Ok its been a while since i have done this and i don't remember the specs...

To replace the HU in a monsoon system i know there is a bypass module
but what about keeping the stock HU and just replacing the components..

errrrrrm off to search google for monsoon specs

The Monsoon HU and amp operate as a pair over the data-bus. If you want to install an aftermarket HU you'll have to bypass the amplifier. Factory woofers are 2ohm so you'll either have to run an aftermarket amp if you want keep those speakers, or just simply replace them as well.

right now i just want to replace to components (being that speakers) what is compatible to the monsoon speakers

BUMP
I'm with you on this one. I want to keep my stock head unit and just change speakers. I called Crutchfield to ask them about what speakers are compatible and they couldn't help. They said they never did an upgrade with the Monsoon Bose system. They weren't sure if each speakers had there own amps attached to each one or if there was just one amp for the system.
Does anybody know this and what speakers would be a great upgrade over the oem one'*.

I am replacing the HU on my 2005 Pontiac GXP with a Kenwood DPX-501, adding some Kenwood KAC-8452 amps, Polk component speakers and a Polk Subwoofer. Everything is in and the car will not start. Anybody run into this before? Thanks for any help.

Jim

These components were designed to work together but the amplifier has absolutely no connection to the data bus. It is turned on by a signal from the HU on the 14V Ref line. The Bonneville never had an amplifier controlled over the class 2 data bus.

I stand corrected, my assumption on that wasn't based off of documentation but of experience. When I first installed my head unit I attempted to integrate the monsoon amp. I could get the amp to power up and play, but its like it was either an on or off state with the on being a very week volume level. Seemingly unable to vary the volume with that setup I guessed it being data controlled like some Bose and newer Boston Acoustic systems. If its not data though, how is the audio signal processed/volume controlled from HU to amp?

Monsoon technical documentation is rather hard to come by but I have spoken with several people at Delco authorized service centres. I've learned a lot, but now have even more questions than before. There aren't that many people who seem to know a great deal. Technicians at three service centres I spoke with all tell me these amplifiers are usually replaced, not repaired. This has led to few people having much direct experience, other than to look in the shop manuals.

When I went about integrating my TNR-800 to my Monsoon amp, I spoke with a manager at one centre who tells me that the Bonneville HU has what he calls a "High Level" output going into the Monsoon amp. He verified this by checking the service manual for my original HU (by its part number). I was particularly curious about this since all the GM vehicle schematics reference a "Low Level" signal. Regardless, I understand that it isn't capable of powering speakers directly. I was told that the volume is controlled by varying the signal level from the HU going into the amp.

One way to determine if the amplifier volume is controlled over the data bus it to rapidly increase or decrease the volume. If you hear a change instantaneously, it is not data bus controlled. If there is a slight delay in the volume change, the volume is controlled over the data bus. The delay is caused by the time it takes for the signal to be sent over the data bus and to be received and processed by the amp.

In your case, there may be a couple of possibiilities but I think it likely has something to do with the input level expected by the Monsoon amp. The impression I got from from the techs is that the low level output is closer to what you would see in a pre-amp output and the high level output is greater, but not enough to power a speaker directly. It'* also possible there was a large impedance mismatch between the Monsoon input and the output of your HU.

I've really been trying to track down more technical info on Monsoon amps, but still have many questions. I do know that there'* about a zillion different GM part numbers for them and no clear indication what the differences are. I believe there may be some that are Class 2, just never installed in the Bonneville.