I want to change out the original radio/cassette to a new one with CD

I do not listen to music in the car and usually only listen to talk radio so I don't need a system like the younger generation wants. All I want is a basic system. Any suggestions to type and brand. Also, when I choose a new radio can I have it wired directly to my speakers or do I have to worry about changing out the amps as well.

I think your goal is similar to mine. Please see the thread Where to Begin? from a few days ago.

I opted to buy a book, "Car Stereo Cookbook" Mark Rumreich; $15.72 at Amazon, but that's because I'm expecting to have time on my hands for a few weeks while my bad hip's being swapped out for a new one. (Might as well educate myself BEFORE I cut into stuff that is working OK, for a change.) I'll order stuff once I can bend.

From what I'm seeing, the AM sections are new radios are not very good. I think my existing Alpine has better specs, but, unfortunately, no CD player.

Anyhow, please post what you put in - I, for one, would be interested.

I,unfortunately,do not have much time on my hands. I think I have opted to go to my dealer and get a similiar radio that I already have and then have a CD changer installed in the trunk that uses a remote on a radio frequency to listen to the CDs. I do not listen to music, only talk radio and CDs that pertain to my industry so I do not need all that amplifier jazz. If I change my mind I will post what I do.

I had considered going with a "universal CD changer", which is what you're talking about. I have a headunit which is working OK, and I wanted to keep it.

What I have learned is that the problem with universal CD changers is that the CD signal passes through the relatively lower fidelity FM section of the radio, instead of going directly through the amp. I suppose if high fidelity is not your goal, that would be a good solution.

Please post whether you are happy with the result.

Out of curiosity, if you are changing your radio anyhow, isn't there one that it can be replaced with, that can play CDs?

Unfortunately I would prefer not having time on my hands, but it's not up to me.