Suggestions for new radio/head unit?

[EliteRetard]

So Ive got a '96 Chrysler LHS...the radio seems to have shorted out or something and I can only get AM radio, if I switch to FM I get total silence (sucks cause I have an FM tuner for my MP3s that dont work now either). Anyway, I was thinking about switching it out for a new unit...but mine is a giant hunk of oldness. Its about 3.5" tall and 8.5" wide. The thing Ive always liked about it was the large very easy to use controls that could be handled easily without looking. If I get a new unit I want something simple without some overpriced glitzy LCD crap with all kinds of sub-menus and junk just to change the volume. Mines even got a 5 bar equalizer and a little joystick for balance that I like, easy to use and very effective...if Im listening to techno I can boost the bass or for classical I can tune the highs. I listen to a huge variety of music so having the controls all there would be good. Corse all this depends on finding something that will fit. Anyone got any ideas or reccomendations? Normally Id look around myself but I dont know much about radios other than mine is not like any other Ive seen (its like double size?). I cant even find a picture of it (id post some of my own if I knew how)

If anyone knows a better place/forum to go to for car stuff that would be helpfull as well. Ive got a few other questions and dont know who or where to ask (like brakes and stuff). Thanks in advance.

 

[Zenmervolt]

One for sale on e-Bay.

I searched for "Chrysler LHS Radio". I'll bet if you call around to a few junkyards you can find others as well. Honestly, I'd go that route unless you're dead set on a new radio.

Crutchfield only shows two radios as being a direct fit for the DIN and 1/2 opening in your LHS, and the good news is that their adapter cables and hardware are generally good. If you don't want to put in a used OEM radio, the Crutchfield option is the way to go IMO.

ZV

 

[Raduque]

That's a hell of a paragraph.

Car stereos are standardized into 3 sizes: DIN which is the normal sized stereo that looks roughly like it would fit in a 5.25" bay, DIN-and-a-half which is just what it sounds like, and double-DIN which uses a double-sized stereo which is what most of the built-in NAV systems and larger stereos are.

Does it look roughly like this? If so, that looks like a DIN-and-a-half which you can use a standard DIN stereo in with an adapter kit.

I'd recommend starting here to find a stereo you like (I would recommend something with an AUX input and get rid of that FM modulator), get this to make it fit and this to simplify wiring it up.

 

[zoiks]

www.car-part.com

 

[LTC8K6]

http://replacementradios.com/index.php?cPath=21_29_88

 

[EliteRetard]

Originally posted by: Raduque
Does it look roughly like this? If so, that looks like a DIN-and-a-half which you can use a standard DIN stereo in with an adapter kit.

Yep, looks kinda like that...also similar to the one on ebay, has the 5 bar equalizer but no CD (was a changer in the trunk) so the volume knob is different as are some of the other buttons. The reason Im considering another unit is because I cant find a duplicate replacement...anything close that I do find is either used or way to expensive (300$?!) I figured I could probably do as good or better for less if I looked at other units, but I wasnt sure what or if anything else would fit. And as someone else mentioned, I might find something with a line in so I dont need to deal with the FM transmitter. If I could find my exact radio for like 50$ used or 100$ new Id do it.

Sounds like I need a 1.5 DIN or some sorta adapter plate...anyone know what kinda local stores might carry stuff like this so I can kinda get a visual? The adapter plate on the crutchfield site says you have to do some cutting and theres wire splicing and stuff involved...I think Id like to talk to a physical person and see product before ordering in this case.

But it seems I should be able to look at any standard stereo then and they will be able to hook them up to my car? And If I can find a 1.5 DIN it should drop right in?

Thanks for all the help so far, looks like were getting somewhere.

 

[LTC8K6]

If you only get AM it could just be your antenna/plug. Maybe it came loose?

You could use a cassette adapter for a line-in instead of the FM transmitter.

 

[SoulAssassin]

Originally posted by: LTC8K6
If you only get AM it could just be your antenna/plug. Maybe it came loose?

This.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: EliteRetard

Originally posted by: Raduque
Does it look roughly like this? If so, that looks like a DIN-and-a-half which you can use a standard DIN stereo in with an adapter kit.

