Ok all you audio expertz...

[98L36]

Here's the dealio....
I got myself a pack of CD-RWs cause I figured that it'd be a lot nicer to use for music than my CD-Rs that I've been using. I have all my own music and I kept burning different CD-Rs cause I wanted to have some variety, that's why I got the CD-RWs. Well I found out that a stock radio in a '98 GP doesn't support CD-RWs.
So now I'm left with 2 options...either keep using my CD-R method OR (here's where you come in) find an aftermarket radio that will run off of a USB drive or an iPod (both of which I have).
Requirements are:

• Gotta be a decent/good quality of unit (I'm not one to crank music so it won't get a ton of abuse but it better last)
• Must be compatible with steering wheel controls somehow
• Gotta light up red to match everything else
• Must be either USB drive or iPod compatible
• Hoping to keep wiring mess to a minimum...the more plug and play it is the better for me
• Same size unit as the stock one (not sure if they are all a standard size or what but I'm not hacking up the dash)

Things that would be nice to have are:

• Some way of telling me which song is playing, being able to name the song would be nice...just something other than "track 1" etc
• Some sort of EQ settings...I have my bass turned down in an effort to save one of my dying speakers
• Something that looks sharp

So yea, I'm pretty clueless when it comes to audio stuffz so I'd appreciate it if I could get some suggestions/help.
Thanks.

[stealthee]

RW's aren't higher quality, they just have the cabapility of being ReWritten. If you want higher quality, you need to change how you burn, such as the speed etc.

[SeanGTP]

I'd get an Alpine head-unit. Most come with all the features you're looking for and typically are all-red in color. $150-200 will net you a nice one. Just look around a bit, most sites list all the features a radio has. The most you might have to do is buy a cord that will plug into the front of rear of the radio to connect USB devices or iPods.

Aftermarket radios typically come in two sizes: single-din and double-din
You want a single-din, and you'll be able to buy a GM mounting bracket that will fit the radio which will then fit into your dash.

As far as wiring, you can buy a GM wiring harness that will work with any aftermarket radio. There will be wires coming off the plug that comes with the radio, but all the colors on both harnesses match up and all you'll have to do is pair them and make sure they'll stay secure and un-exposed.

[98L36]

RW's aren't higher quality, they just have the cabapility of being ReWritten. If you want higher quality, you need to change how you burn, such as the speed etc.

Yea, the only reason I was using the CD-RWs was because of the rewritable capability. I kept burning CD-Rs but then once I burned them I was stuck with what was on them. Only being able to put 17 or whatever songs on one CD was getting old...I got the RWs so I could change the content if I wanted to.

[CrazyGuy03]

Time for a mp3 cd

[SeanGTP]

Time for a mp3 cd

Those wont play in a stock HU either. I tried back in the day...

[accuab]

The stock won't read a mp3 cd either. Jvc makes head units with variable illumination so you can match your interior color. For the steering wheel controls you'll need a fifty dollar piece to be able to control the unit with them and you'll have to program it. You have the option of putting a aux input on the antenna input or using an fm transmitter but the sound quality isn't great to me. The hardwired aux is better than the transmitter though.

[SeanGTP]

I just say stick with a higher quality unit. You'll get your money's worth from a 150+ alpine and they look clean. JVCs and kenwoods and stuff really aren't that pretty, and aren't as tuneable. My alpine in particular has 3 preamp outs, my friend's Sony only has 1 set and that was already more than most JVCs anyway.

Keep in mind HU have built in amps that power your speakers, so a cheap HU will also have poor sound quality compared to a more expensive deck.

Edit: One of the cheapest new alpine single-din units atm: http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/cde-121

Spend $200 or more and you'll have a fantastic one.

Mine was $200 new, and now its damn old, but its just as great as when i first bought it and i probably wont replace it for another 2-3 years, unless I get damn rich.

[CrazyGuy03]

I read cd-rw and immediately thought you already had an aftermarket head unit.

I have a pioneer x920bt. You can change the color of the buttons to million shades. Or have it fade thru all colors. Also has a nice picture

[SeanGTP]

I read cd-rw and immediately thought you already had an aftermarket head unit.

I have a pioneer x920bt. You can change the color of the buttons to million shades. Or have it fade thru all colors. Also has a nice picture

He said he didnt want to hack up his dash, and double-din doesnt fit 97-03 without hacking up ones dash.

[CrazyGuy03]

You have to "hack" it? O didn't know that

[SeanGTP]

You have to "hack" it? O didn't know that

Yeah 97-03 dash needs to be "modified" to make a double din fit

[CrazyGuy03]

DEH P-5200HD
R


This is in my wife's car. Has a front side USB port for iPod or cheap memory sticks

She has 1 8gb stick that has tons of music on it.
Best thing about using the memory stick is that it's super fast song skipping , no lag like on a cd and the iPod hook up is flawless

Red and green illumination

[SeanGTP]

Thats the essential reason i bought my deck, iPod compatible. My ipod is tucked in my glovebox and almost NO one knows it either. (;

[Logan541]

Look for a head unit with a USb port (JVC KD-R900) is one you can load all your music on a flas drive and keep it with you I have over 400 cds I justy loaded them all on two falsh drive and keep the plugged in plus if it has a usb porty you can use your cell phone even it battery is dead and you can recharge it too

[98L36]

So basic consensus seems to be get an Alpine or similar name single-DIN unit and basically go from there...right? I'm assuming that if I get one of those things the connections in the car will match up somewhat to the connections on the radio and it will *hopefully* be plug-n-play.
As long as it would play music and I'd still be able to utilize my steering wheel controls I'd be happy.

[accuab]

Name is only half of it. Just don't buy a name you aren't familiar with. They all have cheap versions of their stuff. The guy earlier knocked kenwood and Jvc but many of them have 3 preouts and can put many alpine to shame. Sony used to be good but their quality has gone to near nothing now.

[98L36]

That's the problem....I have NO names that I'm familiar with lol. I know Bose used to be big back in the day but that's kinda gone downhill....to put it blunty I have zero knowledge of audio stuff these days. That's why I posted here...figured that you guys might know a thing or to and would hopefully be able to point me in the right direction.

[CrazyGuy03]

<cough> pioneer <cough>

My 2cents is in. Make of it what you will.

[98L36]

Pioneer DEH-P5200HD

I'm no expert but this looks pretty good to me....just wondering if it's truly steering wheel control ready like they say.

-Edit-
Considering this model too....Amazon says it's the newer version of the P5200HD.
Pioner DEH-33HD
Hmm...