Anybody using riocar with an existing am/fm cd deck? How does the line
input work? Can I use the existing deck as a slave to riocar and be able to use both decks?

Yes you can hook it up to your existing deck, but it depends on the connections in your existing deck.

"How does the line input work?"

Im not sure how to answer this, but you plug in 2 rca cables, and choose aux to hear whats coming over those cables.

"Can I use the existing deck as a slave to riocar and be able to use both decks? "

I don't know if you will be able to do this or not, since I don't know what stereo you have, I dont know if you can fit 2 din sized units in your dash, and I dont know what you mean by a slave.

Sorry im not too helpful, but all I can too with the info I have is speak in generalities.

I have a honda prelude 2001... two decks will fit no problem.
When I want to listen to radio or CD, I want to use the stock deck. When I want to listen to mp3s, I want to use the RIOCAR.

How can I use the riocar line input to achieve this? I don't think my stock deck has an AUX input.

If your deck doesnt have an aux in the next easiest thing to do is get an FM Modulator such as http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-7Mdy67Ew5TW/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=2&g=42500&I=020FM200S&o=&a= . I doesn't bring the best audio quality but it will work. Otherwise you can (1) get a new radio/cd deck with aux in or hook up and amp and use the empeg as the main deck.

-Greg

Greg,

Could you please elaborate on (2) - hooking up an amp and using empeg as the main deck? I still want to use the stock deck...

Here is a link to how this is done http://www.riocar.org/modules.php?op=modload&name=FAQ&file=index&myfaq=yes&id_cat=3&categories=Car+installation+questions#7. I'll write more when I get home since I have to leave for class in 2 minutes or i'll be late.

-Greg

you could get a speaker to line level converter and connect the speaker outputs from the factory stereo to the aux in on the empeg. then you would need to connect the empeg to an amplifier to drive the speakers

I think that would be the simplest

Some manufacturers can provide (special order) an adaptor that plugs into the proprietary "CD/Changer" input to allow use of third-party (Empeg!) line-level inputs.

I'd visit a car audio supplier and ask about that before adding extra amps or replacing head units.

In my Subaru, I just went ahead and replaced the factory head unit (stereo) with a JVC model that HAS line-level AUX inputs on the back. Pretty cheap (shop around), and it works better than the factory stereo did, and also has a built-in CD player .. handy.

-ml