How important is a stereo?

[mikew88gt]

I have an aluminum plate where my stereo used to be for a few good reasons. First of all I've done a lot with my car and I'm a paranoid person. Always listening to see if there's a new noise that shouldn't be there like an exhaust leak, knock, squeak...you get the idea. Second, the radio stations around here suck. I don't like classic rock or country and most everything in between is a waste. Most radio stations play the same 40 songs over and over again anyhow. The third reason is the roads around here are to bumpy for a cd player. I've had some before and they get beat up in 2 years. And when I do buy a cd for 12-14 bucks I end up liking 2 songs which I soon get tired of. So I'm turning into a cranky oldman in that respect but I'd rather spend the money on speed parts which I don't get tired of.