telson
04-02-2009, 07:00 PM
Hi everyone and apologies if this has been asked and answered before. I spent most of last night searching (and getting distracted by other interesting threads!) but didn't find it.
I have a 2004 Marauder with the factory (single) CD/cassette/radio but no CD changer in the trunk -- that's the piece I would like to add.
I currently listen using a portable mp3/CD player and the cassette adapter. I'm simply tired of having to plug in that silly adapter every time I get in (I don't want to leave it visible in case someone decides I must have an expensive mp3 player and breaks into the car).
I could get a wireless FM transmitter but that opens the issues of how to power both the CD and the FM transmitter, and additional hiss.
I mainly listen to audiobooks, so premium quality (other than basic stuff like avoiding hiss) isn't my primary concern. I am looking for:
--trunk-mounted
--CD changer than must play mp3 files on the CDs
--if I'm listening to CD #3 and switch to CD #5, it must
remember where I was on CD #3 when I switch back
--connects to the factory headunit
1) CD Changer Selection
I found the Sony CDX565MXRF 10-Disc CD Changer/RF Package at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-CDX565MXRF-10-Disc-Changer-Package/dp/B0002CTPJI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238722591&sr=1-1
a) I believe that the RF Package means that it... connects to
the radio antenna wire? Does this plug in or do I have
to cut something?
b) Should I buy anything else or does it look like everything is
in this package?
c) Or should I buy a different CD changer? (PM me if this would
cause a holy war...)
2) Installation
Ok, so what has really been holding me back is the installation. The idea of trusting my car to audio installers really doesn't appeal... so I'll have to do it myself. But I rarely fiddle with my car (for fear of making a mistake) so... what exactly would I have to do to install it?
a) The CD changer itself mounts... in the trunk, on the left side
of the vehicle?
b) I would need to run wires to the front of the car...
i) For power? (Where to?) Do I have to take the instrument
panel apart?
ii) To the headunit? Do I have to pull that out? Is that tricky?
iii) To the center console (or IP?) for the mp3 tags display unit
c) While running these wires... where do they go? Under the carpet? Do I have to take a lot of interior stuff apart to achieve this?
d) I would need to connect to the RF cable? Er... in the trunk? Or at the IP?
(And, as above, do I need to cut something, or does it connect
in-line with standard connectors?) Does this RF cable mean I
would listen to the CD changer on a hard-wired "radio frequency"?
3) Speakers
Ok, I said quality wasn't an issue... but you guys talking about speaker upgrades have me thinking!
a) Are these hard or expensive to install?
Have to remove the door lining?
b) Recommendations? (Again, PM me if this would cause another
holy war...)
Thank you and apologies for all the questions that I suspect are a no-briainer for many of you!
I have a 2004 Marauder with the factory (single) CD/cassette/radio but no CD changer in the trunk -- that's the piece I would like to add.
I currently listen using a portable mp3/CD player and the cassette adapter. I'm simply tired of having to plug in that silly adapter every time I get in (I don't want to leave it visible in case someone decides I must have an expensive mp3 player and breaks into the car).
I could get a wireless FM transmitter but that opens the issues of how to power both the CD and the FM transmitter, and additional hiss.
I mainly listen to audiobooks, so premium quality (other than basic stuff like avoiding hiss) isn't my primary concern. I am looking for:
--trunk-mounted
--CD changer than must play mp3 files on the CDs
--if I'm listening to CD #3 and switch to CD #5, it must
remember where I was on CD #3 when I switch back
--connects to the factory headunit
1) CD Changer Selection
I found the Sony CDX565MXRF 10-Disc CD Changer/RF Package at Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-CDX565MXRF-10-Disc-Changer-Package/dp/B0002CTPJI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1238722591&sr=1-1
a) I believe that the RF Package means that it... connects to
the radio antenna wire? Does this plug in or do I have
to cut something?
b) Should I buy anything else or does it look like everything is
in this package?
c) Or should I buy a different CD changer? (PM me if this would
cause a holy war...)
2) Installation
Ok, so what has really been holding me back is the installation. The idea of trusting my car to audio installers really doesn't appeal... so I'll have to do it myself. But I rarely fiddle with my car (for fear of making a mistake) so... what exactly would I have to do to install it?
a) The CD changer itself mounts... in the trunk, on the left side
of the vehicle?
b) I would need to run wires to the front of the car...
i) For power? (Where to?) Do I have to take the instrument
panel apart?
ii) To the headunit? Do I have to pull that out? Is that tricky?
iii) To the center console (or IP?) for the mp3 tags display unit
c) While running these wires... where do they go? Under the carpet? Do I have to take a lot of interior stuff apart to achieve this?
d) I would need to connect to the RF cable? Er... in the trunk? Or at the IP?
(And, as above, do I need to cut something, or does it connect
in-line with standard connectors?) Does this RF cable mean I
would listen to the CD changer on a hard-wired "radio frequency"?
3) Speakers
Ok, I said quality wasn't an issue... but you guys talking about speaker upgrades have me thinking!
a) Are these hard or expensive to install?
Have to remove the door lining?
b) Recommendations? (Again, PM me if this would cause another
holy war...)
Thank you and apologies for all the questions that I suspect are a no-briainer for many of you!