To by-pass or not to by-pass, that is the question...

[marvins_dad]

...the Monsoon amp that is.

I can't remember seeing any threads on this topic, though I could be wrong.

I am getting an aftermarket head unit (after almost 9 years of ownership) and hadn't really had to deal with this yet. Are those of you guys out there that have aftermarket units bypassing the Monsoon amp somehow (how?) or did you somehow use low level outs or (horrors) the amplified power outs to connect through the Monsoon amp?

Thanks

[SixChuter]

I'm no audio expert, Antione, but I can tell you that I bought an aftermarket head unit. Installation was simple. I bought from Crutchfields. Told them what radio I was replacing. They sent the new head unit, wire harnesses and such. Plugged the new one in and it works like a champ. I'm not sure but I assume we're still running through the Monsoon amp.

[Zann]

I was a car stereo install tech turned salesman turned store manager but all that took place some ten years ago and have since moved into printer repair but back then running a aftermarket radio through a factory amp could lead to these issues:

1) Running high output aftermarket wattage caused factory amps to overheat and sometimes distort or fry themselves.

2) Ohm differences sometimes lead to issues with the head unit - seen a few burn themselves up.

3) Some factory amps were best used with adapting the rca out on the radio instead of the speaker out (low level vs high level).

Times may have changed but I grew to dislike factory amplified from dealing with them being such a PITA back then. Just replacing a speaker was an ordeal because they sometimes had crazy ohm setups not available aftermarket.

[sean_fabanich]

the monsoon amp recieves highlevel signal from the factory radio.

depending on the brand you buy it will be as much as 2 times the factory wattage (11 watts) but that wont matter. just tune it properly.

im a fan of bypassing myself. however in this instance i have to believe it probably sounds better to not bypass it. and should have no ill effect on the integrity of the amp, or anything.

ur monsoon equipped car has more then the normal 4 speakers and 2 tweeters correct? so id just integrate the amp.

if it was me. and everything else was stock...speakers and monsoon amp. id def use the monsoon amp. just wire it up like it didnt have an amp...except connect the remote turn on lead

good luck

[Supercharged98]

Originally Posted by sean_fabanich

the monsoon amp recieves highlevel signal from the factory radio.

depending on the brand you buy it will be as much as 2 times the factory wattage (11 watts) but that wont matter. just tune it properly.

im a fan of bypassing myself. however in this instance i have to believe it probably sounds better to not bypass it. and should have no ill effect on the integrity of the amp, or anything.

ur monsoon equipped car has more then the normal 4 speakers and 2 tweeters correct? so id just integrate the amp.

if it was me. and everything else was stock...speakers and monsoon amp. id def use the monsoon amp. just wire it up like it didnt have an amp...except connect the remote turn on lead

good luck

Correct. The only thing to watch out when using a Monsoon system is, when you change out the speakers. The front four run 4 ohms and the rear two run 2 ohms.

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by Zann

I was a car stereo install tech turned salesman turned store manager but all that took place some ten years ago and have since moved into printer repair but back then running a aftermarket radio through a factory amp could lead to these issues:

1) Running high output aftermarket wattage caused factory amps to overheat and sometimes distort or fry themselves.

2) Ohm differences sometimes lead to issues with the head unit - seen a few burn themselves up.

3) Some factory amps were best used with adapting the rca out on the radio instead of the speaker out (low level vs high level).

Times may have changed but I grew to dislike factory amplified from dealing with them being such a PITA back then. Just replacing a speaker was an ordeal because they sometimes had crazy ohm setups not available aftermarket.

Exactly my reasoning for asking the question. I was huge into aftermarket stereos prior to the beetle. Always did an elaborate setup and even bypassed the amp on a ford explorer for that exact reason.

John - Crutchfield was asking $100 bucks more, but hopefully Pam got all the harnesses from them, just doing a research a little early without knowing exactly what is in the box she has wrapped up for me. I have always gotten my harness and kits from Crutchfield in the past as well and they have always been reliable.

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by sean_fabanich

the monsoon amp recieves highlevel signal from the factory radio.

depending on the brand you buy it will be as much as 2 times the factory wattage (11 watts) but that wont matter. just tune it properly.

im a fan of bypassing myself. however in this instance i have to believe it probably sounds better to not bypass it. and should have no ill effect on the integrity of the amp, or anything.

ur monsoon equipped car has more then the normal 4 speakers and 2 tweeters correct? so id just integrate the amp.

if it was me. and everything else was stock...speakers and monsoon amp. id def use the monsoon amp. just wire it up like it didnt have an amp...except connect the remote turn on lead

good luck

I've never heard of an amp accepting high level inputs in a stock vehicle...odd.

I'm getting an Alpine iDA-X305s
Alpine iDA-X305S Digital media receiver at Crutchfield Signature
RMS Power Output 18 watts
Peak Output 50 watts
When you look at Crutchfield's accessories, they only have a simple harness, antenna and faceplate. Nothing to bypass.

[Zann]

You will see all kinds of crazy crap with OEM amplified systems that you would never see in the aftermarket area.

[sean_fabanich]

great radio. slim audio adjustments...but still good radio

(check out the kenwood kiv-700 or kivbt900..unless your just getting that to control pandora)

also. if you want to bypass the amp...u gotta do it the old fashioned way. either run new speaker wire to the speakers...or do what id do...and run speaker wire to the amp from the aftermarket radio...and tap into the outputs of the amp...utilizing the factory wiring...

althou...as ive said...if your amp and speakers are in good working order...id just integrate the amp....this is where havign those adjustments the kenwood offers would be really nice....(otherwise youd need to buy the imprint sound processor to match it in sound)

good luck

[marvins_dad]

Already got it, thanks for the suggestion though.
I've always been an Alpine guy. I was thinking about the imprint thing, might have to lay out some cash for it if it really makes a difference.

[marvins_dad]

I guess I should report back to this and document the answer...

The answer is - if you use the aftermarket wiring harnesses - there is no place to plug the monsoon amp into...therefor you are running your speakers off of your head unit. You could always tap into the harness for the Monsoon...but plug in play with the aftermarket wiring harness just doesn't give you the option.

I guess my question now is...could the Monsoon amp still be pulling any power...wonder if there is a way to disconnect it via harness in the back so I can be sure it isn't draining my battery. I guess that's another thread.

[Supercharged98]

The speaker wires are running through the amp. You would have to disconnect the speaker (output) wiring harness from the amp to by pass it. It sounds like you didn't do this. So you are most likely still using it.
Most, factory amps get there power supply from a seperate harness and only need a 12v power acc. wire (blue or a blue w/ white stripe wire) from the head unit to turn on the amp.

Did you change the speakers out? If you didn't, you need the Monsoon amp. The Monsoon speakers in the back are 2ohm and I don't think the Alpine headunit will last long pushing 2ohms.

[marvins_dad]

I changed out all my speakers last year. Running slim Polks in the doors and rear and a slim pioneer in dash....and some dome tweets.