cd player install [Archive] - SaturnFans Forums

ruley73

07-18-2009, 02:54 PM

plug n play....same unit just plus the 6 disc changer+MP3 capabilities...

It sounds like he has actually has the base CD player which is totally different, and is going to upgrade to the single disc MP3/CD unit.

Regardless, it is pretty much plug & play as far as fit and wiring. BUT....

Make sure the radio is from a Vue and not an Ion and if possible ensure that the Vue didn't have the Advanced Audio option. Otherwise you may need to pay the dealer a visit to have them switch some settings on the radio with a GM Tech-II or it won't sound right. There are 3 EQ calibrations for that radio: Ion Coupe, Ion Sedan, and Vue. There is also a setting for it to output a high-level/speaker signal for the speakers or a low-level/preamp signal for the Advanced Audio amplifier. Again, both of those settings can only be changed with a GM Tech-II at a dealership.

FWIW... My car came with the same radio as your Vue and I installed the same radio you are looking at. You will not be disappointed. It is a CHEAP worthwhile swap for sure. It's a bit tougher for an S-Series since the harness plug is slightly different. However, making it work in an S-Series doesn't require any cutting of wires or additional harnesses. Just relocate the pins and shave two alignment pegs off harness plug and that's it. This radio doesn't require the VIN to be programmed into it like virtually all of the other newer GM radios.

That should answer most of your questions. I don't own a Vue or Ion so I usually don't check those forums much. I know quite a bit about the Saturn radios though so feel free to PM me any questions you have.

linx3566

07-19-2009, 01:39 AM

Thank you all for the reply...I will now go ahead and buy the CD player/MP3 on ebay and install. Hopefully all go as planned. At least I can buy with some confidence. Thanks once again. You all have been a great help.

newbievueowner

07-19-2009, 09:57 AM

I did the MP3 upgrade to my 05, it was a plug 'n play install. Like it much better. Only wish I could have found the 6 disk MP3 unit for a decent price. I paid $40 US for my CD. Other than that, I'm totally happy.

linx3566

07-19-2009, 10:19 AM

did u remove the old unit and install the new yourself? or did u get an installer/dealer? If u did it yourself could advise on some guidelines on removal of the trim. thanks

chillin05VUE

07-19-2009, 10:31 AM

did u remove the old unit and install the new yourself? or did u get an installer/dealer? If u did it yourself could advise on some guidelines on removal of the trim. thanks

You have to lift up the trim around the shifter. Carefully unplug the harnesses to the power windows. Next, remove the 4 screws that hold the heater switch (if you have them) console. Next, gently pry up the trim piece around the radio from the bottom. As you get to the top, pull a bit harder but becareful. There are wires connected to bezel. Unplug those, and then remove the 4 screws that hold the radio in place. From there, pull the radio and disconnect the plug from there.

I recommend using a Dash Trim Removal Tool (DTRT). It'll help out and not damage anything.

linx3566

07-19-2009, 10:46 AM

I have no heater switches...so are we talking about two trims, one around the shifter and then the other around the player?

newbievueowner

07-19-2009, 11:51 AM

As chillin said, pry up the bezel & disconnect the wire connectors. Remove 4 screws (or 6, can't remember 100%) total. Then that whole beast of a center piece can then come out I believe. You have to pull it directly towards the rear seats. You shouldn't have to pry anyhting too hard. If you do then you likely still have a fastener somewhere. Just be careful and take your time (especially the first time) and you won't break anything. It's not too terrilbly difficult.

chillin05VUE

07-19-2009, 01:21 PM

I have no heater switches...so are we talking about two trims, one around the shifter and then the other around the player?

If you don't have heated seats, then it should be just a pocket or panel in front of the shifter

linx3566

07-19-2009, 03:40 PM

bestharry

07-19-2009, 10:06 PM

I just did a aftermarket MP3 CD player installion on mine and found it very simple and straight forward. The chances of breaking something are very little if you take your time and try to unerstand how every connector comes apart.

