I have an 03 SSEi with the monsoon system and probably need to replace the LF (6.5") and RR (5.25") speakers. They start sounding bad around 50% volume (buzzing/distorted). Since they are 2 ohm my aftermarket choices seem pretty limited and somewhat expensive. Am I better off spending the extra $ on aftermarket or just going with factory replacements from GM (where I get a discount)? Anybody have any experience with this?

Thanks!

The answer to your question depends...........

What head unit are you using factory or aftermarket ?

How much of an Audiophile are you ?

All Head Units including factory & aftermarket will distort sound somewere between 1/2 and 3/4 volume levels.
If you were to hook up any deck to a Oscilloscope and turn up the volume you would see the signal starts to "clip or square wave" which is what causes speakers to blow or distort.

Me personally I always prefer aftermarket.
For speakers I think its hard to beat Pioneer there speakers are resonable and the tweeters are crystal clear. If you want high end go with Infinity.

I would buy aftermarket if you have an aftermarket deck (or are changing it at the same time) otherwise go with factory because you will change the resistance that the factory deck is looking for and might damage it.

Dutch

I would start by playing with the equalizer until you can have the volume all the way up without distortion and see how you like it. dont like it? the speakers are hard to find but after market would let you choose what you want over the OEM slightly. IMO if the volume can only go half way before distorting yor EQ is too high. I have the monsoon in my car and get compliments all the time on what rich deep sound it can produce,and still have the factory speakers.

Currently 100% factory audio system. We are the second owners of the car and the head unit was replaced under warranty right after we got the car (bad display).

My wife and I have been disappointed with the sound quality in our Bonne. Our previous car was an 02 Regal GS with the Monsoon and we were very happy with it. We expected the Bonne to be comparable, but it doesn't even come close. We've tried all kinds of settings with the equalizer. No matter what, once you get it loud enough that you wouldn't want to carry on a conversation its either muffled or no bass or distorted, etc. The thought has crossed my mind that the amp may be screwy.

Due to the integration of all the components (Onstar, XM, Steering Wheel Controls, etc) we were hoping to stay factory but have decent sound quality. We stopped in at a car audio shop and the cost to go aftermarket was a bit more than we wanted to spend (head, amp, speakers, modules).

i have an 03 SSEI with the monsoon, and my 93 that dosent have one piece of stock audio in it.....i was impressed in the monsoon.....

have you tried to lower the mids and leave the bass in the middle and the treb a little higher??