cd player for '91 900S

The quick and easy answer is to go to

and their system will display the radios (and speakers) that will fit your car. For a '91 they will even provide the wiring harness adapter so you don't have to cut any wires. This isn't the same as an ISO to Saab adapter, but 1) not all brands of radios use the ISO connector and 2) they provide this at no additional charge when you buy the radio. You will have to splice the wires, but that should not be a problem as they are labeled and the color code often matches the wiring harness that comes with most radios. I bought a Blaupunkt radio from them and put an in-dash CD changer in the second DIN slot of my '91 9000. The service from Crutchfield and the radio turned out rather well, so I can recommend them from personal experience. One note: if you are looking for the best price, Crutchfield isn't necessarily the best place to shop. If you decide to shop there, I have a "Referred by a Friend" discount code, pccxb-gv0iw-4s3i8, that you can use on the payment page to get a $20 discount on purchases over $200.

It is my understanding that there were a couple of different models of radios for Saabs in 1991, but the same set of models were used in both the

900's and 9000's. If your radio came with a graphic equalizer, then you should be able to easily connect the 9000 CD player to your radio. If you don't have the equalizer, then you will have to remove the radio and the cage to see if there is a cable with an unconnected/capped DIN connector. The cap has some loopback pins, but the connector is to attach an equalizer or CD player. I agree that it is probably better to replace everything with something new that has a warranty. These CD players are over 10 years old and might not be in the best working condition.

Walt Kienzle

1991 9000T

Hi Walt,

Thanks so much for the reponse!

Ok, I'll definitely check out Cruthfield and use the coupon you mentioned if I end up buying there. I know they're not the cheapest, but it sounds like a good deal if they give me the harness adapter for free.

Ok, thanks for the info. Yeah, mine does not have an equalizer. It's just the single DIN AM/FM cassette player (can't seem to find a picture now or part number).

Yeah -- I think I'll go with something new. Probably will have better luck playing any CD-R/RW discs also.

Thanks again for answering my questions.

Hans

That is a good point. CD-R's would probably work, but CD-RW's would not.

You are welcome. If I can be of help with any other questions, just ask. I went through the same thing last year after my cassette player stopped working.

There are two other options, both less expensive and much easier to install. The $70 solution is to buy an FM transponder from Radio Shack and a small Walkman style CD player. The FM transponder transmits one of four frequencies (88.1, 88.3, 88.5, 88,7). You plug the miniature headset plug of the transponder into anything with a headset plug: small MP3 player, laptop, or CD player. Tune the FM radio to a frequency to match the one chosen on the transponder and you are in business. This allows you to use an MP3 or CD player anywhere there is a FM radio.

The second option is about $200, but works on the same principle. The Sony unit holds 10 or 12 CDs and is installed in the trunk. It is connected inline with the radio antennae. You set a station to match the frequency picked on the CD unit and you use a remote control device to control the CD unit.

Whatever you chose, th>

Hi -

I ended up taking Walt's advice and getting a system from Crutchfield. I actually just drove down to the Charlottesville retail store (I'm in N. VA so it was a couple hours of great drive in a fun car on a beautiful day).

I ended up getting the Blaupunkt Indianapolis. It met my basic functionality requirements (i.e. play CDs), met my much more demanding aesthetic requirements (i.e. black, low-profile), and cost around $100 which was what I wanted to spend. I did the installation in the parking lot in about 30 minutes. It was easy & painless (except for cutting my finger while removing the DIN casing). The Saab adapter Crutfield provided was great: all wires clearly lableed -- and the colors matched the Blaupunkt harness colors, so the labeling wasn't even necessary -- but was re-assuring.

I considered the FM-transponder (iTrip+iPod) idea, but 1) my antenna is broken & reception is thus horrible and 2) the quality of the built-in system was pretty poor even on high-quality stations. I was using a tape adapter w/ a portable CD player, but the wire kept dangling in front of the gear shift, etc.

Thanks everyone for the advice. My sound system is nothing other than new versions of the head unit & stock speakers, but I'm very happy with it now.

Hans

ma_twa> There are two other options, both less expensive and much easier to

I'm glad my advice was helpful.

Walt

Did you get your antennae fixed while you were at it?

Heh -- no, not yet. I think the motor is fine -- at least I hear it every time I turn on/off car/radio. I assume that I can get one of these antenna mast replacements for $10-$15 and fix that too. I just never use the radio so it hasn't been pressing. Is this a fairly straight-forward repair? (I'm trying to learn about my car and fix some of these things, but would say my mechanical & electrical skills are very basic.)

Thanks again for the suggestions.

Hans