Sound Ideas February 1999 Sound Ideas by Randy Richardson Automobile manufacturers offering car stereo options have left the general public a little confused. Maybe I can clarify. Many of today's autos have a standard cassette player with a teasing slot below for a single in-dash CD player. Far from general knowledge is the fact that only the dealership is going to offer a single CD player that will work with the existing speakers and radio. The aftermarket model will also often be equipped with more amp power than the dealer factory model.
Some autos offer a second, alternative option of a multi-disc changer located remotely in the car.
The remote changer must be manufacturer specific, matching the radio supplied in the dash. These are available from the dealer, or if you are able to identify the radio's manufacturer as one that also makes aftermarket radios, then an aftermarket CD player can be matched with a factory dash unit. Please consult a qualified installer for any adaptors associated with the mating of factory and aftermarket units. A third option is available to any auto meeting the FM radio criteria. Hopefully you are now armed and ready to make a better buying decision.