adding a CD player to the Monsoon?

[tadc]

hey all- I just picked up my 01 Golf GLS TDI yesterday, and it has the Monsoon sound system. I really want a cd player, but could care less about the changer. Actually I might even prefer to be able to change the CD without getting out of the car.

Question is: how hard is it to a:add an aftermarket cd changer or b: put an aftermarket cd head unit into the monsoon system?

where can I buy the factory cd player/brackets/etc cheaper than 450 bucks (what the dealer quoted, installed)
I'm sure I can install it myself... the cables are pre-run right?

 

[Coder]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by tadc:
hey all- I just picked up my 01 Golf GLS TDI yesterday, and it has the Monsoon sound system. I really want a cd player, but could care less about the changer. Actually I might even prefer to be able to change the CD without getting out of the car.

Question is: how hard is it to a:add an aftermarket cd changer or b: put an aftermarket cd head unit into the monsoon system?

where can I buy the factory cd player/brackets/etc cheaper than 450 bucks (what the dealer quoted, installed)
I'm sure I can install it myself... the cables are pre-run right?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Look on the auction sites and search for "vw cd player"
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=579650058&r=0&t=0
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=579759284&r=0&t=0

Or look on a site like http://www.vwparts.com


Or buy it from the dealer for $280 (without installation) according to what I've read.

-Coder

 

[blue909]

You'd probably get more responses if you posted this in the upgrades forum... but anyway, you can buy the VW OEM changer and brackets from impex for a little more than $300. and you can install it yourself with 1 plug and 8 screws on the A4. Non-VW logo players (Panasonic, etc...) cost even less (still need the brackets and screws) but may require an adaptor to fit into the factory prewiring. The in-dash CD player is a bit more involved to install... unless you're familiar with in-dash stereo work you might want to have someone do it for you... I think the price is about $280 for the in-dash unit from VW.

Good luck.

blue909

 

[JeffT]

I have the in-dash cd and I like it. I will eventually also get the changer and use both at the same time.

 

[happysquid]

That was the first thing I did to my car, I ordered a sony in dash cd player from Crutchfield and they give you the complete setup. adapter, directions, help on phone, ant. adapter, and of course the player. It seams expensive but if ya bought it all seperate ya can't beat it. sony m600. It was an easy install, soldered the adapter to the radio wires and plug it in! Had to trim the plastic bracket behind player. I researched the stereo's on this site and knew what I wanted before I ever left my favorite web site. It sounds great to me louder than factory and plays cd's!

 

[JeffT]

I was refering to the stock VW setup, having the in-dash CD and changer.

 

[chance]

i picked up my new jetta about a month ago. i paid $240 for an installed cd in dash. when i picked up the car it had a $400 six disk changer in the trunk. i kept my mouth shut. but that monsoon is sweet.

 

[fincoop]

You're in luck. I just did mine. There is only one company making an aftermarket adapter..
http://www.blitzsafe.com

There are different adapters depending on if you want to use Alpine or Clarion changer. I'm using Clarion. Works great, a 15 minute install. The part was about 140 CDN. The changer mounts in the factory spot but is a bit too deep so it will stick up a little, you may need custom brackets. My installer used the Clarion brackets with really long screws.

It sounds nice!