Do you have to purchase a cd player/changer...

[Aersonick]

from the dealer? I have an 03 NB and I wanted to get a changer. Or just a cd player at all. Does it have to be a monsoon or would it just look better if it were a monsoon? I am new to everything NB and any help would be great! Thanks!

[sb_beetle]

The difference between monsoon and non-monsoon:

Monsoon = amplified system with high/mid/low speaker arrangements

Non=non-amplified high/low speaker arrangement

I have a monsoon system with an Alpine/CD/Changer contol headunit (with auxilliary input capability). I use the aux for my ipod which cancels out the changer, but oh well :-)

If you are an audiophile the monsoon is nice as far as stock audio systems go. An aftermarket HU adds a bit more functionality.

[Aersonick]

Thank you!

[Oyveychris]

I have a Sony CD Changer in my car that has a built in FM modulator, so you can use the existing factory head unit. I got it at Circuit City for about $150.

[Aersonick]

ooo circut city. Best Buy told me it would be way more money than it's worth to get stuff from them.

[Oyveychris]

Best Buy , Circuit City . I haven't had any good experiences at Best Buy. We took my wife's Jeep into Circuit City to have a remote start installed, they tried for almost 3 days to get it to work, then found out it's not possible on certain Jeep vehicles. They refunded all of our money, plus we got lots of free goodies!

[sb_beetle]

Originally Posted by Aersonick

ooo circut city. Best Buy told me it would be way more money than it's worth to get stuff from them.

Go to Crutchfield

Select car/make/model/year and monsoon/non-monsoon.

With the purchase of a head unit you'll get everything you need to do the install, or have a buddy, for a fraction of the cost.

[Willygood]

Since your car was a gussied-up special edition, it most likely came stock from the factory with the Monsoon amp setup.

Beginning in '03 model year, VW mounted the CD changer in the center console under the arm rest. So you might find the audio cabling for it in that general area. Will an aftermarket CD changer work in the factory location? Don't know that one. Maybe someone on here has experience in that area.

Prior to '03, the factory CD location was in the trunk area on the driver's side next to the spare tire. In this type of install, the Monsoon amp was mounted in the same general location. I'm not sure if VW moved the Monsoon amp when they moved the CD changer. If you go with an aftermarket changer, you might have to use the '98 - '02 bracket and mount it in the trunk. If you do, remember to cut a rectangular hole in the removable trunk floor to allow for tire changing & jack removal.

[sb_beetle]

Originally Posted by Willygood

Since your car was a gussied-up special edition, it most likely came stock from the factory with the Monsoon amp setup.

Beginning in '03 model year, VW mounted the CD changer in the center console under the arm rest. So you might find the audio cabling for it in that general area. Will an aftermarket CD changer work in the factory location? Don't know that one. Maybe someone on here has experience in that area.

Prior to '03, the factory CD location was in the trunk area on the driver's side next to the spare tire. In this type of install, the Monsoon amp was mounted in the same general location. I'm not sure if VW moved the Monsoon amp when they moved the CD changer. If you go with an aftermarket changer, you might have to use the '98 - '02 bracket and mount it in the trunk. If you do, remember to cut a rectangular hole in the removable trunk floor to allow for tire changing & jack removal.

you can mount it like this: