Considerations when replacing your car radio?
If you are thinking of replacing or upgrading your original factory fitted car radio but are unsure of the options, benefits and technical considerations then read on, all will be explained.
Factory fitted radios (standard fit radios) in the past had relatively low power outputs of about 3 to 5 watts RMS. However the latest factory fitted radios have improved vastly with power outputs of up to 100 Watts. These figures represent 25 Watts, ‘peak’ power per channel x 4 (this basically means x 4 speakers).
This actually translates to approximately 10 watts RMS x 4 channels, when used for any length of time (continuous). Is this power substantial to produce high quality sound? Yes and No...
Compare this to aftermarket radios (radios manufactured for retail sale), such as the best selling Alpine, Kenwood, Panasonic and Sony brands, where basic models start at a power output of 45 Watts x 4.
Why am I telling you about Factory Fitted radios if you are about to replace it?
Because if you really wish to keep your radio you can, by 'adding a CD changer' on to the majority of Factory fitted radios, giving you the option of CD and/or MP3 at way below what your dealer would charge. This can only be done if your radio has a CD Changer output socket found at the rear of your radio. More on this later...
So here's what you need to consider:
1. Do you want to play, cassette, CD, MD and/or MP3?
2. Do you want a changer to play your CD, MD or MP3's?
3. Do you want to keep your existing Factory radio by 'Adding a CD Changer or MP3 Changer' or would you rather replace this with an aftermarket radio?
Security considerations:
Adding an aftermarket radio would give you the benefit of having a removable security fascia to take with you when you leave the car. Incidentally all new radios come with a robust case to store your removable fascia. If you keep your Factory fitted radio and add a CD or CD/MP3 changer there will be no visible signs of a changer having been added so the risk of theft will remain very low.
Why is a higher power output better?
Aftermarket radios manufactured by leading brands such as Alpine, Blaupunkt, Clarion, Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer and Sony offer superb sound quality and sound clarity when adding to the most basic speaker system up to a full competition system. This will especially be evident at low volumes as the extra power will produce a more refined sound.
The advantages with aftermarket radios don't stop at power output, because you will also experience improved FM reception, and far better design and looks, not forgetting greater security, and the availability to expand your system if you wish to integrate other equipment such as CD, MP3 or MD changers and amplifiers, etc. Add to this, the savings when buying additional (add-on equipment) and you will see the benefits.
As you can see, even though your factory fitted radio seems relatively powerful, there are many more benefits by upgrading to an aftermarket radio.
Here are your complete options…
What are my Radio & CD Changer Options?
1) Replace your existing radio with an In-Dash Cassette-Radio, CD-Radio or CDMP3-Radio
If wish to replace your existing radio and having a multi-disc changer is not a priority then an In-Dash Cassette-radio, CD-radio or CD/MP3-radio may be your best option, producing the best overall sound. If your car has steering wheel radio controls these can remain fully functional with the aid of readily available Installation Accessories. A Harness Adaptor and/or Fascia Adaptor may also be needed if your car does not have standard (ISO) fitments.
More on Installation Accessories in the Car Radio Installation Guide...
View the Aftermarket CD Players now
2) Add a CD, MD or CD/MP3 Changer to your existing original Factory fitted radio
These packages include a CD, MD or CD/MP3 changer and an Interface Adapter (where necessary) designed for specific vehicles and specific radios, that allow you to connect an aftermarket CD, MD or CD/MP3 Changer to your factory radio that has CD changer controls. With this option, you retain the use of your factory radio's controls to operate your new changer and enjoy your favourite artists in addition to an improvement in sound quality. And if your car has a dash display, this will remain fully functional.
View the Factory Fitted Radio Packages now
3) Add a CD, MD or CD/MP3 changer to your existing Aftermarket radio, i.e. Alpine, Kenwood, Sony
If you want to add a CD changer to you existing aftermarket radio that has CD changer control, select the Brand of your radio from the list of available CD Changers. Please Note: You can only add a CD Changer of the same brand as your radio.
View the Aftermarket CD Changers now
4) Replace your existing radio with a complete Radio & CD, MD or MP3 Changer Package
The vast majority of our customers choose to replace the factory radio with a radio & CD changer package (the two units must be from the same manufacturer) and when packaged together by the Leading manufactures work out far cheaper that if you were to buying separate. This is a great option if your factory radio does not have a CD changer available.
It's a little more work installing than just an In-Dash player, but you'll enjoy the superior performance of an aftermarket radio and CD changer. And you'll appreciate the ability to re-install them in your next vehicle. If your car has steering wheel radio controls these can remain fully functional with the aid of Installation Accessories. A Harness Adaptor and/or Fascia Adaptor may also be needed if your car does not have standard (ISO) fitments.
