Thanks for your response.

I should have added that prior to the new stereo, I was getting worse reception, especially on AM frequency. I was hoping that the new stereo would correct the problem but the added benefit of an I-Pod hook-up was the main reason for the purchase. The old Becher cassette/radio is a classic, but I don't use cassettes anymore.

It is possible that the antenna wire is worn out. Don't you think that the most likely problem is the connection on the antenna end or the antenna itself? I am thinking that checking that connection would be the first thing to do.

Steve