mp3/cd player dilemma

[GVegas]

Here's the situation:

I recently went from a 1995 Grand Am to a 2004 Grand AM SE1

Well the 2004 only has the factory cd/stereo (not monsoon) system in it. The 1995 has my old Kenwood CD/MP3 player in it.

I'm not sure if I could try selling the 1995 with the mp3 player in it, and just get a new/nicer player for the 2004, or if I should just take it out of the 1995 and put it in my new car.

I'm more leaning toward just getting a newer player and leaving the old one in the 1995.

Any suggestions? or any recommendations on a new mp3 player? I'd like it to be satellite ready, play mp3s/wma and maybe even AAC. Or I notice some have USB slots on the faceplates to play from an Ipod device or another USB device (not sure about this).

As for installation, I'd only need the GMK420 kit, correct? ANd so I wouldn't get any chimes/alerts from the car anymore? I'm a little confused on installation...

Thanks and sorry for the long post.

[GVegas]

I've got it narrowed down to these 2:

Sony CDX-GT400
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QhmXuR7G4Ih/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&id=essential_info&i=158GT400#Tab

Kenwood KDC-MP4032
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-QhmXuR7G4Ih/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?i=113MP4032&s=0&cc=01

According to Crutchfield, the Kenwood fits with no modifcation needed. Of course it says I should get the adapter so I can still have the chimes for my car.

Anyways, I like the color change display for the SONY, but Crutchfield says that my car will have to be modified to get the receiver to fit. Anyone have any clue as to what all specifically would be involved for it to fit?

[tubpub11]

nope you will still need an adapter to install the kenwood into the car. I've always liked kenwood over Sony. but it depends if you want inputs on it or not. Sony does but kenwood doesn't. other then that i like the kenwood

[red98grandamse]

of those two, personally I like the kenwood better.. But Ive always been partial to pioneer. Ive got the pioneer deh-6700mp, which is very close to what you are looking for. I dont know if you looked at it or not, but Id suggest it as another option if you havent come across it yet:)

[DFizzle]

I'm with the group about going with the Kenwood out of those two. My very first deck was a Sony, and I'll never own another one. I've been strickly Pioneer since then and just put in the 5800mp (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-d0QWWJFSFHt/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=pioneer+5800mp&i=130DEHP580), to replace my 6400 and give me sub pre-outs. But red98grandamse is right, the 6700 (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-d0QWWJFSFHt/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?I=130dehp670&search=pioneer+6700mp) would probably suit your needs well. You also may want to look at the alpine 9845 (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-d0QWWJFSFHt/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&I=500CDE9845), it's not satelite ready, but it's a solid deck otherwise. As far as inputs for an MP3 player, they're all going to be different but you can get cables that run from your changer port for the Alpines and Pioneers, not sure about the others.

[nineteen88ga]

The GMK420 kit will work for the mounting but you will still need a harness as well as an antenna adaptor.

[birdhouse]

And please stay away from Sony anything car audio... It all sucks... Go with an Alpine or Pioneer deck... Make sure it has 3 pre-outs if you're looking to put a system in ever...

[GVegas]

Thanks for the suggestion of getting the pioneer. I like the looks of it, may even get it. Any advice then on where to buy it? and the kits i'll need? Also, where is the ATT button on it? I use that button like crazy on my old cd/mp3 player. Thanks.

[airbornflght]

dont buy it from crutchfield, i use them as a reference only, other than that, they raped you on the prices imho.

You need to search around, you might find one on ebay.

yeh, i love the att button on my kdc-x889, I use it so much, i dont know how i lived without one (or without the nice deck) for so long while i was dealing with my pos stock deck that the cd played died on.

[DFizzle]

I'm sure somebody on here can point you in the direction of the kits you'll need, but in terms of where to buy the deck, I actually got my 5800 from Cardomain (http://www.cardomain.com/shop/receivers) because they had the best combo of price and reliable service. Crutchfield, as has already been said, is a great place to get info and do research but they're often twice the price of other retailers. I always check out ebay to see if I can find a fairly reliable seller, if not, I'd do a search on Pricegrabber.com (http://www.pricegrabber.com/) or Yahoo Shopping (http://shopping.yahoo.com/). Just make sure you research the place you're buying it from and read other people's reviews of their service.

