Do I keep, or replace, the Infinity Amp and radio in a 1997 Sebring?

Vehicle:
1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI
2.5L,V6, Gas, FI, VIN "H", EEB, JXI

I think that the Infinity Amp under the passenger seat is bad.

What's the best option?

1. Replace the radio, amp, and speakers with the latest
and greatest? If so, with what? Will I need special
cable adapters?

2. Buy a used amp & see if the radio will work?
I'm guessing that my existing radio will not power on
without the amp installed and working?

3. Buy a 3rd party replacement amp & use the existing
speakers and radio? If so, who makes a replacement amp?
Will I need special cable adapters?

4. I have a brand new Sony radio that I could install. Will it
work with the Infinity Amp and the Infinity speakers? I assume
that I will need special cable adapters to connect that new Sony
radio/CD to the connectors that were plugged into the old Infinity
radio/CD box?

THANKS,
Gene

dump it get a real system

Gene wrote:

> Vehicle:
> 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI
> 2.5L,V6, Gas, FI, VIN "H", EEB, JXI
>
> I think that the Infinity Amp under the passenger seat is bad.
>
> What's the best option?
>
> 1. Replace the radio, amp, and speakers with the latest
> and greatest? If so, with what? Will I need special
> cable adapters?
>
> 2. Buy a used amp & see if the radio will work?
> I'm guessing that my existing radio will not power on
> without the amp installed and working?
>
> 3. Buy a 3rd party replacement amp & use the existing
> speakers and radio? If so, who makes a replacement amp?
> Will I need special cable adapters?
>
> 4. I have a brand new Sony radio that I could install. Will it
> work with the Infinity Amp and the Infinity speakers? I assume
> that I will need special cable adapters to connect that new Sony
> radio/CD to the connectors that were plugged into the old Infinity
> radio/CD box?
>
> THANKS,
> Gene

LOL - I decided to take a look at the Infinity amp board under the
passenger's
seat before throwing the radio & amp in the trash.

Upon careful examination of the board, I found a cap that had a broken
lead. I carefully soldered the cap, tested, and cleaned the board.

After powering up the system, the old Infinity cranked out the Big Bopper
just fine. Everything worked like new.

I was a bit surprised with the quality - it's really not that bad. Senior
citizens can't hear all that well anyway - think I'll just keep it for a
little
while more, then get one with MP3/IPOD and woofers, flashing lights, etc...

Conclusion:
the Infinity amps are installed in a place where they can get wet from time
to time & corrode at the end of the board. The good news is that the board
is pretty easy to work on & looks like it is well made. It's worth the time
to
rip it open & clean the board - if you do it right & get it 100% dry before
applying power - I would give most defective boards a 60% chance of
recovery.

Hint: gently wiggle each component (especially near the end of the board).
You
could have a component that has a lead completely corroded away. It's
through-hole,
so no big deal to solder at low temperature, just take your time.

Later,
Gene







"Gene" > wrote in message
news
> Vehicle:
> 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI 2.5L,V6, Gas, FI, VIN "H", EEB, JXI
>
> I think that the Infinity Amp under the passenger seat is bad.
>
> What's the best option?
>
> 1. Replace the radio, amp, and speakers with the latest and greatest? If
> so, with what? Will I need special
> cable adapters?
> 2. Buy a used amp & see if the radio will work?
> I'm guessing that my existing radio will not power on
> without the amp installed and working?
>
> 3. Buy a 3rd party replacement amp & use the existing
> speakers and radio? If so, who makes a replacement amp?
> Will I need special cable adapters?
>
> 4. I have a brand new Sony radio that I could install. Will it
> work with the Infinity Amp and the Infinity speakers? I assume that I
> will need special cable adapters to connect that new Sony
> radio/CD to the connectors that were plugged into the old Infinity
> radio/CD box?
>
> THANKS,
> Gene
>
>
>

philthy wrote:
> dump it get a real system
>

I've found my Infinity sound system is quite good actually - the best
factory installed system in any car I've ever owned, which granted isn't
saying much, but it is very good.

> Gene wrote:
>
>
>>Vehicle:
>>1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI
>>2.5L,V6, Gas, FI, VIN "H", EEB, JXI
>>
>>I think that the Infinity Amp under the passenger seat is bad.
>>
>>What's the best option?
>>
>>1. Replace the radio, amp, and speakers with the latest
>>and greatest? If so, with what? Will I need special
>>cable adapters?
>>
>>2. Buy a used amp & see if the radio will work?
>>I'm guessing that my existing radio will not power on
>>without the amp installed and working?
>>
>>3. Buy a 3rd party replacement amp & use the existing
>>speakers and radio? If so, who makes a replacement amp?
>>Will I need special cable adapters?
>>
>>4. I have a brand new Sony radio that I could install. Will it
>>work with the Infinity Amp and the Infinity speakers? I assume
>>that I will need special cable adapters to connect that new Sony
>>radio/CD to the connectors that were plugged into the old Infinity
>>radio/CD box?
>>
>>THANKS,
>>Gene
>
>

That is my observation as well - not really that bad.
For some reason, the AM reception is the best I have ever owned.
I think I will keep the Infinity system until I find something that
I really want.

