RF Car-CD changers

ultravox

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,072
12
81
Since my car's CD player cannot play CDR's one of the options I've been looking at is a CD changer with an RF output. I am concerned about a possible loss of sound quality and would like to hear if anybody has had any experience with one and what could I expect.
Perhaps someone with the appropriate technical knowledge can explain what I should look for in my choice of changers and why.
 

Turkish

Lifer
May 26, 2003
15,547
1
81
I really don't know much about the subject, but I saw a couple of cd changers that can play mp3 cds :Q crazy... one of them could take 10 cds at at time :) Considering an average mp3 cd will have around ~100 songs, that means at least 1,000 songs at a time :) Of course, if sound quality is what you are picky about, you wouldn't want mp3s.
 

Anubis

No Lifer
Aug 31, 2001
78,712
427
126
tbqhwy.com
MP3s sound just fine from my Pioneer 7500, just dont use a crappy bitrate,
no idea about changers tho, personally i hate them
 

RossGr

Diamond Member
Jan 11, 2000
3,383
1
0
I have been running a RF Modulator on a changer for several years. Sounds fine. I guess it depends on your car a bit. If you have a small tin can the road noise makes high quality sound pointless. Perhaps in a Rolls or Caddy you might be a bit more picky. Our car (Pontiac Grand Prix) is pretty quite, I have no trouble with the sound quality.
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
61
with an RF changer you will get FM radio quality sound, maybe a little better. Get a good one though, they tend to use cheap modulators in the less expensive changers. Pioneer and (God I hate to say it) Sony both use pretty good modulators.

Hope this helps.
 

ultravox

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,072
12
81
The Sony and the JVC were the 2 I was looking at. I didn't see any Pioneer units up here in the sticks.
I wish there was a way to modify my OEM CD player. It's a high-zoot albeit older ('96) Infinity sound sytem with 10 powered speakers but the SOB won't even read a CDR ...just spits it out and gives me an error on the LED. When playing regular CDs it's got awesome sound with sub woofer bass that rocks the van.
Apparently I'd have to change the speakers also if I wanted to change the CD/radio unit....bummer.
 

ultravox

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,072
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81
Problem solved:

Just on a hunch I went to see the Chrysler dealer an they have a trade-in program where you give them your older unt and they give you a brand-spanking new unit that is updated to read the newer CDRs and MP3s and all for the paltry sum of $295. Which btw is about what an RF modulated changer costs. I should have it within 48hrs.

Life is good ! :cool:
 

rudeguy

Lifer
Dec 27, 2001
47,351
14
61
Originally posted by: ultravox
Problem solved:

Just on a hunch I went to see the Chrysler dealer an they have a trade-in program where you give them your older unt and they give you a brand-spanking new unit that is updated to read the newer CDRs and MP3s and all for the paltry sum of $295. Which btw is about what an RF modulated changer costs. I should have it within 48hrs.

Life is good ! :cool:

sweet deal!!!