[DFizzle]

From this thread:
Grand Am Wire Harness, Dash kit list for ALL years (http://www.gaownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12621)

2001-2005
Dash Kit: GMK420 (American International Kit #)
99-2003 (Metra)
Harness: GMRC-01 (chime module)
Antenna Adaptor: 40GM10
4x6 to 5 1/4 or 6 1/2 Speaker Adaptor Plates: 82-3300

And in case you weren't aware of it, that chime module is not cheap and you'll get differing opinions about it's value. You can use a different harness but you'll loose your warning tones and your switched 12v power (I'm not an expert on all of that, this is just what I was told) I personally used a different brand chime module but it was so loud I had to wrap some electrical tape around the speaker to mute it down to barely audible.

[ccw7]

I just upgraded my stereo in my 04 SE also. I got an Alpine cda-9856

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-TnKQMvUIJ8I/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&id=essential_info&i=500CDA9856#Tab

seems to fit your needs, but its a little more expensive than the ones you listed, except this alpine allows you to control your ipod through your head unit.

as for the wire harness, i went the cheap route and bought the metra 70-2003 for $18. you lose chimes/10 min play, and you have to run a 12V switch wire.

for the dash kit, I have the gmk420.

i got my antenna adaptor for free from crutchfield, but those are only liek 10 bucks.

[GVegas]

Yeah, still torn on what one I want. The Alpine looks pretty sweet too. I could keep the chimes if I get that Metra VT-GMRC-01 adaptor, correct? Crutchfield says it'll give me it for $40, plus I think I can get 20 bucks off if someone who's already a crutchfield member gives me their reference #. it'll give my purchase 20 dollars off and gives the person who refers me 20 bucks off their next purchase. And as far as crutchfield being more expensive, the kenwood I really haven't found cheaper anywhere else.

[ccw7]

yes you can keep the chimes and the 10 min play when you turn your car off if you get the gmrc01. i didnt find it necessary to keep any of those.

i dont really like the faceplate on that kenwood, but thats just me. theres so much little writing on it and the display looks kinda weird with all the little dots and extra stuff on the right side. the alpine looks a lot cleaner and sleeker, which is what i like.

the only thing i really like about that kenwood is the shiny black outside frame haha. im sure either would work perfect for you though.

[GVegas]

I added the alpine to the cart on crutchfield just to see what all it says. and it did say:
What you need to know:

* Unbolt or cut out the factory stereo's rear support bracket to make room for your new receiver.

Did you have to do this or any other modifications to get it installed? I've never installed a cd player in a car before and don't want to screw anything up. Do you have instructions on how you removed the factory cd player? Sorry, i'm just never done it before.

[ccw7]

i dont think i had to unbolt or cut anything, all i did was take out the cd player and unplug everything. i didnt make any mods, everything was straightforward.

its cool, it was my first time too, my friend helped me do it. its really easy, first unplug your battery, then take a flathead screwdriver and gently pry off the front dash piece that surrounds the stock deck. once its lose, pull off all the sides and make sure hte prongs are release... the ignition plastic piece should pop out so dont put your face in front of it.

once its off, put the key in the ign. and put it to the on position to move your shifter back and put the parking brake on. disconnect the cig lighter plug and the blinker plug. now you can set the dash piece aside.

then unbolt the 3 screws from the stock HU and then pull out the HU and unplugg the factory harness, the thick black chord and any other wiring.

from there, you plug in the new harness, antenna adaptor, the black chord, and your RCA cables if you have an amp for a sub. then to the previous steps in reverse order.

i think thats everything.

[GVegas]

thanks. i definitely appreciate the help. i'll post and let ya know which one I end up going with and how the installation goes. probably order one this coming week sometime.

[ccw7]

np

also, i didnt mention this, with your new harness and the stock harness (i think), you need to connect the colored wires. so you might want some wire connectors (those tubes you put each wire in) so you can crimp them.

i think this is the only thing that took some time... my friend did that part for me, so i cant help you with that... im sure someone else can though.

[GVegas]

I was reading the reviews on the Alpine cda-9856 and was wondering if you have any of the same issues:

display hard to read during the day?
poor radio reception?
skips when playing audio on mp3 cd's?

I'll mainly be using it for mp3 burned CDs. So I'm concerned mainly about skipping on bumpy roads. I only own the Ipod shuffle right now, but may get a regular ipod sometime in the future so being able to directly connect to the alpine is a nice feature.