If it had MP3 on DVD - that would be all I need:-)

Gene



"Fred G. Mackey" > wrote in message
. ..
> philthy wrote:
>> dump it get a real system
>>
>
> I've found my Infinity sound system is quite good actually - the best
> factory installed system in any car I've ever owned, which granted isn't
> saying much, but it is very good.
>
>> Gene wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Vehicle:
>>>1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI
>>>2.5L,V6, Gas, FI, VIN "H", EEB, JXI
>>>
>>>I think that the Infinity Amp under the passenger seat is bad.
>>>
>>>What's the best option?
>>>
>>>1. Replace the radio, amp, and speakers with the latest
>>>and greatest? If so, with what? Will I need special
>>>cable adapters?
>>>
>>>2. Buy a used amp & see if the radio will work?
>>>I'm guessing that my existing radio will not power on
>>>without the amp installed and working?
>>>
>>>3. Buy a 3rd party replacement amp & use the existing
>>>speakers and radio? If so, who makes a replacement amp?
>>>Will I need special cable adapters?
>>>
>>>4. I have a brand new Sony radio that I could install. Will it
>>>work with the Infinity Amp and the Infinity speakers? I assume
>>>that I will need special cable adapters to connect that new Sony
>>>radio/CD to the connectors that were plugged into the old Infinity
>>>radio/CD box?
>>>
>>>THANKS,
>>>Gene
>>

You made exactly the correct decision by repairing your radio. If you have
the unit with the joystick balance control, and the graphic equalizer, thank
your lucky star that you didn't replace it. Why? Because ANY aftermarket
unit you buy these days is menu driven. You can adjust your unit by feel,
in the dark, blindfolded. Any "modern" replacement unit will be menu
driven, which means you have to take your eyes off the road, pull up menus,
read through the menus displayed on a tiny little screen in letters about
1/4 inch tall, scroll through menus till you find what you want, then adjust
that item using tiny little buttons. All while going 70 miles an hour
through traffic. Modern aftermarket units are NOT designed for safe
driving.
Stick with your old head unit as long as you can. When it fails, buy
another one just like from a salvage yard, or eBay. Don't make the mistake
of replacing it with a "modern" unit.

Deke



"Gene" > wrote in message
...
> LOL - I decided to take a look at the Infinity amp board under the
> passenger's
> seat before throwing the radio & amp in the trash.
>
> Upon careful examination of the board, I found a cap that had a broken
> lead. I carefully soldered the cap, tested, and cleaned the board.
>
> After powering up the system, the old Infinity cranked out the Big Bopper
> just fine. Everything worked like new.
>
> I was a bit surprised with the quality - it's really not that bad. Senior
> citizens can't hear all that well anyway - think I'll just keep it for a
> little
> while more, then get one with MP3/IPOD and woofers, flashing lights,
etc...
>
> Conclusion:
> the Infinity amps are installed in a place where they can get wet from
time
> to time & corrode at the end of the board. The good news is that the
board
> is pretty easy to work on & looks like it is well made. It's worth the
time
> to
> rip it open & clean the board - if you do it right & get it 100% dry
before
> applying power - I would give most defective boards a 60% chance of
> recovery.
>
> Hint: gently wiggle each component (especially near the end of the board).
> You
> could have a component that has a lead completely corroded away. It's
> through-hole,
> so no big deal to solder at low temperature, just take your time.
>
> Later,
> Gene
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "Gene" > wrote in message
> news
> > Vehicle:
> > 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI 2.5L,V6, Gas, FI, VIN "H", EEB,
JXI
> >
> > I think that the Infinity Amp under the passenger seat is bad.
> >
> > What's the best option?
> >
> > 1. Replace the radio, amp, and speakers with the latest and greatest?
If
> > so, with what? Will I need special
> > cable adapters?
> > 2. Buy a used amp & see if the radio will work?
> > I'm guessing that my existing radio will not power on
> > without the amp installed and working?
> >
> > 3. Buy a 3rd party replacement amp & use the existing
> > speakers and radio? If so, who makes a replacement amp?
> > Will I need special cable adapters?
> >
> > 4. I have a brand new Sony radio that I could install. Will it
> > work with the Infinity Amp and the Infinity speakers? I assume that I
> > will need special cable adapters to connect that new Sony
> > radio/CD to the connectors that were plugged into the old Infinity
> > radio/CD box?
> >
> > THANKS,
> > Gene
> >
> >
> >
>

