'07 Grand Prix GXP Radio

[bocoogto]

I have just 6,000 miles on my GXP. The performance, engine sound, handling, braking, and fuel economy are all outstanding--the best overall car I've ever owned. I've owned a 2000 Bonneville SSEi, 2004 GTO, 1964 GTO (3 of them), etc.

The radio is the "Monsoon" version with 9 speakers, XM radio and six disc in-dash player. I thought it was OK for sound quality at first, but now I've concluded that Pontiac did a terrible job on this sound system. All program sources, CD, XM, FM sound very annoying. The upper frequencies (about 3000 hz to 10000 hz) are very harsh sounding. Bass frequencies are fine--a good kick to the lows. But, the spoken or sung "s's" actually hurt your ears. Turning down the highs with the tone controls only makes everything sound like AM radio. I believe the problem is with the front speakers. It is less annoying sounding if the fader is set to rear speakers. I have never heard a car radio as obnoxious sounding as this one.

Has anyone tried different speakers in this car? I have had good luck on other cars and my boat with Infinity Reference series speakers. I believe they make a component tweeter and 6" to replace the ones in the doors of my Grand Prix. Anyone tried any others--or a different radio?

[bricker82]

Mine were replaced by Infinity Kappa series throughout before I bought the car, so I couldn't tell you what it sounded like before.

But I can tell you that I love my sound now! Plus 2 Rockford Fosgate HE series 10" subs and a P4002 amp...

I just added the subs and amp though (well my buddy did, he's stereo smart, I'm not!). Before the subs, I had people asking if it was a Bose system.

[bocoogto]

Thanks for the response. I thought it sounded like poor speakers. It's not often that factory radios sound harsh. Low on power, maybe, but not harsh like this system does.

As I said above, I've had good luck with the Reference Series Infinitys. Not as good as the Kappas but much lower in price. Always much better than OEM, even if they were BOSE (LOL).

[bricker82]

LOL, I thought it was funny too! Yeah, I was kinda surprised when he told me he had Kappa series in. It was a nice perk to an already awesome car!

[bocoogto]

Does the Monsoon system include subwoofers, or does it rely on the other speakers for bass? If there is a subwoofer, where is it?

[bricker82]

It relies on the 7 speakers for bass. Not great.

That's why I like my Infinity Kappa's, my 6x9's are 3-way's at 330W(not RMS). Even w/o a sub, they sound awesome!

[bocoogto]

Are the rear speakers accessable similar to the 99-01 Grand Prix's? Do you have to remove the rear seat to flip up the package tray to get at the rear speakers?

[bricker82]

Well, in my car I know that I can just lay on my back in my trunk and I can visually see everything including mounting screws. I would think that all you would have to do is remove and replace.

I don't know for sure though as I haven't replaced the speakers myself.