First - great forums, guys. I just got my 8, and this site is such a great resource. Bravo...

So, I've been reading for some time, and I cannot determine the following...
My primary goal is to add the ability to play MP3's. Subgoal: best sound quality possible.

Question - from some posts here I get the impression that it's possible to replace the stock CD player with an MP3 -able CD player in the upper portion of the stock deck. Is that possible?

I am aware of OVERload's AuxMod, and I jumped on the waiting list, however then I found out about the other options from mp3yourcar.com. Anyone have a definitive favorite yet? Is there any definite quality difference?

I've been running an Alpine MP3 deck with burned CD's in my last ride, and I loved it. I pulled it out and kept it, but it seems like overkill to try and install another deck somewhere else in the car. Just looking for some CONDENSED suggestions, since I can't spare the time to read through some of the huge posts you guys have here...

 

Yes - you will need this. Contrary to what that page says, you don't need the trim panel unless you definitely want it to say "MP3". Otherwise the stock panel is fine.

OverLOAD's solution or the PIE adapter is good if you want to connect an MP3 player or any other music source that you have already. The PIE is readily available, the AuxMod takes time to get.

 

Thanks, Tamas. That answers my question very well, however I am thinking for the price that it may be worthwhile to go for one of those PIE adapters anyway. That link you posted is great, though. Much better than the dealership information found in my area.

Is there a good thread that explains what options are available to run the stock stereo output to amplifiers? I saw some info, again, and I will read more, but if anyone knows right where to find it, please let me know. I am thinking that there are no pre-amp outputs from the factory deck, but maybe I'm wrong...