Stereo & Electronics - Need a pre-amp for my MP3 player

I have a stock head unit in my car (like the look, don't have to worry about it getting stolen) but everything has been re-wired and running through two amps in the rear. I have a line converter for the stereo, and an automatic RCA switcher the turns on my auxillary jack when the stereo is turned off. The problem is the amps are turned way down for the stereo, but need to be turned way up for the MP3 player, and even then it's not really enough for the highway with the T-Tops off.

I hoping someone can recommend some kind of little box with a set of RCA jacks in and out that would be hooked for the 12v source. I've tried some searches but trying to search for preamp, mp3, rca, etc, returns every head unit the place sells. Does anyone have any recommendations?

You might have a look at the "Boostaroo". It's a small amplifier designed to boost the output of portable MP3 players for motorcycle riders. Two possible problems - it runs on batteries (although you could probably rig up a power source) and it's designed for 16-32 ohm output to earphones.

Another possibility is to connect your MP3 player to the factory stereo using an adapter through the CD changer port on the back of the head unit. This will only work in a 98 model if you have the cassette head unit - CD head units didn't get that capability until late in the 99 model year.

You can get a PreAmp/LineDriver at the install shop at a BestBuy.

Here is the one I bought from there:
Install Edge IECALD Adjustable Line Driver "Pre-Amp"
http://www.fadingarrow.com/images/PreAmp.jpg

I don't know if there are any better options, but it works for me.

I was originally planning on buying a newer radio and a CD changer adapter, but I thought this would be a cheaper/cleaner signal way to go ... I didn't realize there would be such an imbalance.

The key word was "line driver", that brought up search results like what I was looking for. I just bought a PAC Turbo-1 off eBay that's supposed to bring it up to 4.2v, or +18db, for $25. Hopefully that will take care of it :)