Radio / Speakers on CX-5 SPORT model

[RedBaron]

I've decided to upgrade the stock head unit to the Pioneer line, their 2014 car radios are coming next month. Hoping more models will have HDMI inputs so I can project my android screen on the Headunit and use it as my phone.

[...]
- $500 price tag total , hoping mid line has HDMI input to be closer to $350 price point

Sounds like a perfect match at a reasonable price. So you're saying that this radio would (hopefully) have Bluetooth, HD Radio and App controls all built in, plug and play without the need for any external interface boxes for steering wheel controls, chimes (etc)? Would you still need a cable adapter (I assume you would)?

 

[hollis]

It will still need a steering module adapter, but their cheap and work. Had my CX-5 in a accident and didnt like the repair job, so was contemplating on selling it but starting to side with keeping it.

 

[NolaCX5]

Just made a quick stop at my local dealer looking for repair wire or other pieces to make my own OEM adapter plug.

If you want to go OEM with the in dash tweeters the part number is KD62-66-960 and cost $16 each.

http://www.mazdapartsunlimited.com/oem-part/mazda/cx-5/2013/grand-touring/2-0l-l4-gas/body-hardware/sound-system/inst-pnl-speaker-right/kd6266960

I may just chop the plugs off these and solder together my own adapters if the OEM speakers sound bad.

 

[chriscabob]

just finished putting infinity reference 6502ix speakers in the front and back by gutting the OEM mounts as i read from Hollis. Quite the improvement, now I'm trying to find where i can order the infinity reference 3032cf 3.5 inch speakers for the tweeter locations to swap out the OEM speakers. (I have the 6 speakers with touch screen model).

Have to say the whole process was very easy for never having done anything like this before... IE. never removed a door panel before, never soldered, never used a multimeter. But it all was very easy with the help of these forms and google. Thanks a bunch to hollis and popeyecah whose how to article i read and was the basis for my install guide.

 

[petem6]

I just replaced the tweeters on my 14 M-6 with Polk 3.5's (DB351) and the connector on the mazda tweeter is just molded as part of the tweeter frame and not chop-off-able. I posted a thread w/ pics over in the 14 M-6 area.
Thanks to you guys tho, for lots of good info as the 6 seems very similar. Nice improvement w/ little co-ax's in the dash, I may not do the door speakers as it sounds good now.

.........I may just chop the plugs off these and solder together my own adapters if the OEM speakers sound bad.

 

[chriscabob]

upgraded dash speakers

just finished putting infinity reference 6502ix speakers in the front and back by gutting the OEM mounts as i read from Hollis. Quite the improvement, now I'm trying to find where i can order the infinity reference 3032cf 3.5 inch speakers for the tweeter locations to swap out the OEM speakers. (I have the 6 speakers with touch screen model).

Have to say the whole process was very easy for never having done anything like this before... IE. never removed a door panel before, never soldered, never used a multimeter. But it all was very easy with the help of these forms and google. Thanks a bunch to hollis and popeyecah whose how to article i read and was the basis for my install guide.

Finally got around to upgrading the dash speakers, took out the stock tweeters and replaced with infinity reference 3002cfx speakers. What a great improvement, they are so efficient (91db) that the soundstage is now up in my face versus my feet even though I had stock tweeters.
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_61824_Infinity-REF-3002cfx.html

Used the cpu fan connectors as suggested earlier in the thread to connect to the OEM connector without having to splice the wiring, I then just cut the other end off and soldered to the speaker connections. They fit very snug and i didn't use anything else to hold them in place.
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX5934

Next on my list is dynamat extreme door kit... hopefully gives me more oomph and a quieter ride.
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00020CAUG/

 

[Craigr4205]

Just leased a 2014 sport with a manual 6 spd. I absolutely had to get the manual, but the base 4 speaker stereo leaves a lot to be desired (as others have said, very muddy). Any recommendations on front speaker upgrades that can improve the sound with just the stock head unit? I'm a fan of the focal/infinity/Polk type of sound clarity. Maybe a basic component set?

 

[Lighthawk Demon]

I figured I'd move my inquiries from this thread over to this thread instead.

So .... my Amazon order for https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned) and https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned) are going to be here today. I will not be installing anything until the weather heats up a bit (maybe July )

I'm going to be using the stock head unit and (for now) no amp simply because I'm not comfortable in my skill to install one.

Question .... Do I need to install the bass blockers that come with the 3.5" speakers or can I leave them off?

 

[RedBaron]

The two speakers (door and dash) are simply ganged in parallel from the factory radio. So probably a good idea to use the bass blockers.

 

[BigPainRing]

Just leased a 2014 sport with a manual 6 spd. I absolutely had to get the manual, but the base 4 speaker stereo leaves a lot to be desired (as others have said, very muddy). Any recommendations on front speaker upgrades that can improve the sound with just the stock head unit? I'm a fan of the focal/infinity/Polk type of sound clarity. Maybe a basic component set?

I have Focals in my CX5 Sport and Infinity Reference in my Altima. While the Focals do sound great the Infinitys are very good also and were much cheaper. Note I am driving all of these with aftermarket head units (internal amps only).

