replacing the headunit to install a new cd player

[TAPOUTking321]

first thing first, my MS3 is an 08 and i dont wanna break any of the plastics so how do i go about gettin my head unit out.......next question, do i even need to replace the the headunit to hook up my MTX amp? will it hook directly directly up to my headunit

 

[car46999]

You amp will connect if it has high-level inputs (aka speaker level inputs).
Post the model and I can tell you.

If it does not have high-level inputs, you will need a LOC (line output converter) This one is quite popular http://www.davidnavone.com/cart.asp?14&pid=144

As is the MTX RE-q http://www.crutchfield.com/p_236REQ/MTX-re-Q.html?tp=6870 this one also helps "restore" lost frequencies.

Look here to remove radio.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67366

stole this from another forum
1. Open glovebox.
2. Starting at the top left hand side of the glove box start pulling the dash strip out, it's just held in by clips. Work your way to the left first or else you could break the last clip on the right. It's L shaped and has to be slid out.
3. Look at the top of the radio, there will be 2 screws, remove.
4. Pull out the radio.



good luck

 

[TAPOUTking321]

the MTX amp model i have is a thunder 4501...if i need the LOC what all do i need to run and connect it and stuff and how do i do it....any and all suggestions will greatly help

 

[car46999]

the MTX amp model i have is a thunder 4501...if i need the LOC what all do i need to run and connect it and stuff and how do i do it....any and all suggestions will greatly help

Looks like your amp can take high-level inputs. They hook into the rca jacks, but make sure to set the gain correctly (it still might not work excellent, might work just ok, might end up with extra noise). On the positive side, using high-level inputs the amp will turn on when it "sees" sound coming to it.
But, my recommendation would be to get a good LOC, and turn it on using the remote wire.

To hook it up you will have to tap into the speaker outputs of the factory radio. Might be easiest to do so at the back of the head unit (will have to do so doing either LOC or high-level). I think the front outputs are said to be the best.

Look here for wiring color code http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8940

If yours is Bose look here
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123719103


Look here for the quick wiring guide for your amp if you do not have it.
http://www.mtx.com/caraudio/products/manualsQuickInstall/amps/TA4501InstallWiring.pdf

http://www.mtx.com/caraudio/products/manualsQuickInstall/amps/TA4501InstallSettings.pdf

http://www.mtx.com/caraudio/products/manualsQuickInstall/amps/TA4501OwnersManualDoc.pdf

 

[TAPOUTking321]

ok cool, why do you recomend the line output converter (just askin) also so the stock CD player has rca jacks in the back?

 

[car46999]

ok cool, why do you recomend the line output converter (just askin) also so the stock CD player has rca jacks in the back?

Your amp is built to accept signals up to 10v. Any voltage over that and you risk introducing noise into your amp. The amplified signal would be distorted. Using a LOC would make sure the voltage is in the correct range for the amp.

Your factory headunit does not have rca jacks.

Your amp just happens to accept high-level (speaker level) into its rca jacks. But the gain must be set to such (the 10v area). Look at the manual, and the quick wiring guide.

You would most likely be good without the LOC, but it would suck to find out after taking the dash apart.

It is your choice. Good luck.

 

[TAPOUTking321]

so if i go about just hooking the amp diretly to the headunit without the LOC how would i do that...whats a good for my money LOC....and what bout the PAC AOEM-MAZ2 have you herd of it if so could i go down that route

 

[car46999]

If you hook it up directly, you just need to splice some rca cables into your speaker wires as shown in the quick wiring guide.

I am not familiar with that LOC, but looks to be plug and play.

The two I referenced before have good reviews.