Miata Mailing List: September 1993, Message #103
sponsored by



     


   From: "Michael Simmons" 
Subject: CD changer
   Date: Tue, 14 Sep 1993 14:10:07 -0400

Alan Commike writes:
>I've started looking around for a CD changer and maybe a new head unit.I
>know this has been hashed over many times before, so i'll just dig through
>the archives, if they exist.

I wasn't on the list while the CD information was going around, but I
have some experience with CD changers in the Miata, so I'll pass along
a few observations.

I have an Alpine 5959S changer (after trying an Alpine 5957).  The
suspension system helps keep it from skipping, really important for a
CD changer in the trunk.  I also tried mounting it horizontally, but
found that no changer will play without skipping in that position (at
least when I was trying it out).  I had to put up with the horizontal
changer taking up room in the trunk.  We even checked with Alpine, who
said that vertical will never work as well.  Now, it only skips when I
hit something hard enough to hurt.  I think there may be a better
suspension system available now.

To keep the system stealthy, I kept the stock head unit and used the
Alpine system that controls both the head unit and CD through a pre-
amp (Shuttle Link, I think).  This way there is no loss in sound
quality from going through the FM tuner as most changers have to do
with a stock head unit.  I don't listen to tapes or radio much any
more with the CD changer in the car, anyway.

I mounted the CD controller in the ashtray so no one will know there
is a CD changer somewhere on board, and it's very handy; no reaching
to the front of the car and no need to look (unless I need to check
the display).

Now, the amps, tweeters, woofers in the trunk, that's a another story...

Mike Simmons
'90 White A pkg.