Deke wrote:

> You made exactly the correct decision by repairing your radio. If you have
> the unit with the joystick balance control, and the graphic equalizer, thank
> your lucky star that you didn't replace it. Why? Because ANY aftermarket
> unit you buy these days is menu driven. You can adjust your unit by feel,
> in the dark, blindfolded. Any "modern" replacement unit will be menu
> driven, which means you have to take your eyes off the road, pull up menus,
> read through the menus displayed on a tiny little screen in letters about
> 1/4 inch tall, scroll through menus till you find what you want, then adjust
> that item using tiny little buttons. All while going 70 miles an hour
> through traffic. Modern aftermarket units are NOT designed for safe
> driving.
> Stick with your old head unit as long as you can. When it fails, buy
> another one just like from a salvage yard, or eBay. Don't make the mistake
> of replacing it with a "modern" unit.
>
> Deke

Ha! A guy after my own heart! I refer to the aftermarket radios as
being "DOS" driven. I have two essentially identical 2nd gen. Concordes
- one with factory head unit, the other one with aftermarket head unit
(installed by previous owner). I *hate* the controls on the aftermarket
unit, as I have on every car with an aftermarket radio that I have ever
owned.

Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')

Yeah, I love the little joy stick thing too, good sound too.
I just wish it had MP3.

Gene





"Deke" <no > wrote in message
...
> You made exactly the correct decision by repairing your radio. If you
> have
> the unit with the joystick balance control, and the graphic equalizer,
> thank
> your lucky star that you didn't replace it. Why? Because ANY aftermarket
> unit you buy these days is menu driven. You can adjust your unit by feel,
> in the dark, blindfolded. Any "modern" replacement unit will be menu
> driven, which means you have to take your eyes off the road, pull up
> menus,
> read through the menus displayed on a tiny little screen in letters about
> 1/4 inch tall, scroll through menus till you find what you want, then
> adjust
> that item using tiny little buttons. All while going 70 miles an hour
> through traffic. Modern aftermarket units are NOT designed for safe
> driving.
> Stick with your old head unit as long as you can. When it fails, buy
> another one just like from a salvage yard, or eBay. Don't make the
> mistake
> of replacing it with a "modern" unit.
>
> Deke
>
>
>
> "Gene" > wrote in message
> ...
>> LOL - I decided to take a look at the Infinity amp board under the
>> passenger's
>> seat before throwing the radio & amp in the trash.
>>
>> Upon careful examination of the board, I found a cap that had a broken
>> lead. I carefully soldered the cap, tested, and cleaned the board.
>>
>> After powering up the system, the old Infinity cranked out the Big Bopper
>> just fine. Everything worked like new.
>>
>> I was a bit surprised with the quality - it's really not that bad.
>> Senior
>> citizens can't hear all that well anyway - think I'll just keep it for a
>> little
>> while more, then get one with MP3/IPOD and woofers, flashing lights,
> etc...
>>
>> Conclusion:
>> the Infinity amps are installed in a place where they can get wet from
> time
>> to time & corrode at the end of the board. The good news is that the
> board
>> is pretty easy to work on & looks like it is well made. It's worth the
> time
>> to
>> rip it open & clean the board - if you do it right & get it 100% dry
> before
>> applying power - I would give most defective boards a 60% chance of
>> recovery.
>>
>> Hint: gently wiggle each component (especially near the end of the
>> board).
>> You
>> could have a component that has a lead completely corroded away. It's
>> through-hole,
>> so no big deal to solder at low temperature, just take your time.
>>
>> Later,
>> Gene
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> "Gene" > wrote in message
>> news
>> > Vehicle:
>> > 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI 2.5L,V6, Gas, FI, VIN "H", EEB,
> JXI
>> >
>> > I think that the Infinity Amp under the passenger seat is bad.
>> >
>> > What's the best option?
>> >
>> > 1. Replace the radio, amp, and speakers with the latest and greatest?
> If
>> > so, with what? Will I need special
>> > cable adapters?
>> > 2. Buy a used amp & see if the radio will work?
>> > I'm guessing that my existing radio will not power on
>> > without the amp installed and working?
>> >
>> > 3. Buy a 3rd party replacement amp & use the existing
>> > speakers and radio? If so, who makes a replacement amp?
>> > Will I need special cable adapters?
>> >
>> > 4. I have a brand new Sony radio that I could install. Will it
>> > work with the Infinity Amp and the Infinity speakers? I assume that I
>> > will need special cable adapters to connect that new Sony
>> > radio/CD to the connectors that were plugged into the old Infinity
>> > radio/CD box?
>> >
>> > THANKS,
>> > Gene
>> >
>> >
>> >
>>
>
>

Gene wrote:
> Yeah, I love the little joy stick thing too, good sound too.
> I just wish it had MP3.
>
> Gene

Hi...

