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RF stands for "radio frequency" Basically a RF modulated CD hooks up in series with the ant of your radio. You set the CD changer to "broadcast" on an unused radio station. (It doesn't really broadcast. It sends the signals through FM, but it never really goes through the airwaves as it is directly connected to your ant.) When you want to listen to the CD changer you tune your radio to said station and play the CD. The CD changer only "broadcasts" when a CD is playing so as not to interfere with your regular FM stations.
The up to this type of install is that it is relatively easy and can be done with just about any type of head unit.
The downs are that you have to mount a seperate display for the changer that will also house the control buttons and IR window if it has a remote. You also do not get true CD sound as it is converted to FM. I am into integration and really don't want another box in my car that isn't necessary so I would go with the Saab unit.
I haven't checked all the details out, but in my 00 9-5, the radio is a Pioneer. I assume that someone makes a adapter that lets a standard Pioneer CD changer work with the saab-pioneer radio. You can try calling crutchfield, or may need a specialty place like ampersand. Depending on the saab unit price it may be worth it to do this.
OK I checked out ampersand's site "http://www.ampersandplus.com" and they listed "no aftermarket interface available at this time, OEM changer only" on their CD interface guide. So it seems you will have to keep looking or waiting for someone to make a connector, or buy the saab changer. You might want to call them and see if the page is current though.
With the saab changer you can use the controls on your head unit and I assume steering wheel to control the changer. That is nice. You also get a cleaner install since there is no additional box to mount in the cabin. Hope this helps...
-Joe
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