My factory-fit stereo came with CD changer controls built-in. Can I control an aftermarket changer with the factory stereo? 

Just Kenwood Car Audio carries an ever-growing number of adaptors that allow you to connect an aftermarket changer to your factory-fit radio with CD changer controls. Keep in mind that these adaptors are not universal; each one works only in certain types of cars, and with only one specific brand of changer. 

However, because of the way vehicle manufacturers configure their audio systems (to encourage you to buy from authorised vehicle dealerships), in most cases you can't simply plug an aftermarket changer into the factory-fit radio. 

Now for the good news. It is entirely realistic to buy both an aftermarket head unit and changer and still pay significantly less than you would to buy a changer alone from a vehicle dealer. Of course, when it comes to swapping cars, simply replace the original radio - and retain your aftermarket system for your next car.

A further bonus is that the vast majority of aftermarket radios available will be far superior in terms of specification, features and performance. You will be able to choose from features such as MP3 capabilities that will not appear in most car showrooms for quite a while.

If you prefer to keep your factory-fit radio, there is another option. An FM modulator combined with a changer will work with any FM radio. These work by sending the changer output signal up the aerial wire to your existing radio where it is 'tuned in' just like a normal radio station.. 

Is the sound quality of a FM modulator changer as good as that from changers that connect directly to the in-dash receiver? 

While it's true that the frequency response with a direct connection is slightly superior to that of an FM modulator system, that isn't the complete story. Unlike a FM radio station, an FM modulator changer signal is interference-free, because it's wired directly to the aerial. For this reason, you can be sure it will sound better than the best FM station.

In our own informal listening tests, we've found it difficult to distinguish between the sound from a FM modulator CD changer setup and "pure" CD signals. Finally, even if your vehicle is particularly quiet, background tyre, engine and road noise is likely to mask any frequency response difference. So the quality gap is more significant on paper than it will be to your ears. 

How often will my changer jump? 

Today's CD changers jump very rarely. If a particularly deep pot-hole in the road does cause a skip, there's no risk of damage to either your CDs or the changer.