Despite what people are often told, the Monsoon amplifier is compatible with aftermarket headunits (HUs) as long as the correct wiring harness/adaptor is used. However, there are no hardwire adaptors that make aftermarket HUs compatible with the steering wheel mounted controls in the vehicles bought after MY2001 at the time of writing.

links to soundsystem components

Panasonic CX-DP610 CD changer
6.5" EL Bazooka (Bass Tube) subwoofer

volkswagen's factory sound system

There were many complaints that Volkswagen did not include a CD player of any sort when the Mk. IVs first came out, while other cheaper car manufacturers include at least an in dash one. The OEM in dash CD player and in dash CD changer not only took up storage space, but they are also costly add ons when part prices and installation are factored in. An aftermarket HU with better sound quality is (more often than not) a cheaper and more versatile choice. Volkswagen seems to have remedied this problem in the MY2002+ Mk. IVs with a double DIN radio, cassette, CD player headunit while keeping costs the same. This new headunit has not been without its share of problems as many of the initial run came with incorrectly wired internals. If the headunit in your MY20002 VW seems to be weaker than it should be please consult your dealer for the appropriate solution.

The stock (non-Monsoon) soundsystem in the North American spec Mk. IV Volkswagens is comprised of a 5w (RMS) AM/FM cassette tape deck called the Premium V, which is made by either Panasonic or Clarion. The manufacturer's name can be found by removing the HU and checking the label on the top. The Premium V has no preamps, but has bass and treble controls as well as fader and balance.

The Monsoon upgrade in the MY1999.5-2001.5 cars is simply a 15w version of the Premium V HU with an added mid range control, and a 200w amplifier with built in crossovers. There are no other special speakers or additions that make the difference outwardly apparent. For more information, refer to Monsoon's site.

The Monsoon upgrade in the MY2002+ cars is a double DIN headunit with cassette, AM/FM, and an integrated in dash CD player.

Both the basic and Monsoon systems output to 8 speakers: 4 tweeters, two in the front doors and two in the rear right behind the by the front seats; 2 woofers in the front doors and 2 mid range speakers in the rear.

Also note that the North American spec cars and the European-spec cars do not share the same HU even though they look the same. The HUs in the NA-spec cars are made by Clarion and Panasonic, and the HUs (known as Gamma and Beta) in the Euro-spec cars are made by Blaupunkt.

One other important thing to note is that the back of the Premium V HU has sockets for three plugs: the speaker/amp outputs, power/controls and one for the CD changer prewiring. The Metra wiring harness that comes with aftermarket HUs does not have a socket for the CD changer prewiring. Unless you have Panasonic HU, or a CD changer that is the same brand as your aftermarket unit, the prewiring in the car will not work because they are incompatible.

is the monsoon package worth it?

When deciding whether to get the Monsoon Package for your Mk. IV, try the Monsoon out at the dealer and be sure to bring a favorite CD of yours or tune to your favorite station. Having some idea of what kind of sound quality to expect will set a benchmark by which to compare the quality of the Monsoon. The Monsoon will satisfy most people's needs as a factory installed upgrade, however it is not advised should any in car entertainment upgrades be planned. The money is better spent on custom chosen components, and the task of installing them is made easier with the absence of the excess factory wiring that results from having the Monsoon Package installed.

It is strongly suggested that upgrades are done in the following order for those who are new to modifying the sound in car entertainment: headunit, speakers, amplifier, subwoofer. The headunit upgrade alone will keep most people happy, unless they are hardcore audiophiles. At that point a speaker upgrade should improve the sound quality, if it is thought to be lacking after the HU upgrade. An amplifier will increase sound output, further improving sound quality and a subwoofer will add bottom end as the highs and mids get louder. The CD changer is more of a personal choice since some people like having immediate accessibility, and others like the descretion afforded by the trunk/cargo area mounted CD changer.

purchasing tips and advice

Crutchfield is a little on the overpriced side, with their products cost 25% more than that of other online stores in general. However their customer service is amazing in terms of assistance, servicing and returns. So before anything, decide if customer service is of any importance. If does not really matter, then use Crutchfield's "What Fits My Car" search engine to determine which audio components correctly fit a Mk. IV Volkswagen. Then find a better deal at another place either on or off line. This may mean that any necessary wiring harnesses for specific cars, headunits or CD changers must be ordered separately from Crutchfield if unavailable elsewhere.

There are literally hundreds of choices when it comes to purchasing on the internet, and it is no different when searching for sound system components. Many interent retailers offer special online discounts or offers such as free shipping, free upgrades, etc. They also often offer a larger selection of products, some of which might be too new to appear in local stores. The basic idea is research before purchasing, any time spent is worth the hassle and regret saved by following this simple rule.

places and things to stay away from

Panasonic's CX-DP88 8 disc CD changer. There have been mixed reports of this unit's compatibility with VW's HU controls. It may be cheaper, but there is the chance that it will not work.

The Camera Club in Brooklyn, NY. The CX-DP610 CD changer was originally ordered from The Camera Club. Two months passed and the changer did not come, nor did any reason for why it was delayed. The funds used to purchase the changer were also withheld for several months, before the issuing bank had a court subpoenae the store. During the entire process The Camera Club did not reply to any enquiring e-mails and their customer service phone line was found to be conveniently "assisting other customers" at all hours of the day.