I took over an order that has the base unit. I will see what it sounds like, if I'm not satisfied I will try an amp, and if I'm still not satisfied, I'll go aftermarket.
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First 10,000
We have been told that the Pioneer AVIC-D1 will fit and work in the Solstice. They say that you need a special wire harness to adapt the steering wheel controls to the unit. Any one else looking at this?
No, but will you please keep us posted with any updates, thanks
i am going to test out the monsoon setup to see if it is a worthy upgrade over aftermarket at the next autoshowinmotion.
How can I tell the difference? does it say monsoon on the deck some where or on the speaker covers?
Three ways to find out:
1. Look behind the passenger seat for a sub-woofer screen.
2. I don't know if it's the same on the Solstice, but on my G6, when you start up the car, the stereo says MONSOON for about 3 seconds.
3. Listen to it. If there is thumping bass, then you have Monsoon, if it sounds like tin-cans, then you have the base.
LV, it appears you have monsoon speakers w/ the amp. Have you heard the base radio and speakers?
The base radio lacks the Sub woofer and the Amp, all the other speakers in the car to my knowledge are the same, unless the tweeters are also missing. Take the car to a place that does car stereos and see if they will work with you in testing an Amp and Sub using the stock radio, it is worth it if you do not want to change the stock unit, or upgrade to the Monsoon setup.
__________________ Aggressive GXP at $25,995.00 shipping of $600, Manual Transmission.
Options:
Air, $960; Chrome Wheels, $545; PCQ, Premium Package (Leather), $525; Radio, 6-Disc with MP3, $495; Monsoon, $395; Premium Acoustic Headliner, $150; and Sport Metallic Pedals, $115; all totals $29,180.00. No XM/OnStar and NO Spoiler. MODS (RKSport/Magnaflow dual exit exhaust system, K&N filter, Ventureshield.
First 1000. Aggressive with everything, NO XM/OnStar. SOLD
~~~~~~~ NASSOA
Founding member
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Can we confirm the speakers in the Monsoon are the same? I would hope for that price, they are all a little nicer.
We either need to have GMLinedog tells us, or have someone with the base stereo take pictures of theirs and someone with the Monsoon do the same. The reason I am saying they are the same, is because the upgraded radio without the Monsoon setup seems to draw no complains, other than not enough base(NO AMP AND NO SUB), but the sound is fine.
__________________ Aggressive GXP at $25,995.00 shipping of $600, Manual Transmission.
Options:
Air, $960; Chrome Wheels, $545; PCQ, Premium Package (Leather), $525; Radio, 6-Disc with MP3, $495; Monsoon, $395; Premium Acoustic Headliner, $150; and Sport Metallic Pedals, $115; all totals $29,180.00. No XM/OnStar and NO Spoiler. MODS (RKSport/Magnaflow dual exit exhaust system, K&N filter, Ventureshield.
First 1000. Aggressive with everything, NO XM/OnStar. SOLD
~~~~~~~ NASSOA
Founding member
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so the monsoon is only $395? or you have to upgrade to the MP3 for $195 as well to get it?
if you get the mp3 player($195) the sound maybe adequate? But the stock deck is super weak?
Yes, for Monsoon, the price of the head unit is not included, but would be required. So Monsoon is $395 + price of head unit.
The upgraded head units probably have a better internal amp to drive the speakers, therefore the stock speakers on an upgraded head will sound better than stock speakers on the base head...
Amp makes a huge difference in sound quality of the speakers.
We have been told that the Pioneer AVIC-D1 will fit and work in the Solstice. They say that you need a special wire harness to adapt the steering wheel controls to the unit. Any one else looking at this?
I hope this is true...I like Pioneer. I too bought the base system having had excellent results with every GM system I've had. I like good sound but stayed away from the Monsoon as I feared it would be all 'thump'. I dislike stereos that rattle teeth in the car next to you. I guess I'll wait until I hear for myself.
AM/FM Radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD Changer and MP3 Player info $495 $441
UQ3 Monsoon Premium Speaker System info $395 $352
U2K XM Satellite Radio info $325 $289
US8 AM/FM Radio w/CD and MP3 Player info $195 $174
so the monsoon is only $395? or you have to upgrade to the MP3 for $195 as well to get it?
if you get the mp3 player($195) the sound maybe adequate? But the stock deck is super weak?
Does anyone out there have the US8 stereo option? If so, what's your impression. By the time you go 495+395, you've got $900 added for music. Unfortunately IMHO, you're in a roadster - the wind noise is going to be a lot compared to a Caddy or something like that. Maybe that would have been a reason TO get the Monsoon, but I didn't think it was that important. So back to my original question, ANY $195 w/o Monsoon owners out there who would comment. Thanks!
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DEEP GXP! :^) w/ red stitched Ebony Leather/Chrome Wheels. (as of 5/10/07) Sol owner since 12/23/95.
Lovin' the twisties in the heart of the Bluegrass!
"To all who have NOT ordered their Solstice yet!
DO NOT ORDER THE BASE STEREO...AS IT IS REALLY JUNK!"
Well, at least you understand now why it's always better to test a car before you buy. However, several postings here have given very positive reviews of the base system w/ Monsoon speakers, so I won't pay any
attention to your claims - I'll listen for myself and make a decision.
