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Click the links below to be taken to the information you require or scroll down the page. Considerations
when replacing your car radio? CD
Player Buyers Guide
I
want to buy a car radio. What are the options? Factory fitted radios have always been relatively low power units of about 3 to 5 watts RMS. The latest factory radios display on their fascias’ power output figures of up to 100 Watts, but this figure represents 25 Watts, ‘peak’ power per channel x 4 (this means to 4 speakers). This actually translates to approximately 10 watts RMS x 4 channels, when used for any length of time (continuous). Is this substantial power? Yes and No. Compare
this to aftermarket radios (Aftermarket simply means radios that aren’t
provided with the car), such as SONY, Kenwood, Alpine, etc, where basic
models start at a power output of 40 Watts x 4. Why
is this extra power better? As you can see, even though your factory fitted radio seems relatively powerful, there are many more benefits by upgrading to an aftermarket radio. But there is an alternative… Can I keep my original factory fitted radio, and play CDs? If you want the ability to play CDs whilst keeping your factory fitted radio you will simply need to add-on a CD changer unit that mounts in the boot or under a seat. 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 feature. Alternatively click through the (Mode) button and look
for the CD feature. Please refer to your handbook or contact your local
car dealer if you are unsure. Car Dealers often charge as much as £300-£500
to upgrade to CD. There is a cheaper way... With the use of an interface (an adaptor lead) you can connect an aftermarket CD changer such as SONY, Kenwood or Alpine, 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. Because the interfaces are not universal, if you chose a Kenwood CD changer you would get with it the appropriate Kenwood interface to match. In the Factory Fit CD section on our website, you will find packages consisting of CD changers and their appropriate interfaces ready for installation. 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. To find out
what CD changer and interface package you need for your car please Click
Here My factory radio doesn’t have CD/MD control If your factory radio doesn't have the capability to operate a CD changer, you have two options: 1. Fit a CD changer package such as a SONY, Kenwood, Alpine or Pioneer, etc. This aftermarket package will commonly comprise of a radio/cassette and a CD changer, these come with 6, 8, 10 or 12 disc changers depending on the manufacturer. Or 2. you could go for a single in-dash CD or Mini Disc player. The whole
package will cost significantly less than what you would pay for a factory
changer alone. You could always transfer your aftermarket package should you replace your car. My car has a steering wheel remote control can I still use this? If you want to replace your standard factory fit radio you have 2 options. Firstly can I make you aware that I have never come across any case where detriment has been caused to the vehicle when choosing not to use steering wheel remote controls. Please seek advice from your dealer if you are unsure.
Stalk control SMART Leads – are leads with electronic solutions that allow you to interface with your car’s existing audio features. So with regards to steering wheel remote controls, the SMART leads give you the facility to operate aftermarket radios. Stalk control SMART Leads are only compatible with SONY car radios. This is because SONY, are the only company at this present time who have worked with Autoleads (the company who make SMART Leads) to research and analyse their radios to produce a compatible lead. To
find out if you need a Stalk control SMART lead for your car, please Click
Here
If your original radio doesn’t have a separate dashboard display, your decision won’t need as much consideration because you could replace your radio with a new radio of your choice or a full CD or MD package which, as discussed above, will give you far greater sound and performance quality. But… If your original factory fitted radio has a separate dashboard display, and you want to fit a new aftermarket radio or a full CD or MD package rather than just adding on a CD changer, please be aware that you will more than likely lose some of the data on the display, such as the radio station you are listening to. But in most instances you will keep the clock and temperature display. Please check with the relevant manufacturer. I have never come across a case where detriment has been caused to the vehicle, when losing the radio dash display. But Please check with your dealer if you are unsure. 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. CD/radio Single Compact Disc player and radio combined, found in the dash. MD/radio Single Mini Disc player and radio combined, found in the dash. Cassette/radio Cassette player and radio combined, found in the dash. MP3 Player MP3 player and radio combined, found in the dash. CD Changer Compact Disc unit that holds multiple CD’s commonly located in the boot or under a seat. They can hold (6, 8, 10 or 12) discs depending on the make and model. It is connected to your radio by a bus lead, which is hidden under the carpet and operated by your radio. Can be bought individually or together with a radio as a package. MD Changer - Mini Disc player unit that holds multiple MDs and mounts in the boot or under a seat. Usually holds 6 discs depending on the make and model. It is connected to your radio by a Bus lead, which is hidden under the carpet and operated by your radio. Can be bought individually or together with a radio as a package. CD Changer Package A Package comprising of a radio, Compact Disc changer unit and a connecting lead. Radio can be a cassette/radio, CD/radio, MD/radio or MP3/radio. MD Changer Package A Package comprising of a radio, Compact Disc changer unit and a connecting lead. Radio can be a cassette/radio, CD/radio, MD/radio or MP3/radio. Factory Fit CD Changer A Compact disc changer that is only compatible with the cars original radio. Increasing in popularity as more and more manufacturers fit radios with CD control (able to operate a CD changer unit). So instead of replacing the radio to fit a CD/radio or CD or MD package you can simply add-on the compatible CD changer unit and fit it in the boot. Navigation System Or/ 'SAT NAV' is an electronic device that fits in your radio aperture and acts like a co-pilot and guides you perfectly to your destination. This is achieved by timely commands, either visual from a small monitor, and/or voice from your speakers, that ensure you never miss a turn and help you arrive at your destination Stress Free. Speed sensors in the unit are linked to your vehicles 'speedo' and with the aid of GPS (Global Positioning System) determines' the position of your vehicle. The Navigation System has a radio and CD-ROM drive incorporated and some come with a motorised pop-up monitor. The CD ROM holds the mapping information. Various manufacturers include an anti-theft removable fascia panel. Interface - In car audio terms a device that enables your factory fitted radio to operate a different make of CD changer. Making them compatible. Harness Adaptor Leads Will convert
your cars wiring to ISO connections. The ISO connections will then accommodate
your new radio. Fascia Adaptor Enables a standard DIN size radio to be fitted into a vehicle that has a non-standard DIN shaped original radio. Aerial Adaptor An adaptor that will make your existing aerial, compatible with radios that have the conventional male plug socket. VW’s and AUDI’s require a different adaptor because their aerial is amplified for better reception. Acoustic Shelf A shelf professionally machined from MDF that replicates your original parcel shelf, that you typically mount (6"x9") speakers to, underneath. Not only do they improve the bass response of your speakers but also deceive a would-be-thief. SMART Leads are leads with electronic solutions that allow you to interface with your car’s existing audio features. So with regards to steering wheel remote controls, the SMART leads give you the facility to operate aftermarket radios. Signal Processors - These come in the form of Crossovers, Graphic Equalisers and Digital Signal Processors. They are responsible for the manipulation of the sound frequency range. ISO European standard plug-in type installation connector now used by all radio manufacturers. Having ISO specification connectors means you can replace radios very easily. DIN E German standard used by most manufacturers for the measurement of the radio aperture provided. Din is also used to describe multi pin plugs used for interconnections. For comprehensive Glossary click here |
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