I have a 2004 C5 and I am looking to upgrade and replace the Pioneer 12 disc cd changer that is mounted in the trunk. Does any company make a current model that is a plug and play installation that uses the existing plug and cable and will work with the existing head unit?

Thank you,

 

Just to clarify, you want to retain the CD changer, or not?

 

Vader C5,

Yes, I want to replace the existing one, which does not work, with a new model and retain it in the trunk location. I don't want to have to rewire or re-cable to attach to the head unit which I will keep in the dash.

Thanks,

 

Why not just stream? It's the 21st Century, you know.

 

I would try and see about fixing the oem changer....

 

I doubt very seriously if you'll find any newer CD changer anywhere. Though I still like the CD format, I'm probably in the minority. Many are now streaming or memory sticking. If you must keep the changer, it probably doesn't get any better than the OEM Pioneer unit. Many good used ones come up for sale here. Best of luck....

 

Those units show up on that auction site (used) for about $200

 

I think your best bet is look at Crutchfield and see if they can make a wiring harness so one of their new ones will plug into your existing harness.
Interesting the search on their site turned up no car units but a DuckDuckGo search did. Maybe they have other options too.

Has anyone explained how modern music is stored? There is no need to store that on a cd, you can store thousands of songs on a flash drive or other memory like micro SDXC cards and have more music than you will ever listen to.

 

Thanks Dads2kconvertible

 

There are are really no real good alternatives to the factory unit. You can have a guy in TX that repairs them. His name slips me at this time.

I will try to keep mine for as long as I can. I like to keep things original.

But I may change the head unit to a OE one converted to bluetooth. I have 20K songs on my phone and it is nice to just let it go .

I just need to find a OE unit converted to CD quality sound. Not sure what one is best.

 

hyperv6,

Thanks for your input. That is exactly what I am trying to do, keep it original. One of the white plastic cd guides inside of the unit split. I sent a photo of the unit and the broken part to that guy in Texas, but I have not heard back from him. I most likely will purchase a used on from a forum member.

 

Charcoal, Im in the same position. I have a streaming set up, but I find it a PITA. My cds have the exact songs and artist I want to hear. I've not found anything that is plug and play for our existing units. Ive talked to people who repair but they want a fortune and claim it must then be re mounted flat or it will not continue to work. It is old technology but its too bad people cant just answer your question without making comments about your preferences in technology or what century it is. I have a ton of cds and they are exactly what I want to hear. There are some of these on line but big bucks. Ive kind of given up activity searching but if i see anything promising ill post.

 

Thanks Markmbaha1,

The dash mounted head unit is a single cd version, and it works perfectly. I'll use that while I look for a replacement. If I find something reasonable, and they have two,
I'll let you know. I am old school and want to keep the car original and play cd's, not streaming.

 

If you're handy, and can get the broken piece out, you may be shocked to see how cheap a machine shop could make one of these up. Take a dozen doughnuts to the shipping and receiving area, and show the guy the part. What have you got to lose? PS: If they say no, make sure you grab a couple doughnuts for yourself on your way out!!!!....

 

If you send me your cds I'll send you back the digital files in your format of choice and throw the cds away for you.

 

I copy all my music to a sd card for my 2020 Impala. I can stream in the vette with that RF attachment but I like the cd's. As has been said...........they have all the music I want. Is aDD unit with touch screen and back up camera cool? Sure But for me personally, I want originality.

 

Thank you, I appreciate it.
Mark

 

Charcoal Ridge, I am with you on maintaining the 'old school' sound system in your C5. You do not mention whether the current trunk CD player is working or not. If it is still working, not sure what you are trying to improve. Like you, I have a 04 C5 with trunk CD and the sound is perfect for me. Love the sound. But I am 80 and my sounds needs are probably lower then the current hi fy folks.

 

My CD Changer in the trunk has been identified as the culprit of parasitic draw. Currently attached and mounted, yet unplugged. I'm still a purist I guess. Can't bring myself to modernize the whole thing just yet.

 

Mine's in a box in the attic. It arrived jammed with 2 discs in one slot, managed to extract the discs but the unit still jammed. The cost to replace or repair isn't worth it to me; considering adding Bluetooth with the Discount Stereo kit.