[bones]

I'm finally getting my E tomorrow and I got a surprise from my dealer. I was supposed to get a 6-disc, in-dash CD Changer but when they went to put it in, they realized that it won't fit the EX versions of the E.

The dealer offered the 8-disc changer under the seat and I was wondering if anybody had any experience with this unit? Does it skip? How difficult is it to access under the seat? Can you manipulate the unit from the dashboard console?

Just wondering, I suppose I'll find out soon enough.

 

[BigRing]

I have the 8 disc changer, and it works like it should. I like that it moves with the seat, so its never in the way. Its a good buy, especially with the full Honda warranty.

 

[keymonkey]

I was wondering what brand the 6-disk indash was? I want to put an indash changer in my Element, but it sounds like I might have trouble now. Also, why didn't it fit? Depth, Width, etc?

 

[bones]

It was supposedly a Honda model 6 disc in-dash unit. I'm not sure what the reason was that it didn't fit, but they specifically told me that it didn't fit because I got the EX version.

What is the difference between the EX and DX stereo systems?

 

[RML]

I believe that it has to do with the stereo that is in the EX. The DX does not have the same system. Somewhere in the back of my mind I think the sub woofer is part of it, but I can't be sure what other differances there are.

 

[keymonkey]

It could be that the EX has a Sub installed. The plug that attaches to the stereo could be a 14 pin, and since no other Honda has a 7 speaker system, the stereo might have only had a 12 pin connector. DOH! I really wanted an indash too. Maybe by June, they will put one out. Anyone out there know how aftermarket stereos attach to the wire harness for a 7 speaker? Do you need to by an aftermarket that supports 7 speakers?

 

[MicroTone]

has anyone gotten the under seat changer from HandA or from a dealer and installed it themselves? if so how'd it go?

 

[bones]

I've had the 8 disc under the seat now for a couple of weeks and have abused it over some extremely bumpy terrain and not one skip!

270 watt system sounds better than most "stock" stereos that I have heard.

 

[RML]

The procedure of installing the 8 disc CD player is a lot. I know the dealership took several hours to put it in. You have to remove almost the entire right side interior of the Element.

I had the dealer do it, even before I saw what it involved. Check out H and A's site, they have detailed instructions posted.

 

[jdef]

The 8-disc under seat changer is made by Panasonic. Extra magazines can be had at Crutchfield http://www.crutchfield.com/S-yU8WNX55tRR/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?i=133CAMP801

I am very happy with mine. It has never skipped and I drive over some pretty bad roads. This is in stark contrast to the 6-cd in-dash unit that was in my 2002 Acura RSX-S which had lots of trouble playing many of my discs (visual inspection revealed no flaws or scratches in any of them). Both the single in-dash and the cd changer in Mist-E play everything without a hiccup.

Peace,
-jdef