[Brett727272]

I was wondering if anyone on the board has a underseat CD Changer Unit, and how they feel about it. Do you like it or dislike it? Do you find it being under your seat an incovenience? And lastly, would you recommend it to others?

 

[ChiefPilot]

We have the six-disc underseat changer. Since I don't change discs very frequently, I haven't found it to be inconvenient. As I'm sure you already know, it IS a bit on the expensive side, but as far as I have been able to tell, the changer seems to be a quality unit and, unless you have a LX model, is the only game in town... (unless, of course, you elect to purchase an aftermarket changer). I would have preferred the in-dash changer but it won't work in an EX.

 

[Brett727272]

Thanks!

Thanks for your response. I don't know about the Pilot, but on most cars there is a tray under the seat, and I was wondering if this interfered with space.

 

[WNYPilotGuy]

Under-seat changer

I have the Honda "under-seat" changer in my EX-L. I think it blends in perfectly and is very convenient. There really isn't much space under the seats....enough for the changer, but I wouldn't want to put much else under there. Especially when you consider the seat may be adjusted to it's extremes depending on who's driving that day. And yes, you can adjust the seat to it's extremes and it'll never actually make contact with the changer.

I've even swapped the CD's inside the "under-seat" changer while I drove...I know I know...not very safe, but it's not hard to do. Even if I would have had a choice between the "in-dash" and the "under-seat" on the EX (which I didn't since the "in-dash" is for the LX only)...I still would have chosen the slighty more expensive "under-seat". NOTE: Some have mentioned you might be able to use an Alpine "under-seat" changer for a lot less money than the Honda unit (which is actually an Alpine as well).

I'm strongly considering adding an aftermarket RES system. When I do so, I'd like to mount the DVD player in the the center dash console. That wouldn't be an option if I would have used that location for my CD changer. IMHO, I think changers belong out of the way, while players should be more accessible.

 

[SoapPlant]

Will the underseat changer work with the RES model? According to www.handaaccessories.com, this unit "Fits all models except EX-L RES." If this won't work with the EX-L RES, then what are my options, since the in-dash won't work with the RES either?

Thanks!

 

[ChiefPilot]

SoapPlant...

This is just a guess, but I suspect the reason that the changer won't work with the RES is due to the fact that the RES makes use of the bus connector on the head unit. Consequently, there may not be anyplace to plug in the changer.

Another possibility might be that the head unit logic is unable to accomodate the RES signals and signals from another external source.

 

[SoapPlant]

JohnK, thanks for the suggestions.

If you look really closely at the picture on page 12 in the brochure, which shows the RES head unit, it looks like there's a "CD/CHG" button just to the right of the "RR CTRL" knob.

If you can't use a changer with the RES model, then I wonder why they labelled the button with the "/CHG" and not just "CD". The labelling leads me to believe that there is some sort of option for a changer?

 

[SoapPlant]

CD Changer Will Work With RES!

Hey, I just checked back at www.handaaccessories.com, and the "Fits all models except EX-L-RES" note is gone from the current description.

I did this groovy online chat with a guy named Trevor on the site, and he said (and I quote), "yes, Honda has updated it to say that it will work."

The cost is $381.60 + S/H. Here is the link:

http://www.handaaccessories.com/pilelect.html

And here is the link for the installation instructions:

http://www.handaaccessories.com/pilot/c dchanger.pdf

Looks like a pretty simple install. I installed an Alpine changer in my '94 Civic, and made it through, so I think I'm going to tackle this one to save some $. Has anyone installed this changer on their own and have any helpful advice?

They also carry the extra CD magazine for $22.80 + S/H.

Hope this helps anyone else out there with a RES that would like to have the CD changer too! Now if I could just solve that damned moonroof issue...

I'm sure Tim has them at www.hondaacuraworld.com too! Tim, can you confirm that this will work in the RES too (I'm paranoid!)?

 

[MDXlite]

Want to save $$?

I'm looking at installing the Alpine S630 6-disc changer rather than factory. About $175. from etronics.com. The Honda head unit will control this via an adapter that's about $50. The installation kit for the Honda 6-disc is available seperately and the brackets may work on the Alpine. It's a way to save a couple 'o hundred bucks or so.

 

[Dano]

what kind of adapter to use the alpine? Also, is it possible that the Mobile Pro CD Changer CDC-6H would work? The changer is built for Honda factory systems, but I'm not sure it is compatible with the Pilot.
Crutchfield sells them, but those people are clueless when it comes to the pilot. I'm wondering if the same adapter for the Alpine would work with this.

Can you provide any details on that adapter mdxlite?

 

[HKuo]

I read in the Edmund.com Town Hall, someone bought one from Fry's Electronic a SCD-A88 unit for $250 and install it by himself. It has the matching 14 pin connector that plug in directly to the original system, just like the Honda brand 6 CD changer. The steering wheel control button still controls the tracks changes but not the disk changes.

To do it yourself, other than trying to figure out how to pry open the panel without damaging it, someone also need to figure out how to kluge up the mounting mechanism without buying the Honda mounting kit which may or may not be a directly compatable.

 

[MDXlite]

If you search 'CD changer interface adaptor' you will find links to places like SoundDomain.com and others that have these. They are made by Peripheral, Scosche and Pie. I haven't been able to get my hands on an Alpine to see if maybe the mounting holes for the hardware are the same, although I'm sure it can be mounted somehow regardless.
I, personally, decided to bite the bullet and go with the factory unit since I was able to get a really good price, not much more than the Alpine with a mounting kit and adaptor. The value for me was knowing that everything will fit and work when I'm done. I'm usually the first to try and save a buck but this one didn't seem worth it afterall IMHO. Do what works for you.

 

[Choctaw]

CD Changer

I need to know what manuals came with the CD changer. My dealer lost all but the operating instructions(about 8 pages), which is useless.

 

[SteveLuman]

Changer Photo

This was a hard photo to take....but here goes. Here is the Alpine CHA-S634 changer I installed (with OEM mounting kit) a while back. Keep in mind this Pilot needs a bath.

 

[slick2]

In dash CD changer on EX

Just picked up the Pilot and it had the CD changer in the dash. I thought it was going to be under either the drivers seat or the passenger seat. I am very pleased with it on the dash.

 

[MDXlite]

EX?

Is this new availability? Since day one only the LX could have the in-dash- could you post pix? Thanks much!

 

[SteveLuman]

Re: EX?

Is this new availability? Since day one only the LX could have the in-dash- could you post pix? Thanks much!

The CD Changer or DVD or XM can be installed in any of the Pilots' dashes except the RES or NAVI. The only reason that the RES or NAVI can't accept it is because there is no mor room below the climate contols to mount it.

 

[GonnaBe1]

What is "RES"?

 

[florida_guy]

What is "RES"?

I had trouble with that one for a while too but I finally figured it out.
Rear Entertainment System.... the DVD player for the kids

 

[GonnaBe1]

Thanks! My head would have exploded before I figured that one out