Non MP3 head unit with MP3 CD Changer?

[TruckGuy007]

Hi. I have an older Pioneer head unit, I think DEH8000, or perhaps 7000. (It was the first top of the line unit they released with the full motion graphics LCD on the front, whichever model that was.)

 

Anyway, this model doesn't support MP3, so I was wanting to add a CD changer to this, and I was wondering if I could add MP3 support through the changer.

 

Or would I have to replace the head unit to get MP3 support?

 

From what I can tell, I won't be able to add a Pioneer CD changer to it and gain MP3 support.

 

I'm guessing I could add another manufacturer's CD changer to it and hook it to the auxiliary input of my Pioneer, but then I wouldn't be able to control the CD changer through my head unit, I would have to get one with a separate remote control or something.

 

Any ideas? I'm not really looking to replace the head unit right now, since I just bought it a couple years ago and it was expensive as heck back then.

 

Thanks

[speedshifter]

I'm not too sure about the Pioneer setup because I am an Alpine man myself.  I have a Alpine 7965 headunit (non-mp3) and their Ai-NET MP3 CD Changer.  My setup works awesome and the Ai-NET allows me to control everything through the headunit.  I'm not sure if pioneer has something similar to this, but if they do, I dont see why it wouldnt work.

[TruckGuy007]

Thanks for the reply. From what I can tell on Pioneer's web site, their CD changers won't support MP3 playback unless you have a head unit that does MP3, since they connect through their proprietary IP bus system.

 

Looks like I'll either have to replace the head unit, or use a different mfg.'s CD changer and use a remote control to change discs.

 

Oh well. I'll take a look at the Alpine you mentioned.

 

Thanks.