The Monsoon system uses speaker-level signal from the head unit to the power amplifier. So you can use almost any head unit as long as it has speaker-outs on it. As for the difference between a Premium and a Monsoon head unit, I don't think there is much difference. There might be a difference in the way it's EQ'd. Hook up with vag-com and see if it offers any coding changes that would apply to your setup.

 

I read that somewhere else about the speaker level signal being sent to the amp. I wasn't sure if using a monsoon head unit would cause any problems. I was also curious about the head units amplifier and if it has the same output as the standard radio. I don't have a vag com and would have to seek out someone or a dealer for that

 

I don't have a vag-com and would have to seek out someone or a dealer for that.

Where in Illinois are you? I'm in Chicago and have a vag-com setup. If you ever get up this way, let me know and we'll have a look.

 

Legend (which I have no way to confirm) has it that the Premium and Monsoon units are essentially identical, aside from the Monsoon badge on the front and coding to show "Monsoon" on the LCD display. There shouldn't be any EQ differences; the external Monsoon amp has the built-in equalization to match it to the Monsoon speakers. While I'm a bit of a nut for having everything original and correct, I doubt I'd spend the time and money to have the dealer look at it or return the unit.

 

Legend (which I have no way to confirm) has it that the Premium and Monsoon units are essentially identical, aside from the Monsoon badge on the front and coding to show "Monsoon" on the LCD display.

The Monsoon HU has a "mid" tone control. The Monsoon and Premium HUs are otherwise identical. My '01's original Premium HU failed during warranty, and was replaced with a Monsoon HU. No issues.

There shouldn't be any EQ differences; the external Monsoon amp has the built-in equalization to match it to the Monsoon speakers.

Correct. Monsoon speakers present a different impedence to the HU than the speakers installed with the Premium HUs.

 

There wasn't any monsoon badge on the radio, this was a single din so I had no way of knowing it was a monsoon until I turned it on the it popped up on the display. Considering it works and I only paid $30 for it, which was a deal because it was really clean and looked almost new. I admit its nice to have the extra tone for midrange along with the treble and bass. It works so that's what matters.
Thanks for the help everyone :thumbup:

 

I mean this might be subtle, but on the single din units, didn't the Monsoon head unit come with a "Mid" button to adjust the Midrange EQ? I have to look at my old OEM radio, but I think you could only adjust Treble and Bass on that.

B5.5 owners don't have this problem with all their little twist knob (if they still have the knob) EQ adjustments on the front.

And to add to the Monsoon conversation, if you can source the actual Monsoon speakers, they have much better sound output and clarity than the "premium" setup. The difference is that the "premium" speakers use foam surrounds and a paper/cardboard like material for the cone, while the Monsoons use a rubber surround and some kind of plastic cone. In other words, the Monsoons won't blow easily unless you're really pushing them. The ONLY thing you should look out for is that the Monsoons usually come with 2 4 ohm speakers, and 2 2 ohm speakers, the 2 ohm speakers are used in the back to add a subwoofer effect. But you don't really get that effect if you don't have the amp and such...

 

And to add to the Monsoon conversation, if you can source the actual Monsoon speakers, they have much better sound output and clarity than the "premium" setup. The difference is that the "premium" speakers use foam surrounds and a paper/cardboard like material for the cone, while the Monsoons use a rubber surround and some kind of plastic cone. In other words, the Monsoons won't blow easily unless you're really pushing them. The ONLY thing you should look out for is that the Monsoons usually come with 2 4 ohm speakers, and 2 2 ohm speakers, the 2 ohm speakers are used in the back to add a subwoofer effect. But you don't really get that effect if you don't have the amp and such...

Note that using the Monsoon speakers without the Monsoon amp and wiring will not produce accurate sound. You may (or may not) like the sound, but it won't be "high fidelity."

 

Thanks everyone for all the awesome info. I've been playing with theradio and other than some issues with the speaker connections in the rear doors that short out, everything is working well.
I found one of the wires for the rear door speakers had pulled out of the plug. Oh I forgot to mention
I have aftermarket Infinity woofers and tweeters in
the rear doors. They have their own crossover.
Thanks for the offer Steve, I'm in IL about 2 hours south off i80 you can pm me your location.

 

Oh by the way, you guys are awesome. "Raises beer" and salutes Passat world