Clarion/Panasonic CD Changer for Jetta IV

Re: Clarion/Panasonic CD Changer for Jetta IV (samurai)

Depending on how long you wanna wait, I'll probably have my OEM changer up for sale, and i'd sell it to you if you like......make me an offer and i'll tell you if I refuse

Re: Clarion/Panasonic CD Changer for Jetta IV (samurai)

samurai,
The Panasonic CX-DP610 6-disc changer is the aftermarket equivalent to the unit offered by VW. One place a number of us Vortexers have purchased this unit at is logjam.com:
http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/pancx.html
This unit costs $195.95 at logjam.
In addition to the changer, you will need to buy an adapter (to match the style of connector pre-wired in your trunk to the connector on the changer). There are two different connectors:
VWPCPAN6: all CD changer functions (including mix) work. $49.95 at logjam
VW98PAN6: all CD changer functions (except for mix) work. $29.95 at logjam
Here is a helpful site that explains how to save beaucoups bucks by installing it all yourself:
http://www.vwmafia.net/~roadsleeper/cdc.html
It is very easy to install. I recommend getting the brackets and screws from the dealer (~$15 for a complete set of brackets and screws) to secure the changer in the slot in the trunk (see roadsleeper's site, the link above for details). Note: some people have reported that there is a plug covering the actual connector that is attached to the pre-wired cable in the trunk; apparently this plug is there to protect the actual connector. This plug is very cleverly disguised, such that some people have confused it with the connector. If this plug is there, it has to be removed before you attach the adapter.
Finally, you will hear the dealer mention that the head unit needs to be specially programmed to adequately accept the CD signal. I recommend you hook it up yourself and listen to it before you consider having this done. For most of us, it has been unneccesary to have the dealer program the head unit. Furthermore, there should be no need for you to disconnect your battery in order to install the CD changer, nor should there be any need to re-enter your head unit's security control.
Another alternative is the 8-disc changer, the Panasonic CX-DP88:
http://store.yahoo.com/logjam/pancx1.html
Here is some info about the 8-disc changer:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/vwbb/Forum12/HTML/004840.html http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=8659
This unit costs $178.95 at logjam. It too can be controlled by the stock head unit (to access disc 7, you apparently have to push the "1" button on the head unit twice and to access the 8th disc, you push the "2" button twice). The cable adapters for this unit are different than those for the 6-disc changer; they can be found at the logjam page above.
Note: Both the 6-disc changer and the 8-disc changers *are* compatible with the non-Monsoon stereo system.
Sorry for the long-winded post. Hope it helps you!
Brian

Re: Clarion/Panasonic CD Changer for Jetta IV (vermeulen)

Highly good point. The CD changers are less expensive anyway...
A friend at work has a hook-up with a guy that works for the company that distributes car audio stuff to all the local shops. Apparently he can get me the 8-disc Panasonic for $180 with tax.
I'm still curious as to the specs anyway.
Many thanks to all of you who have helped-out.
-- Elias

Re: Clarion/Panasonic CD Changer for Jetta IV (samurai)

samurai,
I don't have the specs for the OEM head unit with me at the moment. They aren't too impressive compared with aftermarket head units (no surprise there!), but, as you point out it sounds pretty good for an OEM unit. The things I like about the OEM HU are that it has good ergonomics (well thought-out button size, placement, function, etc), it has a simple interface (no dancing dolphins, for example), and it is not likely to attract thieves.
Furthermore, if you do not have the Monsoon system, it is fairly easy to add some oomph to the stereo in the form of adding an external amplifier (that is what I did).
Going this route (adding the Panasonic changer to the stock stereo) will not satisfy everyone. Furthermore, you need to be aware that the Panasonic changer will not work with non-Panasonic aftermarket head units. What this means is that if you decide in a year that you really want to get a Sony HU, you will either need to do without your Panasonic changer, or buy a Sony changer.
Best of luck whichever way you decide to go.
Brian


[Modified by MojoMan, 11:30 AM 11-27-2001]

Re: Clarion/Panasonic CD Changer for Jetta IV (MojoMan)

If you tire of the oem radio in a year, you'll be able to sell the changer on this forum in a matter of minutes i'll bet.

Re: Clarion/Panasonic CD Changer for Jetta IV (MojoMan)

i just bought a GTI 1.8T yesterday. it has the older style no-CD monsoon. just want to thank you for the great advice. i ordered a changer and connector from logjam today and i'll let you know how it goes
ted

Re: Clarion/Panasonic CD Changer for Jetta IV (stgiardini)

stgiardini,
I am going to assume you have a proper adapter, either a VWPCPAN6 or a VW98PAN6.
The first thing I would check is whether you have a plug covering the actual connector that is attached to the pre-wired cable in the trunk; apparently this plug is there to protect the actual connector. This plug is very cleverly disguised, such that some people have confused it with the connector. If this plug is there, it has to be removed before you attach the adapter. Note: this sounds obvious, but I have read accounts where people have plugged their changer into this plug, thinking it was the actual connector. Apparently, this can be done. I say apparently, because it has been about a year since I installed my changer, and I don't personally remember the plug myself.
The next thing I would do is just unplug the changer (both where the adapter attaches to the pre-wired plug and where the adapter mates with the changer) and re-plug it in. This has been know to clear things up (maybe the connection was not good the first time).
If that fails, I would remove the head unit from the dash. There have been reports of the pre-wired cable not being plugged into the back of the head unit.
If all of these fail, I would suspect you have a faulty adapter or a faulty changer.
It is hard to diagnose things from long away. I hope this has given you some ideas that help you out.
Good luck! Let us know how it goes.
Brian