CD Changer OEM or Alpine CHA-S634

[Maxer]

Hey everyone,

I'd like to get a CD Changer that fully integrates with the OEM head unit. I'd like to get the Alpine over the OEM Changer because it can play MP3 CD's, but am wondering about DSP.

Soundgate seems to make a special adapter for BMW's with DSP. How does the Alpine work with the HK/DSP? Does the adapter bypass the DSP or can you hook the Alpine through the DSP?

As always, thanks for any help!

 

[bmwrocks]

I have the CHA-S634 installed in my car. Your car does NOT have the DSP requirement for the adapter. You have a 6-pin audio connector and a 3-pin power/control connector pre-wired and bundled together in the trunk for your CD changer. The 6 and 3 connect to the adapter, then the changer connects to the adapter with another adapter cable. That's it. Let me know if you have any other questions.

BTW I used the Blitzsafe adapter with the additional aux input for connecting other audio devices like XM, iPod, portable DVD audio, or any other audio source you can connect RCAs to.

 

[Maxer]

Thanks bmwrocks! I appreciate the assistance. The DSP button on my console threw me off.

Do you recommend the changer? Does it perform to your liking wrt sound quality and track changing speed? I've read a post or two about slow response when changing tracks on mp3 CDs. I've also read others that say they don't have this problem.

 

[Fabp_330Ci]

bmwrocks, got a couple of questions for you:

1. do song titles appear on the nav screen when playing mp3 cds?

2. do you know any websites where I can find the blitzsafe adapter?

3. does $225.00 sound reasonable for the Alpine CHA-S634?

 

[Richmond325CI]

This is the first I have heard of being able to use a non-oem changer. What parts do I need (model #s, where to buy, etc.) to get my 2004 CI up and running?

Thnks!

 

[Maxer]

This site has all the info on Part Numbers and installation. I found the link on another thread. Since you have a 2004, you should already have the trunk liner.

http://www.bmw325i.net/inst_mp3cd.shtml

 

[Silva]

Great info, so can you see MP3 text with the Alpine changer?

 

[Fabp_330Ci]

This site has all the info on Part Numbers and installation. I found the link on another thread. Since you have a 2004, you should already have the trunk liner.

http://www.bmw325i.net/inst_mp3cd.shtml

Thanks Maxer, this is great information.

 

[bmwrocks]

Thanks bmwrocks! I appreciate the assistance. The DSP button on my console threw me off.

Do you recommend the changer? Does it perform to your liking wrt sound quality and track changing speed? I've read a post or two about slow response when changing tracks on mp3 CDs. I've also read others that say they don't have this problem.

Yes, I recommend the changer. I am very happy with it. It plays my MP3s burned on CD-Rs and CD-RWs. Track changing speed is equal to the in-dash CD.

bmwrocks, got a couple of questions for you:

1. do song titles appear on the nav screen when playing mp3 cds?

2. do you know any websites where I can find the blitzsafe adapter?

3. does $225.00 sound reasonable for the Alpine CHA-S634?

1. No, they do not. The Alpine uses an Ai-net interface which when coupled with an Alpine head unit, would show song titles, folders, etc. Our system uses the M-bus interface. The KCA-130B adapter links the two to provide control and track number, but does not support song titles.

2. try logjam electronics, as they sell all the needed parts and have good prices.

3. $225 sounds reasonable.

This is the first I have heard of being able to use a non-oem changer. What parts do I need (model #s, where to buy, etc.) to get my 2004 CI up and running?

Thnks!

You need the following:
- CHA-S634 changer
- Blitzsafe BMW/ALP DMX V.1D NOTE: this adapter was not avail when I set up mine, but I would recommend it as it's the same price and allows XM radio hookup also: BMW/XM DMX ALP V.1D
- KCA-130B Ai-net to M-bus adapter

Note: I also bought the OEM mounting L-brackets from the dealer as these fit exactly for an OEM-like install. The changer comes with a hardware set that has brackets but I do not know if they fit. They looked a bit different and may work, but I already bought the BMW brackets so I used them.

Also, you do not need the trunk liner or the mounting framework as our cars come with that pre-installed. At least they did on mine. If you have a compartment in your liner on the left, I think you have the mounting framework.

 

[Silva]

So while we are taking stereos, how can you see the track time with the in dash CD player? ('04 HK System) Like if I want to ff 2 minutes into a track, can it be done?

 

[Fabp_330Ci]

Is there much of a difference between the Blitzsafe adapter and the Soundgate adapter?

 

[Maxer]

The soundgate's cheaper, but it doesn't offer an Aux input. If you have the BMW Aux Input, it might not matter. I found the Soundgate on buy.com for $78. I saw it cheaper on smaller co's sites.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90116115&sp=1&loc=111

 

[Fabp_330Ci]

The soundgate's cheaper, but it doesn't offer an Aux input. If you have the BMW Aux Input, it might not matter. I found the Soundgate on buy.com for $78. I saw it cheaper on smaller co's sites.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=90116115&sp=1&loc=111

Is there any noticable difference in terms of sound quality?

 

[Maxer]

Ordered it!

Got the Changer/M-Bus adapter from logjam, the soundgate adapter from buy.com.

bmwrocks, I like your idea of using the OEM mounting brackets. Does this look like the right one (P/N 65 12 8 370 925)? At $2/each I might as well just get them from my dealer.

 

[bmwrocks]

Got the Changer/M-Bus adapter from logjam, the soundgate adapter from buy.com.

bmwrocks, I like your idea of using the OEM mounting brackets. Does this look like the right one (P/N 65 12 8 370 925)? At $2/each I might as well just get them from my dealer.

Yes those are the correct ones. The Alpine fits right into those puppies.

 

[black330i]

I have the Alpine changer and the soundgate adapter, but it takes 2-3 seconds to skip between tracks. Also, if I'm in the middle of track 5, for example, and I press the << button, I go to the beginning of track 4, not the beginning of track 5. Does everyone else see this behavior? Thanks.

 

[bmwrocks]

I have the Alpine changer and the soundgate adapter, but it takes 2-3 seconds to skip between tracks. Also, if I'm in the middle of track 5, for example, and I press the << button, I go to the beginning of track 4, not the beginning of track 5. Does everyone else see this behavior? Thanks.

I do not see this behavior but I have the Blitzsafe adapter. Are you saying it takes 2-3 secs before anything happens after pressing the "next track" button? Mine respons instantly to the switch press but it is 2 secs or so betwen sound off and sound on of next track. I think this is normal.

If in the middle of track 5 and I press "previous track" mine goes to the beginning of track 5.

 

[Maxer]

Thanks for the help on this bmwrocks. The Aux input works for the iPod, but it can be a pain cause you can't leave it in the car when its real hot or cold, not to mention the wire running out of your gb. I can wait to get this bad boy up and running.