Honda: 2000 Honda Accord EX Radio Problem, cassette tape players, signal to noise ratio

Question
My radio works fine on FM.When I switch to AM it sounds like a motorboat is in my radio with static.If it locks on a station the noise is quiter but still can be heard in the background.Any ideas what could be causing this problem?[The radio/cd player is a factory installation and this problem has just recently popped up.]Thanks for any help.

Answer
My first response would have been that AM just does that.  FM will always sound much better than AM.  Since you said the problem just started, I am compelled to find out what it could be.  The signal to noise ratio is a number that describes how much background "noise" you hear in relation to the desired sound or "signal".  The condition of the amplifier is the biggest factor in determining the S/N ratio.  Some cd players have S/N ratios as high as 100 dB.  Cassette tape players are around the 50s.  I know AM radio is low as well.  If you think the noise is more than it should be (considering AM is always gonna sound bad), then you should be on the internet looking for a used factory radio, as a radio from Honda can cost over $800.00, and repair is most likely out of the question.  I bought a new S2000 radio from a fellow owner for $200.00; he used it only for the drive home from the dealership.  You can also check www.ebay.com they've got radios from $15.00.

Hope I helped,
B