Hello gang, When I bought my Bonneville SE, I immediately replaced the factory radio with a Pioneer DEH-P76DH CD head unit. I selected this unit because it was 1.5 DIN sized and fit the opening exactly, and it was the highest-end unit in that line, so it has 4 way RCA fading, removable faceplate securty, and lots of other goodies. I am very pleased with it.

I also got the Pioneer CDX-P1280 12-disc CD changer to go in the trunk. It connects to the head unit using Pioneer'* "IP-Bus" so you can totally control it from the head unit. In addition I have the CD-RB20 auxillary input interface in between the changer and the head unit so I can plut in my iPod. The iPod thing is great, but I don't like fiddling around with an iPod in my lap while I'm driving. I like the *idea* of the CD changer, but it doesn't do MP3 CDs. If it did, it would be one H*** off a CD-changer! Imagine 12 discs worth of MP3-crammed CDs!

And so I'm very interested in replacing the CD changer if Pioneer would ever come out with an MP3-CD reading IP-Bus changer, but instead they only make single-DIN head units with a single CD unit that are capable of playing MP3 CDs. I'm getting sick of waiting.

And then I found THIS:
http://www.centurionsystems.co.uk/to...2&env=1&view=1

Wow, it'* an IP-Bus compatible DVD changer that happens to support MP3 CD!
I see that Centurion appears to be UK based, and then I also see that the same product is marketed in the US by Pyle, here:
http://www.pyleaudio.com/itemdetail....&model=PL6DVCH

Now I know Pyle is no longer what they used to be, but they apparently don't even make this, they just sell it. Actual prices are between $300 and $400 US. I'd kill to replace my lame Pioneer 12-disc changer with an IP-Bus changer that supports MP3 CDs, and I'd consider DVD support to be an extra feature, if I ever feel like installing a TV screen, which I don't really have much interest in at the moment. Alternatively, I could sit and wait to see if Pioneer *EVER* comes out with a chager that supports MP3. I wonder if anybody has any experience with this model, or just has any thoughts about it. I think it might be a little expensive, so I may just hold off for now.

Pioneer'* lack of an MP3 supported changer was one of the final straws why I removed my Pioneer A/V system from my GTP. Even their 12 disc DVD changer lacks the feature. Now realistically your iPod is the ultimate solution, its basically a portible hard drive. Pioneer makes an iPod interface (model CD-IB100) that could possibly work with your head unit. Typically IP-BUS equipment is intended to be backwords compatible. Pioneer will not likely offer help or support with your older reciever, but if you purchase the adapter from a retailer that you're able to return it to worse case scenario is that it won't work and you'll have to bring it back.

The only reason I bought my iPod was to use in the vehicle, to replace using CDs in the car for the most part. I personally use the Alpine interface (I've used damn near all of them, this is by far the most intuitive) and dropped the idea of needing a changer.

Man, do I ever hear you on the frustration of Pioneer not making an MP3 CD changer. I don't know, but it seems like an incredible oversight to me, considering how many other home and car audio products Pioneer makes that do support MP3 CD. I might just sit tight and wait, but the idea of a third-party changer that supports MP3 CD **AND** works with IP-Bus is really really making me want to get it. I don't really care that it'* really a DVD changer, I just want the MP3 CD changing and the IP-Bus. If I had to do it all over again, I might not go with Pioneer for the same reason. But I think you have to admit, their DIN and a Half head units sure do fit that stock opening nicely. Here'* my DEH-P76DH:


(Yes, my SE is a column shifter.)

Looks comes down to personal preference. I honestly would rather have (and I do, Pioneer DEH-P8000R in my 95 SLE) a DIN sized head unit recessed mounted in a kit. Here is a heads up on something I've come across frequently... aftermarket IP-Bus cables are very unreliable. They frequently break inside the cable resulting in usually one side of the vehicles audio cutting in and out. Be mindful while working with these cables to not stress/twist/bundle them. Any extra cable should be coiled up and not folded over itself.

I already have the Pioneer CDX-P1280 12-disc CD changer in the trunk, so I'd literally just be pulling it out and stuffing the DVD changer in its place. I'd continue to use the Pioneer IP-bus cable I'm already using.

well then, good times and have at it