You must pony up 3+ grand (tech model) to reach the 6 CD changer on the new TSX.....dealer says an after market changer will not work?..... based on what I can find they are correct...anybody know diff? Please no flames on old style...also do not need a nav or ELS......and 08 TLs are going for 3-4 grand less that solve the problem...

 

From everything I can see you are correct. I guess you'd have to use the USB plug and go with MP3s. Of course, if you go this way, you could fit thousands of songs....

 

Honestly the base 09 TSX has so many audio input options with the USB interface (using flash drive, ipod, etc), so with all those choices I can't see myself even making much use of a 6-disc changer, so keep that in mind. There is also an audio input jack to boot. You can get a 4 gig flash drive for about $50 and hold about 600-700 good quality songs. Prolly something like 50 CDs worth right there. As far as I know though, you can't upgrade the changer and still retain a lot of the functionality/integration of the stock system. You'd lose use of the USB and audio jacks if you remove it.

 

why would u want a 6 cd changer when u have that awesome USB connector

 

Tech model has an upgraded 10 speaker sound system

 

hes not talking about teh sound system, just the CD changer

 

do mp3s or any mp3 player do 5.1 surround? I've been using my 6-cd changer to listen to some dvd-audio and dts discs with 5.1 surround.

 

No. To get true 5.1 you'll need to have access to the original master recording tracks. Instead of mixing it down to two channels you mix to 5. if your source is only two channels, (a CD for example) you can't make it into 5.

 

How do non nav models deal with a USB drive? Someone mentioned you see the folder structure of the drive on Navi models on the screen. Is the screen still there on the non Navi?

 

The screen on the non-Navi models are a pretty complex LCD screen (LCD as in digital watch segments). Black background with white segments that light up. You still can browse through the folder structure and I'ts pretty intuitive. You just rotate the center knob and hit the button to make a selection, just like on a ipod. I believe the only thing you cant really do is browse by genre for ipods but pretty much you can do everything your ipod can do. You can even use the repeat or shuffle functions as well.

I am totally happy with the non-Navi stereo system. It is true that you need to buy the special DVD-A discs to take full advantage of the 5.1 sound. The factory navi felt sort of sluggish compared to a portable unit I have. Screen resolution is also lower than the portable units as well. I didnt really care for the weather/traffic options as well since I can get all that info thru my PDA phone. Yes, it would be nice to have all that stuff intergrated into the car so I wouldnt have to take the phone out but how much would you actually use those features? The only time I would use the features is if i was traveling for business or vacation. I didnt feel the need to drop an extra $3K and subscription fees for the weather/traffic. I'm pretty sure I stepped on some toes but thats my opinion. I think its a great feature but not for me. The only thing I would probabaly use would be the handsfree link for climate control.

 

i know that the navi is better in stereo quality, but come on the stock stereo is 360 watts already. It sounds awesome i dont understand why some people complain . maybe its b/c im used to a 2001 tacoma still

edit : i got off tangent, but yea the controls for the ipod and such on the car is similar to an actual ipod.

 

Tapwave : I havent tested it yet, but do you know if the car charges the ipod when connected, or do i have to plug it in via AC socket next to the USB plug?

 

Yes, the USB charges your iPod. The base screen shows the iPod info just fine, the screen is a little harder to see than the full color Tech screen, but the same information is relayed.

 

Colin:
Thanks for the update. I'll guess now i can "un-retire" my 1st gen 40GB Ipod photo and just leave it in the car without ever having to worry about taking it out to charge! Now i have one more solid option as a music source. I doubt i'll ever utilize the 6 disc CD changer if i already have my XM and ipod hooked up.

 

Actually, I think you can only use the later model iPods with the car. I have a 4G and I don't think it's compatible.

Edit: didn't see the "photo" part. You might be ok then. I can't keep track of all the iPods that are out now.

 

Hopefully it can. Im going to try it if i have time tonight. Im assuming since i charge my ipod via USB plug adapter. If not i guess maybe my ipod shuffle?