I've used BlitzSafe adaptors with great success on past cars, but I can't find anything from them or elsewhere that works with my standard head unit, even with the CD changer! The six CDs I've got loaded get stale pretty quick. Need Pandora ASAP. Options?

 

Simple answer..... No....... There is an option though to fit a cable to the exist A1 socket used by the cd changer so you can use an iPod.... Draw backs are I don't think you can go through the iPod playlist via the steering controls so set your playlist before you go...

Has been done a few times, not done it myself as I prefer to ditch the pos original head unit..... Other option of course is to use the tape deck setup with the wire going to the iPod.... I would not even entertain that idea but for some needs must so you make do

 

I find that the tape adapter works quite well. I record my CDs at 320kbs MP3 rather than the default settings and even downloaded music at 256kbs is good.
Mind you I no longer have 20-20k hearing !

 

It's not the idea or the principal..... its the mass of wires dangling out the front and going all over the place I object to... I appreciate to some this is not not a problem but it would drive me nuts!

 

There are a few options listed in the DIY sticky under Audio and Bluetooth. The tape adapter is the easiest, rolled by an FM transmitter.

The options get more complicated from there but you can do something. That is pretty integrated and tucked away where it's not visible. You can also make use of the Nav display, if you've got one.

It all depends on how involved you want it to get, but by the way you described your previous car, it sounds like the challenge might be part of the game.

 

This is pretty much plug and play: iP-JAGCD iPod Adapter for Select Jaguar with CD Auto Changer :: iPod Adapters & Interfaces

 

Here is what I use. It is not sophisticated, but it is cheap. I can swap my SD cards between cars. No Wires, and it does not use my power outlet.

Just another option....

 

Looks interesting, can you give more information please.

 

Found this.
White XKR, I found a more advanced version of your suggestion.
Thanks for both links.

 

That 2nd link looks a LOT like the AI/AUX box that cuts in when the music starts. There have been a number of people (me included) that had trouble with the AI/AUX cutting in and out on quiet parts of the song.

Not that it can't be resolved but it might be one advantage of replacing the CD changer input rather than splicing into it and sharing.

 

The MP3 Player Tape Cassette Adapter for SD/MMC Reader that I show in the picture is really an MP3 player. It has a slot for an SD card (I have a Micro SD card with a SD converter) and you put your mp3's on the card like a normal MP3 player. It can be used as a standalone mp3 player, since it has a volume control, and a earphone output jack. I have a bunch of 2 and 8Gb MicroSD cards with all my music.

The downsides of this player.
1. It has a battery that needs to be charged. (Comes with a USB cable) Battery lasts a few hours. I would guess about 5.
2. It plays the MP3 files in the order they were added. No random play option.
3. You cannot use the cassette controls on the head unit. Comes with a remote!

The quality depends mostly on the quality of your MP3 file (the higher kbs of the file the better the quality. 320kbs is very good, 128kbs is stretching it - you can hear distortions) and your speakers. My speakers in the '98 is not perfect, but when the top is down, it does not really matter to me.

At under $20, I like it and it solves my problem. (I got mine off Ebay) I also have a FM Modulator/MP3 player that uses SD cards, but that uses the power outlet, which I don't like, and the FM transmitters do not work well in areas with lots of stations.

Just my 2c..

 

This sounds like a good option for those wanting to keep the stock look, I would question the sound quality but it does tick a few boxes

 

I used isimple transit IS77. Use dedicated fm channel for audio. Allows video if you add the interface needed

 

Now we're talking! I don't have to keep the CD changer honestly. Solution must be hardwired. No FM modulators, no Rube Goldberg cassette tape adaptors. If I can tap into the CD changer input, that's exactly what I'm looking for (sorry if I wasn't clear). I may just buy and give this a shot- does anyone else have this unit?

P.s.: I hate the looks of aftermarket head-units. If I can mod the better looking stock HU to do what I need, then I can just upgrade the speakers and be happy (and I'm already happy with my stock Alpines, at least for now).

 

I don't use an iPod but I'd like if the CD changer could at least play MP3 encoded discs. That would make a tremendous difference. Someone here must surely have replaced his CD changer with something newer/more advanced?

 

That sounds like a CD changer upgrade (will these not play MP3 discs?) or Phatbox kinda route. The latter being more of an Audi/VW thing but was offered outside of these two brands I think- not sure if compatible here.

I'm just going to order the one above- will let you guys know.

 

Is there any physical difference between a CD player that can't read MP3 tracks and one that can? What I'm getting at is could our stock CD players be 'reflashed' to allow them to read MP3s?

 

Are you having issues playing MP3 tracks on CD's you've burned yourself?

Graham

 

Are you saying I should be able to read MP3 tracks on the factory CD player in the boot? I think I tried with 1 CD when I first got the car. It didn't work, so I assumed the player wasn't MP3 compatible.

 

YES.

I burn MP3's to CD's on my PC and play them on the factory CD player in the boot. The only limitation is it has to be CD-R and not CD-RW. I don't think I'm doing anything special in the burn process.

Graham