Looking for info on old (Alpine) CD changers

[bytor]

My old Alpine CHM-S600 CD changer is dying and I need to replace it but I'm trying to find more info on changer models/features/reviews etc. I'm not looking to buy a new model and instead am looking at getting another old Alpine.

I've been researching things on the 'net and I *think* I can replace it with minimal hassle with a couple of different used Alpine models that I've been seeing for sale on ebay (CHM-S601, S611, S620, S630). Maybe other #s too but I dunno.

But I'm clueless on what the differences between these models are. Do they have different features of some kind that I would be interested in? Is one better than the other for sound/skip protection/reading CDRs in addition to pressed CDs/god knows what??????

I've looked on Alpine's website and have been googling like crazy but so far I can't find a good site that might have more info on any of these, owner manuals, product spiels etc.

One thing I do know is that my S600 was crap for skipping and I'd like to get a model that is better at tracking over the bumps.

Anyone here have any useful suggestions?? THANKS very much.

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[lashlee 10+ year member]

As far as I know, as long as it's a mbus, they all shoudl work. My roommate has a 620 in his truck, and I've had to take it apart to get out a broken cd, and it seems to be alot like I remember the old ones being. Also, make sure that it's not an Ai bus, since I know they aren't compatible, without an adapter, but they also have completely different plugs.

 

[bytor]

THANKS for your reply. I forgot to mention that my head unit is actually a real old Alpine, a TDM-7545. I can't recall for sure but I think that has already an adapter between it and the CD player, and I'm assuming that will also convert aok between any other M-bus changer. I could be confusing things though, because I've had a couple different Alpine head units & changers in my cars & can't remember which scenario needed an adapter.

Something else I am assuming - and I may get bit by this - is that the M series changers all use the same CD catridges (fingers crossed)!

 

[lashlee 10+ year member]

I think the cartridges will work!! I don't seem to remember there being any real changes in the cartridges over the years. One of my first head units was a TDM-7514, with a 5960 changer!! If it's a TDM, it should be an M bus, and should plug in directly.

 

[bytor]

Thanks Laslee! I'm following a couple ebay auctions for M series changers right now.

And thinking more about it (and looking through some of my old gear/manuals) I had a 5952S changer that died, then replaced that with the S600 and that must've been what I needed an adapter for. I think that adapter cost me like $100!!! I can't find that though in my pile of stuff (another reason I thought maybe it was in my current car with the S600).

 

[lashlee 10+ year member]

Good luck with it, and maybe you can find that adapter!!!