MONSOON System

[H3 Buyer to be?]

I am the first to complain about everything. I would complain if my beer was too cold, or if my filet mignon was too moist and had too much flavor.

But, the Monsoon stereo sounds rediculously good to me. I have had most of the cars I drive changed immediately. I had a 12w7 from JL in my Expedition with 2 amps and Jl mids. This doesn't sound like that, but it is VERY GOOD. The only factory stereo that I liked more is the Acura TL with the DVD audio system. That sounds unreal.

I talked to my man at Soundwerks here in PHX and he said the factory amp and Monsoon system can be utilized with another head unit. Like the Jenwood, Eclipse, Pioneer or Alpine in dash Nav units. YOU WILL HOWEVER need to buy a new reciever for XM to match the head unit that you get.

Oh well, what are some of your thoughts?

[H3 Buyer to be?]

I am the first to complain about everything. I would complain if my beer was too cold, or if my filet mignon was too moist and had too much flavor.

But, the Monsoon stereo sounds rediculously good to me. I have had most of the cars I drive changed immediately. I had a 12w7 from JL in my Expedition with 2 amps and Jl mids. This doesn't sound like that, but it is VERY GOOD. The only factory stereo that I liked more is the Acura TL with the DVD audio system. That sounds unreal.

I talked to my man at Soundwerks here in PHX and he said the factory amp and Monsoon system can be utilized with another head unit. Like the Jenwood, Eclipse, Pioneer or Alpine in dash Nav units. YOU WILL HOWEVER need to buy a new reciever for XM to match the head unit that you get.

Oh well, what are some of your thoughts?

[firm]

You read my mind. I've been doing alot of research. You mean that you will have to buy an XM tuner, with the new head unit. I thought the Headunit was a receiver, which hopefully is XM ready. I think you have to buy an XM tuner, and XM adapter. Can you still use the antennae that comes with the H3? Does the Monsoon thump? Do you have the 6 disc CD changer? How good is your radio? I am getting a Pioneer Navi to replace the 6 disc CD changer, anybody interested in the 6 disc changer, that I am removing? Okay, that's enough questions for now.

[H3 Buyer to be?]

I meant you will need a new XM Tuner (same brand as the head unit) and a new Antenna. Not sure if you can use the same antenna, due to the fact that the connection is probably different. The Monsoon actually is rediculous, I turned the bass down to -3 to get it to a nice boom. How good is my radio? I am not sure what you mean? Do you mean the AM/FM? IF that is what you mean, I have not tried it at all.

If you are getting the Pioneer, you know it does not play DVD movied right? Only DVD navigation... That sucks.

The in dash changer is cool, and I will be selling mine as well...

[HummerNewbie]

I only got to really listen to the Monsoon for a minute or so yesterday but I was very impressed with what I heard. I am one of those guys that will drop $5K on a high end system and love every minute of it. Mind you, I am not the guy sitting next to you at the light rattling your windows or booming through your neighborhood at 2am but love great quality sound. I am a trained audio engineer and this has got to be one of the best factory systems I have heard. Again, only got to listen to it for a minute or so but that was my initial impression of it.

[wannabeH3]

i agree it is awesome.. imcoming rom a vdub gti with monsoon sound, and was hoping to not lose quality and i was not disapointed!

[XM DUDE]

When I drove the H3, it wasen't XM equipped so I played XM from my Myfi through the Monsoon radio and it sounded really good. I am very impressed with the H3 and look forward to getting the Alpha package when it comes out.

[firm]

How good is the stock head unit? Most GM head units are bulky.

[H3 Buyer to be?]

It is cool I think... Not too bulky at all.

[HummerNewbie]

Wasn't really focused on it but as I recall it was very clean and looked great. After getting in the truck and actually seeing it in person, not real sure how a aftermarket head is going to look in that spot since the factory head's face matches the trim around it. Can't wait to see pics of what people have done though.

[HummerNewbie]

One thing I am curious about is what you can fit behind the side panel where the factory sub is. I wonder if you could take out the factory sub enclosure and fit a ten back there. As I recall,someone said at some point that the factory sub is an 8". That would be great.

[H3 Buyer to be?]

I dont think it is a 8, if so it is the fattest 8" I have ever heard!!!

[firm]

I was concerned about how the pioneer Navi was going to look, but I figured once it lit up thats all people would notice.

[bparker]

Agreed, I think the stock system is great! And i am very happy that I wont really "need" to upgrade it anytime soon unless I just "want" excess =)

[HummerNewbie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by bparker:
...I wont really "need" to upgrade it anytime soon unless I just "want" excess =) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I guess I love excess http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif because in twenty years of driving, I don't think I have ever left the factory system in a vehicle.

[usetosellhummer]

I just drove one this morning and was impressed with the bass responce and overall sound of the factory system. Look at the eclipse as a replacement if you want hte nav. it is very nice.

[firm]

The eclipse only works with Sirus radio, does the Eclipse play DVDs?

[HummerNewbie]

Are you comitted to XM? I personally have XM and haven't checked out Sirus but I do hear they should have sat TV for their units within a few years. Of course the current head units wouldn't work with it but that is pretty damn cool.

[MisterE]

Hi All,

Had mine about 12 days now and still love the Monsoon. I threw in "The Bass that ate Miami" something we always used to test our aftermarket systems, and it sounded really good. Sure it isn't the two 12" in a custom box that filled the trunk of my Beretta, but for a factory system I'd have to say one of the best I've ever heard!

[firm]

Newbie- I'm not committed to XM, but that seems to be the trend, and everything else seems to designed for XM.

Ok- I've doing some more research. The Eclipse is expensive as chit, $2199. The pioneer is $1199. I found a guy on Ebay who sells the Eclipse for $1350, but it looks shady(the original warranties don't apply). You can't even use the DVD while driving. I can't think of any time I've sat in the car when it was not moving and watched a whole movie. The Eclipse does lower your music and give you directions, I like that.http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5780940714

[HummerNewbie]

Firm, for the most part I agree but Sirus is making a strong effort lately. A year ago I would not have even thought of going with them. Since they signed Stern they have been gaining a lot of ground on XM from what I hear. I have also talked to a few shops here that always preferred XM and are now recommending Sirus. I did go with XM myself though even after talking with them. I did do a survey for XM recently comparing the lineups for both and XM still looked the best for me.

[H3 Buyer to be?]

BELIEVE ME YOU CAN WATCH THE MOVIE WHEN THE CAR IS ON...

You will need to go to a local installer not Best buy or a major place like that. My guy here in PHX does it all the time. There is a wire that attaches to the parking brake. It is a ground, and just needs moved to something that is on while driving or is on all the time!!!

I have had the Eclipse, and the Alpine and others, and they all work while driving!

The Kenwood looks like the trim may match a little better than the Eclipse, but I think the Esclipse is better looking. Also the Pioneer does not play DVDs so that is a negative.

[XM DUDE]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummerNewbie:
Firm, for the most part I agree but Sirus is making a strong effort lately. A year ago I would not have even thought of going with them. Since they signed Stern they have been gaining a lot of ground on XM from what I hear. I have also talked to a few shops here that always preferred XM and are now recommending Sirus. I did go with XM myself though even after talking with them. I did do a survey for XM recently comparing the lineups for both and XM still looked the best for me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
If you are a serious music lover, XM is for you, as XM has deeper play liste where SIRIUS just plas the hits and repeats alot.

[XM DUDE]

I think the Monsoon system sounds better than the Bose system.

[H3 Buyer to be?]

WAY BEtter than the bose

[XM DUDE]

no highs, no lows, must be Bose.