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A CD changer is a fun and handy addition to your car stereo system, no matter how simple or sophisticated your system may be. You gain the benefit of having 6, 8, 10, or even 12 of your favorite CDs stored and ready to play with just a few button pushes. Some CD changers will even play MP3s, making it easy to add MP3 playback to your factory stereo!
Another great thing about a CD changer is that you can store your favorite discs in it, instead of letting them rattle around in the backseat or floorboard, where they inevitably get scratched up or sunburned. There's nothing worse than reaching for your favorite disc only to find it damaged beyond all playability. That, of course, assumes your factory stereo plays CDs to begin with.
And that brings us to the point of topic: adding a CD changer to your factory stereo. You have a car with a factory stereo and for whatever reason, you can't or don't want to change it. Perhaps you have a leased vehicle or you get the mom-mobile on the weekends. Maybe it's actually a decent factory stereo, but you just want to jazz things up a bit. Maybe you just want to keep the cassette player in the dash. (C'mon, I know you people are out there!)
Whatever the reason for maintaining the factory deck, you can still expand your listening options with a CD changer.
Means to an end
These days, there are several ways to go about adding a CD changer to your stereo. This is especially true if your factory system has built-in controls for a factory changer, but I'll get to that later. First I want to talk about the more common option of universal add-on CD changers.
Add-on CD changers — solutions for everybody
Universal add-on CD changers are, well, just that. They work with any car stereo with an FM tuner. The changer uses an FM modulator to let you play your CDs over an unused frequency on your FM radio without interfering with FM reception. A separate controller/display module attaches to your dash so you have direct control of the changer.
Add-on installation
Installation involves finding a spot to mount the changer — usually in the trunk (if you have one), in the front console, or under a seat. Installation will be simplified if you can mount it inside the vehicle cabin, rather than in the trunk, because it will be easier to route the cables. From the changer, you run one or more cables to the car's stereo and make connections for power and ground. At this point, you should also decide where you want to mount the control panel — somewhere within easy reach of the driver's seat. Installation can be a little time consuming, but can probably be done in an afternoon and doesn't require a professional installer's expertise.
These days, there are several ways to go about adding a CD changer to your stereo. This is especially true if your factory system has built-in controls for a factory changer, but I'll get to that later. First I want to talk about the more common option of universal add-on CD changers.
 Add-on CD changers can be installed in a variety of locations. |
Add-on CD changers — solutions for everybody
Universal add-on CD changers are, well, just that. They work with any car stereo with an FM tuner. The changer uses an FM modulator to let you play your CDs over an unused frequency on your FM radio without interfering with FM reception. A separate controller/display module attaches to your dash so you have direct control of the changer.
Add-on installation
Installation involves finding a spot to mount the changer — usually in the trunk (if you have one), in the front console, or under a seat. Installation will be simplified if you can mount it inside the vehicle cabin, rather than in the trunk, because it will be easier to route the cables. From the changer, you run one or more cables to the car's stereo and make connections for power and ground. At this point, you should also decide where you want to mount the control panel — somewhere within easy reach of the driver's seat. Installation can be a little time consuming, but can probably be done in an afternoon and doesn't require a professional installer's expertise.
Advantages of add-on CD changers
There are several advantages to using an add-on CD changer. First of all is the price tag — add-on changers are usually the least expensive way to go. A strong second advantage is its universal nature. Since it works with any FM car stereo, you can move it to your next vehicle — a nice feature if you lease your car.
A minor, but fun, benefit, is the direct control/display panel, often easier to use than the factory radio's controls. And some controllers will display CD titles and song names — a very handy feature on changers that play MP3s. And did I mention that there are several models of MP3-capable CD changers?
Another perk is that many add-on changers include a wireless remote control for those times when you don't want to take your eyes off the road.
