Latest stereo equipment

[GPChief]

I know nothing about car audio...

What are the current stereo systems you guys & gals are using.  I'm older than most on this forum ad dont want to rattle to doors off.  Just want something more modern & can plug my MP3 player into.

Thanks.  It will be going on a TSTE, will be upgrading all speakers also.

[pontiac6ksteawd]

You can use your current stereo for what you are asking. Upgrade all your speakers to something, mid grade pioneers, or Boston Acoustics. Then you can take your radio out, and do this yourself, or send it off, but you can add a Aux plug in for your current radio. Like the following link...

Older oldsmobile radio... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Oldsmobile-GM-Cassette-Radio-Ipod-Mp3-SAT-Aux-Input_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27ae3ce34fQQitemZ170426950479QQptZCarQ5fAudioQ5fVideo

Newer Pontiac that will work in a TSTE... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Delco-GM-Pontiac-CD-Radio-7-eq-Ipod-Mp3-SAT-Aux-audio_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem518f14f2eeQQitemZ350292865774QQptZCarQ5fAudioQ5fVideo

The Line in can be like what he has mounted there, in the face. Or you can run the wire into the glove box, center console, or where ever you like.

I suggest this way cause then you dont have to deal with people trying to steal your radio, and it keeps your TSTE looking stock.

I probly would suggest the Pontiac Stereo link above. It has Steering Wheel Controls ability, CD player, 7 band EQ, and is already what you are looking for. Then its just a matter of upgrading your speakers.

[GPChief]

Thats awesome, thanks.

One question, do people still have issues with the dimmer when upgrading to this radio?

[pontiac6ksteawd]

So which radio?

I have never had problems with them..

[GPChief]

I'll probably get the newer pontiac.

[LukeZ34]

I know back when I put a newer chevy deck in my Lumina, I had dimmer problems, but I can't remember how I fixed it. I'm guessing these would share the same problem.
Only other problem with that newer pontiac deck is getting it to mount in the TSTE's factory radio housing. The older pontiac mounts were on the top and the bottom of the radio chassis, these newer decks are on the sides. Not that it would be a deal breaker for me, but it's something your going to run in to and have to deal with.

[pontiac6ksteawd]

Those decks with the mounts diferent, its pretty easy to overcome. On the new deck, if they are welded/soldered on, you just cut them off. Then, take the mounting system off the old deck, and swap over to the new deck. All the mount studs, mounting bracket, and whatever else, will swap over.

[GPChief]

Tried to install a 1997 CD player in the STE today, too many issues I dont feel like messing with.  Will just send off old radio to get a MP3 jack installed and install newer speakers.

[pontiac6ksteawd]

To many issues?

[GPChief]

You already told me of the mounting issues, however:
- Plugs were different in the back of radio
- Drone or Buzz in rear speakers when hooked up
- Couldn't adjust speakers at all with newer radio
- PWR antenna doesn't go down with newer radio

Not a total loss, I'll just stick the newer radio in my 1997 so I'll have a MP3 player in there
 

[Prospeeder]

Sounds like a bad unit. I put a 99 GPGT Cd player in my TGP long ago, i had to slot the dash bezel, so it could move forward, same with the controls for the HVAC, You just break up the connector from the TGP it fits just fine in the newer CD player. I also had to remove the little factory amplifier from the loop, and running all four front speakers off one chanell, and the rears off the other, and it worked perfect. I could fade front and back left and right, equalizer worked good, no buzing or noise. I have had shitty factory decks have their internal amplifier go bad and make the buzzing noise. I made mine look damn good. The factory antena should work fine, but if not, just figure out which wire it is, and then use a splice lock to just qucikly connect the ACC power to the power antenna. Works great