setup suggestions

[Geeko]

okay, i'm FINALLY getting a better-then-OEM stereo in my Civic, but i'm undecided on where to go with it. preferably, i'd like to stay with OEM fittment or look on the dash (the entire car will hopefully stay looking mostly stock), but i don't have a CD player right now. i've got a few options, but i'm not sure which to use.

What I'd LIKE to do, is stay with my stock headunit, and go with an OEM or lookalike single-disc CD changer in the dash. i've got the cassette changer right now, so it'd get replaced. Crutchfield has one made by USA Spec, who i'm not particularly familiar with. the advantage is that it's in the dash, and so switching between the 60+ discs i carry is realativly easy, and it doesn't take up any more space in my relativly cramped compartment.

the second-best option would be to use an OEM-fittment changer, like this (or one by Alpine) would allow me to keep OEM head unit, cassette changer (i don't really know why...) and let me have 6+ discs at my fingertips. disadvantages are that i have to find a place to put it, and screwing with cartridges while on the road isn't fun.

i really don't know if the in-line universal CD-changers that use FM modulators sound okay- i'd think there would be some SQ loss going that route, but it has the potential to be cheaper at least then the other changer. of course, that means a funky remote thingie double-sided-taped to my dash. which sucks.

going the ghetto-tastic cheap route, i could test the umbilical running from the cassette to the head unit to find the 2 signal + ground wires, and tap in a line in from a portable or changer. i have no freaking clue how good this would sound, or how easy it would be. possibly sound better then the FM modulater, not as good as OEM fit. might be hard, depending on how the "tape" input enable is activated.

finally, i could just go **the hell with it** and get an aftermarket head unit. the advantage being better power output, built-in line outs, etc.. etc.. BUT, without dropping a good chunk on a high-end unit, it's probably going to look like ass in all-smooth, curvy dash in my car. dammit.

don't worry about suggestions for amps/subs/boxes/whatever. i've got that covered- but links to decent line-level converters would be somewhat helpful

so... WTF do i do?

[Phat_Jax]

Aftermarket head unit...

If you are planning on changing out ANYTHING else, or adding amps/subs etc...the first thing you should do is replace the stock head unit.

Stock decks sound like crap, have no ouput, even if you use a line-level converter you have virtually no signal output to your amps.

Seriously, if you just need to play cd's and you want to keep the stock look up front, get a changer. If you care at all about sound you will pick up a new head unit.

And for answering the ? about SQ through an FM modulated changer, you will lose quality...period.

[EclipseACCORD]

Get an Eclipse deck. They have the most amazing sound quality with a barely stock look.