Aftermarket Cd Player

[tblake]

Hey guys, I posted over in the car auto section and then thought I'd see what you guys think since your up aginst the same battle as me. Take a look. Let me know what you think...

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=915268

Thanks a Ton!

[doctorhrdware]

I have an older Kenwood deck. I can change the illumination from green to red. The deck also retracks the face plate with a blank panel. BTW most newer decks are the fluorescent style display. I believe that the only color for that style of display is blue. Have you tried crutchfield.

[Highbeamz]

I have a Sony CDX-GT410U and although the text itself isn't red, you can make the illuminated buttons red, which overall compliments the interior seeing as the climate control has blue for cold and red for hot...it matches alright. I haven't had any issues with this CD player yet and it gets taken in and out of the car many times a day on average.

[grandprixgtx00]

i bought a deck for my ex a while back, and you could change the color of the display...and for some reason, i cannot remember for the life of me what kind it was! I'll have to ask her...

and another thing...the aftermarket deck that i have in my SE is Panasonic. it has the blue LED display...however the buttons are all displayed in red, and whoever else it was that mentioned that is right...it actually looks nice with the blue display and red buttons. in my opinion it does compliment it pretty good. also just a personal opinion, if you get a deck with all red it'll be just too much

[richtazz]

IMO, the best looking deck that fits the 1.5 din GM opening is the Pioneer DEH-P77DH and DEH-P47DH. They have large buttons, great sound, and an uncluttered display. They are essentially the same unit, but the 77 has more RCA connections than the 47 and comes with a remote (optional on the 47). The only knocks I had against my DEH-P77DH is no mp3 disc playback capability, and inner-city radio reception is so-so. Regretfully, it's been so long, I don't remember if they have switchable button color. The standard color was green (as was the car I had it in so I never switched), but I believe you could switch them to either red or blue. I've had a few Kenwoods, and almost every Kenwood has red/green switchable buttons, but their newer motorized flip-faces are wonky and very problematic.

[tblake]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

to tell you the truth, (sorry to say this) but IMO the best looking deck in the car is the one thats in there right now (factory).

Problem with me is its starting to skip with cd's that arent brand spanking new, and for some ODD reason when I go to turn it down with the knob, sometimes the volume actually turns up. Its getting sort of annoying and is happening more frequently. Also one day when I left work, the numbers on the display were all garbled and made no sense. I then looked again a few minutes later and it was back to normal. I just think that cd player is on its way out.

So, i'm trying to get opinions and wiegh my options...

-lose the HUD radio station display and sleek factory look, get a deck
or
-stick with what I have and see how long it lasts, possibly get a new one or refurbish the old one.

Anyone ever have the volume problem or know how to fix it? i'm sort of electronics savvy and can handle a soldering iron.

[doctorhrdware]

Tblake,

That is definitely the first sign that CD deck is going to take a dump on you. You might get lucky and retrieve the disk. If that is the case you're in for PIA, to get the disk. The volume control is a digital style switch, it is possible that there is a problem with it. You could use a chemical from craig labrotories, it is called deoxit.

[grandprixgtx00]

Originally Posted by tblake

when I go to turn it down with the knob, sometimes the volume actually turns up. Its getting sort of annoying and is happening more frequently. Also one day when I left work, the numbers on the display were all garbled and made no sense. I then looked again a few minutes later and it was back to normal. I just think that cd player is on its way out.

this is pretty common...it has happened on every single AC Delco CD player I've seen. hasent happened to the GTX just yet, but I'm sure it will.

lose the HUD radio station display

guess I've never thought of that...you bring up a good point. you can always put the harness in so you keep your steering wheel controls, however there is no way to get the HUD back for stations/cd display

[Highbeamz]

Originally Posted by tblake

-stick with what I have and see how long it lasts, possibly get a new one or refurbish the old one.

I don't know what shipping would cost, but I have the factory one from my 2001 GTP that seemed to be in PERFECT working order when I took it out, I'm sure I could cut you a sweet deal.

[tblake]

Thanks for all the insights guys. I will keep everything in mind and let you know what I decide.

Maybe I'll take apart the unit and see if I can get a different radio knob from mouser and clean up the laser with some rubbing alcohol.

Maybe that will help.

[TDWPgtp]

ALPINE ALPINE ALPINE. not only for a new radio should u get alpine, but if u can afford it, id go alpine everything. alpine makes VERY good quality headunits. the majority of them can display either red or blue. i have an alpine ida-x001 and its amazing, a lil pricey tho. like i said any alpine headunit (newer models at least) will work, and look great

[chrissbee77]

You need to check out a sony cdx-gt52w it matches perfect Seriously checki it out Sony CDX-GT52w

[tblake]

Hey guys, Thanks for all your opinions. Thought I would post quick and let you know what I decided to do.

I found an ebay company that will clean the laser and install a new volume knob for about 50 bucks. Since this is way below the price of aftermarket, I decided to give them a try. They have very good ebay feedback and seem to really be knowledgable.

Basically I ship them my radio, pay them 40 bucks for the laser cleaning and new volume knob install, and then pay 10 for return shipping. I read from their feedback that they do good and fast work, so I think its worth a shot.

I'll report back when I get my radio back in and installed.

Thanks for the help!

[doctorhrdware]

That is not bad, when the CD player in the wife's truck went out. I picked up a new Kenwood mp235, for $79.99. I might send in the old CD player and have it, so I can re-install it in the truck we trade it in.

[tblake]

Yep, and best part is they warrenty their work for (a year I think it was). So, CD player went out yesterday, hopefully it doesnt take too long. I'll let you know....