[dvpatel]

WE bought out Odyssey LX about 5 weeks ago and love it. We bought the LX version as we did not want the power sliding doors etc. Now, the question is we want to upgrade the stereo to have a CD changer. We have decided to go plain Stock. LX comes with the cassette player. The three options we have are.

1. Get the remote mount (trunk mount) changer (which we don't want)
2. Get the in-dash add on 6 CD changer ~$450 from these discount dealers.
3. Install the Accord EX indash 6 CD cassetter player.

The third option seems to be a better one as I can get the stereo pretty cheap from a local salvage yard. The major question now is

Will this 2-DIN stereo fit?? Has anyone done this? I asked the dealer and he said that the harness is the same but it may or maynot fit in the opening? Any insights would be highly appreciated.

Thanx.

 

[Coleman_lot]

Are you panning to install it yourself? You can always get the hard copy instruction from the dealer. It will fit the cassete player and the 6 disc indash cd changer. I own the EX model with single CD player on top and the 6 disc changer right underneath it. It fit perfectly in the same opening. Good Luck. Coleman

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by piyush:
WE bought out Odyssey LX about 5 weeks ago and love it. We bought the LX version as we did not want the power sliding doors etc. Now, the question is we want to upgrade the stereo to have a CD changer. We have decided to go plain Stock. LX comes with the cassette player. The three options we have are.

1. Get the remote mount (trunk mount) changer (which we don't want)
2. Get the in-dash add on 6 CD changer ~$450 from these discount dealers.
3. Install the Accord EX indash 6 CD cassetter player.

The third option seems to be a better one as I can get the stereo pretty cheap from a local salvage yard. The major question now is

Will this 2-DIN stereo fit?? Has anyone done this? I asked the dealer and he said that the harness is the same but it may or maynot fit in the opening? Any insights would be highly appreciated.

Thanx.</font>

 

[nemogira]

Well, here's some suggestions...

1) Factory Compatible Changers ($299)

As for mounting check out my Gallery. I mounted my changer in my aftermarket center console. Easy to access and well hidden too. Or find a way to mount it under the seats.

2) The in-dash 6 Disc Changer is very nice and convienient. But also very expensive. If you can afford it I say go for it!

3) Accord EX Changer - Just be sure it's compatible with the Odyssey. You never know - Honda is known for changing the configuration of a lot of common parts.

4) Try www.ebay.com

5) If you plan to spend that kind of money maybe look into CD/Cassette combo recievers: http://crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-5cN4CoriLSh/ProdGroup.asp?c=3&g=52600&s=0

Hope this helps,
-nemogira

------------------

2000 CCS EX-NAVI

[This message has been edited by nemogira (edited 07-09-2001).]

 

[peterk]

If you are into computers and have a CD writer at home I suggest looking at a CD player that is MP3 compatible. You can get a lot more music on a CD when it is in MP3 format. I got 80 songs on one.

_Peter

 

[dvpatel]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Coleman_lot:
Are you panning to install it yourself? You can always get the hard copy instruction from the dealer. It will fit the cassette player and the 6 disc indash cd changer. I own the EX model with single CD player on top and the 6 disc changer right underneath it. It fit perfectly in the same opening. Good Luck. Coleman

</font>

Yes I am planning to install it myself as it is only a question of opening up the Dash and plug it in. It should be simple. I already have the printed instructions from handa-accessories.com. Thank You

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by nemogira:
Well, here's some suggestions...

1) Factory Compatible Changers ($299)

As for mounting check out my Gallery. I mounted my changer in my aftermarket center console. Easy to access and well hidden too. Or find a way to mount it under the seats.
</font>

We did not want to make any modifications to the OEM stuff so we ruled out the aftermarket ones or the Honda OEM ones as holes need to be drilled to install them. In fact, we already have a JVC RF modulated 12 disc changer but we decided against installing that one.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">
2) The in-dash 6 Disc Changer is very nice and convenient. But also very expensive. If you can afford it I say go for it!
</font>

Was considering this option but $450 is a lot!!

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">
3) Accord EX Changer - Just be sure it's compatible with the Odyssey. You never know - Honda is known for changing the configuration of a lot of common parts.
</font>

The Service technician at the local Honda Dealer claims that the plugs behind the stereo are SAME. So this should not be a major hassle but we will know pretty soon.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">
4) Try www.ebay.com
</font>

Thanks. That's where I got the stereo for only $325 shipped!!!!!!

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">
5) If you plan to spend that kind of money maybe look into CD/Cassette combo recievers: http://crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-5cN4CoriLSh/ProdGroup.asp?c=3&g=52600&s=0

Hope this helps,
-nemogira

</font>

Since we wanted the OEM stereo or changer it was either going to be the in-dash or the '01 Accord EX 2-DIN stereo. After doing a lot of homework it seems that this should be an easy swap. I will kepp y'all posted.


