| dfj |
| I'm thinking about getting an aftermarket CD/MP3 changer. Any suggestions? |
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| SteveLuman |
quote:
Originally posted by dfj
I'm thinking about getting an aftermarket CD/MP3 changer. Any suggestions?
I would recommend the Alpine CHA-S634 Changer. Here are the specs.
I installed one myself and have never had a problem. The best part is that is also plays CD's containing MP3's, CD-r's and CR-RW's.
Just my 2¢. |
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| dfj |
Steve,
Thanks for your reply. I can’t decide which one to get: Sony CDX-757MX 10-disc CD/MP3 Changer or Alpine CHA-S634 (the one that you’ve recommended). I assume you mount your CD changer underneath the front seat, connect the CD changer to Ai-Net cable then run the cable, under the carpet, to the main head unit. If so, is the CD changer controlled by the main head unit? Can I still use the factory single CD player? In your opinion, which one do you like better and why? Thanks again!
Web link to both CD changers:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-E230J3...rch=cd+changers |
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| mcclendons |
dfj
I highly advise looking at www.autotoys.com. They sell Alpine kits packaged with an adapter. These kits allow them to be hooked into the Acura stereo directly (no FM modulator etc). In other words, you can still use the single disc, and it works like the Acura changer for CDs. For MP3, you would be able to change tracks/songs, but I understand there are some limits (not sure, but have been told all MP3 must be on root directory, and you do not get the MP3 tags with title etc in Acura display). These are really limits of the Acura head unit, which was not MP3 designed.
Autotoys carries Sony as well, but I am not sure if they have the kit to interface with the head unit. That would be a CRITICAL deciding factor. Do a search for "changer and MDX", maybe "changer and Acura" and it will show what they have. I have gone through Autotoys twice, and have been very pleased (and MUCH cheaper than most other sources) |
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| dbauchat |
ACURA MDX . ORG > General > Audio & Electronics > Alpine 6 disc Changer
Very pleased with alpine changer
I had the Alpine CHM-S630 installed in our MDX by a local car stereo shop last spring.
Cost new was $179 plus $18 for the OEM adapter. They hit me up about $60 for the install and tax, which also took about 2 hours. Total was $259. I also picked up two extra cassettes for $25 (for a total of three, one came with the unit)
The unit interfaces perfectly with the OEM dash unit (allows you to cycle between the CD in the dash unit and the discs in the cassette. Dash displays Disc number and track. Unit fits perfectly under the drivers seat.
Sound is great (as good as it can get with OEM speakers). Changer is quiet and very fast.
I would highly recommend the Alpine changer. |
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| SteveLuman |
quote:
Originally posted by dfj
Steve,
Thanks for your reply. I can’t decide which one to get: Sony CDX-757MX 10-disc CD/MP3 Changer or Alpine CHA-S634 (the one that you’ve recommended). I assume you mount your CD changer underneath the front seat, connect the CD changer to Ai-Net cable then run the cable, under the carpet, to the main head unit. If so, is the CD changer controlled by the main head unit? Can I still use the factory single CD player? In your opinion, which one do you like better and why? Thanks again!
Web link to both CD changers:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-E230J3...rch=cd+changers
The CD circuitry for the Head Unit is internally connected and operates independently of the CD Changer input on the rear of the Head Unit.
I purchased an Alpine CHA-S634 6-disc CD Changer and connected it to my Honda Pilot with a Blitzsafe HONDA/XM DMX PIO.1D Adapter and an Alpine KCA-130B (Ai-Net to MBus). This Blitzsafe adapter has dual connections: 1 for the Alpine CD Changer & 1 for a Pioneer XM Tuner Connection. This eliminates the need for any FM modulations. The same interface works with the Acura MDX.
The interface adapter has all the necessary plugs for power and connectivity for the Pioneer 903XM unit (IP-Bus Out cable and Power supply cable) as well as a plug for an Alpine CD Changer. The only additional plugs used are the ones coming from the XM antenna and the controller unit supplied with the Tuner.
All plugs are included for power and function, and you can toggle between the CD and either the Changer or XM Radio using the CD/CD Changer Function. If you want to go from the CD Changer to the XM or vice versa, you press the track up then track down very quickly.
I can also play CD's, CD-RW's, CD-R's and MP3's with my Changer.
If you just want to connect only an Alpine CD Changer, I would recommend the Blitzsafe HON/ALP DMX V.1.
Search "changer" under www.honda-pilot.org or try this thread.
If you can't find this interface at a local car stereo installation center, Blitzsafe- (201) 569-5000 will sell direct to you via AMEX or Money Order COD.
Good Luck,
SteveLuman has attached this image: |
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| dfj |
mcclendons
thanks! You’re right, their prices are better than crutchfield.com
ALPINE CHA634 CD CHANGER 6 DISC (MP3) $260 compares to $299
Acura/Honda Compatible CD Changer to Alpine rado adapter $36 and n/a at crutchfield. I’ve been researching “CD changer" instead of "changer" and got nothing. I’ll try to search for “changer” next. I don’t know the difference b/t this $36 radio adapter vs. Blitzsafe adapter. But I’ll do my search before asking. Thanks again!
Dbauchat, thanks, it’s nice to know Alpine makes good CD changer. I’ll do a couple more hrs of search, but I’m about 80% sure that I will purchase Alpine CHA-S634. Don't laugh, but I’m gonna try to install it myself, hope I’ll have a easier time than building my computer. Man, that was a nightmare, and I had to take it to comp store and have them undo the damage. Yup, I’ve learned not to build a computer again and the techs are worth $50-75 per hr. Anyway, wish me luck!
SteveLuman
Thanks for your advice. I just want to use the CD Changer and not interested in xm radio. If that’s the case, do I still need to get Blitzsafe HON/ALP DMX V.1. or would the Acura/Honda Compatible CD Changer to Alpine radio adapter $36 stated above works. The reason I’m asking is that Blitzsafe cost almost more than $100 vs. the other adapter.
Blitzsafe BMW/ALP DMX V.1D BMW to Alpine Interface w/Auxiliary Inputs $129.95
So if I just want to use the CD Changer, are these the only items I need?
Alpine CHA-S634 $260
Blitzsafe $130
Additional CD case $30 for 2 (optional)
Is there anything else? |
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| dfj |
Steve,
please ignore my last question, just read your reply from previous thread....
Remember, if you just want to connect an Alpine CD Changer only, you just need the Blitzsafe HON/ALP DMX V.1 interface and the Alpine KCA-130B (Ai-Net to MBus) connector .
Regards,
dfj |
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