Unhappy With RF CD Changer Installation

[Guest]

I followed Natasha's example of getting an Aiwa 6-disc RF modulated CD Changer installed a few weeks ago, having it connected to the antenna cable in the trunk. After the first two minutes of play, the player stopped playing. Not only that, but there was a high-pitched interference noise on the speakers while it still played, and I was unimpressed with the sound. Took it back, and I was told that the CD changer is faulty. Had it removed, and was told by the technician that Aiwa's are prone to problems. Suggested that I replace it with a Pioneer, which we did.<P>At least the Pioneer now works, but I still don't like the sound. It is almost as if the Aiwa sounded better. I am not a sound purist, but gee, the CD player sounds far worse than the factory radio (which I may add, is not bad at all). Apart from it sounding like a bad frequency (tried different settings already), it causes distortion at medium to high volume on the factory speakers - something that doesn't happen when playing just the radio.<P>I spoke to the technician at Best Buy again, and he simply offered a "it's the fact that it is RF" excuse. I have already spent all this money on the changer and installation, so I don't want to go out and get a GM (non-RF) system installed.<P>Has anybody experienced similar problems? I know many of you out there have done the RF modulated CD changer thing, and surely not everybody is happy with the general RF sound. What are my options? Should I get better speakers? An amplifier?

[Guest]

I installed a Sony 10 disc changer myself about a month ago in my 88 coupe. I also used the split in the antenna cable in the trunk, but even with the use of an adapter, I had to use some creativity to make it sound better.I had alot of static in both the CD changer and the radio after installation. The adapter Iused would only "butt up" , not overlap the end of the cable which leads to the radio. I cut some straight pieces of paper clips, and used them as a shield over the outside of problem connection(running them lenghtwise) and wrapped the connection with electrical tape. This virtually eliminated the static and the sound is fantastic. I don't know if you are experiencing the same problem as I, but if you are, I hope this helps. If I only confused you, please email me and I'l try to explain in more detail. I was also very disappointed in the quality of the sound when I first installed mine...Dan tdc@jersey.net

[Guest]

I used to be a stereo installer for about a year professionally, and for about 4 years on my own. All FM Modulated changers are not going to sound as good as your radio but danc nj was right you can do what he did or a cheap thing to try is a antenna booster, you can get them from best buy or any other car audio place. Another thing you might need to do is have them move your ground wire and your power wire. Best Buy doesnt put there installers through a really good test of knowledge before they get there job. I would take it to a specialty car audio place if I were you if you tell them the prob. they will help you but dont let them talk you into a new one. If they do go with Alpine or Kenwood. Hope that helps. Any questions e mail me at toolen21@aol.com

[Guest]

Firstly, thanks for your replies. It's great to be part of a community where people are prepared to help and offer advice, simply because they have the love for a particular motor vehicle in common.<P>What I did not metion in my post was that I had the original Aiwa installed by somebody other that Best Buy - independent sound specialists, you may call them. That was a mistake, because when I had to have the faulty Aiwa removed, I went to Best Buy to correct and finish the installation.<P>What you mentioned in your replies made me think, because the original installers did not have the correct GM antenna adapters, so they spliced the cables together after removing the standard connectors (where they originally connect, about a foot from the antenna). Best Buy left that part as is, and now I'm thinking that may cause some loss of quality. Would you agree? Any ideas on giving that section a better connection?<P>And what about better speakers? Would decent Alpines make a difference? I know the RF aspect naturally detracts of the overall sound quality, so can it be compensated for in other ways?<BR>

[Guest]

from best buy i got a cd changer put in a aiwa one and i like it....i dont have two many complaints but i also have an amp that runs my 2 10" rockford subs and the rest of my speakers....so all in all i cant complain but i would never do a cd changer again....that is the only complaint is the touchscreen b/c it cant come out to put a head unit in

[TheBlackMoon]

Nick I have many years of microelectronic and microcomputer experience under me, so late is prob better than never.<BR>I have the FM Mod'd Pioneer; an older one at that (which doesn't include the improved filtering and noise reduction networks). <BR>First off, if the installer of the Aiwa cut the antenna connectors off and "jerry-rigged" the wires together (otherwise known as splicing) that was a STUPID thing to do, and Best Buy's folks are even worse for leaving it that way.<BR>Email me @ consultants_1@hotmail.com and I will give detailed instructions on a solution... but here's basically what you need to do...<BR>Obtain a coaxial "Y" splitter, three corresponding standard (screw type) coax connectors (if the "Y" has two female and one male connector, get two male connectors and one female), and some high quality electrical tape (thick is best and alunimum shielded is even better, if you can find it where you are). Depending on how bad the splice job is, be prepared to obtain a length of RG58 Coaxial cable sufficient to replace the connection from your antenna to the changer plus about 2feet more for patching sake.<BR>Cut out his splice job, and connect a coax connector to each end of the existing coax leads (replace the one between the unit and the antenna if necessary). Join them together with the "Y" adapter and completely tape the assempbly, layering at least twice, thrice if unshielded tape is used.<BR>As far as the high pitched noise you here, that's from your engine. There are several solutions to this...<BR>When buying materials as above, also get a shielded "project" box (it'll be made of metal) and epoxy. Seal the "Y" connection in the box but DO NOT ground the box. Tape the outside of the box to ensure this...<BR>The idea of the antenna booster is good. It will help eliminate signal drift and outside interference...<BR>Make sure a separate Ground and Hot line was run from your battery for the unit. This eliminates interior electronic interference...<BR>The higher the grade of wiring used for your Hot, Ground, and signal wires, the less the interference. Use shielded wiring whenever possible. Alternatively, invest in a 20amp rated (or more) inline noise filter.<BR>Hope this helps. Contact me if you need to.

[Guest]

Thanks for the instructions. I will certainly try this. First, I need to get back to Best Buy to find out about the ground and battery wiring. I will take you up on your offer to contact you. <P>Nick