Yep, looks kinda like that...also similar to the one on ebay, has the 5 bar equalizer but no CD (was a changer in the trunk) so the volume knob is different as are some of the other buttons. The reason Im considering another unit is because I cant find a duplicate replacement...anything close that I do find is either used or way to expensive (300$?!) I figured I could probably do as good or better for less if I looked at other units, but I wasnt sure what or if anything else would fit. And as someone else mentioned, I might find something with a line in so I dont need to deal with the FM transmitter. If I could find my exact radio for like 50$ used or 100$ new Id do it.

Sounds like I need a 1.5 DIN or some sorta adapter plate...anyone know what kinda local stores might carry stuff like this so I can kinda get a visual? The adapter plate on the crutchfield site says you have to do some cutting and theres wire splicing and stuff involved...I think Id like to talk to a physical person and see product before ordering in this case.

But it seems I should be able to look at any standard stereo then and they will be able to hook them up to my car? And If I can find a 1.5 DIN it should drop right in?

Thanks for all the help so far, looks like were getting somewhere.

A 1.5 DIN may not drop right in. Sometimes manufacturers have specific mounting hardware which means you need to have the right adaptor kit even if the faceplate on the stereo is the same size as the old one.

The lower-priced option from Crutchfield is $199, which is not a terrible price, especially since it comes with the wiring harness adapters, which is a big plus. The wiring adapters mean you don't have to splice the car's existing wiring, but you'll always need to do some splicing as you will need to splice the Crutchfield adapter into the stereo's own plug (note that this is much simpler than splicing the stereo's own plug into the vehicle wiring which would otherwise be necessary).

The easiest would, of course, be to find an OEM stereo, but as it looks like your car has a rarer stereo option that may not be an easy task. You can always try the dealer, there may be a New Old Stock unit sitting on a shelf somewhere, but it will probably cost you pretty good.

ZV

 

[JDub02]

The OEM stereo in most Chrysler vehicles is a 1.5 DIN. Has been in all my Jeeps and Dodges. I used to put the 1.5 DIN Pioneer system in there, but they weren't keeping them updated. For the last one, I used a regular 1 DIN stereo with an adapter. Looks and works fine, although the 1.5 DIN units do look more "factory".

 

[LTC8K6]

The OEM ones from Replacement Radios will probably fit and plug right in to his LHS though and they are only $209.00.

He could have the Infinity system, which is why he can't find the exact same OEM radio.

 

[Raduque]

Originally posted by: EliteRetard

Originally posted by: Raduque
Does it look roughly like this? If so, that looks like a DIN-and-a-half which you can use a standard DIN stereo in with an adapter kit.

Yep, looks kinda like that...also similar to the one on ebay, has the 5 bar equalizer but no CD (was a changer in the trunk) so the volume knob is different as are some of the other buttons. The reason Im considering another unit is because I cant find a duplicate replacement...anything close that I do find is either used or way to expensive (300$?!) I figured I could probably do as good or better for less if I looked at other units, but I wasnt sure what or if anything else would fit. And as someone else mentioned, I might find something with a line in so I dont need to deal with the FM transmitter. If I could find my exact radio for like 50$ used or 100$ new Id do it.

Sounds like I need a 1.5 DIN or some sorta adapter plate...anyone know what kinda local stores might carry stuff like this so I can kinda get a visual? The adapter plate on the crutchfield site says you have to do some cutting and theres wire splicing and stuff involved...I think Id like to talk to a physical person and see product before ordering in this case.

But it seems I should be able to look at any standard stereo then and they will be able to hook them up to my car? And If I can find a 1.5 DIN it should drop right in?

Thanks for all the help so far, looks like were getting somewhere.

With the adapter, you'd only need to cut two tabs (plain old scissors will do it) and then bend/break the pieces out - they're scored to make it easy.

Wal-Mart would likely carry the adapter kit so you can see what it looks like. And, as ZV mentioned, the wire kit splices into the back of the new radio itself - all radios come with bare wires sticking out the back of them - and then you just plug the connector into the factory connector, so you don't have to cut into the car's wiring.

 

[EliteRetard]

Originally posted by: LTC8K6
If you only get AM it could just be your antenna/plug. Maybe it came loose?

You could use a cassette adapter for a line-in instead of the FM transmitter.

Really? How am I getting AM then? I actually dont have an antenna, but maybe it came unplugged from the unit? I guess Ill have to look at that.

