I know many of these questions have probably been answered at least in part elsewhere, but please humour me!

The vRS has left the factory and I cant wait!

1. Is it AT ALL possible to replace the HU (in this case with a panasonic Mini-Disc) and keep the changer?

Even if im happy without any fancy functions (cd-text etc) working?

2. Is it possible to replace the HU with ANY new HU's and avoid replacing the changer?

3. Replacing HU and changer... would this require re-wiring in all cases, or could I use the existing wiring?

4. If new HU-Changer wire is needed, how easy is this to do myself, or how much should I expect to pay?

5. Is there a decent VAG headunit I could get that would work with the changer?

Thanks Guys, I really value your advice.

Jono

1) No, not as far as I'm aware.

2) Hang on... that's question 1

3) Not a complete rewire, just probably rewiring the connector (if at all).

4) Easy to do yourself. Remove a few items of trim, put cable in, put trim back (very short summary )

5) You really don't like changing the changer now do you?

OK, from memory...

1)no

2)no

3)yes

4)depends on you...and how much is it worth to you

5)dont think so.

Sorry if they are vague, but there are miles of posts on this very subject, and having moved on from my old Octy, I dont remember all the details.

My advise would be to do a search of the threads, there you will find hours of information, hints and tips to digest.

What I can tell you from my memory is that the changer is wired Skoda specific I think, so any major changes like those mention will mean rewireing...all good fun.

Cheers

Andy

Jono,

Seen it, done it, bought the t-shirt. You're thinking 'The only decent bit of kit in the whole Skoda stereo debacle is sitting in the boot and I don't want it to go to waste'. Or something like that. We all deal with grief in our own ways and I've had to come to terms with the fact that unless I wanted to fit a VW Gamma H/U, the changer is useless.

After much consideration I've found that fitting a head unit that will play MP3s (or in your case one that will play the new Sony netMD compressed formats) is the way to go. Unless you've got loads of cash, fitting a new H/U and changer is not an option.

Re: wiring. As already said, apart from the odd connector, everything should be OK.

Re: VW Gamma. It's much better than the Skoda unit, if you want one PM me and I'll enquire.

Well I have a Panasonic MD at the moment.

Thus the options are either to get a CD with MP3 capability

OR, get a multichanger compatible with my HU.

Is it relatively easy to rewire the HU-Changer cable and should i expect an installer to do it for me, or are they likely to insist that I pay for a new cable run?

Originally posted by rich1068 in this post Re: VW Gamma. It's much better than the Skoda unit, if you want one PM me and I'll enquire.

Uugh, no, my girlfriend's got the VW Gamma unit in her Golf and it stinks ! :(

Jono,

you can get an aftermarket changer to work with the standard HU; I think the Sony explod web page has a capatability checker.

To tell the truth it's easier to change both but you would have to lay new cable for the changer.

I wouldn't suggest keeping the HU and changing the speakers as you would be driving them to their potential. Also there a compatibility issues with the changer as it's a Panasonic with a Blaupunkt type connector. I imagine a good installer could sort out the connection but you could then only link to a Panasonic HU (i assume).

Cheers.

Adrian.

I've come round to thinking that you have to forget about the changer and get a head unit that will allow 'extended play' ie mp3 or Sony mini-disc and fit better speakers. Personally, I just don't like the idea of my car being re-wired for a different changer. It's all that upheaval, if you know what I mean.

Re: costs. Most places will fit for free but don't forget you don't get owt for nowt.

Suitable sites to try. www.incar-discount.co.uk E.mail enquiries are actually answered, very helpful. A chap called Paul Hawkins seems to know his stuff. Also try www.bluespot.co.uk Also very helpful with excellent discounts but obviously only Blaupunkt stuff. The look of the Blaupunkt kit seems to fit well with the RS dash. The discounts on both these sites give you an idea of how much your local ICE dealer is charging for 'free' fitting.

Since i have the head unit already, are there any CD changers that will play MP3's?

Jono