XRL

07-20-2009, 09:24 PM

Thanks guys for all your inputs but I found someone on craigslist in my area that does it professional and for $50.00 so I am going to go with that. I never did it so best experience prevail. I would hate to break a clip or something. Thanks again for all the advice...this site is just awesome.

For $50 you can have best buy do it and have a warranty and insurance so if something does break they don't tell you "tough luck". Much better than some guy on craigslist.

chillin05VUE

07-20-2009, 11:03 PM

Thanks guys for all your inputs but I found someone on craigslist in my area that does it professional and for $50.00 so I am going to go with that. I never did it so best experience prevail. I would hate to break a clip or something. Thanks again for all the advice...this site is just awesome.

Have you ever thought about www.crutchfield.com? They now sell in Canada

Got most of my radios through them, Lifetime customer support

linx3566

07-20-2009, 11:35 PM

For $50 you can have best buy do it and have a warranty and insurance so if something does break they don't tell you "tough luck". Much better than some guy on craigslist.

I did not think of that...i have not committed to this guy so i will checkout Best Buy and see. Thanks.

chillin05VUE

07-20-2009, 11:53 PM

For $50 you can have best buy do it and have a warranty and insurance so if something does break they don't tell you "tough luck". Much better than some guy on craigslist.

Thought that Best Buy wouldn't warranty it if they didn't sell it. I was going to have them install a remote start that I bought. They told me that they can install it but not guarantee it since I didn't get it from them

ruley73

07-21-2009, 06:11 AM

Thought that Best Buy wouldn't warranty it if they didn't sell it. I was going to have them install a remote start that I bought. They told me that they can install it but not guarantee it since I didn't get it from them

Sorry....but I don't trust the Best Buy install bay as far as I can spit. I bet the dealership would charge $50 or less. It shouldn't take more than a half hour.

linx3566

07-21-2009, 10:30 AM

I am going to the dealer today for brakes squeaking, I will inquire on if they will do the install and get a price.

ruley73

07-21-2009, 06:28 PM

I am going to the dealer today for brakes squeaking, I will inquire on if they will do the install and get a price.

For the hell of it I might also ask how much it would be to "calibrate" it if necessary. That shouldn't take long either.

I'm betting they'll tell you "WTH are you talking about?" when you ask them. When that happens, point them to TSB #03-03-44-014 (as shown below) . This TSB only mentions 2004 Vue/Ion, but can be applied to 2005 Vue/Ion since they use the exact same radio. The radio you are installing was part of the US8 option code.

15564

Although TSBs are certainly helpful when obtaining obscure, often overlooked information, they are not always 100% correct. There is another TSB that states "CD-RW discs are not readable in any GM CD Player and should not be used." Well, I have been playing CD R/Ws (burned at 32X speed) with no problem in my radio almost every day since it was installed.

linx3566

07-21-2009, 10:27 PM

XRL

07-21-2009, 10:34 PM

Thought that Best Buy wouldn't warranty it if they didn't sell it. I was going to have them install a remote start that I bought. They told me that they can install it but not guarantee it since I didn't get it from them

Alarms and audio stuff are different. We warranty the installation of product for as long as the vehicle is owned. That doesn't cover blown speakers, decks not taking CDs, etc. For all that you have the manufacturer warranty (or an optional service plan). But if its something as pertained to the installation (ie the wires come loose, etc.) then we warranty it for as long as you own the car.

Alarms are a whole different ballgame, as Directed (*THE* major alarm company) requires their authorized retailers to sell installation and a warranty on the installation with the product. And that warranty is a lifetime warranty. So if you buy a keyless entry, and then 4 years later the brain stops working, the warranty still comes into play (though in some cases there's a bunch of hoops that must be jumped through).

