Non-GM radio replacement?

WhippetRun · 09-29-2009, 08:30 PM

Hi, has anyone gotten a new radio ( non-GM) and how does it fit, all the replacements I see will leave a big gap, I think the radio is a 2 DIN.

Thanks!
Jim

wspohn · 09-29-2009, 08:45 PM

Why would you want a different radio?
The stock one is actually very good.

Boosted Wicked · 09-29-2009, 09:13 PM

lots of double din choices from just radios to full on navi units that will fit like a glove with the adapter. all others are single din and the kit will give u a cubby hole under it.

WhippetRun · 11-08-2009, 06:53 PM

I don't have the monsoon version, I don't like the sound controls ( only bass/treble no midrange, no equaliser) maybe the Monsoon version is a better radio head unit?

I did upgrade all the speakers and put in bazooka tubes so that really helped but I would like to fine tune the radio and get a radio with Sat.built in.

Jim

imaj · 11-08-2009, 07:43 PM

Lots of us have upgraded our radios. I found the upgrade to be a BIG improvement from my stock monsoon radio. If you choose...get a nav unit too. Money well spent!

Radio Doc · 11-09-2009, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhippetRun

I don't have the monsoon version, I don't like the sound controls ( only bass/treble no midrange, no equaliser) maybe the Monsoon version is a better radio head unit?

Jim

FWIW, my '09 Monsoon AM/FM/XM DOES have an equalizer. Is it "better"? I don't know.

But it does have more features, it's made by the General and it fully integrates with the other stuff like OnStar(tm) and the cell/speaker phone.

WhippetRun · 11-09-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radio Doc

FWIW, my '09 Monsoon AM/FM/XM DOES have an equalizer. Is it "better"? I don't know.

But it does have more features, it's made by the General and it fully integrates with the other stuff like OnStar(tm) and the cell/speaker phone.

Yeah that's what I want, it would be an upgrade since my radio doesn't have the Sat. radio built in.
I have been looking around and just the wiring harness, antenna adapter, and Mount for the non-stock radios starts at 150, then you still need the radio.

So I was wondering, would a swap for my non-monsoon no satellite radio with a monsoon version w/ satellite radio be as easy as just that.. a simple swap?

I know that there would be the extra wires for the Monsoon amp.. but I already have that done with the tubes.

Jim

Radio Doc · 11-09-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhippetRun

So I was wondering, would a swap for my non-monsoon no satellite radio with a monsoon version w/ satellite radio be as easy as just that.. a simple swap?
Jim

Sorry, I can't help you there. It may or may not be "plug and play". I don't have the service manual for the car, so I'm not sure if the wiring harness you have is already set up for the monsoon or not.

Maybe someone who has already tried this swap will respond. My comments were pretty much related to you wondering if the Monsoon had an equalizer.

Good luck!

Morfious · 11-09-2009, 08:00 PM

Plenty of threads on how to install your own aftermarket radio. (Just check my signature). Pay no attention to the people telling you the stock radio is just fine! That was one of the first things I ripped out of my car!

James Moman · 11-10-2009, 05:57 PM

Check out the Pioneer AVH-P4100DVD unit....Best Buy price matched the internet price of $409. The GM adapter ran $130 and you have to use an antenna adapter as the stock antenna lead is a CHRYSTER! I also added a rear camera-Boyo VTL-405. The Nav system unit appears to be about $1,500-I'll just use my portable. The BIG 7" display is AWSOME! AND oh, the improvement in the sound through stock speakers, which are quite good-just low-grade material. DDIN fits like a glove. Oh yea, you should brighten up the install kit as it comes flat black, which was $13 from Crutchfield.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhippetRun

Hi, has anyone gotten a new radio ( non-GM) and how does it fit, all the replacements I see will leave a big gap, I think the radio is a 2 DIN.

Thanks!
Jim

AztekzRpurty · 11-10-2009, 06:50 PM

The FAQ section is your friend. Rodeo's mod index is especially handy, as it has links to almost anything someone here has done to their Sol. I installed a single din and love the extra pocket under the radio I now have for wallet, sunglasses, etc...

The pink link in my sig leads to pictures of my install.

madmods · 11-17-2009, 09:21 PM

I put an alpine in there and I would never go back to stock. I had the monsoon and it sounded great. But I wanted the navigation, dvd while driving, backup camera, bluetooth, internet........see where i'm going with this?