Premium sound to Top shelf?

[smtcapecod]

Hi,
Tried to check the faqs for answer to this but didn't come across it.

My Sport has "Premium Sound", casette head unit with DNR. The volume button is stuck, causing annoyance. Given how I use this vehicle, I don't really feel like upgrading to an aftermarket head unit. If I score a top-of-the line factory CD head unit from this model year, will it install and ###ntion properly? Is harness adapter available, or does it just plug in?

Any advice appreciated, thanks!

 

[Donner]

Hi there...

The problem with the stereo you have is the stereo... If you replace it with another Ford stereo, you will eventually end up buying an aftermarket - what do you use your stereo mostly for now?

 

[CDW6212R]

If you have one of the two top OEM radios, either should plug right in. Those have an "RDS" button, not a "CLOCK" button. The Mach has a sub, the Premium does not. Both have a display issue, you should have it fixed, for about $60 total. They are both Pioneer radios, very good.

You may very well also be able to swap in a later MP3 player with little trouble. The radios with the same four removal holes should be able to swap in, check with radio adapter businesses. There are many internet sources, good luck.

 

[Donner]

Long term... and more advice too.

It's a decision to make... go for what suits you best. It would be nice to know what you do most with your stereo...

 

[smtcapecod]

factory

well, if the display is a problem then I may consider aftermarket. Or used aftermarket. I have an Alpine out of a Porsche -- and OOoold Alpine..but if I remember right, the last time I tried to install it it required a special adapter or something for use in other than Porsche.

I just figured that installing an aftermarket head unit would be a headache with the wiring, whatever amp I do or don't have (from the factory), etc. Plus...it starts that whole cascade of additional work and upgrades.....

I have just been using the stereo for background noise, I listen to rock, NPR, blues..*cough* punk....Never was too much of a concern, but now I may be using this vehicle for weekly commutes to/from D.C., so I need excellent reception and decent sound. And to be able to adjust the volume, which is the problem with the current unit.

Thanks for the replies, I thought I might just get a cascade of "do your homework..search...yada yada..'

 

[CDW6212R]

Those two Pioneer HU's are the best least likely to be stolen radios. I don't need a competition stereo in any vehicle, and I definitely don't want to attract thieves. Good luck,

 

[Donner]

If you have a factory amp...

that would change things a little... I've heard it discussed.

But if you don't, my 96 and 03 had malfunctioning h/u, I put both out of sight... In the 03, I had a store/installer replace my h/u with an aftermarket - I didn't spend much on it, but I got it with the iPod adapter and the usb port in front... I don't look for cds anymore... I'm 40, and I have enough to remember

It, for me, was worth the money because any music I want is on the iPod, I don't have to go to stores or order cds from some company. And most of all, I never have problems with the stereo... it does what it's supposed to do, deliver sound.

It's an investment that's worth your time and money...

(and that's why I like these posts, and not links - sometimes links are good, but it's nice chatting too...

 

[Donner]

I agree...

Those two Pioneer HU's are the best least likely to be stolen radios. I don't need a competition stereo in any vehicle, and I definitely don't want to attract thieves. Good luck,

There are h/u that light up and do all kinds of things... Those are thief targets and so are the factory stereos... any stereo is a something a thief wants... Someone posted earlier that thieves will destroy what you have just so you won't have it...

(I had an am/fm radio stolen from the backseat of my Sentra in 92... they broke a window to get a $5.00 radio. And in 88 they stole my factory stereos from two cheap cars...

 

[CDW6212R]

It's all relative, there have been hundreds of people have their Explorers broken into, with aftermarket radios. The number which have had trouble while the stock radio is in can be counted on your ten fingers. I can obtain just as good of sound quality out of my stock radio as 99% of all aftermarket radios, that is adequate for me.

I don't steer people to what I want, I only suggest what the options are. Most people do not know how good those two old Pioneers really are. I understand that many people want complicated audio/video systems, and that requires many aftermarket parts. Good for them, my truck is my utility vehicle, and subtlety with class is my goal. Regards,

 

[Donner]

Again, I agree...

It's a decision to make... go for what suits you best. It would be nice to know what you do most with your stereo...

However, I've never had a stereo stolen from a vehicle that had an alarm on it. And also, you can pop the face off the aftermarket and take it with you... you could carry around your factory unit too

Whatever you decide, enjoy!

 

[smtcapecod]

Additional questions:

1) Anyone know the range of years that would be compatable with the OEM harness (i.e. how new can I go)?
Is there compatability across models, say a CD player from a Ranger or Mustang?

2) And also...if I replace or upgrade with a factory head unit, is it possible to just run an aftermarket, clean amp and speakers in place of the factory amp and speakers? Recall reading (from my search!) somewhere that the amp has 10% THD...that's nuts. Getting that resolved would probably make the system fine for my purposes.

Thanks to all for the comments, advice.