98 Camry CD

[YOTA98]

Hi

I just bought a 98 Camry CE with a cassette player. I want to add CD and the head unit has the controls for a 6 CD changer. Does it make sense to try and install a Toyota changer in it since the controls are there (not sure about the wiring) or should I just get another stereo with a CD player?

If I get another stereo I would probably just get a one CD system, possibly with XM capability.

Any Thoughts?

Thanks

[Luc]

Don't bother with getting an OEM CD player/changer since it will cost too much. If you just want a single CD player to fit underneath the cassette, Crutchfield has one for $199. If you want a changer, you'll need to get an adapter from PIE, Peripheral, or Blitzsafe. Depending on which manufacturer of changer, find the appropriate adapter.

Alpine has a new unit with XM tuner built-in. Otherwise, you'll have to add the XM tuner elsewhere if you just use a XM-ready headunit.

[YOTA98]

Oh, so just because it says it's xm ready, it doesn't necessarily have the tuner itself? That is good to know.

Crutchfield has an oem single disc? Is that preferable to like an Alpine or Pioneer or whatever?

Are there head units that have single disc that can have changers added later with the correct adapters?

Sorry for all the questions but I've never had a car CD player before-I've always just had cassettes.

Thanks

[Luc]

Yes, there's a fine distinction between built-in XM and XM-ready, in which the former has the tuner already, but the latter doesn't. If you want to keep your OEM cassette, you can just add an OEM-type single CD player right underneath. Otherwise, you can just replace the OEM unit with any aftermarket CD headunit, which will provide more functions and adjustments, and typically, better sound quality. Any aftermarket headunit will have changer controls, as long as they're the same brand.