Alpine CHM-S620

Price Paid:  $240.00

Summary:
This is the only changer that was compatible with my car's Bose head unit, but I was pleasantly surprised with the sound. Much better than the Bose radio (DUH!) So much so that I find it difficult to listen to the radio anymore. Excellent build quality for a $240 changer. The only complaint is the CD cartridge. It's kind of a pain to change out the CDs. The Pioneer cartridge is much easier, but it's a MINOR complaint.

Strengths:
Fantastic sound quality. Never skips. Can be installed in a variety of configurations.

Weaknesses:
Changing CD's is much easier with Pioneer's cartridge.

Similar Products Used:
Pioneer

Price Paid:  $250.00

Summary:
I would definitley recommend this alternative for a factory system that already has CD-changer controls. An adapter can be found for most systems that allows control of the changer with the controls on the factory head unit! Much better alternative than RF modulator adapter.

Strengths:
Never skips. Easy installation. Small size (fits almost anywhere). Can be mounted at multiple angles.

Weaknesses:
Sliding door comes aff track occasionally. Individual trays in magazine are difficult to handle when loading CD's.

Similar Products Used:
None

Price Paid:  $250.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2000 Toyota Corolla

Summary:
Has not skipped or given any problems with stock cd ready stereo. Mounted in trunck, loading of cd's is ok, can play with 1 to 6 cd's. Great Alpine product.

Strengths:
Sturdy construction, excellent performance, easy to load/unload.

Weaknesses:
None significant to mention

Similar Products Used:
N/A

Year / Model Reviewed:
 1996 Honda Accord

Summary:
I purchased this changer off of Ebay for $200. It was able to connect directly to the factory deck in my Accord. Install in the trunk was a snap and running the cable up to the deck was even easier. The changer has yet to skip and performs flawlessly. If you want to keep your stock deck and add on a changer, I could not recommend a better one.

Strengths:
Easy of use, excellent construction, performance.

Weaknesses:
Difficult to load CDs into cartridge, won't play if all 6 slots aren't loaded.

Summary:
I bought from my friend used for 100 dollars. It is a great player. Incredibly reliable, works seemlessly with my Alpine head unit. Even on the hardest turns with multiple potholes, I have not gotten the changer to skip. I think it only skipped one time when my brother kicked the dashboard with his knee. The only negative is cd loading which is cumbersome with Alpine's cartridges. I definitely recommend this for people looking for a reliable, great sounding changer than can be placed almost anywhere due to its small size! NOT for people who want more than 6 or for people looking for a cheap one.

Strengths:
Absolutely NO SKIPPING!!! Great sound quality. Reads through most scratched discs without hesitation. Small and thus easily placed in the glovebox. Can be installed in multiple angles, facilitating wierd installations. Cartridge is small. Door opens easily.

Weaknesses:
Cartridge is a little hard to load cd's into: you have to take out these sleeves and put the cd in them and put them back into the cartridge. Pricey.

Similar Products Used:
none