question on CD changers

[30footSHO]

A friend of mine (and a very generous one at that) just gave me a Sony 10-disc changer for FREE!

My question is, can I control it with any deck that has changer control, or am I better off getting a Sony deck and using that for changer control?

I'm not using an RF modulator. I hate those things.

Dave

 

[Jr's Sho]

I would think it would be best to get a Sony controller, don't know how hard it would be to get one though.

 

[LOUDSHO92]

CD Changer are designed to work, one of 2 ways, either by RF modulator or by the head unit. I dont think you can switch it. If its designed to work with a head unit then you will need to get a Sony head unit. Though Sony sucks, they are not a good brand.

 

[Blue-By-U]

Dave
As the above statement implies, your Sony CD changer is either dedicated (only works with Sony head units) or RF modulated (works with ANY FM radio). You need to ask your friend which one it was if you are not sure how to tell the difference yourself.

Once you figure this much out, weigh out your options. Depending on your current sound system, you may want to take a look at Sony head units. I personally am not too fond of the brand, however they have powerful internal amplifiers. Should you choose to purchase a Sony CD player and have it power your speakers (bypass the factory amplifier), I think you will be generally pleased with it's powerful sound quality and functionality especially with a changer in the trunk.

If the unit is RF modulated be aware you will lose a small amount of sound quality by sending the signal through your radio frequencies. However, like I said before, depending on your sound system preferences and financial situation, you might find an added CD changer will make you smile when all you have to do is hit 1 button to access another CD.

Good luck!

 

[luigisho]

Dave,

Which model is it? If it's not RF you will have to get a Sony head unit. Not my favorite either but I use one. I like stringing cd changers together and the Sony unilink system is plug and play-very user friendly. I currently use 3-10 disc changers and am looking into a 4th.

 

[30footSHO]

I wasn't thorough enough in my explanation. It has an RF modulator, but I'd rather not use it.

I just was curious if I had to get a Sony HU to run the changer sans RF modulator. I'm well aware that they suck at making HUs; I had one in the SHO while my Alpine was on the fritz... it liked to skip a lot.

Is it possible to still run this unit without using the RF modulator, if I get a Sony HU? Or am I stuck with the lousy sound?

Either way, I paid the right price