CD Changer option

[McGruder]

Greetings all, I'm new to your fantastic forum. Just took ownership of my 2010 4R last week, and I'm extremely happy with it!

One thing that didn't go so well was a little confusion over option packages for my truck. According to my sales contract, I was supposed to get a 6 CD changer instead of a single CD player with Bluetooth and USB interface for iPod (with lousy controller interface). Apparently, the same package from the 2009 model year included a changer, where the 2010 for the same package code is a single CD player. So my contract was "incorrect" due to some kind of computer error - at least that's what my dealer is telling me.

I specifically asked about the changer (I have a cd collection with over 2500 titles) during my sales negotiations and the dealer confirmed that my 4R would be equipped with one. I have taking this matter up with my dealer, and he is trying to work out a solution.

My dealer is telling me that there is some kind of physical issue with installing a factory changer in the SR5 in one that was equipped with the single CD changer. This all sounded very skeptical to me, considering the single CD and CD changer are very similar in appearance.

The first alternative the dealer offered was to get me an iPod. I already have one, the sound quality is less than CD, I have 2500 CDs and was expecting a changer, and the interface is disappointing - so I'm rejecting that solution. Assuming that getting a CD changer is really a problem, I asked about a credit towards floorboards, and the dealer will get back to me today.

Do any of you have a CD changer equipped in your SR5's? Does it also include the USB interface? Does the dealer have any good reason to lead me to believe there would be a problem putting a CD changer in my SR5 as it is currently configured?

Thanks!

 

[ScottyTsR5]

Greetings all, I'm new to your fantastic forum. Just took ownership of my 2010 4R last week, and I'm extremely happy with it!

One thing that didn't go so well was a little confusion over option packages for my truck. According to my sales contract, I was supposed to get a 6 CD changer instead of a single CD player with Bluetooth and USB interface for iPod (with lousy controller interface). Apparently, the same package from the 2009 model year included a changer, where the 2010 for the same package code is a single CD player. So my contract was "incorrect" due to some kind of computer error - at least that's what my dealer is telling me.

I specifically asked about the changer (I have a cd collection with over 2500 titles) during my sales negotiations and the dealer confirmed that my 4R would be equipped with one. I have taking this matter up with my dealer, and he is trying to work out a solution.

My dealer is telling me that there is some kind of physical issue with installing a factory changer in the SR5 in one that was equipped with the single CD changer. This all sounded very skeptical to me, considering the single CD and CD changer are very similar in appearance.

The first alternative the dealer offered was to get me an iPod. I already have one, the sound quality is less than CD, I have 2500 CDs and was expecting a changer, and the interface is disappointing - so I'm rejecting that solution. Assuming that getting a CD changer is really a problem, I asked about a credit towards floorboards, and the dealer will get back to me today.

Do any of you have a CD changer equipped in your SR5's? Does it also include the USB interface? Does the dealer have any good reason to lead me to believe there would be a problem putting a CD changer in my SR5 as it is currently configured?

Thanks!

I, personally, have not used the cd changer in my last two vehicles. I have only used the usb port or aux jacks. I think that the sound quality that comes from the usb port is...well...quality. The stock speakers in the SR5 model are pretty good. And as long as the MP3 quality is decent, you should have no problem getting good sound out of the stock speakers. If you really want to add a changer, it can be done. There are many of us here that are either not happy with nav/interface that are in this model (everything else makes up for it though :bravo and we're thinking of adding another brand of nav/aftermarket stereo. It should not be a problem, if you REALLY need the changer. Check out the link below -->

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs-its-finally-here/61082-aftermarket-stereo.html

 

[Jtraskell]

My dealer is telling me that there is some kind of physical issue with installing a factory changer in the SR5 in one that was equipped with the single CD changer. This all sounded very skeptical to me, considering the single CD and CD changer are very similar in appearance.

Ask your dealer exactly what is the physical difference is. I am thinking they simply do not want to spend the money to make you happy. I agree, all three non-nav system radios, A, B, and C, look very much alike and take up the same amount of room in the dash. A multi changer , Radio type C, swap out from either type A or B, should not be a problem. (But I have not taken apart the dash to check....)

 

[westwind77]

One thing that didn't go so well was a little confusion over option packages for my truck. According to my sales contract, I was supposed to get a 6 CD changer instead of a single CD player with Bluetooth and USB interface for iPod (with lousy controller interface).

The SR5 is NOT available with a CD changer as an option. You have to get the Trail or Limited to get the CD changer, just one of their many ways to get you to bump up to the next level and spend a little more money.

"Voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system [7] with JBL® AM/FM/MP3 4-disc CD changer with 15 speakers including subwoofer, integrated XM Satellite Radio [3] and XM NavTraffic® [7], with 3-month trial subscriptions, USB port [4] with iPod® [5] connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® [6] wireless technology, and integrated backup camera [2]"

That package is only available on the Trail/Limited. However, obviously if they have room for the changer I would assume you do too.

I am unclear on if you NEED the navigation to get the changer though. I KNOW I saw a photo with a stock stereo but on the far right the long black 'blank' (on the SR5) button said 'Load' on it, which is for a changer.