Thanks for all the responsed and I apologize for creating one big post of replies but I guess it is better than replying to all three of you individually and enlarging the whole thread.

[This message has been edited by piyush (edited 07-10-2001).]

 

[Mel]

If you've already got a good RF-modulated changer I'd suggest installing it. We mounted a Sony 10-changer under the driver's seat attached to a bar that is mounted through the same holes that attach the seat to the riser. While we put some holes in the changer's case (instead of using the mounting brackets, they took too much vertical room) I don't think we had to put any holes in the Ody.

We ran the wired remote to the glove compartment. It's usable there to simply start/stop the changer or it can be mounted with Velcro to the dash below the radio.

We tapped always hot power from the power seat circuit and controlled power from the cigarette lighter relay (we were installing the ash tray/lighter (to get another power outlet) at the same time). It would also be easy to tap the center dash power outlet for controlled power.

Installation was a lot easier in the Ody than a similar installation in my Chevy Blazer.

Mel

 

[dvpatel]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Mel:
If you've already got a good RF-modulated changer I'd suggest installing it. We mounted a Sony 10-changer under the driver's seat attached to a bar that is mounted through the same holes that attach the seat to the riser. While we put some holes in the changer's case (instead of using the mounting brackets, they took too much vertical room) I don't think we had to put any holes in the Ody.

We ran the wired remote to the glove compartment. It's usable there to simply start/stop the changer or it can be mounted with Velcro to the dash below the radio.

We tapped always hot power from the power seat circuit and controlled power from the cigarette lighter relay (we were installing the ash tray/lighter (to get another power outlet) at the same time). It would also be easy to tap the center dash power outlet for controlled power.

Installation was a lot easier in the Ody than a similar installation in my Chevy Blazer.

Mel</font>

The RF changer has some of its problems. The major one is that RF does not support some very low and very high frequencies. I am just too picky about it. I want CD quality and the RF will give me Radio quality which is significantly different if you can tell.

BTW my stereo comes in today and I will attempt to install it tomorrow. Wish me luck guys.



[This message has been edited by piyush (edited 07-13-2001).]

 

[Intrepid175]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by piyush:
The RF changer has some of its problems. The major one is that RF does not support some very low and very high frequencies. I am just too picky about it. I want CD quality and the RF will give me Radio quality which is significantly different if you can tell.

BTW my stereo comes in today and I will attempt to install it tomorrow. Wish me luck guys.
</font>

Piyush had a point here. FM reception doesn't cover as wide a frequency range as CD quality inputs. On my previous vehicle, I replaced the factory radio head and speakers. I also installed a 10 disk changer in the trunk and added a 40x4 amp. There was a noticable difference in the sound quality of a song played via FM radio and the same song played via the CD changers. The only thing about this was that if you didn't know the difference, you probably wouldn't care. I would hear a song on the radio that I had on a CD and would play them back to back. The difference was obvious while doing this but if I hadn't had the capability, I wouldn't have been able to realize it.

So, if you're like Piyush and picky about your sound quality, avoid the RF type CD players. If not, you can save a couple of dollars and have a relatively simple installation to boot.

JMOOC!

Drive Safe,
Steve

 

[dvpatel]

OK Guys. The results as Promised.

The Stereo came in on Friday and I tried to install it on Friday itself. The mounting barackets need to be changed. So I used the ones that came with the stock tape player. All looked good and all but the problem was that the darn CD Changer will not work!!

The tape works the Radio works but if I press the CD button, nothing happens. It doesn't even load the CDs. Darn!!! The ebay guy I bought the stereo from says that he bench tested it and it was working (yeah rite) and that he is going to claim this as an Insurance claim on FedEx as they might have banged the unit. At the moment, I am out by $325 (first time this happened to me on Ebay

)

Well on the bright side fellas that MOD is POSSIBLE. Another option to think about instead of getting the small and expensive in-dash unit, you can get the whole stereo with the 6 Disc Changer in the dash itself.

I will post the results of this so called Insurance Claim.

Just had to vent fellas.

 

[bobf58]

Is it possible you're not loading it correctly? I havn't loaded mine recently, so I don't remember exactly, but I think you press the load button, and then wait until you see a green flashing light before you begin loading. If I remember, I will check my Accord Owner's manual tonight for the exact instructions.

How's the sound?

 

[dvpatel]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by bobf58:
Is it possible you're not loading it correctly? I havn't loaded mine recently, so I don't remember exactly, but I think you press the load button, and then wait until you see a green flashing light before you begin loading. If I remember, I will check my Accord Owner's manual tonight for the exact instructions.

How's the sound?</font>

The sound is good. I also had the same doubt. But I just talked to a guy here who has that stereo. He said that when you hit the CD button and there are no discs in the stereo, the LCD panel flashes CD 1 or something and mine does not do anything. Ah well so much for my $325

. I am borowwing his owner's manual today to see if I am doing something wrong.

Bob, Please post if you discover anything wierd.

