If I took out the factory AM FM Casette player in my car, and replaced it with a factory AM FM CD Casette player, why is the sound only at about a 30 percent level even at max volume? Is there an amp I need to get from the salvage yard to make it work correctly, or is it a "get a radio code" thing from the dealer? Anybody know?????

 

BINGO!

Low end factory units that don't use an amp have higher outputs from the head unit itself. Higher level head units have lower outputs because they use an amp to generate the power. Running a factory head unit that uses an amp without one will have low volume.

 

Unfortunately, the wire harness from the dash ALL the way back to the taillights would have to be replaced to put in the factory amp into this car. NOT GONNA HAPPEN HERE. Not cost OR time effective anymore. Dang..... Going back to a factory cassette player to plug in the MP3 player.....

 

Screw the factory amp. Buy an aftermarket amp and wire it into the harnees you already have. An aftermarket amp will be MUCH better than the factory one.

 

I highly doubt I can buy an aftermarket amp, AND have it properly installed by someone who knows how to do it quickly and efficiently, AND have it cost less than the 55.00 I can buy a used factory cassette player for. It will take ME less than 10 minutes to install the factory radio. I'm not trusting some young punk kid working at a local audio shop to butcher up my sister-in-laws wiring harness.
As far as quality goes, I have yet to have it proven to me beyond a doubt that aftermarket ones will outlast the factory ones.
Thanks for your concern though.

 

You get what you pay for.

Do people still use cassettes?

You need to find a better installation shop then.

LOL! That's funny.