A common concern with add-on changers is the question of sound quality. Since the changer uses an FM modulator to pipe the music through the FM radio, you're getting FM-quality sound, rather than full CD-quality. But since we're talking about listening to music in a car and probably over factory speakers, I don't consider this much of a worry. Also, the conversion to FM slightly compresses CD content, reducing musical peaks so you can actually turn your tunes up louder without stressing out your factory speakers — a big plus if you're dealing with significant road noise. You'll only hear the difference in sound quality if you're a very critical listener in a relatively quiet vehicle.
An add-on alternative
For the true digital music fanatic, Kenwood makes the Music Keg, a digital media player that can be added to any stereo by using an optional controller/modulator. The Music Keg works just like a CD changer, allowing you to store and access up to 20 gigabytes of MP3 or WMA files — that's enough storage for about 5,000 songs! (There's also a 10-gig version available for a little less money.) It's perfect if you're the type of person whose computer needs a second hard drive for storing your music files. Take a look at an article by an industry-insider about her experience with the Music Keg ("Tunes on Tap") for more details.
There are several advantages to using an add-on CD changer. First of all is the price tag — add-on changers are usually the least expensive way to go. A strong second advantage is its universal nature. Since it works with any FM car stereo, you can move it to your next vehicle — a nice feature if you lease your car.
 The wired control module provides easy music navigation. |
A minor, but fun, benefit, is the direct control/display panel, often easier to use than the factory radio's controls. And some controllers will display CD titles and song names — a very handy feature on changers that play MP3s. And did I mention that there are several models of MP3-capable CD changers?
Another perk is that many add-on changers include a wireless remote control for those times when you don't want to take your eyes off the road.
A common concern with add-on changers is the question of sound quality. Since the changer uses an FM modulator to pipe the music through the FM radio, you're getting FM-quality sound, rather than full CD-quality. But since we're talking about listening to music in a car and probably over factory speakers, I don't consider this much of a worry. Also, the conversion to FM slightly compresses CD content, reducing musical peaks so you can actually turn your tunes up louder without stressing out your factory speakers — a big plus if you're dealing with significant road noise. You'll only hear the difference in sound quality if you're a very critical listener in a relatively quiet vehicle.
An add-on alternative
For the true digital music fanatic, Kenwood makes the Music Keg, a digital media player that can be added to any stereo by using an optional controller/modulator. The Music Keg works just like a CD changer, allowing you to store and access up to 20 gigabytes of MP3 or WMA files — that's enough storage for about 5,000 songs! (There's also a 10-gig version available for a little less money.) It's perfect if you're the type of person whose computer needs a second hard drive for storing your music files. Take a look at an article by an industry-insider about her experience with the Music Keg ("Tunes on Tap") for more details.
Factory-compatible CD changers — solutions for some
These days, many factory stereos have controls built in for a factory CD changer. If yours does, that could give you one or two more options. An obvious option is going straight to the source: a factory CD changer. But a quick trip to the dealership will likely have you looking for another answer. The factory-option CD changer can cost as much as $1,000. And that may not include the installation fee! Nuts to that.
Luckily, there are other options. Factory-matched CD changers (available from Crutchfield.com) package a universal-use CD changer together with a vehicle-specific adapter cable. The adapter cable connects the changer to the factory radio, allowing the changer to work in a variety of vehicles. These CD changers function exactly like the factory changer would, but usually at half the cost (or less).
Another option is an integration adapter. Integration adapters let you connect an aftermarket changer (usually from Alpine, Kenwood or Panasonic) directly to your factory stereo. These adapter cables are not universal. Each one is made to work with a specific brand and model of changer in a specific vehicle.
The online vehicle selector at Crutchfield.com can quickly tell you whether any of these options are available for your car.
Integrated installation
Installing a factory-compatible CD changer is similar to installing an add-on CD changer, except you don't have to deal with mounting a separate control module. If you're lucky enough to have a vehicle that is pre-wired for a factory changer, the installation may be quick and painless. The cables are usually already in place at the factory changer mounting location.
