Another AUX input ? for 98 GMC Z71

[ram57ta]

I have a 98 Sierra 1500 with the GM Delco theftlock am/fm cassette head unit AND the separate factory CD player below it. I have been searching for a way to access the AUX input feature to use a Delphi XM Roady II XM tuner. I have seen the various adapters available and want to know if I understand them properly. It seems to me from what I read that to use the aux adapters available...that I have to have a CD in the CD player...and it has to be playing in order to listen to the XM tuner? Is this correct? Seems to me that eventually that will wear out the CD player. Is there a way to access the AUX input without having to burn out the CD player in the process? For less than 90 bucks I can buy an aftermarket cheapo CD/MP3/WMA player at Wal-mart that has an aux input on the rear panel...which would suit me fine because I dont think I've ever played a cassette on the stock radio anyway...I dont need cassette.

 

Anyone???????

[SierraClassic]

I came to pretty much the same conclusion for my truck ('99 Sierra Classic) with the same setup you have. The three aux input adapters I'm aware of are made by Soundgate, Pac-audio, and PIE. I seem to remember at least the Pac-audio requires the CD player to be playing in order for the aux input function to work.

 

From what I've read, the other options (cassette adapter, wireless FM modulation, and wired FM modulation) all have their disadvantages. The wired FM modulation is probably the best alternative, but I've read that you'll loose your AM reception totally. Loss of AM reception is unacceptable for me.

 

My advice would be to try the FM modulation and/or cassette adapter, and then buy the aftermarket h/u if those don't suit you.

 

Please follow up and let me know how it works out for you: I may still go to XM in the future.

[ram57ta]

I think I have decided to buy an Alpine CDE-9845 single DIN stereo and pull out the stock head unit and CD player. I will try to build a small pocket to take up the space under the radio, and will find a stock storage bin to install where the CD player is. The ALPINE will address all the things I wanted...it plays MP3/WMA, has 50w x4 output (I'm sure thats more than the stock head unit), has an AUX in to hook up my XM roady to, and has a dimmer lead to dim the display when the lights are on. I considered getting a stereo with XM/Sirius capability built in...but since I have 3 cars..I will get 3 of the Alpine units and have the ability to transfer my XM tuner to each car so I won't have to get 3 separate XM subscriptions.

[Mr. Smith]

I think I have decided to buy an Alpine CDE-9845 single DIN stereo and pull out the stock head unit and CD player.  I will try to build a small pocket to take up the space under the radio, and will find a stock storage bin to install where the CD player is.  The ALPINE will address all the things I wanted...it plays MP3/WMA, has 50w x4 output (I'm sure thats more than the stock head unit), has an AUX in to hook up my XM roady to, and has a dimmer lead to dim the display when the lights are on.  I considered getting a stereo with XM/Sirius capability built in...but since I have 3 cars..I will get 3 of the Alpine units and have the ability to transfer my XM tuner to each car so I won't have to get 3 separate XM subscriptions.

 

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You can buy that cubby for about 15 bucks at CK Resto, unless you are doing a custom unit for whatever..