What type of CD changer to buy?

[Dan Whitaker]

I told my wife today that I want a CD player for my 97 Mountainner. Yes I know it's kind of early but if I keep bugging her she will get me one
Now here is my question. My factory radio has the CD controls. Should i go with a 6 disc changer that will hook up to my factory radio, a 6 disc FM modulated changer or a single disc head unit?
My dilema is I like the big size controls of the factory unit as apposed to a new head unit but I don't want to give up the stoage space in my consle.
Everyones imput is greatly appreciated. By asking now I will have plenty of time to make a good decission.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

DOH!!!

I forgot to mention that I want it for a Christmas gift.

 

[jimbo74]

if you get the factory one, i would get it of a member or from ebay... they are $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

or just buy an aftermarket one wit ha new head unit.....

personally the fm ones arent that great..... they do work, but the whole digital sound isnt reproduced.... liek watching a THX enhanced movie with only the TV and not through a 5.1 channel stereo

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Cruthfiekd has one that is supposed to hook up with the factory unit but it will run $350-$400. I can get a good head unit for about half as much. I kind of thougt that the modulted changers did not deliver the best sound. Makes it kind of pointles doesn't it?

 

[NoBoundaries]

You could find a rolled Explorer with the factory in-dash 6 disc. You should be able to keep your rear factory controls (if you have them) and not have to worry about changer location.

At one point, before Ford started using them (the HU), Crutchfield sold them. They are made by a company called Visteon.

 

[aldive]

Another idea to consider....

Ditch the factory HU and get an aftermarket MP3 HU and then there is no need for a changer and as a bonus, you will have a much better sound system.

Good luck.....

 

[2K1Xplorer]

www.autotoys.com

They sell CD Changers that work with factory stereos

 

[Brian's98XLT]

You can get adaptors from Soundgate and Peripheral that will allow you to hook up a Alpine or Pionner changer to it.
I have the Perpheral piece on mine with a Alpine changer. This piece has a 2nd set of RCA inputs that I have the audio going to from my DVD player. The nice thing about this is the kids can use the factory head phone jacks in back to listen to there movies while they watch them and I do not have to listen.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

I got a Kenwood CD-Changer from Crutchfield. It's like $270. It's a 10-minute hookup. It's great! In order for the changer to work, you need changer controls for your factory HU.