When I had a rattle/knock at idle in the same area you are talking about, it was the brick in the catalytic converter loose knocking around inside. But I don't remember hearing it when driving.
I had something similar with a 1988 Oldsmobile. When I turned on the headlights my dash lights dimmed and my fuel gage went to empty. It turned out to be a broken trace in the instrument panel flexible circuit board. Just a thought.
Hey Greg, I'm having the exact same problem. I have replaced the stereo with another stock one. It worked for a while, now its doing the same. I can hardly hear (if not at all) out the right front and door. If you figure it out let me know.
Dave