chains62

I have a 1999 ES 300. It came with an in-dash am/fm cassette stereo. I want to have the ability to play CD's. What options do I have? The dealer would install the factory CD player but is too expensive. Anything available as direct plug-in? Thanks for any suggestions.

j2tha0e

one word comes to mind. Modulation. you can connect anything you want to an AM/FM stereo with a modulator. i got the stock head unit in my car, and added a pioneer XM radio reciever via FM mod. the unit was in the back, and the controler is mounted where my ash tray usually is.
great setup. do the same with a CD changer, mount it in the center arm rest.

cialz

but you loose quality with an fm cd unit... very noticably

EGainer

the quality on mine isn't lost a whole lot, it's more that I don't get a lot of my old radio stations anymore. I have a sony 10 Disc and since it's been installed, along with my subs, I have had poor signal. If anyone knows any ideas to fix this, let me know. antenna booster didn't work...

j2tha0e

hey chains, i got your PM and actually, there isn't that much of a drop in sound quality with the modulator. in fact for me, there seems to be a better bass responce with my XM radio than with my CD changer.
if you want a direct plug-in CD changer, then try calling around your area for a, we call it a "pick-n-pull" here. it's a junk yark that you can just grab parts. i'm sure you can find the CD changer there for your car. you will need to get the whole setup tho. the whole glove box, the wires and such. it will be cheeper than the dealer by far, but it will take some work. you say you're new at all this, so i'd talk it over with a friend that know's a little something something.