GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I know this topic has been covered alot, but I don't really know very much about car audio, and I have read dozens of posts on this topic and I'm still not sure...can somebody please spell it out in plain english for me:I have the single disk cd player (M&T). If I want to install a CD changer and keep the factory HU, do I have to use an FM modulator, or is there any way to run a direct line to the stock single disk cd player ? Or should I just forget about trying to keep the stock cd player and just get a good car alarm to protect the aftermarket system?Any advice would be appreciated, I've been trying to decide what to do for awhile now, but I need technical advice.

AFAIK, no way to interface a changer with the single disc player aside from an FM modulator.Aftermarket system is your only other option - and if it's between FM and aftermarket, go aftermarket!Sorry hun!

Dang...I figured so...but wanted to be 100% sure. I am leary about the aftermarket stuff because my last car was broken into because of the stupid $300 HU. $800 to fix both doors that were damaged...my car is left in a parking lot all day, but I guess an alarm would help that problem.

Quote, originally posted by VibeChick »Dang...I figured so...but wanted to be 100% sure. I am leary about the aftermarket stuff because my last car was broken into because of the stupid $300 HU. $800 to fix both doors that were damaged...my car is left in a parking lot all day, but I guess an alarm would help that problem.Well, here's my take.Alarms are deterrents -- but they don't deterr as much as they used to. If you get an aftermarket system, get one with a removeable faceplate -- which AFAIK is almost standard these days. I recommend Pioneer -- I have one, several members have them, AFAIK, everyone else loves theirs, I love mine! You can get a decent Pioneer HU for around 100-150, changers I'm not so sure about...do the install yourself, save even more $$$! And you don't have to be technical. I knew didly about radios and stuff and I still installed a new HU and XM radio myself. It's really easy!

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish » I knew didly about radios and stuff and I still installed a new HU and XM radio myself. It's really easy! Ya, but from what I have read, you have practically taken the whole care apart and put it back together! I do like an opportunity to learn new things though. Hmm, now I just have to decide if I want the changer or the CAI first...

Installing a radio only is very easy. Just remove the one trimplate around the radio!CAI is a fun install too...you're right, decisions decisions!

Hey Vibechick trust me when I tell you that installing the radio on our Vibes is super easy! It took me about 30 minutes to do mine.

Agreed, I do car installs as my way of living right now, and the Vibe is definitely one of the EASIEST cars to change a headunit in. Especially if you get the right parts. Alarms are good...and in your case, you might want something like the Viper 690, which is one of the responder series. You can add a glass breakage sensor which will trip if someone breaks the glass. The responder part means it send an alert to the remote (at 1500 ft away), to let you know a sensor tripped.

Viper alarms, thats the brand I have in mine!

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »...If you get an aftermarket system, get one with a removeable faceplate -- )And always take it with you! A friend of mine put in a really nice high end system and one morning soon after came out of the house "and there it was, gone", including the faceplate which he had hidden (obviously not well enough) in the car. He figured they searched for the plate first, before bothering to rip out the rest....

Thanks for the advice guys! I definitely won't be getting a new stereo before I get an alarm put in - my car sits in a public parking lot all day while I am at work.

Quote, originally posted by ArcsVibe »Hey Vibechick trust me when I tell you that installing the radio on our Vibes is super easy! It took me about 30 minutes to do mine. Yep...all the metra stuff makes it really simple! I love me aftermarket HU in my Vibe!