When it comes to removing Pandora, yes, it is really that sinister - Apple wanted Pandora out, and they are out.I don't think it's quite that sinister...
Thanks. Yes, saving weight makes sense. But the replacement technology is still inadequate, unfortunately. It's awful that Tesla doesn't have an aux jack. Bluetooth would be suitable if there were ways for the car to handle multiple connections, one for the phone and one for a possible audio device. Can the Tesla do that ?removing the CD player saves weight, cost, and space (all things the industry cares a lot about, which is why spare tires are rare now too). And the majority of users these days don't use them. I used them (mp3s on CDs, mainly) in my old car, but once I got an iphone I almost never did. And I've never used a CD in my Volt, I either do bluetooth from my phone or USB to an old ipod a friend gave me (better interface than a flash drive, I think). You are unfortunately in the minority... but you are far from alone. I'm sure this bothers a lot of other people too, and I do feel for you. I get very annoyed when features I use are removed from products I like. And for what it's worth, I think it's a bit premature to remove the CD drive too, though it would have to happen eventually. Heck, Teslas don't even have an Aux jack, you have to use bluetooth or USB, which I think is dumb. I use Aux jacks on roadtrips with friends to have rotating DJs.
It seems like the Bluetooth 4.0 spec may support multiple devices. Maybe the Bolt can do it also ? But I have no idea what version of Bluetooth is supported by the Bolt, or which phones & audio devices support it, either.
My husband was a DJ in a past life, so it may explain why he has so many CDs.
FYI, I called Myron and Davis, and they confirmed that their AD318 DVD player unit can play audio CDs. I ordered it from Amazon prime, and should have it delivered tomorrow. We'll probably get it installed in the Bolt the day after that. So, I think this should be the end of that. I will be sure to report and post pictures when it's done.You have to admit, though, that your case is a minority of the minority. That collection is easily 100x bigger than anyone I personally know. And even among avid collectors, I would bet it's rare that they would want instant access to anything in their car; having their favorite 100 albums or whatever on flash probably good enough for most. But I'm sure there are others like your husband, and it is rough to suddenly have your preferred and convenient methods ruined by bean counters... it's just that the industry doesn't cater much to outliers. I'm glad the installers sound like they can help you and I think we're all interested to see the final product, as I'm sure there will be some others who might be interested in doing the same thing. It's rough being the pioneer but it sounds like you are on the right track.