[birdhouse]

You can't actually "directly" connect it to the HU right away... You're going to need the expensive I-Pod adapter, too... I think it's $70 IIRC. But, I have the CDA-7894 and when angeled a certain way, yes I can't see it during the day. But, that's when it's angeled like all the way up. I have no problem with it in it's original position, or angeled once, like I like it. I have AMAZING radio reception compared to the stock HU... The person or people complaining about bad radio reception probably didn't get the antennae adapter for the HU and are bitching because they are DUMB!

Now, skipping right away?? No way. I've had my 7894 going on 4 years now and the only time it skips is if I hit a nasty ass pothole or some crazy rumble strips. I LIVE on a dirt road and believe me, this time of year it SUCKS! But, my Alpine plays on after ever rut I hit.

I'm pretty much going to be stuck with Alpine for life, and that's not a bad thing. They make amazing HU's that have power, features, nice pre-outs, and just all around great technology.

Oh, and about the crimping of wires or whatever... Another good thing about getting the Metra adapter with the chimes is it's direct plug and play... There's no splicing, no sodering, no taping... I know it's more expensive, but it's going to save you a lot of time and frustration of maybe screwing something BIG up (the wiring harness is BIG).

[ccw7]

Originally posted by GVegas
I was reading the reviews on the Alpine cda-9856 and was wondering if you have any of the same issues:

display hard to read during the day?
poor radio reception?
skips when playing audio on mp3 cd's?

I'll mainly be using it for mp3 burned CDs. So I'm concerned mainly about skipping on bumpy roads. I only own the Ipod shuffle right now, but may get a regular ipod sometime in the future so being able to directly connect to the alpine is a nice feature.

i think the display looks fine. i havent had any problems reading it in the day.

cant say anything about the radio reception, because i dont listen to the radio.

all i use is mp3 cds and its only "skipped" once on one song, at the same spot. so i think its just my cd. other than that everything is fine.

[GVegas]

thanks for clearing it up.
I think I am going to get the 9856 this week.
One last thing though, the GMK420, I'll have to purchase that seperately, right? I dont think crutchfield gives it free nor even has it...

[crash6x86]

what about this one???

http://www.cardomain.com/item/CLADXZ665MP

i like clarion. i have the dxz845mp, and the 4x6's and 6x9's...
ive had mine since the end of 2004 and i had no problems with it....

[GVegas]

Forgot to ask too, if someone who's bought from crutchfield before would let me know their referral code, it'll get me $20 bucks off and give them $20 off their next purchase.

[ccw7]

i got one hang on

edit: actually i dont know where it went..sorry
edit 2:found it: psz3c-1zvrt-a1020

and for the gmk420, yea crutchfield does not have it, they sent me some POS for free. i got mine from best buy for 20 bucks.

[GVegas]

Thanks. You got any pictures of it in your dash? I just went to Best Buy and checked out the 9856. My last player was a Kenwood KDC-MPV7019 http://www.cardomain.com/item/KENKDCMPV7019
But i'm leaving it in my '95 GA to help sell it.

[ccw7]

i dont have any pics at the moment, but i will soon.

[ccw7]

here you go.

note: the left side is not pushed in all the way because i didnt use the spacer that the dash kit came with (the RCA cables in the back are preventing it from moving farther). gotta put that spacer in soon.

http://home.comcast.net/~sportzfan88/DSC00013.JPG

[GVegas]

i'm probably going to go with the alpine, but i got one other question about this JVC KD-G720 I've seen. It has a USB port on the front so you can also play mp3s from a usb drive.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-iyrwo4W2oyR/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&id=morephotos&pi=2&i=257KDG720&display=XL#Tab

edit:

or the G820:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-iyrwo4W2oyR/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=300&id=detailed_info&i=257KDG820#Tab

the usb support would be quite nice, but I wouldn't want to sacrifice quality of sound or physical quality just to get it...
I don't have an ipod, except for the shuffle so getting alpine for ipod connect is not a big deal to me.
what to do, what to do....

[DFizzle]

While the USB feature is cool (I hadn't actually ever seen that), you shouldn't really look at as a selling point since you'd be able to hook up an MP3 player to any of the decks you're looking at. True, you might need an adapter cable of some sort to do it with the other decks, but it can be done and without any noticable sound quality loss as long as it's done right. And in my opinion, you're MUCH better off staying away from JVC anyway. I think you're on the right track with the Alpine, if you go with the 9856 and want to hook up a standard iPod, you just need the Alpine Cable:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GC3FK60v3E8/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=Alpine+KCE%2D422i&i=500KCE422I.
The only advantage to the USB port would be the ability to plug an iPod Shuffle or jump drive directly into it, but then you'd have your shuffle or drive hanging off your deck, and like I said, you'd also still have a JVC deck. It's a cool feature and all, but in terms of quality in car audio equipment, I think you'll find that Alpine is leaps and bounds above JVC. It's your call though.

