'98 CD Player AUX In Help
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
'98 CD Player AUX In Help
Hey all, another audio thread (sorry). I have seen so many of these on this forum but I haven't yet found the solution I am looking for, for my specific use case. I've got an early '98 car (CarFax shows delivery in March of 1998) with the AM/FM/CD radio and NO CD changer and no plug for one in the passenger footwell. From what I have found, this seems to be the hardest to get an adapter for?
I am looking to find a way to get CD quality audio through a 3.5mm jack (or bluetooth) and use the factory sound system and head unit. There are a couple adapters on discountcarstereo that should do the trick, and they do, for everything but the 97-99 AM/FM/CD radio. For example these two DCS-GM4 and BLU-C5 specifically do not work with the 97-99 AM/FM/CD radio. I emailed them to ask about this scenario and they said the software in their products does not support that radio and I don't have any options.
They do have this cable which might work but I can't find the other items for sale that they reference being compatible with this cable PXHGM4.
Anyone have any thoughts on what set of bits and bobs I need to buy to get this situated (or where I should look)? Is it even possible?
I am looking to find a way to get CD quality audio through a 3.5mm jack (or bluetooth) and use the factory sound system and head unit. There are a couple adapters on discountcarstereo that should do the trick, and they do, for everything but the 97-99 AM/FM/CD radio. For example these two DCS-GM4 and BLU-C5 specifically do not work with the 97-99 AM/FM/CD radio. I emailed them to ask about this scenario and they said the software in their products does not support that radio and I don't have any options.
They do have this cable which might work but I can't find the other items for sale that they reference being compatible with this cable PXHGM4.
Anyone have any thoughts on what set of bits and bobs I need to buy to get this situated (or where I should look)? Is it even possible?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,379
Likes: 3,386
From: Central TX
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Try asking your audio questions here, instead of C5 General. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...lectronics-20/
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 414
From: New Jersey
I would just get a bluetooth adapter that plugs into the cigarette lighter and use you phone or Bluetooth player to play the audio through the FM radio. The stock speakers don't even have a tweeter so you will lose little if anything going through the FM. Your other choice is to get a newer radio with the CD input and wire an audio jack into the radios aux input. If you insist on using a stock radio. I used a bluetooth adapter to play through the radio and it sounded OK.
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,775
Likes: 1,376
From: US
PAC sells adapters that plugs directly into the CD remote magazine input, with either rca inputs or bluetooth. controlled from the stock unit same manner you control the remote cd magazine. By *far* the best fidelity you're going to get interfacing an aux or bluetooth to the stock head unit.
the PAC unit may be discontinued, I know there's another manufacturer out there making the same thing, I forget the name.
the PAC unit may be discontinued, I know there's another manufacturer out there making the same thing, I forget the name.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,470
Likes: 460
From: East Windsor NJ
There was a fellow who would take your OEM radio and send you back another that had the 3.5 jack installed - but I don't think he's in business anymore, My unit is working fine - but the jack is getting a bit loose and sometimes a nudge is needed to get audio from R & L sides. I have a Sirius receiver mounted up in the ash tray area.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,390
Likes: 24,795
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Moved to Audio/Electronics section for comment.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I appreciate the input everyone! It does seem like discountcarstereo still has the harness from the head unit to the PAC adapter in stock here . Seems if I can find that PAC/isimple device somewhere that will be the best solution aside from giving up and using an FM transmitter.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Moderator
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,775
Likes: 1,376
From: US
I appreciate the input everyone! It does seem like discountcarstereo still has the harness from the head unit to the PAC adapter in stock here . Seems if I can find that PAC/isimple device somewhere that will be the best solution aside from giving up and using an FM transmitter.
edit- here's what I was thinking of -- there are others out there.
Discount Car Stereo > Hands Free + Music Streaming > A2DIY-C5CD Bluetooth Hands-free & streaming Kit for C5 with 12-Disc changer
also check this thread out:
C5 radio change to Bluetooth - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion
Last edited by JMG2; Jul 27, 2024 at 11:49 AM.