If you bring an alarm/remote start purchased from elsewhere to be installed, most of the time we won't install them because it's likely cheap crap. But assuming it's decent, if we were to install it we couldn't really warranty anything outside of the connections as we wouldn't have the ability to swap out parts if things were broken. And typically if any portion of an alarm goes bad, its the wiring (because it was done by a crappy installer), or the main brain unit (which requires a unit swap)

I'll admit, I've seen some crappy installs done by Best Buy installers. I've seen some crappy installs done by CC guys. But the worst I've seen consistently have been from little mom & pop shops. They have been consistently bad installs, whereas most BB stores have at least 1 decent installer, if not there's usually one relatively nearby. Again, I can't speak for the whole country, but that's how it is around here.

chillin05VUE

07-21-2009, 11:09 PM

Alarms and audio stuff are different. We warranty the installation of product for as long as the vehicle is owned. That doesn't cover blown speakers, decks not taking CDs, etc. For all that you have the manufacturer warranty (or an optional service plan). But if its something as pertained to the installation (ie the wires come loose, etc.) then we warranty it for as long as you own the car.

Alarms are a whole different ballgame, as Directed (*THE* major alarm company) requires their authorized retailers to sell installation and a warranty on the installation with the product. And that warranty is a lifetime warranty. So if you buy a keyless entry, and then 4 years later the brain stops working, the warranty still comes into play (though in some cases there's a bunch of hoops that must be jumped through).

If you bring an alarm/remote start purchased from elsewhere to be installed, most of the time we won't install them because it's likely cheap crap. But assuming it's decent, if we were to install it we couldn't really warranty anything outside of the connections as we wouldn't have the ability to swap out parts if things were broken. And typically if any portion of an alarm goes bad, its the wiring (because it was done by a crappy installer), or the main brain unit (which requires a unit swap).

I brought in a remote start that turned into the biggest POS ever. The alarm would go off randomly (mostly at 3 am). It got to the point that it wouldn't even remote start. I thought it was my bypass (GM car) but when I left the key in the ignition, it still wouldn't start. After a year, I ripped it out the car and tossed it in the garbage. So,I could understand Best Buy not wanting to install the unit with a guarantee

I'll admit, I've seen some crappy installs done by Best Buy installers. I've seen some crappy installs done by CC guys. But the worst I've seen consistently have been from little mom & pop shops. They have been consistently bad installs, whereas most BB stores have at least 1 decent installer, if not there's usually one relatively nearby. Again, I can't speak for the whole country, but that's how it is around here.

When I was installing Lo-Jacks, I had to pull an aftermarket deck that was installed by a now-extinct retail giant here in the Northwest. It looked like spaghetti behind the deck. I looked at it and put it back in without touching any of the wires. When I asked the customer who installed the deck and she told me, I knew I would never go there for anything. They cut the factory wire harness off and jerry-rigged the radios in its place. Didn't even trim the wires to fit and make it look neet. Any guess as to why they're no longer in business?

ruley73

07-22-2009, 05:26 AM

thanks for the info...i spoke to the service manager and he said that they can do the swap and also programming if required. The charge is 1 hour labour so here in Toronto that is $110 CAD. Best Buy and other third party installers are charging $50.00 but if reprogramming is needed will not be able to do it. I think the safest bet is to let the dealer do it. What do you think. The question is will it need programming.

If you can afford it, I'd just let the dealer do it. Sounds like they are aware of the calibration that may be necessary, so that's a good sign that they know what's going on. The radio install and calibration shouldn't take more than one hour. The calibration may not be necessary, but I'd at least have them check it for peace of mind. The radio just won't sound right with the wrong EQ calibration enabled, and it will sound very distorted if it's set to put out a preamp signal intended for the Advanced Audio system.

linx3566

07-22-2009, 09:13 AM

If you can afford it, I'd just let the dealer do it. Sounds like they are aware of the calibration that may be necessary, so that's a good sign that they know what's going on. The radio install and calibration shouldn't take more than one hour. The calibration may not be necessary, but I'd at least have them check it for peace of mind. The radio just won't sound right with the wrong EQ calibration enabled, and it will sound very distorted if it's set to put out a preamp signal intended for the Advanced Audio system.