[GVegas]

I think you're right; I'm a little timid about getting a jvc player;

As far as the USB thing goes, alpine's actually got an adapter coming out for their HU's.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-WiFU9KmEd2f/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=234650&I=500KCA620M

"Travel in style with your portable player and the KCA-620M USB adapter from Alpine. This adapter connects from the changer port on your Alpine stereo to the USB connection on your portable, allowing you to manage your portable's playback with the controls on your compatible Alpine stereo. "Quick Search" allows you to zip through your songs to find the music you want, and you'll even be able to play back tunes from a USB thumb drive. Warranty: 1 year."

So i'll probably get the 9856, and after this adapter comes out i'll check out the reviews and see if it's really worth another $150.

http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/products/product.php?model=KCA-620M

[GVegas]

Here's more info I just found:


ALPINE ELECTRONICS PROVIDES CONNECTIVITY SOLUTION
FOR IN-VEHICLE USE OF USB DIGITAL AUDIO PLAYERS
New Adapter Enables Playback of Subscription and Download Content from
PlaysForSure Music Services - Gives Consumers New Options for In-Vehicle Digital Music


TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 5, 2006 – As the desire for use of digital music at home, in the car, and everywhere in between continues to grow, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. remains at the forefront of making it possible on the road. The manufacturer of high-performance mobile electronics today unveiled its new KCA-620M adapter, which allows many USB-based digital audio portable music players to be seamlessly connected and controlled from its Ai-NET head units. The adapter can handle subscription and download music purchased from PlaysForSure online stores or ripped from consumer’s personal CD collections.

“We are working with Microsoft Corp. to give consumers more connection flexibility and better options for bringing their digital audio players into the car,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, Marketing, Alpine Electronics. “With the KCA-620M, Alpine is expanding the connectivity solution for the growing digital ecosystem.”

The KCA-620M is a hide-away box that utilizes a standard USB connector to connect to any digital audio player or mass-storage devices such as thumb drives and portable hard drives that use USB. This unit enables playback of subscription and download music purchased from the growing variety of PlaysForSure music services online.

The KCA-620M provides basic playback of MP3 and WMA files through the Alpine head unit, displays song tag information on the head unit’s screen, and charges the portable device while the user drives and listens. An advanced Quick Search function – which allows for search by playlist, artist, album or genre – is accessible when the music is purchased from a PlaysForSure online store and played on a supported digital audio player.

- more -

Alpine Provides Connectivity Solution for USB Players/Page 2

”We are continually looking for ways to extend the reach and benefit of the PlaysForSure program,” said Kevin Unangst, director of Windows Digital Media at Microsoft. “With Alpine, music fans get to take their PlaysForSure content on the road, giving consumers the freedom and mobility they desire.”

The KCA-620M is compatible with all of Alpine’s 2004 and newer Ai-NET CD/DVD head units, AV head units and the new Vehicle Hub Pro OEM factory integration system.

Pricing and availability
The KCA-620M and compatible 2006 head units are available at authorized Alpine Electronics dealers.
KCA-620M USB MP3 interface adapter ($160 SRI, available April)
DVA-9965 DVD/CD/MP3/WMA tuner ($1,600 SRI, available Now)
DVA-9861 DVD/CD/MP3/WMA receiver ($ 650, available April)
CDA-9857 CD/MP3/WMA receiver ($400 SRI, available March)
CDA-9856 CD/MP3/WMA receiver ($230 SRI, available January)
IVA-W200 2-DIN DVD/CD/MP3/WMA AV head unit ($1,100 SRI, available April)
IVA-D100 1-DIN DVD/CD/MP3/WMA AV head unit ($1,200 SRI, available Spring)
VPA-B222 Vehicle Hub Pro factory integration system ($500 SRI, available April)

About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics system supplier and an ISO certified global corporation. Alpine specializes in engineering and manufacturing products for mobile media systems that include audio, video, satellite-linked navigation and connectivity solutions. With research and development facilities in Asia, Europe and the U.S., Alpine is the automotive specialist for premium sound systems and vehicle navigation for both aftermarket and OEM factory installations. Alpine Electronics is a consolidated subsidiary of Alps Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world’s premier manufacturers of electronic components for computer, communications and car electronics equipment. Visit www.alpine-usa.com to learn more about Alpine products or to find an authorized retailer.

