Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

CD Changer Alternatives?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 2, 2021 | 06:20 PM
  #1  
sigmatuan1989's Avatar
sigmatuan1989
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 27
Likes: 32
From: Akron, OH
Default CD Changer Alternatives?

There is a cd jammed in the 12 disc changer, at this point fixing the changer is unlikely or cheap. If I am missing a fix it myself post, let me know.
I see a AUX harness that goes on the changer, but the changer has to be working. Is there a simple unplug the changer, plug that into something else like usb, AUX, etc?

Not interested in changing the stereo / head unit till it dies. Based on my previous GM's, I have about 30K miles left.

Thanks
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2021 | 08:30 AM
  #2  
TOPCATHR's Avatar
TOPCATHR
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 450
Likes: 18
From: NORTHPORT NY
Default Cd

You can get a kit to use your mobile phone or a usb adapter for the factory stereo.......................
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2021 | 09:58 AM
  #3  
MWWarlord's Avatar
MWWarlord
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Community Builder
Photoriffic
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,630
Likes: 3,333
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
Default

Just remove the CD changer, and use the Aux port for whatever option you like. You could also get a Bluetooth transmitter that will allow you to connect any Bluetooth enabled device (such as your phone) to the stereo wirelessly.
Reply
Old Sep 3, 2021 | 07:26 PM
  #4  
sigmatuan1989's Avatar
sigmatuan1989
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 27
Likes: 32
From: Akron, OH
Default

I read the kit requires the cd changer to be working. Tore apart changer cleaned and got stuck cd out.

Researched and see 2 user errors.
1 not all cd's were loaded label down.
2. I was trying to skip past a couple cd's I didn't like because I just the loaded the first 12 burned cd's I found.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2021 | 06:52 PM
  #5  
Johnny Hardcore's Avatar
Johnny Hardcore
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,145
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
Default

Originally Posted by sigmatuan1989
I read the kit requires the cd changer to be working. Tore apart changer cleaned and got stuck cd out.

Researched and see 2 user errors.
1 not all cd's were loaded label down.
2. I was trying to skip past a couple cd's I didn't like because I just the loaded the first 12 burned cd's I found.
I use an iSimple that plugged into my jammed CD changer in the rear cargo area. Works just fine, even with jammed CDs. I have a backup changer in a box in the garage for years but haven't needed to swap. The iSimple works perfectly albeit the changer is jammed. Just FYI.

Last edited by Johnny Hardcore; Sep 4, 2021 at 06:53 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2021 | 09:29 PM
  #6  
sigmatuan1989's Avatar
sigmatuan1989
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 27
Likes: 32
From: Akron, OH
Default

Originally Posted by Johnny Hardcore
I use an iSimple that plugged into my jammed CD changer in the rear cargo area. Works just fine, even with jammed CDs. I have a backup changer in a box in the garage for years but haven't needed to swap. The iSimple works perfectly albeit the changer is jammed. Just FYI.
Just looked them up, reasonable pricing, but the ones for Corvette seem sold out and / or discontinued.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2021 | 10:16 PM
  #7  
Johnny Hardcore's Avatar
Johnny Hardcore
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,145
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
Default

Originally Posted by sigmatuan1989
Just looked them up, reasonable pricing, but the ones for Corvette seem sold out and / or discontinued.
I just checked for you as well and came up with the same results. I was considering this as an option as well. This one has Bluetooth capability. I don't have experience with it, but I know others on the forum use it. Not sure if it will work with a jammed CD changer like the isimple does. May be worth a shot anyway for only $154.

https://www.discountcarstereo.com/c5cd-hf.html
Reply
Old Sep 5, 2021 | 11:17 AM
  #8  
Borntorun04/17's Avatar
Borntorun04/17
Melting Slicks
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,509
Likes: 946
From: Western New York
Default

I purchased this and used it in my 04 for many years before trading car in. It worked great and played music from my iPhone music library. You still used radio control ***** for volume , next etc and it charged iPhone while connected. This picture shows model withOUT cd changer but they had a model for car with cd changer. This adapter connected to back of radio head was fairly easy to install . I had to disassemble console and face plate by radio. I spent more time checking on how disassemble than it took to do. Price shown was from a few years back.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Sep 5, 2021 | 11:55 AM
  #9  
sigmatuan1989's Avatar
sigmatuan1989
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 27
Likes: 32
From: Akron, OH
Default

OK, I know I will get shamed by all the audiophiles, but I am tone deaf and can't tell difference from $100 to $1000 stereo.
I just plugged in one of those sub $20 fm transmitter / bluetooth into the cigarettes lighter and it works. The comments how to reduce static work.
As for microphone on calls, works great when stopped, not so great at speed with top down. Then again $600 Galaxy phone gets distorted with top down.