Thanks for your comments. I think that is what I will do and pay the extra money for peace of mind. Also if anything gets screwed up the dealer will more likely stand by his warranty than other places. I will let you know how it all turns out when I receive my deck. Cheers

linx3566

07-29-2009, 04:17 PM

ruley73

07-29-2009, 05:06 PM

I received my Cd/MP3player today from ebay and got the local gm dealer to install it. They had to do some reprogramming as well and the Service adviser told me it would only work when ion is inputed and not vue. he said that is no problem as it works fine and i agree. total cost for install and reprogramming 1 hour labour - $CAD 105 + taxes - 114.95. I am happy with it and now i can play MP3's.

I think it's weird it only works when set to Ion. I wonder if he meant they were only able to program the radio with "Ion" selected on their programmer instead of "Vue."

Regardless, I'm sure it sounds much better than the base CD player. (in my car it did anyway).

newbievueowner

07-29-2009, 05:56 PM

ruley73

07-29-2009, 06:06 PM

Post a pic of your CD player if you could linx. It sounds like you've got an ION radio and not a Vue radio. Doesn't the ION radio have a tape deck in it as well?? I could be wrong but that's what it sounds like to me? I bought the Vue MP3 radio and it was just plug & play, no programming needed what so ever. Just curious that's all.

You got lucky.......I'm not trying to be rude, but refer to my posts #3 and #19 in this thread to see why.

2004-2005 Vues and Ions all used the same radios except the Ions didn't get the DVD option.

linx3566

07-29-2009, 09:56 PM

Post a pic of your CD player if you could linx. It sounds like you've got an ION radio and not a Vue radio. Doesn't the ION radio have a tape deck in it as well?? I could be wrong but that's what it sounds like to me? I bought the Vue MP3 radio and it was just plug & play, no programming needed what so ever. Just curious that's all.

It is a CD/MP3 player for the Vue or Ion and after 2003 you need reprogramming. There is a TSB that explains this. see attached.

linx3566

07-29-2009, 10:14 PM

if u do not calibrate it will not sound good and the player will not live up to its potential.

newbievueowner

07-29-2009, 10:17 PM

I guess I got lucky then because my unit just plugged right in. Sounds just fine.

XRL

07-29-2009, 11:27 PM

if u do not calibrate it will not sound good and the player will not live up to its potential.

Completely untrue. The only calibrations there are on most radios is an equalizer, and adjusting the equalizer is to adjust for customer preference, not for speakers or anything like that.

The dealership likely will not have anyone who is remotely qualified as far as audio equipment goes. But if you want to spend the extra money to go there, then by all means go ahead. But this nonsense about "calibrations" is just pure and utter nonsense.

linx3566

07-29-2009, 11:35 PM

ruley73

07-30-2009, 03:07 AM

Completely untrue. The only calibrations there are on most radios is an equalizer, and adjusting the equalizer is to adjust for customer preference, not for speakers or anything like that.

The dealership likely will not have anyone who is remotely qualified as far as audio equipment goes. But if you want to spend the extra money to go there, then by all means go ahead. But this nonsense about "calibrations" is just pure and utter nonsense.

Do I really need to explain this again???

As I've mentioned earlier in this thread, there is a specific optimized EQ setting for Ion Coupe, Ion Sedan and Vue (separate from the user-adjustable Bass/Treble settings) and another setting for this particular OE radio to put out either a speaker/high level output, or a preamp/low level output intended for amplification by the external amp used with the Advanced Audio option; both of which CAN ONLY BE ADJUSTED WITH A GM TECH II at a dealership.

Read my previous posts (#3 and #19), AND the TSB.

Most of the Ions and Vues sold were not equipped with the Advanced Audio option and those vehicles had their radios set from the factory to output a speaker-level signal. So when you buy a used radio off ebay, your chances of getting a radio set that way are much higher than to get one programmed to put out a preamp signal. The latter will yield a VERY weak and distorted sound when it is hooked up to speakers.

