Downgrade HU from MACH/Audiophile to Premium?

[Malcontent]

I've read up on what happens if I put an Audiophile HU in a premium setup (bad bass due to the subwoofer setup), but what happens if I put a premium HU into an Audiophile setup?

I'd like to put a 1c3f-18c815-ab CD-6 head unit into my 99 Eddie Bauer, and I'm wondering if I should even bother? I ask because the stock unit has the dark display problem and I happen to have this CD-6 unit sitting in front of me.

 

[CDW6212R]

I need to learn the details also, I have a 98 with the Mach HU. I want dedicated amps and speakers, with the stock "RDS" HU.

Search on eBay for a vender who repairs the Mach units. I spoke to a man last year who knew the differences well. He suggested the Premium HU for me, I wasn't ready then to make the changes. He had a repair price of about $60 for the display issue, in "BUY IT NOW" auctions. Good luck,

 

[Malcontent]

I popped in the Premium headunit tonight, and it works fine sans subwoofer. Less bass, of course, but enough. It, of course, did not hook to the external CD changer like an Audiophile CD-6 might.

We'll use it until I get around to repairing the original Mach unit, as well as installing a fan. Looks like a simple repair if you have a steady hand (instructions on this site).

 

[CDW6212R]

The Premium version doesn't have those Mach issues, which is why I shall trade mine towards one soon. Regards,

 

[Malcontent]

I popped in the Premium headunit tonight, and it works fine sans subwoofer. Less bass, of course, but enough. It, of course, did not hook to the external CD changer like an Audiophile CD-6 might.

I know this is old, but I need to correct something above:

With the Premium head unit, it controlled both the external CD changer as well as the internal changer. Rear controls managed the external CD changer and could play separately through the rear headphone jack.

I no longer have the Explorer and am not likely to return, so I wanted to correct the above.