Wife just got a new car (OK, its not an F150) and needs a CD changer. We've both had Radio Frequency changers playing through the FM stations, but it would be nice to have no extra controller on the dash and better sound quality. Neither of us are audiophiles, and the RF systems sound fine to me. Any opinions from the sound junkies?

Also, her 6 disk and my 10 disc have been reliable so far. Are the 6 disc noticeably more reliable than the 10 and 12 systems?

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1999 XLT S/C, 4.2 V-6, auto, 3.55 rear, dark torreador red/harvest gold, bed liner, Sony 10 disc CD, Edelbrock IAS, K&N filter, Superchip

 

I baught a jvc kd-ma1 cd changer. This is an add-on changer however it is not fm modulated. It has a built in 4X30 Amp. I wanted to keep my factory headunit but did not want to settle for fm modulated sound. here is a link check it out
http://www.jvc-america.com/mobile_audio/kd_ma1.html

and if ya have anymore questions let me know

 

FM breaks down at about 16KHz most people can hear into the 24KHz range. Many people will compensate for this lack or range by turning up the treb. control. Without the proper equipment (1/2 Octave X-over) you will inadvertantly adjust the sound way off the orig. recording (due to the wide "treb." adj spectrum).
You will certainly notice the difference with a hardwired system. The output of the rf signal is also quite low and can be distrurbed by any # of things.
I've owned many changers and I have found that the biggest diff. is in the transport mech. and the suspension. Dennon was 1st but skipped frequently (6 or 10 Disc??? can't remember). Alpine next and it never skipped in 2 years (6 Disc). Clairon was good too (and $$$ cheap!)
Get some feedback from friends, or a good stereo shop on the differences.
...hope this helped,
Bruce

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'97 F-150 Lariat,4.6, S/C, 4X4, SB, 17"wheels, no mods.

 

Got a direct wire Sony 10 disc that just arrived today. Came as part of a package with a new "160 watt" (actual 14 watt/4 ohm) head unit at a very attractive price - about $270 total delivered, including tax.

I know you hard core audio guys are scoffing, but I'm sure it will a lot better than the cheap POS that came in the car. Just put in Kenwood's lower end component speakers in front & 6.5" 2ways in the rear. Total price of under $500 for everything (HU, CD & speakers). This was not for an F150, but now I'm getting the stereo bug and will need to upgrade my system! This stereo stuff is addictive.

 

If it's a Ford car with a cd button on the unit, you can buy a Ford cd changer and wiring harness ($$$$) or Audiovox makes a cd changer and harness to work with Ford radios. I have installed both, and surprisingly, the Audiovox unit is pretty nice. It is a 6-disk.

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1997 F-150, 4.6, automatic, Dark Toreador Red, Supercab, Flareside, 4X4 Off-Road, Towing Package, Ford hvy dty rubber floor mats, Kenwood 10-disk cd changer, Ford bugshield, Chrome Grizzly Wrap Around Push Bar with 2 KC 100w Daylighters, Ventshades, Ford bedliner, cab and bed professionally undercoated, Code Alarm Sure Start RVS remote starter, Ford alarm, Realistic CB with Wilson Little Wil antenna and Astatic power mic, ported MAF sensor, and Lots of TLC!! (Besides being an F-150 nut, I am a Ford auto technician.)

 

Sycoholic,
Do you know what are the part #'s and $$ for the Audivox unit and cable. Radiosandmore.com has the Ford unit for $309 plus $60 for the harness. I am interested in doing this upgrade but money is tight after what I just spent here.
Thanx Jim

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99 XLT SC Flairside, Oxford White, Sport -removed Stickers, 4.6l, 275/60/17 tires, 3.55LS, 4 wheel discs/ABS, Ford bedliner(came with truck) Downey SST Tonneau, K&N,
WMS velocity tube on order.
Just ordered from Online Store; Flowmaster II Dual out rear catback, Clear corners and clear tail lights.