So the real answer is you can't talk on phone in Corvette with top down. I am kinda liking that and hoping my wife / son don't buy me a system that would work with top down.

Reply
Old Sep 5, 2021 | 03:41 PM
  #10  
Johnny Hardcore's Avatar
Johnny Hardcore
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,145
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
Default

Originally Posted by sigmatuan1989
OK, I know I will get shamed by all the audiophiles, but I am tone deaf and can't tell difference from $100 to $1000 stereo.
I just plugged in one of those sub $20 fm transmitter / bluetooth into the cigarettes lighter and it works. The comments how to reduce static work.
As for microphone on calls, works great when stopped, not so great at speed with top down. Then again $600 Galaxy phone gets distorted with top down.

So the real answer is you can't talk on phone in Corvette with top down. I am kinda liking that and hoping my wife / son don't buy me a system that would work with top down.
Well, if that works for you then Bob's your uncle!

Heck I can't barely hear my passengers in my car with the top on or off. Talking on the phone isnt even an option. I tell my wife ...babe, I'm taking the vette out. If you aren't coming don't try to call me. Send a text and I'll call you if and when I stop somewhere.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2021 | 07:24 PM
  #11  
sigmatuan1989's Avatar
sigmatuan1989
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 27
Likes: 32
From: Akron, OH
Default

Update on cheap blue tooth fm transmitter. IT works great, especially for the price.
What I see as an issue is tons of radio stations around Akron, OH and the Vette radio actually has good reception (better than my 2014 Charger - I feel new car radios have bad reception to sell you satellite radio). Try the open freq from googleing it and 10 miles WNW of my house, but slightly higher elevation, I am picking up interference from low power Kent State U radio station which is way east of me. I feel on a long road trip (Bowling Green KY!) you will be searching for numerous open freq's and not just in Columbus, Cinci, Louisville, but every other OH town has a small college with radio station and even some HS's.

When the pandemic supply issues ever clear up I may look again for radio or hard wired bluetooth adapter.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2021 | 07:40 PM
  #12  
Johnny Hardcore's Avatar
Johnny Hardcore
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,145
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
Default

Originally Posted by sigmatuan1989
Update on cheap blue tooth fm transmitter. IT works great, especially for the price.
What I see as an issue is tons of radio stations around Akron, OH and the Vette radio actually has good reception (better than my 2014 Charger - I feel new car radios have bad reception to sell you satellite radio). Try the open freq from googleing it and 10 miles WNW of my house, but slightly higher elevation, I am picking up interference from low power Kent State U radio station which is way east of me. I feel on a long road trip (Bowling Green KY!) you will be searching for numerous open freq's and not just in Columbus, Cinci, Louisville, but every other OH town has a small college with radio station and even some HS's.

When the pandemic supply issues ever clear up I may look again for radio or hard wired bluetooth adapter.
Agreed on the radio stations in newer vehicles not being nearly as good as older radios. I'm not surprised you run into interference issues with the plug in adapter.

Good luck on your search for sound. Hopefully when the supply chain issues subside it won't be such a game of hiden & seek, and you'll easily locate something that works better for you..
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2021 | 07:52 AM
  #13  
slapshot12's Avatar
slapshot12
Drifting
15 Year Member
Veteran: Coast Guard
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 51
From: Largo FL
Default

I bought a Bluetooth adapter like borntorun posted for my '03 Z. I also got the optional charger so I can stream Sirius/XM or Pandora and charge my iPhone at the same time and keep the stock head unit. I don't even own any CD's any more, so having a changer wasn't important.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To CD Changer Alternatives?





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:50 AM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE