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How to Connect a Car CD Changer to a Factory Stereo

Use a compatible factory design or an over-air radio signal

By Jeremy Laukkonen Jeremy Laukkonen Writer Shoreline Community College Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles . lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 26, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Connected Car Tech Android Auto Apple CarPlay Navigation

What to Know

If the head unit is designed for use with a CD changer or AUX audio inputs, you may need a proprietary input cable or adapter.If CD changer isn't compatible with the head unit, connect it over a radio signal via an FM transmitter or RF (radio frequency) modulator.FM transmitters are portable, but the audio quality isn't great. RF modulators have better sound, but the system is harder to install. This article explains how to connect a CD changer to a car's head unit or center console, whether through a compatible factory design or via an over-the-air radio signal.

Connect a CD Changer to a Compatible Head Unit

Some factory head units are designed for use with CD changers and auxiliary (AUX) audio inputs. If you're not sure if a head unit has this ability, consult the car's manual for information on audio compatibility. Or, contact a local car audio specialist to ask more technical questions, or to have them find the easiest way to connect an external media player to the head unit. Online forums and communities such as Reddit are good resources to ask questions about audio compatibility. If your head unit is designed for use with a CD changer, you may need to obtain a proprietary input cable from a manufacturer or licensed reseller. Depending on the CD changer you choose, you may also need to buy an adapter. If the CD changer is not electronically compatible with the head unit, connect it over a radio signal.

Connect a CD Changer to a Head Unit Over Radio Signal

FM transmitters and RF (radio frequency) modulators broadcast a signal from the CD player to the radio on the car's head unit. This works with any audio source or auxiliary media player. FM transmitters are a good choice because they're portable and don't need to be installed; you can easily move them from one car to another. FM transmitters transmit the audio signal from the input device (a CD changer, in this case) to the FM tuner in the head unit. The downside is that the CD audio is of lower quality and subject to interference. For those reasons, most people prefer to use an RF modulator to connect a CD player or auxiliary audio input. RF modulators introduce an FM signal directly into the head unit using the antenna cable. This provides better sound quality, but the system is more difficult to install. FM modulators also complicate the controls for the CD player. When you connect a CD player to a compatible head unit, you can switch discs, select tracks, and stop or pause playback with the head unit's built-in controls. But an FM modulator only introduces an audio signal from the antenna jack, so the control functions are lost. Most RF modulators come with wired or wireless controls that connect to the CD player. This means you won't be able to control the CD player from the head unit. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Listen to an iPod in a Car Using Direct iPod Control in Your Car How to Use an MP3 Player in Your Car What Android Auto Is and How to Use It Can You Use Factory Steering Wheel Controls With Aftermarket Head Units? 5 Ways to Get the Most out of Your FM Transmitter How to Fix Common Car Amp Problems What's the Difference Between USB and Aux? How to Use an MP3 Player Like an iPod in a Car With No Head Unit What Is a Single DIN Car Stereo? Here's Why You Have Bad Radio Reception How to Improve FM Antenna Reception How to Make Wired Speakers Wireless Ways to Cure Car Audio Static and Unwanted Noise How to Listen to Internet Radio in Your Car How to Identify Aftermarket Car Stereo Wire Colors Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies