Alpine CD/Receiver in 2001 LL Bean: Poor Radio Reception- Why?

I recently replaced my stock CD/tape/radio head unit in my 2001 LL Bean Outback with my Alpine 7837 CD/Receiver I had in another car. When all connected, it works fine with the changer in the back in the tray over the spare tire. When I switch to radio, the reception is really bad. I do not remember it being this bad with this Alpine in my 1993 Pontiac many years ago. It seems even worse than the radio reception of the original stock Subaru head unit. Does anyone know why I am experiencing this? All connections appear to be nice and tight. Checked them again when I went back in to re-attach the subwoofer wire harness.