Which CD Changers can I throw in my 5th gen which will deal pleasently with the existing wiring. I don't want to switch the head unit...I want the stock system to control the changer.

Didn't want to order it from Nissan on purchase, since I assumed I could buy one cheaper aftermarket.

Any recommendations on where to mount the thing would be welcome. I used to love having my changer in the armrest on my 6th gen Accord, but doesn't look like I'll have room here.

 

I know that a couple of people have ordered CD Changers from Courtesy Nissan for $299. There is also this site that a member got his changer from as well, http://www.premieraudio.com/usa.html. They are all compatible with the changer controls on the head unit.
Brad

 

Your best bet is an OEM changer because it's the only one that I know of compatible with the headunit controls. As far as mounting it goes, someone had pictures of their mount, but I forgot who it was. The standard mounting location is inside the trunk, mounted vertically along the left side.

 

Crutchfield claims to have a 6 disc changer that works with the controls in '96-'01 Nissan and Infiniti cars for $299.95. The unit is made by USA Spec (anyone heard of them???) and is item number 581N66E. I was considering this unit, however if the OEM one is the same price from Courtesy, I think I'll give them a call because I believe the OEM one is made by either Clarion or Panasonic (according to the brochure of maxima accessories).

 

it's about $45.

 

Is that $45 for hardware through Crutchfield, Nissan, or both? I hadn't even thought about that...

 

Courtesy has the mounting hardware for $39.95.

 

I am told that the non Bose systems are Clarion. Would any of their changers work?

 

As far as I know the OEM changer is the same unit for Bose and regular. They are manufactured by Clarion.. BUT the wiring harness on the unit is different. I'm sure a modification could be done to use a stock Clarion unit.. but the benefits of getting the OEM are as follows:

1) Perfect Install (with the mounting kit)
2) No questionable splicing/wiring
3) From what I have been told.. the warranty is covered by the 3 year bumper-bumper the car has.

I was very happy with Courtesy Nissan.. they priced/shipped as promised for a better price than any local dealer.

Just remember the screw in the bottom of the ash tray when trying to take apart the console. =]

- Bryan

 

its Clarion on ours.. CV737. its European spec, thats why you wont find it on our shores cheaper. It has a different bus and I dont even know if you could splice your way to making it work. Its a great little changer, worth $299 (not 650 from the dealer tho). I have one in Max and one in Pathfinder. they were the same but harness was longer on the PF kit.

You can make custom brackets to mount it under the deck. otherwise the stock location is here
<img src="http://www.adpub.com/changer.jpg">

I physically took it and tried to find an interior location... I couldnt find one. Its just a tad too big to fit anywhere. I have electric seats tho, they might fit under the seats in a GXE.. not sure tho.

anyway, they never skip and play CDR (74min) great.

 

That looks great man! I think I'll invest in one of those. Where did you get yours from and what did the $299 price include?

 

Tim

Is the wiring difficult to run from the front to the trunk?

 

I checked on the Crutchfield changer also. I'm not sure about the OEM changer, but I did notice that the Crutchfield changer had very low s/n ratio (signal-to-noise). I mean really low. If I remember right it was 80 dB. I was afraid that you would really have to crank it up to get any sound, so I will go with the OEM from Courtesy when/if I get one.

Kevin

 

I called Courtesy today for a quote. I talked to this guy Vince and he quoted me $352.80 with the mounting kit. He was going to charge me retail for it. I was like, "no way!" I'll be picking mine up from Southpoint instead.

 

<img src="http://www.adpub.com/changer.jpg">

I had my Kenwood changer posittioned this way. One day it starts to skip....After about a week or so, It broke down. So I sent it in for warranty service and they told me that Kenwood CD changers have to be mounted in 180 degrees positions. What doesn't make sense is why the hell do they print instructions saying other wise. They manufacture it so its compatible both ways and then they tell me that it works only oneway...........I still got the dam thing serviced though. But it broke down again and the warranty expired..
Anyone want a broken CD changer? Just pay for shipping..About $12 to $15 USPS. &then get it fixed yourself...........