QuestionI have a 2001 Ford f-150 Supercrew that has a factory 6 disc cd changer in the center console. The radio has a knack for going up in volume when trying to turn down and the sounds is getting very crackled. I want to replace the receiver and speakers but I've been told from various audio places that they can't match/ hook up the cd changer. Is this true? Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Tom
AnswerHi Tom.
It very well may be true and about the only sure way (to be sure) is to have a local professional look at it OR call 1.800.555.8305 (crutchfield support) and ask them about your situation. They really are top notch when it comes to factory OEM stuff and especially interfacing TO it during an upgrade.
To someone used to plopping CD's into a changer this may seem extreme but I would suggest nixing the optical device (CD changer) altogether as you upgrade the system.
Get receiver that supports any or all of the following:
USB - This will let you put many many hours of digital music onto a device via your computer (for instance, an 8 Gb USB thumb drive) which will fit in to the receiver face. I have seen that these drives can actually be ran through a washer and still work fine as long one waits until they are 'completely' dry before putting them into a USB port.
SD ram - Similar in function to USB drives but are like the memory you buy for a digital camera or smartphone.
A 3.5 mm input jack - This will let you play music from portable MP3 player or smartphone.
When used this way, most smartphones will automatically pause and turn the music down if the phone rings (or if you get a text/notification), then un-pause it and turn it back up when you are done reading or talking. They will also allow you to turn the volume up/down from the smartphone which can be very handy if you do not have steering wheel stereo controls.
They all have NO moving parts (which are a common failure in ALL optical drives) and you'll never accidentally scratch a favorite CD again!
Also, say goodbye to bumps and potholes making a song skip!
All three of these are far more durable and will safely store your data MUCH longer than any optical device.
Without spending a small fortune on custom installation and interfacing, this is (hands down) the best advice I can give you on this matter since you are already considering a headunit upgrade.
An 8 gigabyte USB stick is under 12.00. It really is amazing technology.
Here is an example of a VERY nice USB headunit for 110.00
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_020CZ401/Clarion-CZ401.html?tp=5684
If you have any further questions (or if I have made you think of any), please do not hesitate to ask.