View the CD Changer Packages now
5) Add a CD Changer to your radio if it doesn’t have CD Changer compatibility
If you have a radio without CD changer control or if you are driving a leased car or classic you may not want to change the factory radio for a new in-dash radio. Fortunately, that doesn't mean you have to give up the many advantages of a CD or CD/MP3 changer. With an FM Modulator (add-on or RF) Changer Package, you can get terrific-sounding results playing an add-on changer through your existing FM radio and if your car radio has steering wheel remote controls and/or dash display these will remain fully functional.
View the FM Modulator (add-on) Changers now
Can I keep my original factory fitted radio, and play CDs or MP3?
If you want the option to play CDs or MP3 whilst keeping your factory fitted radio you will simply need to add-on a CD changer unit that mounts in the boot, under a seat or in your glove box.
In order to do this your radio must have CD control capability. Look for a 'CD/MD' button on your radio or 'CD' displayed on the radio fascia to see if it has this option. Alternatively click through the (MODE) button and look for the CD option. Please refer to your radio handbook or contact your local car dealer if you are unsure. Car dealers often charge as much as £300-£500 to add-on an inferior CD changer.
There is a cheaper option than your car dealership...
With the use of an interface (an adaptor lead) you can connect an aftermarket CD changer such as Alpine, Kenwood or Sony, etc to your factory radio at a fraction of the cost. The interface will enable the factory radio to operate the selected make of CD changer. As the interfaces are only compatible with the radio they were manufactured to work with and are not universal, if you choose an Alpine CD or CD/MP3 changer you would also get the appropriate Alpine interface to match.
In the Factory Fit CD section on the Car Audio Plus website, you will find packages consisting of CD changers and their appropriate and recommended interfaces ready to be quickly installed. These are listed under vehicle make and model.
Please note: Some cars do not require an interface in order for the CD changer to operate. You simply plug in the recommended CD changer. This will become clear if you enter the Factory Fit CD changer section of the online shop and select your make and model of car.
Find out what CD changer and interface package is available for your car.
My factory radio doesn’t have CD control
If your factory radio doesn't have the capability to operate a CD changer, you have 3 options:
1. Install a CD changer package such as an Alpine, Kenwood, Panasonic or Sony, etc. This aftermarket package will commonly comprise of a radio/cassette and a CD changer, or an In-Dash CD Player and a CD or CD/MP3 changer. These packages come with 6, 8, 10 or 12 disc changers depending on the manufacturer. The MP3 changers also play normal CD's as well as CD-R/RW copied (CD's).
2. Install an In-Dash CD or CD/MP3 or Mini Disc player.
3. Installing an add-on FM Modulator package would also be a good option.
The Changer package (1) is probably the best option as the whole package will cost significantly less than what you would pay for a dealer factory changer alone.
You will also benefit from improved FM reception and a superior cassette player or if you select a CD or CD/MP3 player, far superior quality sound and more importantly you will have access to your CD or MP3 collection. You could even choose a CD package that has an In-Dash CD, CD with MP3 or Minidisc player instead of a cassette giving you further flexibility.
And if you replace your car you could always transfer your aftermarket package across.
My car has a steering wheel remote control can I still use this?
If you want to replace your standard factory fitted radio and keep the use of your Steering wheel remote you have 2 options to consider.
1) If you want to keep the steering wheel controls, you will have to fit a Steering Remote Adaptor also known as a SMART lead. These adaptors are only compatible with Alpine, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic & Sony radios that have the ability to connect to a Remote Adaptor. You will have to check with each specific manufacturer and radio model to check this compatibility.
2) You could fit a new radio and leave your steering remote control disconnected. You can then fit any radio of your choice, and operate your radio using the conventional radio buttons.
Steering Remote Adaptors: Connect by push-fit at the rear of your radio allowing you to connect your new aftermarket radio to your cars existing Steering Wheel Remote maintaining the use of your car’s existing audio features via your steering wheel controls.
Find out if you need a Steering Remote Adaptor for your car.
My factory fitted radio has a separate dashboard display, can I still use this?
In order to keep the usage of your dash display when adding an aftermarket radio you will need to add a Dashboard Display Remote Adaptor. When replacing your standard radio with an aftermarket radio the temperature and time will remain on your display, but the radio stations will not display. You do not have to keep the use of your dash display as you could leave the connector disconnected, the choice is yours.
If you do opt for a new radio or full CD or MD package the benefits gained will far out weigh the loss of a display as you will experience greater sound quality, looks, performance, functionality and reliability plus many more benefits.
Take me to the CD Players, CD Changer Packages, FM Modulator Changers or Factory Fit CD Changers on this website.