So once again, I say if you're lucky it is a plug & play swap, BUT there is a chance you'll need to have this setting changed at the dealership. I was simply making the OP aware of this. He was going to have the dealer install it anyways, so whats another $40 or so to make sure it's done right?

Like it or not, the days of easily installing any OE GM/Delco radio into any GM car in which it fits are long gone. All of the GM/Delphi/Delco radios 2006 and newer (and many as early as 2000) require the VIN to be programmed into the radio before they will work since they are linked into the vehicle's onboard LAN and communicate with the BCM. The 2004-2005 Saturn MP3-capable radios are the the same way (that is how the GM Tech-II communicates with it), but they don't require VIN programming UNLESS you want to use the XM radio input. (there is another TSB that explains this)

Moral of the story: get your own facts straight before you declare another person's ignorance.

XRL

07-30-2009, 09:07 AM

Do I really need to explain this again???

As I've mentioned earlier in this thread, there is a specific optimized EQ setting for Ion Coupe, Ion Sedan and Vue (separate from the user-adjustable Bass/Treble settings) and another setting for this particular OE radio to put out either a speaker/high level output, or a preamp/low level output intended for amplification by the external amp used with the Advanced Audio option; both of which CAN ONLY BE ADJUSTED WITH A GM TECH II at a dealership.

Read my previous posts (#3 and #19), AND the TSB.

Most of the Ions and Vues sold were not equipped with the Advanced Audio option and those vehicles had their radios set from the factory to output a speaker-level signal. So when you buy a used radio off ebay, your chances of getting a radio set that way are much higher than to get one programmed to put out a preamp signal. The latter will yield a VERY weak and distorted sound when it is hooked up to speakers.

So once again, I say if you're lucky it is a plug & play swap, BUT there is a chance you'll need to have this setting changed at the dealership. I was simply making the OP aware of this. He was going to have the dealer install it anyways, so whats another $40 or so to make sure it's done right?

Like it or not, the days of easily installing any OE GM/Delco radio into any GM car in which it fits are long gone. All of the GM/Delphi/Delco radios 2006 and newer (and many as early as 2000) require the VIN to be programmed into the radio before they will work since they are linked into the vehicle's onboard LAN and communicate with the BCM. The 2004-2005 Saturn MP3-capable radios are the the same way (that is how the GM Tech-II communicates with it), but they don't require VIN programming UNLESS you want to use the XM radio input. (there is another TSB that explains this)

Moral of the story: get your own facts straight before you declare another person's ignorance.

An aftermarket radio won't have that issue. The installer can decide between using the pre-amp outputs or the internal amp at will and bypass this issue completely.

Now if you're trying to throw a radio from a different vehicle into your vehicle, yes you will likely run into problems. But that's because you're thinking illogically in the first place, as the aftermarket radio will be much easier to install into most any vehicle(though not necessarily cheaper).

But dealing with factory amp'd systems is not difficult. We do it all the time. Most of the time the factory amp will only power the factory sub as well. Whether or not that gets integrated depends on if the customer pays for that service or not. But I assure you, it is easily done.

The only time something like this becomes a pain is if the factory amplifier is non functional now, in which case it must be bypassed. Again, totally doable and not a big deal.

Furthermore, those are EQ calibrations in the headunit and you can do the SAME DAMN THING with an aftermarket radio. The really annoying thin is when OEMs put EQs in their amps and screw up the sound in the car, then you have to get something like a JL cleansweep to take their EQ settings out.

So yes, if you went with an aftermarket radio, taking it to the dealer got you ripped off. And if you were using a used factory radio, then you went down an illogical path. And if you brought in a used OEM radio to a Best Buy to have it installed, we'd probably look at you like you're crazy (cuz you very well may be), an aftermarket radio will be better in every way (unless you aren't wanting to pay for the extras that come with it, in which case messing with it at all is not advised for you).

