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Stevexc
10-13-2001, 03:29 PM
Greetings to all Volvites,

This is my first post. I am pleased to say that I am the new owner of a 2001 Cross Country. So far, I'm loving it. It is the most secure feeling car I've owned.

I have been thinking of adding a CD Changer and I asked about the Volvo one. The dealership quoted a price of &#36 1,100.00. Egad! :o I was wondering if anyone has successfully added an aftermarket changer. I went to Circuit City nearby and they said I would need an adapter (which, of course, they didn't have). And, they tried to sell me a changer that would play through my radio. Ugh!

If anyone has any suggestions, I would be most appreciative. Thanks.

coastal
10-13-2001, 03:58 PM
Welcome to v70xc.com Steve!

From what I understand, Alpine manufactures the Volvo changers, though they may also require an adapter.

Either that, or you could change the entire system, as done by one of the Cross Country Club of Japan members http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

http://www.v70xc.com/pics.....html#4 (http://www.v70xc.com/pics/volvo-cross-country-club-of-japan/index.html#4)

Stevexc
10-13-2001, 10:25 PM
Thanks for the reply, Coastal.  I had a feeling that it was an Alpine system.  I like the layout of the stock stereo; the way it integrates into the control panel.  I'd hate to have to alter it in some way.  I'll look into the Alpine changers.

Thanks, again.

TonkNBurm
01-29-2002, 07:51 AM
Steve,
Were you successful with your Alpine installation?  

I am interested in adding a CD changer to my HU-613 in my XC too.  I ran into a company which makes adapters for Alpine.  But here is what their web page says for 2001:

All Models `91-95 VOLALP Alpine Front Mini DIN 8 Aftermarket Must have CD changer controls.

All Models (except S80) `96-00 VOLIL Alpine Front Mini DIN 8 Aftermarket All radio models beginning w/ "SC". Do not use factory cable. Must have mini 8 pin DIN. S80 (large 8pin DIN) non-compatible.  

All Models 2001 **Nothing Currently Available.  Front Large DIN 8  Factory Changer only at this time. Has Large 8pin DIN. Radio models that begin with "HU".

http://peripheralelectronics.com/prag_2001/peri_prag_0201_volvo.htm




I had someone tell me that you need to do a software download into the radio.  Also, there is talk about a new panel being required to mount it in the back.

DaveyK
05-17-2002, 03:05 PM
This is my first post. I love my 2001 V70 XC, but I have the basic HU-413 radio/cassette without a CD player.

I have looked into adding the Volvo CD changer as well as finding out that the Alpine requires an adapter and software download.

However, I am open to upgrading to either the HU-613 or HU-803(?) system if possible. Is that what the CCC of Japan member did? Any idea on how much this might cost?

THANKS! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Art
05-17-2002, 06:56 PM
Hi DaveyK, welcome to the site! http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I believe that particular Japanese XC member's car was done completely aftermarket. He certainly did'nt spare any expense when it came to his audio install - even retrofitted a new floor board to accommodate all of the components. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

If you're thinking about upgrading your existing Volvo system, it may be somewhat cost prohibitive, just like everything else. i.e.- Nav. system, hands free phone system, subwoofer, etc...you get the general idea.

To upgrade to the HU-613 will cost around $1400 Cdn. installed, including the software download and installation kit. For the HU-803 with the 4CD changer, it's even more if you include the optional speaker kits..$2800 Cdn.

I've also noticed in the past some great deals on O.E.M. audio equipment on Ebay. One item that comes to mind was a Volvo subwoofer that sold for 70 bucks! OUCH! Sorry 'bout that Taylor.
Something to think about anyways.

One member here, Trysha, has done her own aftermarket install on her XC. I seem to recall she had posted sometime ago, actual pics and descriptions of the job. It looked pretty slick to me. Check it out. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
http://starchild.astral.net/~patricia/stereo/installation.html

Good luck with your decision. http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Ron3KL
05-20-2002, 12:59 AM
A few years back I looked at adding a 6 CD changer to my 850. After baulking at the AU$1200 price quoted by Volvo, I looked around and confirmed that the unit was an Alpine. An auto audio shop confirmed that the picture in the Volvo brochure matched one in their Alpine catalogue. However when we looked into it further we discovered that the Volvo head unit (i.e. the unit in the dash) had a proprietary bus link to the Volvo CD changer and the retail Alpine unit, although physically the same size and mechanically the same, was not compatible. A second shop confirmed this.

That's probably why folk replace the entire system. For the amount Volvo wanted I could have replaced the entire system with something much better than the Volvo one.

This often seems to be the story with Volvo accessories -  they are so expensive that Volvo loses sales.

kngfisher
05-24-2002, 04:15 PM
there are currently 5 6-disk cd-changes on ebay claiming that they are compatable w/ the 2001 v70s. dont know it they truely are but just thought i would post the info.

ebay cd-changer #1 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1354966303)

ebay cd-changer #2 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1354966309)

ebay cd-changer #3 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1355205952)

ebay cd-changer #4 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1355015696)

ebay cd-changer #5 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1831398721&r=0&t=0)

P Hartmann
05-26-2002, 06:32 PM
I went with changer through the radio  FMchannel 88.7 and it is fine.  Sony 10 cd thing for $200.00   60.00 for some auto shop to install it.  Piece of cake.    with the road noise I doubt you need much better.   My dealer recommended it!

1Lieutenant
09-02-2003, 10:15 AM
I have a 6 disc Alpine CD changer that use FM modulation. I can't tell the difference between the changer and the single disc that plays directly through the amplifier.

The sound quality is that of a PERFECT FM station, a bit more compressed (good for the automobile environment which can't handle the dynamic range anyway) and limited high frequencies (12K MHz) if my memory serves.  Listen before you dismiss it out of hand.

Steve

polvo
09-03-2003, 12:49 PM
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (1Lieutenant @ Sep. 02 2003,10:15)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I have a 6 disc Alpine CD changer that use FM modulation. I can&#39;t tell the difference between the changer and the single disc that plays directly through the amplifier.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
hey steve

do you have any photos of the changer ? i m getting sick of changing out the single in dash CD... where is your 6 changer &nbsp;located ?

i m pretty interested in fitting a 6 or 10 stacker somewhere in my MY04... where is the big question...

thanks

polvo / paul

1Lieutenant
09-03-2003, 06:13 PM
I do not have photos.....yet.

The CD changer is in the back behind the left side panel. &nbsp;I believe this is where the factory changer is located. &nbsp;I also have XM radio which is also FM modulated. &nbsp;A small control panel handles both functions. &nbsp;It is located just above the pen holder. &nbsp;The installation looks clean yet is easily reversible (mine is a lease vehicle). &nbsp;I had it installed professionally.

Steve

SpudRacer
09-03-2003, 06:15 PM
Photos please Lieutenant&#33;&#33;&#33;

Thanks for the info.

SPud

DaveyK
09-04-2003, 05:57 PM
I finally upgraded my HU-413 to the HU-613 by contacting a Volvo salvage yard (Erie Volvo in upstate NY). &nbsp;I was able to purchase a 613 unit at a reasonable price and have my dealer install it and download the necessary software at a fair price. &nbsp;So now I have great CD sound in my 2001 XC70 for about half of what the Volvo changer would have cost, I just don&#39;t have a changer. &nbsp;

I inquired about upgrading to the HU-803 system and was advised by a knowledgeable Volvo service manager not too because it required much more extensive work and time and was virtually impossible to go from the 413 to the 803 from a &quot;technical standpoint&quot;.

Just thought I would share my experience.

DaveyK http://xc70.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif