JBL amp messed up, need advice on replacing/redesigning audio system

There was some flash flooding recently that messed up the JBL amp under the right-front seat, and I'm wondering what to do.

I found a replacement on ebay that would only be about $50, but I'm wondering if I should do something else instead.

I'd like to be able to hook my ipod straight into the sound system, rather than using my current method of a cassette-with-cord that plugs into it. That makes me wonder if I should get a new headunit with some sort of auxiliary input. If I do, I assume I could get one with an amp inside it, and not need to replace what was under the seat - but then I wouldn't know what to do with the cords that were previously going in and out of the JBL amp.

>I'm generally good at figuring things out when given an idea of what I'm doing, but I don't really have much experience with sound systems in cars. As long as I'm given a basic outline or how things works, I should be able to handle doing things.

tl;dr please give advice on what I should buy that would be convenient for me. Looking to not spend more than a hundred or couple hundred, don't really care about audio quality, just want it to work, and it'd be cool if I could plug my ipod into the sound system directly.

 

I'd be fine going that route, I'm just wondering if there are any other good options for me while I'm dealing with it. If there's not, no biggie, I'll just spend the $50.