[GVegas]

I eneded up ordering the CDA-9856. Should get here today.
ccw7, I ordered from crutchfiled so you should get $20 bucks off your next purchase. thank you. Went ahead and got the adapter to keep the chime and such since it was only $20 after the discount. Install looks simple enough.

[ccw7]

no problem, good luck with the install!

[GVegas]

birdhouse wrote:

nother good thing about getting the Metra adapter with the chimes is it's direct plug and play... There's no splicing, no sodering, no taping... I know it's more expensive, but it's going to save you a lot of time and frustration of maybe screwing something BIG up (the wiring harness is BIG).


EDIT: Okay I'm clear on how to install except for one question. where should i try to mount the metra adapter in my 2004 GA? any ideas? And I think i"ll have to cut the board to get low volume, but we'll see just how loud it is.

[birdhouse]

Behind your CD Player...

[GVegas]

Oops meant to ask what to mount it to, not where.

[birdhouse]

No need to really mount it... Nothing's going to hurt it back there, so you can just kind of shove it back until everything fits right.

[DFizzle]

Originally posted by GVegas
birdhouse wrote:

nother good thing about getting the Metra adapter with the chimes is it's direct plug and play... There's no splicing, no sodering, no taping... I know it's more expensive, but it's going to save you a lot of time and frustration of maybe screwing something BIG up (the wiring harness is BIG).


EDIT: Okay I'm clear on how to install except for one question. where should i try to mount the metra adapter in my 2004 GA? any ideas? And I think i"ll have to cut the board to get low volume, but we'll see just how loud it is.

My chime module isn't Metra but yeah, it just hangs down behind my deck on the passenger side. There's actually plent of space there. As far as the sound, mine has just a small hole in the back for the speaker so two loops of electrical tape muted it down to almost nothing, so it's just lound enough if I leave my lights on or something. Here's a pic (http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a245/juggleboy720/Car/?action=view&current=IMG_0568.jpg) before I put it in.

[GVegas]

Thanks for the info, I actually went ahead and got it installed last night. Took two hours, but that's because I was slow to crimping the wires together. Otherwise it was pretty straight forward and easy. I just kind of shoved the adapter back in the dash behind the HU. Had to cut that point on the metra adapter board though to get the lower volume, and it's still fairly loud; if it starts to annoy me i'll probably wrap some tape around the speaker to lower the volume more.
Quite happy with how it went though; feels much better to do it myself than pay some hack at circuit city. i'll post a pic later on of.

[GVegas]

thanks for the pics, dfizzle. so the ipod cable only comes in blue?

[DFizzle]

No, that blue cable is my rca to mini-plug cable, it was just the best quality cable I had laying around. The one that's hooked to the back of my deck looks like this (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-OSKGWY4htvT/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=227550&I=469PIOPRCA). Then that blue cable is a beefed up version of this (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-OSKGWY4htvT/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?i=043183190) that hooks to my iPod (or in my case, my Belkin Auto Kit (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=193794)).

With the 9856, you can cut out the middle man, so to speak, and just go with this (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-OSKGWY4htvT/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?i=500KCE422I). Since it plugs directly from your deck into the dock of the iPod, it'll give you better sound quality. But you can do the exact same thing I did if you wanted to use a different MP3 player by hooking up this (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-OSKGWY4htvT/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=227550&I=469ALPAIRC) and then this (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-OSKGWY4htvT/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?i=043183190) but I'd go with the first option if you're definately going to hook up an iPod. Alpine is the first company to really offer a dedicated iPod cable for their decks at a decent price. The only real disadvantage I can see to using the Alpine cable, is that it may lock your iPod when it's connected, so you are forced to get used to using your deck controls instead of the clickwheel on the iPod itself.

[GVegas]

pic of my installed alpine 9856

http://www.onesummer.net/alpineimg.jpg

again thanks for all the pre-installation help.

[birdhouse]

Beautiful!:bigok: Now you can start working on some subs, or changing out those fronts with some components!

[DFizzle]

Install looks good! Corey's right, now you can start looking into speaker upgrades to take advantage of all the new features.