 

[chriscabob]

The two speakers (door and dash) are simply ganged in parallel from the factory radio. So probably a good idea to use the bass blockers.

I have not used any bass blockers, the infinity 3002cfx 3.5" speakers installed have been holding up just fine for the last week. They have a capacitor already wired in but I assume that's just for sending high frequency to the tweeter and nothing to do with blocking bass to the cone.

 

[BigPainRing]

I didn't install any bass blockers on the Focals or the Infinitys. The Focals in the front doors of the CX5 are component mids with the tweeters in the dash. The ones in the back doors have the tweeter mounted in front of the mid speaker. The Infinitys are all tweeter combined with the mid speaker. The rear of the Altima uses 6X9's and they are fairly bassy compaired to the front 6.5 round Infinitys. Head unit in the CX5 is a Pioneer AVH-5500BHS (14 watts RMS X 4). Very user friendly bluetooth Iphone connect, good GPS app, HD radio, XM Sirus ready and much more. In the Altima I was on a tighter budget so it got a JVCKW-XR610 (20 watt RMS X 4) with bluetooth add on module. Bluetooth phone interconnect works better on this $200 unit than on the $500 Pioneer. The JVC also has HD radio and front panel USB and aux. ports. Both units work with the factory steering wheel controls. I am wanting to try one of those amplified slim under seat subs because low end bass is all that is missing on these two systems.

 

[tibimakai]

I will try to install a JL Audio 10" shallow subwoofer, in the spare wheel itself. I won't fiberglass, just place a MDF on top of the tire and somehow bolted down to seal it against the tire.
I have made already a big washer with a rubber seal to cover the center hole and the 5 mounting holes. Filled it with water and it did not leak at all.

 

[chriscabob]

bass blockers

I have not used any bass blockers, the infinity 3002cfx 3.5" speakers installed have been holding up just fine for the last week. They have a capacitor already wired in but I assume that's just for sending high frequency to the tweeter and nothing to do with blocking bass to the cone.

I take it back, its been just over a week now and I've adjusted and noticed the front door speakers are now robbed of their bass and oomph. Meanwhile the dash speakers are pushing a little too hard, going to find 600hz bass blocker and install those as per the recommendations of crutchfield. Their advisor said it should revert power and bass back to the door speakers allowing the dash speaker to shine and not be pushed too hard.

 

[RedBaron]

I take it back, its been just over a week now and I've adjusted and noticed the front door speakers are now robbed of their bass and oomph. Meanwhile the dash speakers are pushing a little too hard, going to find 600hz bass blocker and install those as per the recommendations of crutchfield. Their advisor said it should revert power and bass back to the door speakers allowing the dash speaker to shine and not be pushed too hard.

Exactly!

 

[tibimakai]

I have installed those extra capacitors, that came with the Polk Audio speakers and I still have bass in the door speakers. The only regret that I have, that I haven't wrapped them in sponge, to avoid extra noises that may cause by dangling in there.

 

[chriscabob]

I have installed those extra capacitors, that came with the Polk Audio speakers and I still have bass in the door speakers. The only regret that I have, that I haven't wrapped them in sponge, to avoid extra noises that may cause by dangling in there.

The ones that come with the polk are only 200hz bass blockers, crutchfield suggested i get 600hz for my infinity's. But in canada I went to 6 different stores and could only find 300hz bass blockers at 4ohms, but seeing as my infinity speakers are 3ohms it should be an effective 450hz roll off.

 

[lodisej]

I just ordered the 3.5 polks for my 2014 Touring (no bose) and wasn't sure if I should use the bass blockers or not, mostly due to having to crimp/solder more in such a confined space,etc. Is there much con to not using them as the factory tweeters I am replacing don't seem to be have a problem handling low frequency now and the polks should be able to handle (and sound) ever better? What's the wrap in sponge method all about - with electrical tape?

BTW, are the front door speakers full range or mid-bass only and are they the same as the rear door speakers?

Thanks in advance!

 

[chriscabob]

I just ordered the 3.5 polks for my 2014 Touring (no bose) and wasn't sure if I should use the bass blockers or not, mostly due to having to crimp/solder more in such a confined space,etc. Is there much con to not using them as the factory tweeters I am replacing don't seem to be have a problem handling low frequency now and the polks should be able to handle (and sound) ever better? What's the wrap in sponge method all about - with electrical tape?

BTW, are the front door speakers full range or mid-bass only and are they the same as the rear door speakers?

Thanks in advance!

Stock tweeters have a capacitor filtering out anything below say around 2khz (guessing). Without the capacitor the tweeters would blow as the mazda headunit sends full frequency to all speakers. Yes use the bass blockers, 3.5" speakers can handle on paper down to 80hz but real world experience is otherwise for my infinities which are getting the bass blocker added tonight.

As for the front door speakers yes they are the same as the back doors, paper cones with a paper tweeter. "Full range" speakers.

 

[lodisej]

Thanks. Any shielding needed on the bass blockers I as I hear cheap ones can pick up interference? Let us know if u hear a difference with the infinities.