Audio Systems: Car Audio--Speaker problem, DAC

Question
I have a 1997 VW Jetta, and I have a speaker problem, but ONLY when I try to
play a CD.  When I play the radio, all speakers, front and back, work fine.  But
when I play a CD, the speakers on the left hand side of the car, front and
back, produce a static noise, almost as if the speakers have blown out.  Is this
a wiring problem, or do I need to replace the speakers and/or the whole
audio system?  If it is wiring, will places like Circuit City make repairs?  Thank
you!

Answer
Yes, it needs repair attention. It may be an easier solution and less expensive to install a new head end unit, however.  I estimate the problem is in the cd player section and specifically with the audio decoding of the cd digital signal.  This is done by the DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) and is separate from all the other audio processing in the radio unit.  So, you should either have the DAC replaced or the entire head unit replaced.

Some CC or BB stores have good repair shops. Often the best is a local install/repair shop in the neighborhood who has lots of hands-on experience.

Hope this helps. Let me know if there is more to the story.

C