I really want to install a CD changer in my wagon. Any suggestions about type, OEM vs. aftermarket? I don't have room in the glovebox to install it there,too much junk. What about under the front passenger seat or in one of the wells on either side of the rear hatch? I have a one those rear floor covers, so I think under the floor will be too much of a hassle. Thanks in advance.

I just put in the Alpine 620 in my 1994 850 Wagon. I too, chose the glove box. It was a very snug fit and I had to use the saber saw to loosen it up a little. I used the alpine brackets and everything fit very well. The roads in South Florida are quite smooth compared to other places I have lived and I have yet to have a disc skip. Don't look for any problems

I would go with the Alpine CHM-S600 cd changer. Alpine actually makes the Volvo cd changer. The CHM-S600 is exactly the same thing as the Volvo 6 disc changer except with the Volvo name and PRICE! One thing that you would have to do is get an interface adapter for the Alpine changer. I bought the alpine cd changer for $250 (w/ extended warranty) at Circuit City, and adapter for $35 from www.sounddomain.com. I did the installation myself.

Now about the location, you might want to put the cd changer by the hump in the cargo area of the wagon. I'm not too sure since I put the cd changer in the glove box (it was a sedan). I wouldn't put it underneath the seat though. I thought about it myself but didn't like the idea of having water and snow being splashed around near the changer.

How did you modify the glove box to fit the changer in it? What about in the Trunk under the rear shelf. Are there some brackets that would make mounting any easier? Thanks,

Ben J.

93 850 GLT

I didn't have to modify the glovebox other than drilling a small hole for the din cable to go through. The alpine chm-s600 6 disc cd changer fits perfectly into the glovebox. Its a tight squeeze, but it fits nicely. I never looked into putting the cd changer in the trunk since it would bea hassle to change cds while driving. I do believe that there is a cd changer installation kit that you can get from your dealer to place the cd changer under the rear speakers. I am not absolutely sure about that though.

You did this in your 93 850 GLT? I've got a CHM-S620, which may or may not be a different model than yours. It seems like a very tight fit into the glove box. Did you use the Alpine mounting brackets or did you just rely on the tight fit to secure it. I'm guessing you mounted it on the left side of the glovebox. I think I would much rather have it in the glovebox for the very reason you mentioned. The dimensions on mine are

10 x 6-3/8 x 2-1/2. Thanks.

Yep, I did this to my '93 850 GLT. I have the same model cd changer. It is a VERY tight squeeze, but it works. I didn't use any of the mounting brackets that came with the cd changer. I've had no problems with skipping. I pushed the cd changer in all the way and over to the right in the glovebox.

I ordered my '96 855 GLT with factory installed changer through TDS.

The unit is installed in the left rear corner of the trunk area. The small panel, next to the two that can be lifted, has been replaced with a plastic cover that provides access to the changer.

The changer it self is mounted standing up against the frame. I have never had any problems with the player and it never skips any discs. I would like to have a second cartridge though.

Have you called the volvo junkyards?

I too would get an Alpine changer and mount it horizontally in the trunk near one of the rear speakers. That's where we use to put the OEM changers (also Alpine but with a unique DIN plug).

I personally don't like changers and prefer in dash cd players instead because it's not hard to change cds 'on the fly' (after some practice but no, probably not real "safe") and I'd bet that most people with changers get lazy and keep the same ol' cds in there forever because they forget or don't feel like swapping all those cds on a regular basis.

The glove box? that's where I keep some of my cds, no room for other junk.

My dealer told me to go and get an aftermarket CD changer. They said that a.) it was way too expensive to have a CD changer put in at a dealer for what you get, and b.) the Volvo changer is not that great. My personal experience is that Sony CD changers are not so hot. They have great bass, but lousy treble, and inner componets break very easily. I have found, Alpine and Kenwood to be the best. Period. Alpine started as a car audio company from what I know, thus they have a great deal of knowledge about car audio. Kenwood is also very good. I own a 740 and put a kenwood reciever in it, w/ alpine speakers, and love it! Would not trade it in for a thing. Hope this helps. Oh and also, ask fellow Volvo owners where they have their aftermarket audio done. Either aftermaket places know a lot, or know nothing at all. Go to a place that does nothing but car audio.

Alabama said:

<< b.) the Volvo changer is not that great. >>

The Volvo cd changer is actually made by Alpine!