I've been looking at putting a CD changer in my 1996 850 T wagon, and have the same questions as many posts I've seen on this BB. I few of my friends have installed FM Radio frequency CD changers in they're cars, not Volvos mind you, but they have had good luck with them. There's not much to installing them from what I understand. Has anyone tried one in a Volvo?

Have had both....the FM modulated type does not compare to the Alpine 620. It's not too much more money, uses the factory head unit to control it and sounds MUCH better. I caught my changer on sale for $189 and the adaptor was about $50 I think. I did put mine in the trunk, although a lot of people put them in the glove box.
Good luck!

I had a JVC 6 disk with the FM crap, the FM modulator hooked inline in the antennea cable and this is also how the controller hooked up. if and when the FM modulator goes out and they do eventually, it will cost alot to replace. the jvc one was $135.00 and that was 5 years ago.

i suggest getting the one that connects directly to the head unit(Stereo)

Dan

I installed an Alpine (Volvo) in the glove box and it hooks right into the radio. Very easy installation, just time consuming. Works great and sounds great, I have no complaints. (bought it on ebay--of course--for around $200; dealer wanted around $250 plus install)

I bought one used for $100. Installed it in about 3 hours. My output plugged directly into the radio antenna. I think it's great, no complaints, and I would never pay the dealer price for the integrated unit.

You should regard FM changers as the option of last resort. Their sound is distinctly inferior to hard-wired CDs, cassettes, and even broadcast FM. Don't lower yourself!

I installed one in my 2001 V70. My car came with the Volvo Radio/Cassette head unit, and the dealer wanted about EUR 1,000 (US$ 900 approx) installed for retrofitting the oem CD changer. Didn't want to spend that much and bought a FM changer instead.
It does not plug into the antenna lead/socket, because the head unit has a non standard antenna connector.
I cut the antenna lead near the left C-post and connected it to the FM modulator.
The whole setup works fine & is good enough for me, HiFi freaks may express a different opinion....

Stefan

I heard that the FM units were not as good so I installed a Volvo (Alpine) 6 disc unit in my daughters 93 854 GLT glove box. Last year, it cost around $200 complete with mounting brackets and necessary wiring from what is now Volvo of Houston. 1-800-468-0041. Works and sounds great.

Don Beck
93 & 95 854 GLT, 95 855T

Your 850 should have a CD controller built in.........If so the Alpine 620 w/ adaptor will work well w/ no FM Modulator.....$350.00 installed
--
Erik Volvo 854T 1994 Daily Driver and Project car

Got a 10-Disc sony in my 95 T5. Sound quaility is ok but you can tell it FM(you can hear the hum). when the disc changer is on it reduces the strength of radio reception. I have taken the ash-tray out and put the display in its place.

When i get round to it i will look at mine and see if i can run the signal straight into the head unit.

If i was you i would try to stay away from FM.

I had one in my old car - the sound quality didn't sound as good to me.