2000+ Eclipse - Bad Reception

This has been discussed at  https://www.eclipseforums.org and I wanted to see if anyone here had any more ideas on this subject...

All of the 2000+ Eclipses have bad reception after installing any aftermarket head unit.  This includes models with fixed mast, external power-mast, and in-window antennas.  The models with a window antenna have a diversity setup and only the larger of the 2 plugs is used.

I have the RS model which originally had a fixed mast antenna.  I have since replaced it with a power antenna and have replaced the head unit with a Pioneer Premier 9300.  My reception is relatively poor.

The majority of members have in-window antennas and many have reported bad reception.  I am going to suggest that they check to make sure there isn't a turn-on wire for a factory signal-amp (I read that on this forum while searching on the subject.)

I don't know much about how radio signals are received but is it a possibility that reception is poor because the antenna wire is run through the car near something that is disturbing the signal? Or could the factory wire need upgraded?

One thing that the OEM manufacturers have done for years is build a very good tuner in their crappy equipmwnt. They did this because if you trace history backwards you go from MP3 - Satellite Radio - CD - MiniDisc - Cassette - Vinyl (yes you heard correct) - 8 track - Fm stereo - Fm - AM. While the aftermarket has keyed on building really good cd players, tape decks etc. they have always only put in a modest tuner, the aftermarket caters to the non tuner revolution. Now if you put that factory radio back in there the radio reception is great isn't it? but the tape deck or cd player sucks - no preouts etc. Before the general public had 8 track - cassette - cd etc., they only had radio and the manufacturers back then built a really good tuner and still continue to do so.

It is a good idea to search for a turn on wire for a factory signal amp if in fact there is one, that would answer alot of questions. This can probably open a bag of worms among installers, but one complaint that they have all heard regardless of vehicle is why is my radio reception so crappy with this new cd player.