New stereo, or hassle with aux input, etc?

[dweb13]

I have a 2004 Chevy S-10. It still has the stock head unit, which has a cd/cassette. I wish it had the auxillary input on the face of the unit (why don't more stereo units do this?). Anyway, from reading the posts on this forum, I will have to buy an auxillary input cable, and some other cables as well. While that won't be terribly expensive, would I be better off just putting that money towards a new head unit that simply has the input directly on the face of the unit? That way I wouldn't have extra cable laying around, etc. I guess my real question is this: Is a GM stereo noticeably better than, say, this stereo that has the auxillary input on the face http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1072284961547&skuId=6263615&productCategoryId=cat03066&type=product ? What would you guys recommend?

[DrewT]

No, the GM radio will be worse than almost anything else....

As far as CD Decks, I (personally) wouldn't get that one either. While it has a input on the front, it isn't a very good Stereo. What I would go with is an Alpine CDM-9823 (http://tinyurl.com/5dfep) for $138, and add an input adapter to the back for like $10 or $15. Then you run a cable out somewhere in a convinent location, and plug in the ipod when you wanna rock.

That's just what I would do, it's really up to you and what you want to do...

-Drew

[dweb13]

I would prefer to buy one with the input on the face of the stereo. Even if it costs a little more. Am I missing something here? Thanks for your input. I may end up going with your idea. I just don't understand why not just getting a decent stereo WITH the input up front. Is it a sound quality issue?

[jwc110869]

Originally posted by dweb13
I would prefer to buy one with the input on the face of the stereo. Even if it costs a little more. Am I missing something here? Thanks for your input. I may end up going with your idea. I just don't understand why not just getting a decent stereo WITH the input up front. Is it a sound quality issue?

May I make a suggestion? Look at Alpine. They have several head units that will allow you to use their new iPod adaptor that will charge and allow you to control the ipod directly from the head unit. just look for a unit that is AI-NET, which is any unit that is mp3 compatable.

http://www.alpine-usa.com/

This is what I'm holding out for.

[MuzakMan]

Personally, I prefer having the inputs in the back. It's very simple to connect a cable back there, and have it strung out where ever you want it to connect to your iPod. If it comes out the front, you just have another cable sticking out, getting in the way of things.

It has the benefit of just unhooking the cable, but if you plan on using it for a while, it may as well just be in the back.

[Blue_Dawg]

I'm gonna agree with MuzakMan on this one. Get the aux in in the back to better hide the cables. Sound quality is not an issue here, over all look is. Do you want a cable strung from you deck to your ipod where you can catch it getting in and out of your car and ripping your iPod to the ground before you can blink? If you get the adapter and go from the back you can hide the cable, and the iPod for that matter somewhere out of the way. Sound quality has less to do with the deck than the speakers. If your head unit works and your speakers sound fine don't spend the extra money on a new one. however, you are the one who needs to decide this for yourself as we don't ride in your car and have to listen to your stereo. Hope this helps. :)

[dweb13]

your suggestions make sense. I think I'll go your route. I appreciate the tips!

[Galley]

Most Blaupunkts with CD-changer controls can add a cheap Aux-In adapter.