I'll second that...

Wonder if anyone has yet to try burning .wav's to a blank dvd and
trying to play it?

If no one else has, I'm willing to do the experiment.

Take care.

Ken

Heres my solution....and it works for me......
Plugged my Ipod into a FM transmitter module.

Same for the Sirius reciever. Works great!

Deke



"Gene" > wrote in message
...
> Yeah, I love the little joy stick thing too, good sound too.
> I just wish it had MP3.
>
> Gene
>
>
>
>
>
> "Deke" <no > wrote in message
> ...
> > You made exactly the correct decision by repairing your radio. If you
> > have
> > the unit with the joystick balance control, and the graphic equalizer,
> > thank
> > your lucky star that you didn't replace it. Why? Because ANY
aftermarket
> > unit you buy these days is menu driven. You can adjust your unit by
feel,
> > in the dark, blindfolded. Any "modern" replacement unit will be menu
> > driven, which means you have to take your eyes off the road, pull up
> > menus,
> > read through the menus displayed on a tiny little screen in letters
about
> > 1/4 inch tall, scroll through menus till you find what you want, then
> > adjust
> > that item using tiny little buttons. All while going 70 miles an hour
> > through traffic. Modern aftermarket units are NOT designed for safe
> > driving.
> > Stick with your old head unit as long as you can. When it fails, buy
> > another one just like from a salvage yard, or eBay. Don't make the
> > mistake
> > of replacing it with a "modern" unit.
> >
> > Deke
> >
> >
> >
> > "Gene" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> LOL - I decided to take a look at the Infinity amp board under the
> >> passenger's
> >> seat before throwing the radio & amp in the trash.
> >>
> >> Upon careful examination of the board, I found a cap that had a broken
> >> lead. I carefully soldered the cap, tested, and cleaned the board.
> >>
> >> After powering up the system, the old Infinity cranked out the Big
Bopper
> >> just fine. Everything worked like new.
> >>
> >> I was a bit surprised with the quality - it's really not that bad.
> >> Senior
> >> citizens can't hear all that well anyway - think I'll just keep it for
a
> >> little
> >> while more, then get one with MP3/IPOD and woofers, flashing lights,
> > etc...
> >>
> >> Conclusion:
> >> the Infinity amps are installed in a place where they can get wet from
> > time
> >> to time & corrode at the end of the board. The good news is that the
> > board
> >> is pretty easy to work on & looks like it is well made. It's worth the
> > time
> >> to
> >> rip it open & clean the board - if you do it right & get it 100% dry
> > before
> >> applying power - I would give most defective boards a 60% chance of
> >> recovery.
> >>
> >> Hint: gently wiggle each component (especially near the end of the
> >> board).
> >> You
> >> could have a component that has a lead completely corroded away. It's
> >> through-hole,
> >> so no big deal to solder at low temperature, just take your time.
> >>
> >> Later,
> >> Gene
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> "Gene" > wrote in message
> >> news > >> > Vehicle:
> >> > 1997 Chrysler Sebring Convertible JXI 2.5L,V6, Gas, FI, VIN "H", EEB,
> > JXI
> >> >
> >> > I think that the Infinity Amp under the passenger seat is bad.
> >> >
> >> > What's the best option?
> >> >
> >> > 1. Replace the radio, amp, and speakers with the latest and greatest?
> > If
> >> > so, with what? Will I need special
> >> > cable adapters?
> >> > 2. Buy a used amp & see if the radio will work?
> >> > I'm guessing that my existing radio will not power on
> >> > without the amp installed and working?
> >> >
> >> > 3. Buy a 3rd party replacement amp & use the existing
> >> > speakers and radio? If so, who makes a replacement amp?
> >> > Will I need special cable adapters?
> >> >
> >> > 4. I have a brand new Sony radio that I could install. Will it
> >> > work with the Infinity Amp and the Infinity speakers? I assume that
I
> >> > will need special cable adapters to connect that new Sony
> >> > radio/CD to the connectors that were plugged into the old Infinity
> >> > radio/CD box?
> >> >
> >> > THANKS,
> >> > Gene
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >
> >>
> >
> >
>