I'm looking into getting a new radio for my 05 cobalt. It doesn't have cassette or AUX In, so the only way to connect my iPod is via FM which doesn't work too well from my expereince. I would like something that I could connect my iPod's to (via dock connector, probably need a seprate connector but thats ok), and would support MP3 CD and/or XM radio. Not sure which one to get, and can't find many places that offer reviews of them. I would like to keep all my indash info still, i read that it can go bye bye. The only thing i have in my wheel is cruise control. I read you need some special thing to keep all that i think, not sure looking for someone to help with what i need and what kind of radio you would recommend.

 

welcome to the site, please use the search function, there are plenty of threads about this here in the Audio section.

If ipod is what you want to connect check this out:

https://www.cobaltss.net/forums/show...ghlight=inline
^^have it and love it!!^^ takes 10 min to install, just make sure you turn it off if your listening to the radio b/c it will interfere with your signal if its on and not in use...

 

Thanks for the quick input, but I need something that also charges my ipod and want to be able to control the ipod via car radio.

 

Then aftermarket headunit is the only way to go

 

Thats what i thought, my friend has a nice pioneer one with the ipod connector unit and its nice. I guess i need the radio, ipod thing, then some speical thing to put in place of the normal radio, and then a harness or something to keep that info in there? Also if I take it to a dealer, would they flip out and be not so nice if I had that in. I know if there is a problem with the radio they can't help but what about the rest of the car?

 

Still looking at receivers, Cruchfield wants to charge me over $100 for a harness to keep my controls or something. Not sure if I need it or not

ok i read the FAQ, and it says that that is BS and not to bother. I don't have the steering wheel controls or on star so i should be good. I was looking at cruchfield or ebay for my radio. eBay has them a lot cheaper, but cruchfield offers free stuff to install it. What would I have to buy if I got a reciever from eBay?

 

can someone help please? I don't know what i need to get to get a new receiver in my car. I have a 05 LS with the standard radio in there now.

 

There is a products by Monster Cable that allow hookup through fm transmission. I have the iCarPlay. Its good for the price without upgrading the radio. http://www.monstercable.com/mp3/ipod/transmitters.asp.

 

i've tried FM transmitters and they don't work too well here and I'd rather just get a new reciever

 

Well whichever one you go for (and if your willing) look for ones off of ebay. Im saving up right now for the Clarion Max 675 dvd/nav. But the Pioneer avic D3 is good. and it comes already with the ipod cable attachment. What you;ll need to get to replace the factory one is the receiver itself, the wireing harness, the dash kit for the receiver. Thats all i know is needed. if there is anything else i missed someone here will correct me.

 

If you want a single din radio I would recommend something Pioneer or Alpine from my experience. Many other great brands out there but i've had one of each and you can get both with Ipod control and XM radio ready....Pretty much all radios made these days have mp3 capabilities. For your LS your going to need:

Dash Kit: Metra 993320 $20
Harness: Metra 71-2103 $20
Antenna Adapter: Metra 40GM10 $15

If you want your ipod controls through the radio you will need some kind of bus box depending on the brand radio you get. This usually runs you about $50

If the radio is xm ready the components for the xm are going to be $100

Also the Pioneer AvicD3 mentioned above doesn't come with the ipod cable....you have to buy the CDI200 cable but its only $34. This is a much more expensive unit but does dvd, navi, ipod, xm....etc

 

Ok, I have the pioneer deh 6900. My buddy bout the 5900. Very close models, between 200 and 300. Very nice, control the Ipod through the deck, etc etc. What you need for the install in a wire harness 20 bucks, dash install kit 20 bucks, antenna adapter 15 bucks, and ipod connector 35 bucks. Or go to cobalt-addiction and they'll send you the harness, dash kit, and antenna adpater for 50. So you're looking at deck + 85 dollars hardware. I recommend those Pioneer models though.

 

My bad. Up here there are sold with th cable but your right, some retailers dont sel it with the receiver.

 

thanks guys. I think i'm going to order from cruchfield, they include all that free with the HU.