So, after 9 years, my disc player is going. I just copy 150 .mp3s on a disc and I'm good for months. Over tha last year, the disc heads travel less and less. It started jamming at track 75, for example. A few months later, it jams at track 59. Well, it's down to about track 45 and I figure it's about time.

The issue is, I can find all kinds of stereos I like, and now it's between a Pioneer, an Alpine or a Sony, all with Bluetooth phone hookup. I've already replaced the blown speakers in the doors (yeah, common issue) with fair sounding Pioneer GM size.

But just WHAT is with the cables? OnStar cables are more than the stereo itself. Local is $150 just for the cable.

Is this a common thing? The existing cable isn't in any way compatible with aftermarket stereo? I thought there was more of a standard plug.

 

Welcome to the site, try these guys they are the experts

https://www.crutchfield.com/m_266150/Car-Stereos.html

 

I will echo that Crutchfield are the real authority on WHAT goes with WHAT and their reference info is top-shelf.
However, they are rarely the best deal on specific parts.

I use them for references and part numbers, then buy from Amazon or eBay.
The only reason to buy directly from them (IMHO) is if you need their warranty and telephone help (which is fantastic, btw!) and are willing to pay a bit extra for it.
If you really know what you are doing, or are taking the parts to someone who does, you can save a good bit.

Maybe Crutchfield can give us a Member's Discount like RockAuto?

 

RockAuto is a supporting vendor, Crutchfield is not, so far.

 

I am on a baseball forum where if we purchase from Amazon through a link on the forum the forum gets a few percentage points of the sale.

 

If you have pioneer system, keep in mind that all the speakers are 2 OHM, and may overload your new head unit unless it has a built in 2 ohm amp, or wire in a 2 Ohm amp, or just replace all the speakers with 4 ohm to match your new head unit.

 

Which is a really good idea (new speakers) because if you put a new head unit on old, stock speakers you are almost guaranteed to not like the sound.