Short? Bad Amp? Faulty Head Unit? What would you do?

Question

My 1988 Olds 98 has an original head unit (radio/cassette), which I really like. The car has OEM speakers, and I decided to replace the dash speakers since I heard lots of cracking and distortion as the volume level increased. I ordered the dash speakers and decided to check the rear. The right rear speaker also distorts at higher volumes. But it does not seem to be the speaker after all. I exchanged the rear speakers -- you guessed it -- the right side has distortion no matter what speaker is connected. So ... I can have a professional re-wire the system or pull the head unit to repair a faulty amp or buy a new amp and have it installed --- or I can listen to the unit with my new front speakers and one 6x9 in the back and hope it sounds okay. I was never trying to get lots of "bump" or noise -- just a solid sound. And I use the radio 99% of the time. What would you do? Replace the head unit , repair the system (either wiring or amps), or use as is? Thanks!

Answer 1

I would say it is a head unti problem too. The TAPE player is 20 years old! I would just buy a new CD player.

Answer 2

Probably the most cost effective thing you can do is get a decent head unit.  You've already swapped your speakers, right?  For what it would cost to fix the POS factory head you could just buy a new one that will outperform it by leaps and bounds.  Or keep an eye on local junk yards or what ever and see if you can find a cheap factory replacement.