I have a 2007 Monte Carlo LT. It appears that these cars do not come with stock amplifiers. Owners of the 2000 through 2005 Monte Carlo's have amplifiers installed from GM in the back trunk between the speakers. I am not sure why they stopped putting the amps in the 2006 and 2007 models. Does anyone know why? I know GM changed the style of the radio head units but they also changed the sound dymanics which results in an inferior sounding system.

Is it possible to buy the stock amp from GM and install it? Would it be a plug and play installation or does it require all the work an aftermarket amp would require?

 

I put an aftermarket 1200 watt amp in mine with a 12" JL sub all connected to the factory sterio.

I think we do have a stock amp, but its in the back of the radio, because the serio shop told me they disabled the stock amp. But IMO if we do have one, its crap, because my stock 6 speaker sound was just ok until I put the amp and sub. Now it sounds great, even with stock speakers. I only put the sub in so that I could get the bass out of the speakers. I have mine tuned so that it does not "hit" super hard. It just has good bass, and sounds nice and clear, nothing over done.

 

I have one. It's in the trunk under the rear window and between the two rear speakers. Perhaps it's because you don't have the optional 6-disc, upgraded CD changer?

 

I just spent a week driving my father's 2009 Chevy Silverado truck. It has the same stereo as my 2007 Monte Carlo. He got the most basic version of the truck - no CD or MP3 Player - simplest stereo they offer - has the same basic headunit features/look and feel as my car. His stereo is LOUDER, has MORE BASS, and is CLEARER at the same exact volume levels. The stock radio in my car sounds just like you describe "OK". If the volume is turned up, the front speakers sound distorted,, so I have to fade to the rear 2 or 3 notches. If I am listening to older cds like 80's rock, I easily max the volume all the way in my car wishing for a little more volume,, but not in his truck. I am wondering if the stock truck amplifier is a higher power amplifier than my stock monte carlo amplifier,,, if so,, are they easy to swap?

 

How large is the cabin and where are the speakers placed in relation to your Monte?

 

Good point, and have you messed with the equalizer at all? This would have a major effect on how it's going to sound.

 

When I had the stock set up, I went with bass +3, Treb +4, and equal sound to all 4 speakers, and its sounded ok.

Now with the sub and amp, I have equal on all 4 speakers, but -5 on Bass, and +5 on Treb, and it sounds great.

Rick, your Monte has the upgraded sterio system with 8 speakers, and the 6 disc changer, so thats why you have an amp. The LT's came with the standard 6 speaker sterio, and it was an option to upgrade, which mine didnt come with. But the aftermarket sub and amp make it sound really nice.

 

I have tried everything using the control options and equalizer. I do not see an amplifier in my trunk between the speakers. What year is your Monte Carlo? Do you have the "BOSE" system?

The front door speakers on my father's truck sound louder and cleaner than the front door speakers on my car.

I don't have the 6-disk changer, just the stander cd player. Can I buy the amp from GM and easily install it?

 

My Monte is an 06 LT, Ricks Monte is also an 06. But Rick has an SS, which comes standard with the premium sound system.

I have the same sytem you have.

You probably could buy an amp from GM, and install it. But, you will pay a fortune. You can get a better amp, for much less money if you go aftermarket.

 

I really appreciate your input. It has really helped me understand the setup. I do see myself getting an aftermarket amplifier in the near future. I was hoping to avoid the extra work of running wires and --- installing new speakers. When I originally began looking at aftermarket amps, I was told I must replace my stock speakers. Is that true?