Re: Audio Help!

[Matt Haas <mhaas@xxxxxxx>]

Mark,

I purchased the radio and CD changer in my truck (and the one I had in my 
`93 Crapalier) from Crutchfield. Once you add in all of the adapters they 
include in the price, they cost about the same as what you'd pay in a 
typical store but they also throw in wonderful installation directions (the 
directions show you every tool you need and how to take the car apart), 
they have a great technical support line that's open really late (I spent 
many hours talking to them with some problems I had with the multi-amp 
system in the Crapalier), and they actually know something about the 
products they carry and the vehicle you're putting them into.

As far as durability goes, I have a Kenwood system in my truck. I've had 
the CD changer (10 disc) in my truck since August of 1997 but I had to 
replace the head unit a few years ago. The radio had an early version of 
their MASK system that flips the face plate around when you shut the car 
off. I did ask them about durability with the face plate and they did tell 
me that they don't last very long but I thought it was cool looking enough 
that I  didn't care (which is why I replaced it with a similar model). One 
feature that I'd key an eye out for is a display dimmer that hooks into the 
headlight circuit so the display dims at night. Some of the face plates are 
really bright at night.

I don't know if they're any better now but I wouldn't even consider buying 
anything from [short] Circuit City. I had nothing but trouble with the 
radio equipment I got from them (I think I R&R'd the radio in my Crapalier 
about 5 times in less than a year before I gave up a bought from 
Crutchfield). On the other hand, I did pick up a really cheap Jenson AM/FM 
cassette radio for my American in early 1998 and it's still going strong.

Another option would be to find a used CD changer and head unit from a mid 
90's or newer Chrysler. Factory radios tend to be much more durable than 
aftermarket ones. I think interchangeability is pretty good as well. I know 
the factory radio from my truck fit right in to my brother's 97 Wrangler 
and I have a friend with a 96 Cherokee that has the same model radio my 
truck had in it from the factory. If you go this route a get a high output 
system, make sure that you get all of the amplifiers and filters.

I'd steer clear of the add on changers that hook into the antenna, they 
convert the CD signal to FM and you really loose a lot of sound quality.

Matt

At 10:35 AM 12/3/2004 -0500, you wrote:
> I bought my wife a 97 Cherokee Sport.
> Problem, It only has an AM/FM radio in it!
> Solution, Either add a CD changer or upgrade the headunit.
> Problem, I don't know what is "good stuff" anymore!
> Help!
> I'm looking for good sounding long lasting stuff.
> I'm not into High tech and high priced name brand "bling" crap.
> My wife will probably be happy with a good CD changer added.
> I'm open to any and all help.
>
> Thanks!
> Mark Price

mhaas@xxxxxxx
Cincinnati, OH
http://www.mattsoldcars.com
1966 Rambler Rebel
1968 Rambler American sedan
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