Not As Good As That Thing That Happens In Bed - But Close!
Written: Jun 27 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: price, sound, no skips
Cons: changing disks
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| rpi's Full Review: Alpine CHM-S620 6-Disc CD Changer |
I recently had an Alpine CHM-S620 installed in my 1999 Honda Civic LX 4DR - thanks to the help of other epinions. So I felt it was only right for me to write an opinion now!
I had three options of where to locate the changer in my Civic:
1) Under the passenger seat
2) In the glove box
3) In the trunk
After reading reviews here, I quickly discounted the trunk, as I really wanted easy access to the unit. I decided to put it in the glove box (because all my paperwork fit neatly on top & helped secure the unit to the bottom of the glove box). The installers used velcro strips to secure the unit into place.
For the money that it cost to install this unit (with the appropriate hardware to make it work with the factory installed radio), I could not have put better money into that car. I actually enjoy driving it because I get to choose what I listen to. I highly suggest that every person who owns/leases an automobile to go out & get a cd changer.
Mechanically, the Alpine unit is the ONLY unit that would fit into my Honda (Alpine is the manufacturer of the OEM radio). You will also need to buy a converter to convert the preouts from Honda presets to settings comparable with the Alpine. The 6 radio presets control which disc is being played in the changer. The seek/scan buttons control the track, and the standard other buttons apply (volume, repeat, etc.) This particular changer will work in any LX or DX model Civic, and can be adapted to work with the EX (with a preinstalled cd head unit).
This unit NEVER skips. And when I say NEVER, i mean NEVER! The Civic, in its pure sense hugs the road, and riders feel EVERY bump in the road. This unit never skips because of road surface. I can even slam my glove box closed with the unit operating and it doesn't skip (although I wouldn't suggest trying this yourself). I did however have a few concerns which I asked before having mine installed, which you may wonder also:
1) The connection clasp in the glove box of Civics is only cheap plastic. I was concerned with the weight of the unit in the glove box. In reality, the unit itself is light as a feather, so owners should not be concerned with putting additional weight in the glove box.
2) Security - Everyone is worried about having their equipment stolen from their vehicle...but this setup is the BEST! Unless you run your mouth (which I do on occasion), no one will ever know you have something other than the original factory stereo in your car! With it in the glove box, no wires are exposed! And since it runs through the factory-installed head unit, no one will ever know. I feel much more comfortable knowing this! (By the way...you can find really nice speakers which fit in the doors where the factory installed speakers are...I would suggest this if you are going for quality).
3) Quality - Everyone knows that in the past, Hondas had REALLY CRAPPY stereo systems. Much to my surprise, the installer said they would guarantee the sound quality, and they would take the unit out within 7 days & i would get a full refund. So just in case I wasn't happy with the sound. Well, with the factory speakers, the sound quality was incredible. If you aren't into perfection, just adding this one component will make you a VERY happy person!
Cons:
There is only 1 real con with this changer that is common to MANY cd changers on the market today. It is a ROYAL PAIN to try to switch disks. I know that when I'm driving, its hard to find the little eject button on the unit itself, and then sliding out the trays to put the disks in is very hard. They are all on top of each other, and getting just one tray (the right tray none-the-less) is almost impossible :)
If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me at chris@chrislacey.com - i'm always looking for input/suggestions!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rpi
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Member: Christopher Lacey
Location: Troy, New York
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 7 members
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