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I finally got around to ordering a CD changer for my Aero's Harmon-Kardon system and thought I'd share the experience.
First, I searched TSN and other areas for info on installing aftermarket changers on 9K's, as the Saab add-on is no longer available. At ~$500 it was horrendously overpriced anyway. Since my car is equipped with the cable already installed, after reading testimonials I was confident the system would take a CDC-635 or DC-625 6-disk changer.
I then called Clarion and was told that no aftermarket Clarion changer would work with my system. Hmmm. So I called Crutchfield, a well-respected mail-order car stereo entity, and they said their Clarion DC-625 would definitely work, so I ordered it along with a spare magazine.
Finding the cable ends wasn't so bad, the rear end being located right under the antenna behind the trunk liner with ample length to work with, and the other end lying under the existing CD player in the dash. Just pull the CD player and feel around for a round cable, then into the receiver replace that new connector with the CD player's cable. The CD player in the dash will then be disabled.
Mounting was not as easy a task, and I have no idea how the stock Saab unit mounted. There is a frame member near where you must drill holes to mount on the truck floorboard, and after some measurement I managed to hit on three of four, with one disappearing under the frame member. Being unable to fix a nut to a bolt there, I used a self-tapping body bolt from my nut and bolt collection. It is mounted vertically near the antenna, though most any mounting angle is acceptable, with the brackets supplied with the unit protruding through the truck matt by cutting a slit. That made it more difficult to engineer than simply placing the brackets on top the carpet, but it looks better this way.
The operation of the changer is now done at the receiver. The CD's are chosen by using the FM-station buttons (1-6), and the tracks with the REW and FF buttons. I haven't figured out how to pause it yet except by pressing the SOURCE button.
Crutchfield said that a cable was available to allow the use of both in-dash CD player and changer, but I haven't researched this yet. At a reported $100 I might be able to do without it, but I have a problem having a dead CD player in the dash. Now, what other gauges can I install?
Maybe a Taurus cup holder.
This unit would work with any C-bus Clarion or HK system installed in a Saab that originally had a CD-changer option from Saab. If the cable isn't pre-installed as mine was, the kit has one included.
posted by 68.11.251...
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