456GT CD Changer Replacement

If you've tried the reset button on your radio and your CD changer still doesn't work right, there are plenty of used Sony replacements out there.

I got tired of mine taking forever to load and set out to fix it.....which I soon found I couldn't....

Special thanks to member JetX/Brian for posting about the 456 GT's Hi-Fi system some years back......

Apparently, any Sony 10 Disc- "1 bit D/A Converter System" w/ a Unilink plug will work.

Our unit, the CD Changer in the trunk, is a CDX-F10 and is specific to the Ferrari. In the mid 90's Sony changed from a 13 pin plug to Unilink, which ours' have.

I first tried a CDX-A55 changer, which looked totally identical to the CDX-F10. But, when it arrived it had the 13 pin connection and there's no way to adapt it to the F-Car's Unilink.

Next tried a CDX-U303, (what's with all the #'s)...see second pic. Looks different but has the proper plug.... If you can see the connection sockets on the replacement unit, it's easy to tell if it's a Unilink. It has 2 RCA, audio outputs in addition to the Unilink plug. The older units just have one 13-pin connection.

I was able to switch the covers and thus retain the $1000+ "Ferrari" name plate. Trust me that's the only difference....

You may also need to change the Vertical/Horizontal Selectors on the sides.....See second pic...

Last pic is the finished product.....

I know many don't care if their stereo works.....me, like Zefram Cochrane, I need the right tunes before going to warp drive.....

Regards.....Mark
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Mark- A concourse judge probably could not tell the difference, or care. Especially with the Ferrari door showing.

 

Mark does this mean it does not need to be reset time after time? Does the new CD changer eliminate the skipping of the old system? Where did you find the CD player, EBAY?

Best

AK

 

That's what I was thinking Terry. You'd have to take out the trunk liner to see the difference....

 

Hi Alex.....Yes...Yes...and Yes....Regards....Mark

 

Where can I find instructions as to how to correctly operate the radio and CD changer in my '95 456GT?

I saw nothing in the manual.

 

A separate stereo manual should be in your owners manual packet, along with warranty information on the stereo.

 

Didn't come with it.

PO kept the fitted luggage too, the scamp!

 

If you can pull her and get the model number, you should be able to download a manual here:

Sony eSupport - - Select a Model

 

Terry, I checked. Even if you have the model #, the F-cars' model #'s are not listed on the Sony site...wonder why?

Mr. V, I remembered this came up before.... Think you might can get the manual from Ricambi for $24....see:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/456-550-575/397607-stereo.html

Regards....Mark

 

Mark

Thanks for the fix. I also got tired of the skipping and reset of the original CD changer. Went ahead and purchased a used Sony CDX-757MX 10-disc CD Changer ($60 Ebay)which has a 3sec delay/ memory. It works perfectly with the controller faceplate in the 1995 456 GT. No further skip or reset of CD required. My fix is not as perfect as your fix. The unit is smaller in length. The original Ferrari cover for the CD changer does not fit the new unit. Also had to make a custom mounting plate and brackets from aluminum/brass to accommodate the mounting unit. At a concourse competition a FCA judge would need to open the door hatch to CD player to see that it is not original. Oh well!

Now I have hours of music available!

Thanks

AK

 

Congrats, Alex.... Glad it worked for you, and sounds like you got a better unit than our originals.

BTW, in case anyone wants an original type unit, Terry's link to:

Sony eSupport - - Select a Model

seems to have every Sony unit, except the Ferrari CDX-F10??? However, I can say the CDX-U303 is listed.... and, except for the top, is completely identical to the CDX-F10. So you can use that as your template as to dimensions, if you want one the same as the original... just check the model that's for sale against the CDX-U303.....

Regards.....Mark

 

Hi - My original Ferrari fitted 10 x CD changer was throwing "ERROR" and after some research I found that the Sony CDX 70 is a direct swap. Same connections, same mounts etc. 2 minutes to swap and works fine... Hope this helps someone out there

 

Paul, so now we have two that are known to work (CDX-U303 & CDX-70).... Did you swap your Ferrari top? It's easy....

Regards...Mark

 

Hi Mark, no not yet, but will definitely give it a try...