These days, many factory stereos have controls built in for a factory CD changer. If yours does, that could give you one or two more options. An obvious option is going straight to the source: a factory CD changer. But a quick trip to the dealership will likely have you looking for another answer. The factory-option CD changer can cost as much as $1,000. And that may not include the installation fee! Nuts to that.
Luckily, there are other options. Factory-matched CD changers (available from Crutchfield.com) package a universal-use CD changer together with a vehicle-specific adapter cable. The adapter cable connects the changer to the factory radio, allowing the changer to work in a variety of vehicles. These CD changers function exactly like the factory changer would, but usually at half the cost (or less).
Another option is an integration adapter. Integration adapters let you connect an aftermarket changer (usually from Alpine, Kenwood or Panasonic) directly to your factory stereo. These adapter cables are not universal. Each one is made to work with a specific brand and model of changer in a specific vehicle.
 With an integration adapter, the Alpine CHM-S630 can be used with many factory stereos. |
The online vehicle selector at Crutchfield.com can quickly tell you whether any of these options are available for your car.
Integrated installation
Installing a factory-compatible CD changer is similar to installing an add-on CD changer, except you don't have to deal with mounting a separate control module. If you're lucky enough to have a vehicle that is pre-wired for a factory changer, the installation may be quick and painless. The cables are usually already in place at the factory changer mounting location.
Why use a factory-compatible CD changer?
The primary advantage of a factory-integrated CD changer is the seamless interface with your factory stereo. After all, it connects and is controlled just like the factory option, but often at less than half the cost. Another advantage is that, since it's a direct connection rather than routing the music through the FM radio, you may hear better sound quality with a factory-compatible arrangement (especially if you plan to replace your factory speakers).
One thing to keep in mind with a factory-compatible CD changer is vehicle-specificity. When you go this route for adding a CD changer, you should be intending to keep this vehicle for a while, or be willing to leave the changer in the vehicle when you and the car part ways. It's possible that you may be able to get an adapter to connect the CD changer to your next vehicle, but you shouldn't plan on that being the case. Finally, at this point in time, there are no MP3-capable changers for this option.
Take your pick
Universal add-on CD changers provide a changer option for every vehicle. Because they can work with any FM car stereo, add-on CD changers make great gifts for those "extra-special" occasions. And if your car, truck or SUV has controls for a factory CD changer, then you may be able to choose from several of the above options.
Whether you think of a CD changer as a cool convenience or a party waiting to happen, there's no doubting its utility. CD changers are great for adding some extra entertainment to your daily commute. Having a factory stereo should not prohibit you from the convenience of storing and accessing your favorite discs.
The primary advantage of a factory-integrated CD changer is the seamless interface with your factory stereo. After all, it connects and is controlled just like the factory option, but often at less than half the cost. Another advantage is that, since it's a direct connection rather than routing the music through the FM radio, you may hear better sound quality with a factory-compatible arrangement (especially if you plan to replace your factory speakers).
One thing to keep in mind with a factory-compatible CD changer is vehicle-specificity. When you go this route for adding a CD changer, you should be intending to keep this vehicle for a while, or be willing to leave the changer in the vehicle when you and the car part ways. It's possible that you may be able to get an adapter to connect the CD changer to your next vehicle, but you shouldn't plan on that being the case. Finally, at this point in time, there are no MP3-capable changers for this option.
Take your pick
Universal add-on CD changers provide a changer option for every vehicle. Because they can work with any FM car stereo, add-on CD changers make great gifts for those "extra-special" occasions. And if your car, truck or SUV has controls for a factory CD changer, then you may be able to choose from several of the above options.
Whether you think of a CD changer as a cool convenience or a party waiting to happen, there's no doubting its utility. CD changers are great for adding some extra entertainment to your daily commute. Having a factory stereo should not prohibit you from the convenience of storing and accessing your favorite discs.