Ok. Why is my stereo doing this?

It has been fine for over 5 years and now all of a sudden it is acting funny. Initially it started out as sounding like a bad CD or a skipping. I was able to take the unit up to 17 then the speakers get distorted. It then began going down and down over a 2 week period. It would get the skippiing sound at 13 and above, then 10 and above, finally down to 5 where I could barely hear it now. It was wierd b/c it seemed as though it acted up more on bumps and acceleration. This was both on CDs and the tuner.

Then today I turn on the radio w/o the engine on and it is perfectly fine up to 17. Then turn the car on and it is fine again. I havent ttried driving again yet though. What do yoy think is going on with it? I have a new head unit on the way b/c I thought this one was smoked.

Anyone need an alpine head unit?

nope, don't need a new HU but I do think you made the right move buying a new one. Sounds like the one you have is on it's last leg.