[gunz4me]

Greetings,

I was just wondering what format, the skipper 500 likes for MP3 CDS? In my case it seems to be random, but the VBR MP3s seem to just get skipped over or make screeching sounds whereas 256 CBR gives me more plays. FWIW, in 2001 I had an Alpine unit that would play any disc I would throw in it, and it kind of blows that a factory radio in a 2006 vehicle is behind the times compared to six year old technology.

If I can't find a happy medium, the factory head unit will be history sooner rather than later because I need something to hook my IPOD up to. Rather than spend the money on an adapter for the Shaker 500, I feel I would be better served in upgrading the head unit. Unfortunately, I know me... First the head unit, then the 6x8 speakers, then comes subwoofers in the trunk/amps/etc. It just never ends

[gunz4me]

I hate to follow up on my own post, but this Shaker 500 head unit is about to go. It plays MP3s when it wants to, no matter what format I use. I tried high quality VBR as well as various versions of CBR (128, 256, and 320) only to find that the Shaker does what it wants, when it wants. I tried a variety of media, including store bought normal CDs, and have come to the conclusion that the Shaker 500 head unit just sucks!

I also experienced a weird issue after doing my first and only burnout. The radio responded ultra slow, and I had to pull the fuse and put it back in to reset it. Argh, I expected better from Delphi!

[exospawn]

Mine was history after week 1.

I hate factory units, they lack features, the displays are crap, and they just don't have decent sound adjustment controls.