So "get your facts straight" before you start flapping your gums to someone who does this sort of stuff for a living.

chillin05VUE

07-30-2009, 09:25 AM

Back in '99, I was working for Nissan and we had a woman come in with an '85 Sentra. She wanted us to take her factory am/fm cassette radio out, send it back to Nissan for repairs and reinstall it in her car. We told her to go to Best Buy, Circuit City, or Good Guys and buy a new one because it would be cheaper to buy a new one then try to get her old factory one working. She actually got mad at us and accused us of trying to rip her off. She left and we never saw her again. If we were trying to rip her off, we could have done what she wanted but we weren't. We were trying to save her money. When was the last time a dealer did that?

linx3566

07-30-2009, 10:04 AM

An aftermarket radio won't have that issue. The installer can decide between using the pre-amp outputs or the internal amp at will and bypass this issue completely.

Now if you're trying to throw a radio from a different vehicle into your vehicle, yes you will likely run into problems. But that's because you're thinking illogically in the first place, as the aftermarket radio will be much easier to install into most any vehicle(though not necessarily cheaper).

But dealing with factory amp'd systems is not difficult. We do it all the time. Most of the time the factory amp will only power the factory sub as well. Whether or not that gets integrated depends on if the customer pays for that service or not. But I assure you, it is easily done.

The only time something like this becomes a pain is if the factory amplifier is non functional now, in which case it must be bypassed. Again, totally doable and not a big deal.

Furthermore, those are EQ calibrations in the headunit and you can do the SAME DAMN THING with an aftermarket radio. The really annoying thin is when OEMs put EQs in their amps and screw up the sound in the car, then you have to get something like a JL cleansweep to take their EQ settings out.

So yes, if you went with an aftermarket radio, taking it to the dealer got you ripped off. And if you were using a used factory radio, then you went down an illogical path. And if you brought in a used OEM radio to a Best Buy to have it installed, we'd probably look at you like you're crazy (cuz you very well may be), an aftermarket radio will be better in every way (unless you aren't wanting to pay for the extras that come with it, in which case messing with it at all is not advised for you).

So "get your facts straight" before you start flapping your gums to someone who does this sort of stuff for a living.

I am no expert on all this issue that you elaborated and you may be right. All I know is that I wanted to upgrade my CD player with one that has MP3 capabilities and also wanted the OEM look not after market. I got a unit from ebay saying that it will fit a 2005 VUE but before I purchased it I asked this forum on the necessity of reprogramming and got a lot of responses ranging you don't need to to yes you have to. Seeing that no one new for sure and I got a TSB to say it needed reprogramming, which is from GM the experts, in black & white, is proof on what I needed to do. So instead of sending it to Best Buy for an extra $40 it was worth going to the dealer so no headaches. The unit is now installed all is well and works as advertised. No worries. I believe if anyone also wants to upgrade to MP3 using OEM equipment, the dealer is the way to go unless you have the capability to use the Tech 11. Thanks for this vibrant debate.

ruley73

07-30-2009, 05:52 PM

An aftermarket radio won't have that issue. The installer can decide between using the pre-amp outputs or the internal amp at will and bypass this issue completely.

Now if you're trying to throw a radio from a different vehicle into your vehicle, yes you will likely run into problems. But that's because you're thinking illogically in the first place, as the aftermarket radio will be much easier to install into most any vehicle(though not necessarily cheaper).

But dealing with factory amp'd systems is not difficult. We do it all the time. Most of the time the factory amp will only power the factory sub as well. Whether or not that gets integrated depends on if the customer pays for that service or not. But I assure you, it is easily done.

The only time something like this becomes a pain is if the factory amplifier is non functional now, in which case it must be bypassed. Again, totally doable and not a big deal.