Thank You

 

[my_2001ody]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by piyush:
But I just talked to a guy here who has that stereo. He said that when you hit the CD button and there are no discs in the stereo, the LCD panel flashes CD 1 or something and mine does not do anything.

</font>

Sorry, we have been away for 2 weeks (driving the Ody

), and I didn't see this thread. I have had the Accord unit in my Ody for several months now. Works great. With no CDs installed, pressing the CD buttom does nothing. Pressing the Load button while in FM or AM mode causes the word "LOAd" to appear in the right portion of the LCD and an icon for whichever "slot" you are putting it in to flash in the upper left of the LCD. Once there is a CD in the unit the CD button works.


------------------
Lanny
2K1 EX MB

 

[dvpatel]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by my_2001ody:
Sorry, we have been away for 2 weeks (driving the Ody

), and I didn't see this thread. I have had the Accord unit in my Ody for several months now. Works great. With no CDs installed, pressing the CD buttom does nothing. Pressing the Load button while in FM or AM mode causes the word "LOAd" to appear in the right portion of the LCD and an icon for whichever "slot" you are putting it in to flash in the upper left of the LCD. Once there is a CD in the unit the CD button works.


</font>

Thanks a lot for the information. I really appreciate it. I did press the Load button when I was in AM, FM and in Tape. Nothing happened. I also held it for a while. Still nothing happened. Will try it again but I gotta remove the stock stereo again as the guy who sold it to me said that the FedEx people might come to take a look at it. So I have it sitting in my house. Will try to install it again (don't know when) and then post the feedback.

 

[bobf58]

Whether or not you get any satisfaction from the seller, you may want to check these guys out:

http://www.willmanselectronics.com/fee_&_warranty.htm

 

[toyman]

We sell OEM compatible changers based on new Alpine and Kenwood changers starting at $225.00 shipped in our OEM Department at http://store.autotoys.com

Something to think about, most of our installs can be found at http://www.autotoys.com/tech

We also work closely and tightly with the engineers of the converters we use.

------------------
****

Here to help

 

[Intrepid175]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by peterk:
If you are into computers and have a CD writer at home I suggest looking at a CD player that is MP3 compatible. You can get a lot more music on a CD when it is in MP3 format. I got 80 songs on one.

_Peter</font>

Is the factory Honda CD player, either the in dash or under seat version compatible with MP3 files? Peter's post suggests that it isn't but he really doesn't say either way. Can anyone verify this?

Also, if the factory units are not MP3 compatible, are any of the aftermarket factory compatible units MP3 friendly? I've looked at Crutchfield and Autotoys. Neither one seems to say unless I missed it. This isn't a big deal for me right now as I don't have a computer with CD-W capability but it's a feature I'd like to get when I upgrade my PC next time.

Thanks for any info!

Drive Safe,
Steve

 

[nemogira]

Factory headunits...No. But there are some aftermarket MP3 compatible units. Check out: http://crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-2n9XKVtwlgu/ProdGroup.asp?c=3&g=62700&s=0

-Nestor

------------------

2000 CCS EX-NAVI

 

[toyman]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Intrepid175:
Is the factory Honda CD player, either the in dash or under seat version compatible with MP3 files? Peter's post suggests that it isn't but he really doesn't say either way. Can anyone verify this?

Also, if the factory units are not MP3 compatible, are any of the aftermarket factory compatible units MP3 friendly? I've looked at Crutchfield and Autotoys. Neither one seems to say unless I missed it. This isn't a big deal for me right now as I don't have a computer with CD-W capability but it's a feature I'd like to get when I upgrade my PC next time.

Thanks for any info!

Drive Safe,
Steve</font>

We sell an a plu gin changer (6 disc) which has aux stereo RCA jack inputs. You can use these inputs to hook up a portable MP3 player or your in car entertainment system (the sound will be direct, not modulated). Many of our customers have opted to sell the factory changer and to install the non factory changer with aux input. A FM modulated signal will be limited to the frequency response spectrum of your radio tuner.



------------------
****

Here to help

 

[dvpatel]

Updates::

FedEx is still jerking me around saying it takes 4 - 6 weeks to resolve the claims. The guy who sold me the stereo was telling me that once he gets the money back from FedEx I can get my money back (which means that he will get approx $1440 and he will return my $325

). Anyhow I will keep you guys informed as to what goes on.


Toyman, thanx for the information but I do not want to get anything aftermarket. So that rules out all your stuff (eventhough it is OEM compatible) besides you don't have anything indash and I don't want anything that is not indash.

 

[dvpatel]

Update: FedEx just denied the claim citing inadequate packaging. WTF. The stereo was very well packed. I talked to the seller. He is kind of hesitant to give me my money back

. He said that he will talk to one of his friends who has a 2K1 Accord and if he lets him swap the stereo then I guess file it under warranty. In the mean while I am still out by $325

. Lesson learned: Never buy from Ebay if the item is over $50.