Hahn BSR Tune & Hahn IC, Dual Horns, Kappasphere luggage rack (when needed), Flash2Pass, MagnaFlow muffler, JLe430 amp with Pioneer Components & Blaupunkt rear, Crossfire amp with Sony Xplode Sub, DDR ProBeam, ADR Propulsion Wheels, Solo Hi-Flow CAT, Halo Demon Eyes), Hide-Away plates, Cherry dashboard
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Old 02-21-2008, 11:28 PM
  
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Hey there, I'm in the middle in of massive overhall of my Stereo System. I did buy the JL 300X4 today. My goal is to replace the whole back pannel with a fiberglass enclosure. NO SMALL TASK! I'm not sure if you have taken off your back panel. If not you will discover that the JL 300 will not fit right. It's not as easy as you might want it to be. The Amp will be perfect to run the whole system. Buy a component system and you will cover your doors and the tweeters. Many agree throughout the forum that you do not need your rear speakers. Do away with your Monsoon Amp all together (my oponion). You can you bridge the Amp to 150 watts and cut it over wherever for your Sub. I'm using a JL 10W1 I have about half of the work done. I'm using a JL Clean Sweap straight from the head unit. It has Aux in also so I might make a custom holder for an IPOD or Zune. Propable Zune so I can have FM and basically used that and not the head unit. I ordered JL 6 1-2 Coponents for $299 off of Crutchfield. I'll keep you posted.
This is the first time I will attempt to install everything by myself, also this is the first time I'm using fiberglass. So far so good.

Last edited by SolsticeGXPWOW : 02-21-2008 at 11:35 PM.
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Old 02-22-2008, 10:44 AM
  
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Hey there, I'm in the middle in of massive overhall of my Stereo System. I did buy the JL 300X4 today. My goal is to replace the whole back pannel with a fiberglass enclosure. NO SMALL TASK! I'm not sure if you have taken off your back panel. If not you will discover that the JL 300 will not fit right. It's not as easy as you might want it to be. The Amp will be perfect to run the whole system. Buy a component system and you will cover your doors and the tweeters. Many agree throughout the forum that you do not need your rear speakers. Do away with your Monsoon Amp all together (my oponion). You can you bridge the Amp to 150 watts and cut it over wherever for your Sub. I'm using a JL 10W1 I have about half of the work done. I'm using a JL Clean Sweap straight from the head unit. It has Aux in also so I might make a custom holder for an IPOD or Zune. Propable Zune so I can have FM and basically used that and not the head unit. I ordered JL 6 1-2 Coponents for $299 off of Crutchfield. I'll keep you posted.
This is the first time I will attempt to install everything by myself, also this is the first time I'm using fiberglass. So far so good.

Great Job! Keep us posted, after your finished we'd love to run a feature on your build on our National Web Site!

Thanks,

Martin-GMR
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Old 02-22-2008, 10:46 AM
  
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Thanks Martin, but you know that the Sony XS-L82P5 has been discontinued for whatever reason. I can still get one on eBay though. When you say attach to the waterfall panel, did you really mean the plastic panel or the firewall behind it (which is where the Monsoon amp is)? Sorry about so many questions but I am trying to get this right.

Thanks Again,

Jeff

Unfortunetly theres not a lot of space behind the plastic panel, you'll most likely need to mount it directly to the outside of the panel itself. Thats how we have our 5ch Eclipes mounted.

Thanks,

Martin-GMR
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Old 02-28-2008, 10:10 PM
  
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Great Job! Keep us posted, after your finished we'd love to run a feature on your build on our National Web Site!

Thanks,

Martin-GMR

I am still working on it. This is the first time I've worked with Fiberglass and Bondo. It is actually coming together pretty well. I have the basic structure of the Amp Mount behind the seat. My plan is to mount a JL 300X4, the two JL Crossovers for the Component System, and the JL Clean Sweep to the stucture behind the seat. I have some of the Bondo on this structure, but I need to cut away at it and match it up with the center piece and the existing side rear panel where the rear speaker is (which will be disconnected). My goal for the center piece is replicate the existing. I took the box size for both the existing storage and cup holders and make a mold with alumium foil. I now have the center panel and box conected with some bondo. The last two pieces are the Fiberglass Subwoofer enclosure. I have the bottom of the base finished with anywhere from three to five coats of fiberglass resin. I wi