Okay brothers (or sisters), I need some help. I know the issue of OEM changer has been discussed but I am at a crossroad here. I received a quote for an OEM Alpine changer install here in Canada for $550, not bad, Volvo would easily charge me $700 for a older Alpine model. But for that money ($550), I thought I could buy myself one of those snazzy high power head unit (Sony/Pioneer - 50 wattx4) and a 6 CD changer package. Then the guy at the audio store said that Volvo wires up their system such that the speakers won't work with a brand new head unit and changer :(. He said that each speaker has its own little amp and the factory speakers won't take a 'hot' signal. This means that if I wanted to go with a brand new head and changer, I'm going to have to get a whole set of new speakers to boot, that's six speakers and a lot of rewiring = install time = $$$$.

Question: has anyone else researched the two options (ie. OEM Alpine changer or new head unit/CD changer) and what did you decide to do?