I just called another dealership and they said I could buy an amp from GM that would plug right into the back for 125 dollars. They said it is the same AMP used across all GM vehicles including Impalas and Monte Carlo's.

 

I believe there are 3 different radios. in the manual there is the base,mp3, and the 6 disc. i believe that on the ss the only option for the radio was the 6 disc. i dont have that i have the regular mp3 one with the amp. i think that the 6 disc was probably part of the package that included the side airbags and power seats and heated mirrors. i dont know if the base radio was an option for the ss. i personally think that the factory system sounds good. i just added subs, but then again my other car had 4x10s in it.

 

I would be happy with the stereo sound if I had the stock amplifier. I have the standard cd/mp3 player, but I do NOT believe I have that stock amplifier.

I was hoping I could buy the stock amp and just install it easily. I am really disappointed that my 2007 LT does not have an amplifier. I believe if it had the amplifier, I would be happy with the sound.

Is your amplifier in the trunk between the rear speakers? Are you positive you have the stock amplifier? Did you order the "premium system"?

 

yes the amp is located between the rear speakers, and im pretty sure its the factory amp. i didnt order the car new so i couldnt tell you if it was ordered with the "premium system" but what i can tell you is that its not the 6 disc model. heres a pic. it has the model number on it you might have to zoom in a little to see it but its on there. hope this helps.

 

Thanks for taking that picture. It confirms my question. I have no amplifier and no wires hanging to easily connect one. I will have to take my car apart to run wires for an aftermarket amplifier. I bought my car slightly used and did not pay attention to stereo specs.

 

no prob. all honesty if your going to do that then why not just get component speakers instead of trying to run an amp to the factory stuff? i mean if your going to spend the money then your probably better off and would be happier with it. just my 2 cents.

 

My car has the stock 200 watt amp. I read that there is an optional 600 amp available from GM that works with the same speakers.

 

Does anyone know the wattage of the standard stereo without the amplifier in the trunk? It puts out a good sound for a standalone headunit. It must have some type of little power amp inside the unit.

 

I have the same amplifier in my 06 SS's trunk that TheMonteMan has in the photo. Looks like the same model number too. I'm looking to replace it with the same thing because the dealer suspects it is defective. I don't want to pay their price ($350 I think they said) and would be happy to find the same one even used. Anyone know where to get one? Haven't seen one on ebay and I've been checking. Would the Impala one work just the same? I see the model number is not the same.

 

When I checked with the dealership a few weeks ago on this amp issue, they told me to be very very careful about mixing parts even if they look identical or seem to fit. They said slight differences may cause unexpected results. It would probably work, but if you can stick with the Monte Carlo amp, it would be better.

The Northstar System is the example of the difference that could cause an unexpected difference they gave me when I asked.

I wish my car had a stock amp, but I didn't know about the stereo when I bought the car. I thought all stereos for GM were the exact same sound quality. I was wrong and dissappointed.