 

[Jtraskell]

The SR5 is NOT available with a CD changer as an option. You have to get the Trail or Limited to get the CD changer, just one of their many ways to get you to bump up to the next level and spend a little more money.

"Voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system [7] with JBL® AM/FM/MP3 4-disc CD changer with 15 speakers including subwoofer, integrated XM Satellite Radio [3] and XM NavTraffic® [7], with 3-month trial subscriptions, USB port [4] with iPod® [5] connectivity, hands-free phone capability and music streaming via Bluetooth® [6] wireless technology, and integrated backup camera [2]"

That package is only available on the Trail/Limited. However, obviously if they have room for the changer I would assume you do too.

I am unclear on if you NEED the navigation to get the changer though. I KNOW I saw a photo with a stock stereo but on the far right the long black 'blank' (on the SR5) button said 'Load' on it, which is for a changer.

I think you are correct. On the Limited, if you get the Nav system, you get the 4 disc CD changer, if you don't get the Nav system, you will get as standard, the 6 disc CD changer. Now in looking at the 6 Disc changer as compared to the standard SR5 non CD changer model, looks like very little difference from the outside. (Front of dash), and since there is no Nav system installed, I can't think of what would prevent a factory 6 CD changer to be installed, if so inclined? Hence my query to find out what physical problem would there be to actually change systems....hope he gets a straight answer.

 

[McGruder]

Guys, I really appreciate the responses. I haven't heard back yet. I know to some it might seem like the iPod capability negates the need for a changer. I'm an audiophile, and I can pick up in the subtle differences in sound quality between CD and compressed music, so it matters to me that I have the changer as opposed to a single disc player. Having said that, I do agree the USB interface provides good quality music for the compressed file format, and that the iPod controller interface, well - sucks

So I can certainly live with the single disc and iPod capability, but I should get something for the disappointment and mislead expectation that I would get a changer. Credit towards running boards would be fine. My sister works at this dealership, and so I got a good deal without a lot of haggling (although it was definitely above invoice and I purchased extended warranties) and the service is first rate (free car washes and oil changes for the life of my vehicle, hot dogs and burgers and manicures for women). I just hope they pull through with handling this in a amicable fashion.

 

[qs933]

I'm an audiophile, and I can pick up in the subtle differences in sound quality between CD and compressed music, so it matters to me that I have the changer as opposed to a single disc player.

Does it really make that much of a difference, especially with the stock speakers? I'm just asking...with my Venza's JBL and my tin ears, I can definitely tell the difference between FM radio vs. CD or aux-in from an iPod, but between a CD and the iPod, both sound the same to me.

From a sales contract perspective, I definitely think you should get something for the error. Hope that works out.

As others have mentioned, the 6-CD changer is only with the JBL system on the Limited. If I recall correctly, you couldn't just swap out the head units on the previous gen's non-JBL and JBL units.

 

[McGruder]

Does it really make that much of a difference, especially with the stock speakers? I'm just asking...with my Venza's JBL and my tin ears, I can definitely tell the difference between FM radio vs. CD or aux-in from an iPod, but between a CD and the iPod, both sound the same to me.

From a sales contract perspective, I definitely think you should get something for the error. Hope that works out.

As others have mentioned, the 6-CD changer is only with the JBL system on the Limited. If I recall correctly, you couldn't just swap out the head units on the previous gen's non-JBL and JBL units.

Compared to all of the other stock car stereos I've encountered, I think the stock stereo in my SR5 is quite good. I was told that JBL speakers are used in all of the 4 runner models although not advertised that way - I'm not sure of the accuracy in that information. In any case, the speakers sound better than the Polk component speakers (not the best speakers, but decent aftermarket without getting overpriced) I used in my last car. I don't feel any need to upgrade the speakers or the head unit, or to add a subwoofer.

Can I tell the difference between CD and compressed AAC or Mp3 encoded files and standard CD?? Absolutely!! The differences are most easily detected in the quality of the bass, the smoothness and depth of the midrange and treble, and definition or separateness I can hear between instruments. I realize that many folks are not this anal about their music, but I play guitar and care passionately about good sound. I can understand most folks being perfectly contented by compressed music files. I do think the iPod sound quality is good, and the convenience is terrific (although the interface and Error 300 glitches suck) - but listening to non-compressed CDs sounds better.

 

[Quentin]

I'd personally take the ipod and go ahead and rip most of your commonly listened to CDs to 320kbps mp3. You're going to be hard pressed to tell the difference between that high of a compression rate and an actual CD.

I much prefer listening to CDs in my GTI versus the ipod due to the quality, but that is because the headphone jack is optimized for headphones and I don't have any integration that is through the dock connector. It is a huge difference in the sound, IMO. When I test drove the SR5 w/ ipod integration, I didn't crank it up, but I was pretty pleased w/ the sound through the dock connector.

 

[McGruder]

We've agreed to a credit towards OEM running boards. I'll be getting at least a 50% discount on them (Item Number: 00016-89035, $380 MSRP), and installation will be included.

I'm good with that, my wife is VERY good with that, and I'll plan to get a 160GB iPOD Classic and use the higher resolution suggested by Quentin.