Furthermore, those are EQ calibrations in the headunit and you can do the SAME DAMN THING with an aftermarket radio. The really annoying thin is when OEMs put EQs in their amps and screw up the sound in the car, then you have to get something like a JL cleansweep to take their EQ settings out.

So yes, if you went with an aftermarket radio, taking it to the dealer got you ripped off. And if you were using a used factory radio, then you went down an illogical path. And if you brought in a used OEM radio to a Best Buy to have it installed, we'd probably look at you like you're crazy (cuz you very well may be), an aftermarket radio will be better in every way (unless you aren't wanting to pay for the extras that come with it, in which case messing with it at all is not advised for you).

So "get your facts straight" before you start flapping your gums to someone who does this sort of stuff for a living.

I have my facts straight. I've already provided a TSB which proves you wrong. :D It is eminent that you have not read this entire thread since you have completely overlooked and ridiculed the OP's decision. It's their vehicle and they already made up their mind, so your opinion of their "illogical" decision is irrelevant.

Besides, there's nothing illogical about upgrading to a better OE radio. It's certainly less expensive compared to buying an aftermarket radio and all the stuff it takes to install/integrate it properly. After all that, despite their best efforts aftermarket stereos are still:

- much harder to use than they need to be (OE radios = simple)
- not much of an upgrade with regard to power output anymore
- visually unappealing since they light up your dash like a Christmas tree
- prone to theft

I can't say I do this for a living, but I certainly have a much better grip on this subject than the average Joe.

Yes, installing aftermarket stereo components completely changes the picture, but for many folks it's more hassle than it's worth and an overkill of features they may never use. It's just that when you're dealing with modern OE stereo systems alone, calibration & programming is far from nonsense. The EQ calibration isn't a big deal, but the other setting that switches the radio between speaker level and preamp-level outputs is crucial and cannot be changed without a GM Tech II at a dealership. That's the lone point I was trying to get across.

I think what you meant to say in that post about "nonsense" was: "The dealership likely will not have anyone who is remotely qualified as far as aftermarket audio equipment goes." That I think we can agree is probably true.

XRL

07-30-2009, 06:24 PM

Your TSB only says that you can't swap out an OEM radio from car to car without *possibly* needing the radio to be set for that car. From what I remembered, he was switching to an aftermarket radio. I guess I ignored that part. But it would have likely been the same price to get a new aftermarket radio installed.

And yeah, aftermarkets are just as easy to use as a factory radio. Often easier, especially for basic functions. Lit up like a christmas tree? They might have a few more lights than an OEM, but I don't see that as a big deal. Not much better sound quality? Hardly, in fact most people with the Vue who replace their factory HU with an aftermarket comment about how it sounds unbelievably better than the factory radio. And any radio is a theft risk, but really an aftermarket with the faceplate removed is of less value to a thief than a factory, so that point is also wrong.

And an aftermarket radio will have the ability to be upgraded for satellite radio, ipod controls, bluetooth, etc. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to be to buy another factory unit, but then again, I'm probably biased. Or maybe I just know more about the electronics. I just don't the point of replacing a part that has failed with a used part that is closer to failing than a comparable new one. That's like replacing bald tires with tires that have 5/32nds left.

I have my facts straight. I've already provided a TSB which proves you wrong. :D It is eminent that you have not read this entire thread since you have completely overlooked and ridiculed the OP's decision. It's their vehicle and they already made up their mind, so your opinion of their "illogical" decision is irrelevant.

Besides, there's nothing illogical about upgrading to a better OE radio. It's certainly less expensive compared to buying an aftermarket radio and all the stuff it takes to install/integrate it properly. After all that, despite their best efforts aftermarket stereos are still:

- much harder to use than they need to be (OE radios = simple)
- not much of an upgrade with regard to power output anymore
- visually unappealing since they light up your dash like a Christmas tree
- prone to theft

I can't say I do this for a living, but I certainly have a much better grip on this subject than the average Joe.

