I was looking to put in a new stereo in my 2000 Dakota and was looking at this deck(Alpine IDA-X303) because I love the look of it and the huge button. It says that it's compatible with any alpine accessories so does that mean all alpine CD changers? And is there a certain kind of CD changer I would need? Or can I use one out of another type of vehicle? Like this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=169337&ih=001

or this one

http://cgi.ebay.ca/MHA-S670-ALPINE-6...item2a054e21c3

I was also looking for a place to put the changer, like under the dash or maybe in the center console (I have a quad cab with the huge center console between the front seats) because I don't use the console for anything but an arm rest. Any ideas, or has anyone done similiar before?

 

The first changer, the Ebay one looks like an older M-bus changer, and if it is, it won't work with the new Alpine head unit. The second changer looks to be an Ai Net changer and I think it should work with the new unit. There should be and Ai Net connector on the back of the unit to plug in and control the changer from the head unit. Don't take my word for it though. You can call Alpine and they have a very good customer support staff and should be able to help you:

ALPINE ELECTRONICS OF CANADA, INC.
777 Supertest Road, Toronto, Ontario M3J 2M9 Canada
Tel: 1-416-736-6211
Fax: 1-416-736-7511
http://www.alpine-usa.com

Changers nowadays are small enough that you can mount them almost anywhere, including the console box or under a seat. Given the choice, the console box would seem to be best especially if you don't use it much anyway. But first call Alpine and be sure the changer you want to buy is compatible with the X303. You may even find it better to buy from a good car audio store or Best Buy in case there are compatibility issues, just to be on the safe side. I personally do not trust Ebay car audio.

Jimmy

 

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu..._IDA-X303.aspx

+

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu..._CHA-S634.aspx

= what you want.