Radio noises--scary, loud, startling

[tt bird]

My 2001 TT has developed a nasty radio (or CD player) problem. In either mode, pretty much regardless of the volume level at which it is set, it will suddenly and randomly, sometimes days or just minutes aprt, make loud popping sounds, loud continuous high tones and cross-channeling distorted kinds of sounds. If I tap (or hit!) the side of the radio, they generally stop for a while.

Any idea what is going on? If I am going to have to replace the raio maybe I should get an aftermarket model?

Let me know.

Thanks,