As someone else mentioned, I do have the infinity sound system...and actually Im wondering how much power that uses. As in, will I need to worry about blowing the stereo? Ive got like 2 10" a couple like 5" and some little 1" deals too from I what I can see. Theres like 11 speakers.

As for the crutchfeild options, those are pretty much what I dont like...all screen and no buttons. Thats seriously the dumbest idea ever...not only is nobody going to look at the dang thing, even if they wanted to theyre driving and need to look at the road. And worse than that now you have to look at the radio to figure out what your doing. Plus its only got a 3 bar "equalizer"...boo!

Ill still keep them in mind though...I dont have a lot of options yet.
The other option at this point is the replacement radios site, but $200+ for a used radio thats not really the same...not the greatest option either. 90 day warrenty? Im not looking forward to having more issues crop up.

And for the adaptor plate, why make something that needs to be modified to use? Im still a little confused on that part, and how other units will fit/mount. Thats why Id like to see in person how it works. Seems weird, I really cant think of any place that sells car stuff...you got your big food stores office stores etc and a few misc. stores but none of them I recall having anything car related. I wonder how popular that would be, having a car shack oh hey...maybe radio shack? (That just poped into my head as I was typing lol)

Thanks again for all the help so far...

 

[Raduque]

The adaptor plates are sold, as I mentioned previously, at Wal-Mart. Head over to the automotive section, and they'll be right next to the big glass case full of stereos. The one I linked can adapt either an older-style shaft radio (the kind with the two huge knobs on either side that can be removed) or regular DIN stereos by cutting out the shaft mounts.

You want buttons? I'll give you buttons!

Personally, I like Alpine. This headunit looks easy to use. It has a simple "up and down" rocker for volume, 1-6 buttons for presets, next/prev for track selection on CDs, a button to switch between CD/Tuner and a button for switching between AM/FM. There's even a separate cable you can buy to add a dock connector for a iPod, if you have one.

Oh, and just because you don't have a big metal antenna sticking out of your car, doesn't mean you don't have one at all. It might be part of your front or rear windshield, or it might be hidden behind a body panel inside the car.



Edit: I don't really see how the two exact fits for your car are such a problem. They have more buttons on them(since you like buttons) than my expensive high-end Alpine does, they have a very simple rotary knob (it;s the big green and silver thing on the left) for volume, and a simple rocker switch for adjusting the EQ. You don't even need to screw around with the advanced features of the HU, you're going to be using your MP3 player to change songs.


Edit2: The Infinity system likely uses a separate amp for the speakers - it's not going to draw power from the stereo, so you don't have to worry about blowing it up or anything.

 

[LTC8K6]

http://199.236.123.239/Automotive/auto_main.asp

Maybe get it repaired?

 

[EliteRetard]

Originally posted by: Raduque
The adaptor plates are sold, as I mentioned previously, at Wal-Mart. Head over to the automotive section, and they'll be right next to the big glass case full of stereos. The one I linked can adapt either an older-style shaft radio (the kind with the two huge knobs on either side that can be removed) or regular DIN stereos by cutting out the shaft mounts.

You want buttons? I'll give you buttons!

Personally, I like Alpine. This headunit looks easy to use. It has a simple "up and down" rocker for volume, 1-6 buttons for presets, next/prev for track selection on CDs, a button to switch between CD/Tuner and a button for switching between AM/FM. There's even a separate cable you can buy to add a dock connector for a iPod, if you have one.

Oh, and just because you don't have a big metal antenna sticking out of your car, doesn't mean you don't have one at all. It might be part of your front or rear windshield, or it might be hidden behind a body panel inside the car.



Edit: I don't really see how the two exact fits for your car are such a problem. They have more buttons on them(since you like buttons) than my expensive high-end Alpine does, they have a very simple rotary knob (it;s the big green and silver thing on the left) for volume, and a simple rocker switch for adjusting the EQ. You don't even need to screw around with the advanced features of the HU, you're going to be using your MP3 player to change songs.


Edit2: The Infinity system likely uses a separate amp for the speakers - it's not going to draw power from the stereo, so you don't have to worry about blowing it up or anything.

Coolness...pretty much just need to shop around now. Probably gonna take me a while cause I like to compare and stuff, if I do ever decide on a unit Ill probably post back here and see what all you people think.

