New Headunit for cd changer? is it worth it?

I have a 1997 Honda Passport, It came with a factory 12 disc cd player, and I want to add an aftermarket cd player in the dash.  The problem is that I am narrowed down to almost 1 aftermarket cd player that will work with my 12 disc cd player.  Right now all I am planning on is the new cd player but in the future I may decide to get new speakers or subs and an amp.. SSSSOOOO.... My Question is, Would it be worth it to change my factory headunit to an aftermarket cd head unit in place of the cd changer?(not hook the cd changer up since it won't work with the aftermarket cd player)  Will the new head unit make enough of an improvement to the sound to make getting rid of the cd changer worth it?

Thanks

P.S.  Sorry if I confused you here, the wording might be confusing.. I'll be back after work to check to see the answers or any problems everyone had getting the idea of my post.

P.S.S What would be a good CD player for under $300 that would improve my stock system?

Thanks

Hi Dustin, since you're asking for an opinion, the short answer could be yes and it could be no. It all depends on what you intend to do with your system. If you like any of the available head units that will work with your changer and if that head unit will work with everything you intend to add to your system or if you plan to install a nice system and upgrade everything anyway, then yes, it would be worth it to change head units.  But, if you're only planning to change the head unit and sacrifice the CD changer in hopes of making a big difference in sound quality for under $300, in my opinion your money would be better spent on replacing your stock speakers and/or adding a small amplifier and a woofer while maintaining the integrity of the vehicle and original system.

Ultimately, it's a matter of what you like and want, not what I or anyone else likes and wants :)

Let us know what you decide.

the12volt

I still Don't know what I am going to do... I am thinking about changing my stock speakers...  If I changed my front door speakers and added a new cd player would it help with the sound system?  I just don't want to spend money on something and then have it not even change the sound quality, crispness, bass, etc.....  Also, With the cd changer, I know I've asked before but I just wanted to clarify.. If i bought a cd player THERE WOULD be NO WAY for it to be hooked up to my cd changer UNLESS they make an adapter from the type of plug on the cd changer to the type of plug on the cd player?

Thanks

Dustin

This is what I think ( please keep in mind this is my opinion . )

• If you end up changing your stock speakers to a higher output aftermarket speaker " THEY WILL SOUND LIKE CRAP " I can not express this any more than this. The reason is that all aftermarket manufacturer's will brag about their decks putting out 50 + watts of power per channel .... bahhh ! Look at the RMS rating not the peak power ( before the amp kicks out  ) and you will see that if an amp can not produce enough juice to power a speaker's RMS rated power you will get CLIPPING.
• PLEASE rake a look at this link and read up on what many people do not know about amplifier power and how if relates to speaker performance and longevity: https://www.ofsoundmind.com/osm/speakers/audiobasics.html
• You can call AAMP ( Peripheral ) at 1-727-572-9255 EXT 230 or interface@peripheral-aamp.com and ask what type of deck you would need to be able to keep the factory 12 disck changer that you have if so wish to keep it or if they have an adapter that can retrofit into the CD changer and adapt to the CD player of your choice.
• My suggestion would be to get rid of the 12 disc all together and go with a deck that you would like to have indash. Whenver you break a solid line bewteen two components , you jeopardize sound quality.

Hope this helps you out and good luck with whatever you decide on.

The CD changer is either a Clarion 12 disc or a Pioneer 12 disc. Check the back side of the plug for information to what kind of changer you have.

NYxBass, the one cd player that actually works with my cd changer still needs an adapter.. soooooo... I'm trying to do some research and seeing if I can come up with a way to do it without an adapter(just a direct connection)

Velocity Motors, How do you know the cd changer is either a Clarion 12 disc or a Pioneer 12 disc?  Also,  Your saying unless I get an amp for the speakers they'll end up sounding like crap?  or what?(please explain more.. sorry i'm so dumb lol)

Thanks

Dustin

Hey Dustin , not a problem... that's why we are here to help you guys try to understand your installations better so you don't have to go and spend  $$$ somewhere else to install your stuff . If you go to this link : https://peripheralelectronics.com/application_guide/app_guide_results.asp?model=%2792%2D98+Honda%27s+%28Except+%6098+Accord%29&Submit=View+Your+Selection&ID=62 and look up all the available 12 disc changers for the Honda's, you will notice that there are only 2 companies that made 12 disc changers for the HOnda's during the late 1990's, Clarion and Pioneer. BUT remember that companies have been wrong before so it's best to check it out yourself by removing the OEM changer out of it's cubby hole and see what markings are on the backside of the changer.

as far as the speakers go did you check this site out for the explaination :https://www.ofsoundmind.com/osm/speakers/audiobasics.html as to why your speakers will not sound good if you end up powering new speakers with an indash player ? Please read this and if you have any further questions please post.

 Also,  Your saying unless I get an amp for the speakers they'll end up sounding like crap?

Actually, I was saying that with a new deck, the sound would almost undoubtedly improve. New speakers, for the most part, will also really help. I just did an install with a nice poineer headunit and a pair of nice Planet Audio compnents, and was blown away at how good they sounded, just off of deck power. Plenty loud for most uses and enough bass to sound like a nice reference sytem. Don't be afraid of using deck power - just realise that it is limited in volume.

I would do like Jeff suggested, pull the chager out and have a look. If, as the literature seems to suggest, its alpine or clarion, you're set. Just look into one of those brands. I also remeber seeing somewhere recently a guide to the different changer plugs. If you found that, you might be able to find out what you have and what headunits are compatible. It might have been on an adapter website or metra or something? I'll see if I can't find it, but we'll see.

Thanks NyxBass for helping me realize that I should really clarify my opinion and add that adding new speakers will improve the sound quality and imaging ( if you use components ) but only at lower listening levels before distortion sets in. This distortion will not be present as quick,  if an amp is powering the speakers. Most new CD players will have some sort of sound improving option ( BBE, LOUD, BassEngine, etc ) that will undoubtedly improve the sound coming from your speakers but in the end, you are slowiy damaging your speakers.

K Will do.. Will post any info I can find on it tomorrow afternoon/evening.. ttyl

dustin

IF I am looking at the right place on the cd changer it says the Manafacturer is Fujitsu Ten Limited?    I've never heard of it but mabye one of you will know something.. I am leaning towards just screwing the cd changer but I still want to find out if there's any way to easily hook it up.. So any body know?

thanks

dustin

I know they make Eclipse, but other than that, I don't know about the changer.