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MG MGF Technical - Car audio options

I have a 1995 MGF, with the original head unit and what I assume is the original boot-mounted CD changer which is now dead. I changed the standard speakers for some Infinity Reference units a while ago. I’ve read the very useful posts in the archive on this, but, as always, I’ve got lots of questions and I am faced with several options on which I’d welcome the current thinking:

1. Mostly the archive posts say that you can’t buy a non-Rover (ex-Philips) CD changer to fit this head unit, but there are some posts that say otherwise. Some info on retailers’ websites that suggests a VDO CDC026 is a straight swap (for the Philips RC026). Can anyone confirm for sure if the original is the RC026 and the VDO will be a straight swap?

2. Other car audio websites say that a Sony CDXT69 can be used. Does the Sony version work through the FM frequency trick or does it connect to the head unit proper?

3. If I can find a replacement CD changer, I think I’ll stick with the original head unit for reasons of simplicity, theft-discouragement and the way it blends into the original fascia. However, I can’t seem to unplug the CD changer from the lead at the CD changer end. Am I being stupid? Does it only unplug at the head unit?

4. If I can’t replace the CD changer without paying Rover prices, then the head unit will have to go by the sounds of things. I’ve done a lot of thinking about the options and I definitely need something that can play several hours of music without changing a CD, so an autochanger or MP3 compatible player is required (though whether I’ll make time to copy tracks to a CD is a different matter!). Unlike several other posters, I do use the glovebox (first aid kit, A-Z, torch, wife’s wet-wipes) and don’t much fancy the behind the seat approach from a security point of view. However, I could always use the extra boot-space, so MP3 seems the way to go. Whilst I wouldn’t use that for my hi-fi, what do people think about the quality of sound in a car environment? Would I be better off sticking to the CD changer option?

5. I can’t stand the ugly, non-ergonomic, overly-complex head units that I see around mostly. Can anyone recommend a discreet, well-designed unit (which means rotary volume control and buttons with enough space around them to find and push!)? Any views on the Pioneer DEH-P77MP, which seems from piccies on the ‘net to be a possible match for my fussy tastes?

Thanks as always for the excellent advice on here and let’s hope that MG’s get the reprieve and investment they deserve.

Cheers

Chaz
C Golvala

Your best bet is ebay

I have just sold my 6 cd unit as I changed the MGF for a TF recently and it came with a kenwood unit so no need for the CD changer.

I was tempted to keep the head unit and the changer as when anyone looked into my mgf they could see a tape casette unit and who wants a tape unit ? but sold the car and forgot to take the head unit.

I too had the unit in the boot and I initially bought it from ebay but it was a 028 and not the 26 yours is. I found there seem to be two types the 26 and the 28.

On my unit there is a lead from the cd changer which is about 2 foot long, and this is directly wired into the cd unit with a round din type plug at the other end.

At the head unit there was also a short lead of again about 2 foot and this had a rectangular block that plugged into the back of the head unit. If I recall you could easily remove this but you had to push a small pice of plastic at on the end of the rectangular block that allowed you to withdraw the plug.

Finally I had a lead which went from the console to the boot and this plugged into the two leads.

So trace the wires at either end and you should come to a plug which can be removed.

As I say I bought this from ebay and it was in a box with the leads manual fitting instructions and leads etc..

Can't answer your other questions as I had same dilemma, hope this helps

Brian
Brian Buick

I have an MP3 playing unit, it is superb, but doesn't fit you UI req.

Mine cost £160 two years ago.

you're never going to hear the degrading in quality over the road noise.
Will Munns

Chaz,

I know what you mean about the "boy racer" designs which seem to dominate the ICE market at the moment.

I had a really discreet Kenwood head unit with a 6CD chenger in the glove box, until some @*&%$ decided to rip it out with half the walnut centre console while it was in the dealer's car park for a service!

I now have a slightly less discrete, but still subtle Kenwood system, only because I didn't want to change the CD unit out.

I do like the retro look of the Pioneer range and, if starting again, would probably go for an MP3 option, if only to maximise on space in the car.

Good luck with whatever you decide and remember - you can always subsidise your purchase by selling the original head unit on ebay!

PS - If anyone knows where I can get a walnut trim for my Kenwood head unit, I would be most grateful.

Sam
Sam Murray

Thanks all, so far. Brian's idea sent me to ebay where there is at least one CD changer that looks right. I need to make sure of the number of my unit (I don't know if it was added later than 1995) and then I may bid.

That said, I also saw some Nakamichi head units at good prices. Discreet, fabulous sound quality and not much more than the street price of the Pioneer.... temptation!

Will, thanks for confirming the obvious re MP3. Like Sam, this may be an excuse to go down that route and save space.

Cheers

Chaz
Chaz

Hi,

my mgf was 1995 one of the originals with the seamed roof. I just checked now I am at home and my unit was a philips DC 082

If yours is 10 years old I'd suggest thats what you are looking for.

Brian
brian buick

Yep, I checked too and mine's a DC 082 as well. Now, what does that mean in terms of compatibility or replacement?

Chaz
Chaz

OK, folks, after more searching on the 'net and thought, the risk of a second-hand old-style CD changer seems too great. The cost of one new from a dealer is also too great and the head unit's volume switch occasionally turns the volume down all by itself!

So, I've an excuse to buy a new head unit. Does anyone have a view on Becker as a make and the Becker Mexico Pro in particular? It seems like another fairly sober-coloured, easy to hit a button unit, but I can't find any reviews about it on the net.

thanks

Chaz
Chaz

This thread was discussed between 14/07/2005 and 18/07/2005

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