Monsoon sys. in '01 NB sounds terrible!; Code to "turn on" or tune?

[NBhusband]

The factory Monsoon system in my wife's 2001 NB sounds horrible. Was planning to replace the whole thing (head unit, amp, speakers, etc.) until I read on this forum all that is involved (can't do in time for X-mas!).

But a few people here that seem technical on Beetle audio matters seemed to imply that the Monsoon system, if working properly, is not too bad (at least not as terrible as it sounds to me).

In fact, the regular poster here, "dmbluebeetle," stated: The dealer can turn on or off the "Monsoon" by entering a code into the radio with a VAG 1552 Tester.
Is it possible that the system in our car is not properly engaged? Just what is "turned on or off" via the code? The power amp in the trunk? Is the amp crossover/eq set via external software commands?

Given my time frame, and my main desire (aside from getting decent sound) to have a new head unit installed with iPod control, built in DAC, and USB drive file reading (looking at Kenwood KDC-HD942U), I would love to know a way to test the status of our Monsewer system.

Those with knowledge please help ASAP. Thanks in advance.

And to those of you who agree that the stock Monsoon system sucks, did any of you experience a huge improvement in clarity by just replacing the head unit?

[The Cheat]

replace the head unit.

BIG difference.

the dealer doesn't turn monsoon on or off.

[noR]

If you're "into" audio; the monsoon system isn't gonna cut it. Neither will the muddy door speakers.

But me? It sounds great to me.

[dmbluebeetle]

The dealer most certainly can program a OEM radio for Monsoon/Non Monsoon vehicles using a VAG 1552 and has to to make the equalization correct for the vehicle it is being installed into. If the dealer miscodes a radio it will induce an error stating that the speakers are open or shorted when they are not.

The program code for a New Beetle Monsoon radio is 06033 if a CD changer is installed and 06031 w/o changer. A Non Monsoon radio has a code of 06403 with a changer and 06401 w/o changer.

[turbos03]

Originally Posted by dmbluebeetle

The dealer most certainly can program a OEM radio for Monsoon/Non Monsoon vehicles using a VAG 1552 and has to to make the equalization correct for the vehicle it is being installed into. If the dealer miscodes a radio it will induce an error stating that the speakers are open or shorted when they are not.

The program code for a New Beetle Monsoon radio is 06033 if a CD changer is installed and 06031 w/o changer. A Non Monsoon radio has a code of 06403 with a changer and 06401 w/o changer.

ding ding...!! correct, good job.....

side note: Monsoon sounds good to me too...

[wawalker]

Originally Posted by turbos03

...Monsoon sounds good to me too...

Agreed

[shepnewbeetle01]

I have been addressing the same exact question this week with our 2001 NB with a Monsoon. And I am no expert.

When you say it sounds terrible, do you mean the bass is so over powering that none of the mid and high range can be heard? That was my wife's issue; simply stated, she couldn't hear the melody in the vocals, particularly when the car was moving at high speed.

We discovered that cranking the bass all the way down to -8 or even -9, and the mid up to +7 or +8, that she addressed her issue. It does not sound as nice as our other cars, but it is worth listening to music now.

Caution on the radio head replacement. The 2001's need the OEM radio installed to pass smog in CA; without the radio it gets a missing electronics error on the computer print out. Check this out before dumping the Monsoon radio head.

I concluded not worth the hassle of replacing the radio and keeping the old radio around for the smog test. Instead going with a NEO Ipod/Aux adapter with XM.

[Strange1]

Originally Posted by dmbluebeetle

The dealer most certainly can program a OEM radio for Monsoon/Non Monsoon vehicles using a VAG 1552 and has to to make the equalization correct for the vehicle it is being installed into. If the dealer miscodes a radio it will induce an error stating that the speakers are open or shorted when they are not.

The program code for a New Beetle Monsoon radio is 06033 if a CD changer is installed and 06031 w/o changer. A Non Monsoon radio has a code of 06403 with a changer and 06401 w/o changer.

Awesome im a try it when i get off work!!! i searched and searched with no findings. I post a new thread and here it is.WTF??

[Strange1]

Originally Posted by dmbluebeetle

The dealer most certainly can program a OEM radio for Monsoon/Non Monsoon vehicles using a VAG 1552 and has to to make the equalization correct for the vehicle it is being installed into. If the dealer miscodes a radio it will induce an error stating that the speakers are open or shorted when they are not.

The program code for a New Beetle Monsoon radio is 06033 if a CD changer is installed and 06031 w/o changer. A Non Monsoon radio has a code of 06403 with a changer and 06401 w/o changer.

(VAG 1552 and has to to make the equalization correct for the vehicle)Hold up come to think of it can I input it the same way the radio code is input? Dam I hope so...

[dmbluebeetle]

If you are refering to how the unlock code is entered, then the answer is no.....sorry.

It has to be done with a Vag 1552 or equivalent unit that accesses the K-line to the radio. I haven't seen a vag-com in action, so I don't know it's capabilities.