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Okay, first time poster (month long lurker). Anyways, my parents, being the idiots they are, wasted 700 bucks on the in dash cd changer. Problem is, i wanna upgrade the audio system (new speakers, no amp/sub, new head unit). The problem is that i dont know how the in dash cd changer works.

Does it just send the audio straight to the stock deck, or does it go to the speakers? basically i wanna know if i can get a new head unit thatll work with the oem cd changer.

Also, anybody got any recommendations for speakers? since im not going for an amp/sub system, im wondering what the "best" speakers are. obviously i dont wanna buy speakers that i cant use the full potential of without the amp and pay all that extra money.

ps, i have 03 civic ex coupe and looking to spend about 400 for head unit +speakers (minus rear deck speakers if i have to choose between quality speakers for the front)

 
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The OEM cd changer connects to the factory deck via a wiring harness that won't plug into an aftermarket deck. The only remote possibility is that there is an interface adapter out there that will accept the stock Honda changer and allow it to plug in through your new decks CD changer connection. Have a look for this adapter before you buy a deck as the adapter might only work with a certain brand of deck.

 
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thx, ill look for that. okay, so assuming i cant find an adapter for head unit, whats the best speakers for a stock deck where i wont be paying for more than i can use?

 
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I recommend Alpine Type-S to a lot of people, because for one they have a high sensitivity which makes them more efficient (and sound better, etc) for people using stock decks or internal amplifiers. For two, the 6.5" component set (SPS-171A) comes with spacers that fit into the odd shaped stock location which really makes install a snap.

For the rear deck the choice is yours. You can go with a Type-S 6x9 or 6.5" so everything matches or another 6x9 (and take your chances with clearance) or a 6.5" of your choice.

 
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truthfully, Id auction your changer / stock deck on ebay, or even sell it here in the BST

Spend that money on a good pioneer / premier mp3 deck.

 
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who is going to pay any money for a stock changer though? well if he can't find an interface adapter I'd sell it I guess, but either way the stock deck needs to go. Too bad I wasn't running my stock deck because I think an in dash CD changer would be sweet.... almost as good as having mp3 capability .

 
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bah. so its been 2 days and i've spent some time looking for the adapter. Either I'm looking at the wrong sites or it doesn't exist. Anybody know of a place where i can get what MegaHurtz was talking about?

 
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I was just pointing out the possibility that there MIGHT be one out there, I offer no gaurantees that such an adapter exists. If I was you I would just cut my losses on the CD changer and either take it out or sell it and just put in an aftermarket deck

 
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Sorry dude, there's no adapters like that. Ebay it (you might be suprised how much you get, i sold a factory indash changer out of a Focus for a friend for $350)