After Market Radio Antenna

[robtpren]

I know alot of you guys probalby do not use your car radio that much, now with all the ipods and mp3 players out there now, but the radio reception in my new camry does not seem to be up to what I have tradtionally be used to. The sound has a hiss background to it and is not
very clear.
I was wondering if anyone had better reception with the addition of an external rod attena on the roof on the car.
The attenas I have found on the web are reasonably priced and alot cheaper the replacing the whole radio unit.

Thanks.

[Bills07CamLE]

Let me know if you find anything! My antenna sucks and im thinking of doing the same thing but dont know if it will work.

[BKSmooth]

Originally Posted by robtpren

I know alot of you guys probalby do not use your car radio that much, now with all the ipods and mp3 players out there now, but the radio reception in my new camry does not seem to be up to what I have tradtionally be used to. The sound has a hiss background to it and is not
very clear.
I was wondering if anyone had better reception with the addition of an external rod attena on the roof on the car.
The attenas I have found on the web are reasonably priced and alot cheaper the replacing the whole radio unit.

Thanks.

Is this on an aftermarket head unit or the factory deck? I'm assuming factory deck; Does the hissing correspond to whether the engine is running or not? Also, is it on all stations or just some?

[robtpren]

The unit is a standard. It usually happens all the time. Seems that the stereo sound quality has been better in other older cars that I have bought.

A friend suggested replacing the speakers first with MB Quart's, before I replace the head unit itself. Have priced at local shop for $600.00 for six speakers and installation.

[BKSmooth]

Originally Posted by robtpren

The unit is a standard. It usually happens all the time. Seems that the stereo sound quality has been better in other older cars that I have bought.

A friend suggested replacing the speakers first with MB Quart's, before I replace the head unit itself. Have priced at local shop for $600.00 for six speakers and installation.

I'm less doubtful you're getting electric interference humming in a factory stereo. Do you have an iPod FM modulator plugged in or something else that could interfere?

I'm somewhat out of touch with aftermarket car audio -- I was an installer 'til 6 yrs ago. I haven't personally done the door panels or rear deck on a Gen 6 but they are almost certainly doable by an amateur -- especially with prefab adapter parts and DIY guides.

I sampled the stereo in my aunt's Gen 6 Camry and thought it was pretty decent. I'd leave it factory unless you are going to really upgrade: new head unit, door speakers, and an external amplifier for them. I know... lots more involved but using virtually ANY external amp vs. a head unit's amp will yield monumentally better results. (by virtually any, I don't mean crunch or american pro -- they still around?)

Forget the brand identity, though. Why get expensive (>$100/pair) speakers if you're going to hook them up to a head unit? Some decent speakers @ $150/pair can sound great on a $200 4 channel amp and decent head unit -- all for <$800 w/ a DIY install.