Yes, installing aftermarket stereo components completely changes the picture, but for many folks it's more hassle than it's worth and an overkill of features they may never use. It's just that when you're dealing with modern OE stereo systems alone, calibration & programming is far from nonsense. The EQ calibration isn't a big deal, but the other setting that switches the radio between speaker level and preamp-level outputs is crucial and cannot be changed without a GM Tech II at a dealership. That's the lone point I was trying to get across.

I think what you meant to say in that post about "nonsense" was: "The dealership likely will not have anyone who is remotely qualified as far as aftermarket audio equipment goes." That I think we can agree is probably true.

chillin05VUE

07-30-2009, 08:43 PM

All I have to say is that my Kenwood lights are switchable. I have it set where the background is white and the LCD is black, kinda like the face on the I/P. When the parkings lights are on, the radio dims and switchs over to white LCD and black display. So, it all matchs perfectly. I switched out my factory base cd player because I had Sirius and wanted to listen to it and the base unit wouldn't play my MP3s.

I went 4 days on the OEM deck before I yanked it out and put my Kenwood in. It sounds a bit better but is limited since I'm still using the factory speakers which are next to go and I have to get an amp (the wifes been begging for one in her car so mines is going to have to wait :ugh: ).

So, I'm glad that the radio works for you. I wish you the best on that.

ruley73

07-30-2009, 10:00 PM

And yeah, aftermarkets are just as easy to use as a factory radio. Often easier, especially for basic functions.

I suppose this is a matter of opinion.

My main gripe with aftermarket decks is how difficult it is to navigate through MP3s on a CD. With the OE Saturn deck, I can go from playing file 40 to playing file 130 with just a quick turn of the knob within a few seconds. To perform the same task on most aftermarket decks you need to tap the arrow 90 times or hold/hit a couple buttons to make the arrow move in increments of 10. Some of the higher priced units do allow you to scroll through the songs with a knob.

I find the joystick control scheme many decks use to be clumsy and complex. I wouldn't feel safe scrolling through all the menus just to adjust the bass or subwoofer level while I'm driving. What happened to using numbered buttons for radio presets?

Not much better sound quality? Hardly, in fact most people with the Vue who replace their factory HU with an aftermarket comment about how it sounds unbelievably better than the factory radio.

I didn't say anything about sound quality. Obviously, a radio with a multi-band EQ with adjustable center freqencies and Q-factor found in many aftermarket decks is going to yield a better sound than one with simple bass, mid, and treble settings which use a fixed wide Q-factor and centered at ~60Hz-100Hz, 1Khz, and 10Khz respectively.

What I did say was that aftermarket radios don't put out much more power than OE radios. Even the amplifier chip used in the CD player the OP took out of their Vue puts out 22w RMS/ch @ 4 ohms driven at 1Khz <10% THD. This isn't the cleanest power, but it is very comparable to a typical aftermarket radio's output ratings at similar benchmarks.

And any radio is a theft risk, but really an aftermarket with the faceplate removed is of less value to a thief than a factory, so that point is also wrong.

I would argue that the opposite is true. OE radios usually only fit and work properly in a handful of vehicle models so it would be much harder to turn a profit with them since there's less demand for them. Aftermarket radios can be adapted to work in virtually any vehicle and easily sold for cash. People often simply hide the faceplate elsewhere in the car in the hopes that a visible radio with a detached faceplate will deter a thief.

And an aftermarket radio will have the ability to be upgraded for satellite radio, ipod controls, bluetooth, etc.

These upgrades can be expensive unless the radio comes with these features integrated into it. There are often units available that allow these upgrades to be integrated into an OE radio. I would agree that if you wanted these features, aftermarket would be the way to go.

I just don't the point of replacing a part that has failed with a used part that is closer to failing than a comparable new one. That's like replacing bald tires with tires that have 5/32nds left.

The OP's original radio didn't fail, he just wanted to upgrade it to a better one. Besides, car radios don't wear out like tires or brake pads; but more like a starter or alternator - they don't always wear out within a car's lifespan, but they can.