The CD player on my 2001 TL seems to be having problems reading CDs. I thought this would be a good opportunity for me to upgrade to an after market. I don't know much about rewiring and as much as I'd like to do it myself, I'm scared I might screw up my navi.

I wanted to see if someone out here who's familiar with the process could give me their opinion on:

1. What players work best with the 2001 TL with nav?
2. What are the best MP3 CD car audio systems these days?
3. If I get the stereo installed by a professional, what things should I be aware of?
4. Is this any good? http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/produ...c=1&oid=163507

I know I sound naive, I am. I'd really appreciate any help here.

 

Good Cd player are Sony, Kenwood, Alpine, Eclipse & Pioneer. But the cd player you picked looks cheap for a nice car you should get something better. And I would let a professional install it because it has a factory amp and the nav. Good Luck..

 

And the "Most Useless Post of the Night" award goes to...

 

Not looking to win awards here, just looking for some help. Thanks for the encouragement MODERATOR.

Thanks for the tip Cailgirl2k

 

My sarcasm goes unappreciated around here.
Hey amark, I was talking about caligirl, not you. In fact I hoped others would chime in here from the TL crowd, but...

There is all the information on how to DIY a new HU into your car here. Search through the FAQs and other posts on the topics here. I'm sure you've already done some of that.

To try to answer your questions better:
1 - Any single din unit can be installed easily with a kit. A 2-din unit will require a custom faceplate, but otherwise you can make it plug-n-play as well. Our vendors here even sell the faceplates and kits.

2 - Honestly don't know, I just use my iPod.

3 - The usual warnings: you get what you pay for. CC & BB shops can give you everything from a great install to a butchered car, but it seems like online you hear more and more stories of the latter. Use a local car audio specialty shop that's been around for a while and will stand behind their work. It will cost more, but your car will be in 1 piece and work (and sound) like it should. Also beware of locals advertising for install services on places like craigslist. Same warning as for the big box shops.

4 - Its an entry-level Sony headunit. It will do its job just fine, but you might want to look at higher end units if you're looking for more features or a nicer display.

Make sure you've headed over here: Audio DIY info for the TL

 

I appreciate your sarcasm!

A couple taps of the SEARCH button would have saved some time.

 

I'm in the same boat except it's an '03 TL. My cd player skips and I want a way to integrate my Ipod, cuz the belkin fm transmitter just sounds horrible. I brought the car to tweeter to ask a few questions. I want to get the Alpine CDA-9883 and (free) ipod cable. I don't want to build a system. I just want to listen to cd's and my Ipod w/o the fuzz. The sales guy told me that the after market deck may actually sound worse then stock due to amplified speakers. Is that possible? Also am I in any danger of losing my navi? I know I will loose the voice prompts, but I don't use them anyway? Also is $220 too much to pay for an install from a well know indipendent shop?

Thanks, and didn't mean to Hi-jack ur thread....just didn't want to post two similar ones...

 

Wow... That installer actually gave you some truthful information. That's very rare.

The OEM deck uses an off-board BOSE EQ module to adjust the signal before it's amplified and sent to the speakers. Because the TL has no tweeters the high frequencies are boosted to accomodate for the missing speakers. When you replace that OEM deck the BOSE EQ module is not used. But now you have no high frequencies at all. The factory 6 1/2" door speakers are struggling to produce what your new deck is feeding them.

$220 is a bit high for that install. There is no amp to bypass. But that would be a fair price if they were integrating your factory sub and steering wheel controls.

 

Thanks Reach and XsputnikX. That's the best and precise piece of information I've read all week. I'm unconvinced that the CD changer or new HU is worth the effort especially if it's not going to give me the best possible sound. It's either the IPod adapter or try different brand CD-Rs burning at 1x :-)

Have a great weekend.