GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

anyone have an opinion on AIWA cd receivers? They are cheap, but have an aux input right on the front. is this just going to make my moon and tunes package sound like crap? thx.

Regardless of what receiver you go with, if you don't plan to change out the amp and/or speakers, get a line level converter. This will take the output from the head unit, which, in this case, will be amplified, and bring it back down to the equivalent of a low-level output. That way, when the sound hits the speakers, it hasn't been double amplified -- once by the head unit, and again by the amp. THAT will sound like crap. I have used the Scosche FAI-3 with no complaints. I actually have one I'm no longer using, I'll make you a deal on it if you want...IM me to discuss.That aside -- I personally HATE Aiwa. I used to buy their stuff, and it always broke, sounded crappy, or just found SOME way to seriously disappoint me. I have a Pioneer and am overall very happy with it. My only gripe is that if I am in random track mode for a music or MP3 CD, I can't hit "seek" and have it go to another random track, it just keeps going in the regular track order...that kinda sucks. Not enough to make me seek out a new head unit though. I have the DEH-P8600MP (pictured above). It's a higher-end unit, and looks awesome...but even their lower-end stuff is nice. I just prefer the OEL display to the traditional digital LED readouts...

ok so forgive me if this is stupid, but i am new to this stuff, does it make any sense to try and bypass the amp which is under the passenger seat? or should i be looking at a receiver that does not have it's own amp? is there such thing? etc etc. thanks for the quick reply.

I'm no expert, but if I understand correctly from past posts that covered this, you won't be able to power the speakers with the head unit itself, and no amp is properly rated to power them...I can't explain the science of it, Jahntassa can better do that...but my understanding is, you either stick with the stock amp and speakers, or replace the amp and speakers both.

As far as working with the M&T amp..it's better to use the level-matcher than to find a radio with no internal amplifier. Mostly because radios without amplifiers tend to be the more expensive high-end stuff. Unless you're willing to change out the speakers in your Vibe, go with the level matcher. Aiwa's are okay..they're basically low-end Sony's built by Sony. You might be better off getting a Pioneer and simply hanging a wire out the dash somewhere. Aiwa's aren't all crap..but they certainly aren't worth the same money you could spend on a Pioneer with an Aux input adapter..

ok awesome guys, thanks a bunch!