Thanks everybody

Hey, one last question...whats an HD radio? Anything I should be interested in? I do like my MP3s, but I still listen to the radio as well (actually I used all 10 of my presets...from classical and jazz to techno and rock) If its just enhanced FM or something...meh, I had plenty fine reception already. I guess I should post a link to something I was looking at (more out of curiosity) Click Me! It does have allot of buttons (could be to many)...what says all you?

 

[Throckmorton]

HD radio gives you more stations. Like a public radio station can broadcast several streams at once, so instead of having to listen to the damn classical music they tend to play, you can listen to news.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: EliteRetard

Originally posted by: Raduque
The adaptor plates are sold, as I mentioned previously, at Wal-Mart. Head over to the automotive section, and they'll be right next to the big glass case full of stereos. The one I linked can adapt either an older-style shaft radio (the kind with the two huge knobs on either side that can be removed) or regular DIN stereos by cutting out the shaft mounts.

You want buttons? I'll give you buttons!

Personally, I like Alpine. This headunit looks easy to use. It has a simple "up and down" rocker for volume, 1-6 buttons for presets, next/prev for track selection on CDs, a button to switch between CD/Tuner and a button for switching between AM/FM. There's even a separate cable you can buy to add a dock connector for a iPod, if you have one.

Oh, and just because you don't have a big metal antenna sticking out of your car, doesn't mean you don't have one at all. It might be part of your front or rear windshield, or it might be hidden behind a body panel inside the car.



Edit: I don't really see how the two exact fits for your car are such a problem. They have more buttons on them(since you like buttons) than my expensive high-end Alpine does, they have a very simple rotary knob (it;s the big green and silver thing on the left) for volume, and a simple rocker switch for adjusting the EQ. You don't even need to screw around with the advanced features of the HU, you're going to be using your MP3 player to change songs.


Edit2: The Infinity system likely uses a separate amp for the speakers - it's not going to draw power from the stereo, so you don't have to worry about blowing it up or anything.

Coolness...pretty much just need to shop around now. Probably gonna take me a while cause I like to compare and stuff, if I do ever decide on a unit Ill probably post back here and see what all you people think.

Thanks everybody

Hey, one last question...whats an HD radio? Anything I should be interested in? I do like my MP3s, but I still listen to the radio as well (actually I used all 10 of my presets...from classical and jazz to techno and rock) If its just enhanced FM or something...meh, I had plenty fine reception already. I guess I should post a link to something I was looking at (more out of curiosity) Click Me! It does have allot of buttons (could be to many)...what says all you?

HD Radio is over-the-air digital. Some stations are now transmitting in digital in addition to analog FM.

ZV

 

[EliteRetard]

Anything special I need for HD radio (antenna)? Or will it just plug in and work? More stations wouldnt be a bad thing...and if I can get it for not allot then what the hey. Im kinda looking at that flip unit in the last post...some odd reason it caught my eye.

 

[Raduque]

HD radio should come in over the same antenna, just like digital TV broadcast comes in over the same antenna. As far as I know, anyway. Wikipedia doesn't mention anything about requiring a new antenna.

If you go with a flip unit like that, I'd find one from a better brand: Pioneer, Kenwood, anybody but Dual. They're a pretty bottom end manufacturer and I'd trust it about as far as I could throw my car.

 

[EliteRetard]

Originally posted by: Raduque
HD radio should come in over the same antenna, just like digital TV broadcast comes in over the same antenna. As far as I know, anyway. Wikipedia doesn't mention anything about requiring a new antenna.

If you go with a flip unit like that, I'd find one from a better brand: Pioneer, Kenwood, anybody but Dual. They're a pretty bottom end manufacturer and I'd trust it about as far as I could throw my car.

So how far can you throw your car?
Thanks for the heads up, thats kinda what I was wondering...I wasnt sure what the brand even was lol. I do kinda like the flip design, gives me the large easy to use buttons up front...since I cant find em in the 1.5 size. Ill look around some more, I got lots of time (I still have an MP3 player I can just plug into my ears)

 

[Raduque]

Well, I'm NOT the Incredible Hulk and I drive an F150 so....

Headphones while driving? That's 100% safe. Not a hazard at all.