Car Stereos: Replace Suburban CD-Radio-Cassette system and rear system still work?, work question, etc system

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2004 Suburban with a CD Player, Radio, Cassette Deck, Bose Speaker system and a rear radio that can be used independent from the main/front system.  I am looking to replace the front system.  I tried this once before with a digital CD-Radio, MP3, ipod input, etc. system and got hissing noise that increased with engine speed so I had it removed.

What features do I need to look for in a replacement system that will work without the hissing noise and will also allow the rear system to still work as it does now?  Is it number of channels, wattage output, combination of these and others?  I am confused.  Is a factory replacement all that will work in this situation?

ANSWER: Stan, the problem with the hissing is an open ground issue.  It has nothin to do with the quality or type of equipment you are using.  When installing new equipment, be sure the ground wire is as short as possible.  That will usually fix the problem.  If there is still hissing after the grounds have been secured shortly, you may need to use a noise filter on your power wire to isolate the radio system from the charging system.  Hope this helps, Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Scott,

Thanks for the reply on the hissing sound.  I would have thought BestBuy, who installed the radio, would have known this...oh well.

Can you give me any information on what I would need to look for in a replacement radio/cd player for my suburban, specification wise, that would still allow my rear radio to work as it does now?

Answer
Sorry for the delay, I researched your car to be sure I was clear on the rear radio issue, and I found that it is independent of the front radio.  That means that you shouldn't have to worry about the rear system working with whatever radio you get in the dash.  They will work together independently.  Of course, there are different grades of stereos with many different options.  If I were in your shoes, I would look at Alpine stereos, and find a model close to the top-of-the-line.  It will have tons of features to use and Alpine is one of the best sounding stereos made.  Your other option, of course, is to use a factory replacement.  If your truck did not come with the fanciest model of factory radio in it, you can upgrade to the fancy model, but you will be assured that sound quality and compatability will not be compromised at all this way.  Good Luck, Scott