shogun

I am concerned about the stock HU as I see mixed issues with cdrws. is it better to perhaps just add a cd changer or replace the HU. im not really familiar with car stereo installation so im concerned on how they fill the gaps from a aftermarket HU and then losing the steering wheel volume (though i saw some units that might gain that back).

all in all is it just easier to get a changer?

I-MOD

I just added an Alpine changer to my stock head unit. I love it. It was a sinch to install and keeps the factory look so you don't have to worry about theives stealing your headunit. and it plays CDR\CDRW!

D.

bozzchem

The Alpine changer is a great way to go. I'd suggest getting the model (CHA-S634) that plays MP3s. Since you don't currently have the ability to play MP3s, why buy a changer just to play CDRWs? CDRs cost about 10 cents each if purchased in bulk. It wouldn't make sense to buy a changer just for CDRWs IMHO.

I had no problems playing CDRs in my stock 2003 TLS changer. I didn't bother trying CDRWs. I just assumed they wouldn't work. Plus, I wanted more control over the system and went with an Alpine HU and EQ combo. Hopefully I'll be able to get it up and running this weekend.

Take a look at my mods page.

aadadams

I went with the Alpine CHA S634 + Stock HU. Best move I could have ever made. I can now play CDRW's and CDR's even the ones my stock HU would not play, not to mention mp3 capability. 160+ songs on one disc it is great. I highly recommend this configuration. I think that all you need is this, but double check.

Alpine KCA 130B
Alpine CHA S634 or other AI-Net changer
Peripheral HONIL


Look for the changer on eBay first, or you can go to gopcplus.com to buy the changer outright. I bought mine from them for about $230 shipped to my door in a couple of days. The other parts I got from Crutchfield.com and they were $9.99 and $49.99 respectively.

By the way it only takes about an hour or two to do this install. You do not even have to take the head unit out to install the changer, you just reach around the back of the changer on the passengers side and feel for the receptacle to plug in the Peripheral HONIL then plug the KCA 130B into that. Lastly plug the changer cable into the 130B. Neatly tuck the cable under the door sills no need to remove them, and feed the cable under the rear seat and into the trunk. On the changer by the eject button there is a two position switch, place this switch in position two, and you are ready to go. I hope that helps.

CoasterG

Hmm, you can reach the aux CD changer plug on the stock Bose 6 cd changer HU by just reaching around back?

Wow, guess my XM radio install just got a LOT easier.

How hard was the cable routing from front to back?

George

shogun

cool. i thought about replacing the head unit but am probably, since i dont want to deal with a dash kit or anything else, not going to now. for <300 bux i can get what i think i want

the cdr vs rw i could care less about really its really a concern with the cdr as ive read about people not having much luck. i still havent' actually bought this car but plan to this week. thanks for the info!


also, just curious, since there are 3 different tl's im lookin at. basically it breaks down to this:

2000 43k mi
2000 18k mi (but 2500$ more)
2002 25k mi (but 4000$ more)

sure there are many aspects to this, but i'm trying to figure out if it's worth it. warranty-wise, the 18k would run out of time before mileage (for the 62k bump to bump) but who knows. im confused haha
any suggestions would be appreciated!
thanks, and this forums is a great service for tl-ers and future tl-ers!