I currently own a 2002 Stratus R/T coupe with a 4cd in dash cd changer. I am looking to have my soundsystem installed within the next month and wanted to know if keeping the 4cd is worth the hassle. I really like having an in-dash cd changer and I really would hate to part with it. I have read some of the various articles and I have seen where some of you have by-passed certain aspects of the soundsystem. What I want to know is this....

1.) Is it actually worthwhile to keep the 4 disc changer in my car with my subs?

2.) How much of a real hassle is it to do all of this?

3.) If it's worthwhile, what all do I need to get to make it work?

I plan on taking pictures of my installation to post here and I wanted to know what is really the best route to go on this. I yanked my factory cd player out of my 01 Dakota and it never sounded as good with the aftermarket. I guess it's because of the Infinity Pre-amp system.

 

you will need to bypass the stock amp for subs...

 

Well if you keep the factory stereo, you will need a line out converter, splice it into the rear 6x9's. The thing about an aftermarket headunit is that you will have a high pass and low pass filters. This reduces the bass to the front speakers and sends it to the subs. You would also not need the line out converter with the aftermarket, as there will be rca outs on the deck. When i had my factory speakers in my car, they sounded a good bit better after i put the new headunit in. Why not try the install yourself? Its not that hard besides the power wire to the amp.

 

I planned on doing the install myself with some help from a friend. I have never liked running amp wires. I only asked because I really was hoping to keep the 4cd changer. I figured it would be something kind of pain in the a$$. Okie doke, just means I'll need a new headunit as I didnt yank the one from my Dakota......

Anybody lookin for a 2nd gen 4cd in dash unit?

 

Plan on the power wire bieng a pain in de ***, you have to remove the front left wheel and the wheel well cover to run it. It took me about an hour, but its nice cause i dont have to worry about it. What kind of equipment you plan on getting?

 

Well, being that I already have some stuff, I am kinda having a dilemna. I currently have two Sony 10" subs and 1 1200w Sony Explode Amp. I had these from my truck and the speakers are practically new and were free. The amp I recently bought to replace my fried cheapo amp. This was the best RMS amp I could purchase under $200. Its a lil underpowered on the 2 subs due to the subs having a high RMS rating. I am going to break down and grab another 1200w Sony Explode Amp. Being that these Stratus coupes are good for sound, I dont really think I need anything more as Im not doing comps. It would be just loud enough for me.

My dilemna is basically deciding which head unit to go with. It's got to be a CD player or cd changer unit. I'm leaning towards Clarion/Pioneer.

 

look into alpine headunits