1st post

[Howie]

Hi Everyone!

Just found this site and trying to get smart here
I bought my daughter a 2007 Mazda 3 hatchback that will hopefully see her all the way through college.
I'm hoping to find a "all in one" stereo (sorry, not high tech so my nomenclature is probably dated) that will have two features that I want her to have (GPS and Bluetooth) as well as all the other bells and whistles that come with it, Ipod, CD/DVD, etc.
I've seen several YouTube videos that show aftermarket units that look like original equipment.
Have read a few threads here and now I'm hoping to get some input on a comparison between the Car Advanced Caska unit shown in this thread: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123773048

and this unit from another site thats has been discussed here:
http://www.autodvdgps.com/mazda-3-n...-digital-high-definition-dual-zone-p-359.html

Several questions come to mind:

- Do both units need an external microphone to use Bluetooth? Why?
- If so, are there units that do not?
- What does Ipod interface ready mean with respect to the Caska unit?
How does that differ from the other one?
-For the Ipod hookup can we use the mp3 jack that is in the center console that she is currently using?
- Being quite old school,( just believe in using a map to find my way) whats the best GPS product in terms of ease of use and display for these two units?
- Is one of these units more user friendly than the other?
- Does the Caska have echo control? and is that an important feature to have?
- Are both units "plug and play"?
- Is one unit more capable then the other?

Any feedback and first hand knowledge will be greatly appreciated.

I appreciate everyone taking the time to read this and reply.
Thanks for your help!

Howie

 

[Dark]

Your first and best bet would be to find a local car audio specialty shop (Best Buy and alike should not be included) that will at least do the installation for you, they will know where to properly put all the components as well as utilizing the existing audio port if you so desire.

In terms of hardware I would highly suggest one of Pioneers AVIC double din units, all of their current models offer what you are looking for.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/P...In-Dash/GPS-Navigation-Systems#section=models

Installation is very technical for the non-savy which is why I suggest you go through a local car audio specialty shop.

 

[ejh]

Be aware that putting an aftermarket stereo in a Mazda3 requires a dash kit since the stock stereo is not a standard DIN or Double DIN.

The downside of this is that it is extremely obvious that there is an aftermarket stereo installed.

This makes the car a good target for break ins. College campuses and local areas around a college seem like good areas for thieves.

Besides that warning, I will second the Pioneer recommendation. My friend just installed a double DIN Pioneer with mp3, iPod, Bluetooth and GPS and it is a nice system.

 

[Doozy]

this is the one i'm getting...

http://www.coagent.cn/view_pro.php?id=21

This is a great unit for a couple really awesome reasons.
1. It keeps your lcd fully functional.
2. It keeps your trip computer functional!
3. Steering wheel controls.....functional.
4. Bose or Non-Bose plug-n-play
5. Bluetooth Phone and Bluetooth Music
6. Tons of A/V Inputs/Outputs
7. Direct iPod hookup.
8. 800x400 Digital Screen.
9.. Included GPS Antenna, 2gb SD Card, US Maps

Unit displays your lcd info even when the screen is turned off

Bluetooth linked up to my iphone

Navigation (Night View)

Unit Installed

DVD Loading Up

Trip Computer Works!

Spectrum View Matches Pretty Well

Another View Of Navi

 

[Howie]

Doozy,
Thanks for that detailed reply. Is that the one that Car Advanced is advertising here?
One thing I wanted to avoid is having wires run externally as i read that some do for the Ipod and also for using Bluetooth.
With the Casko can you use the mp3 jack that is in the center console for the ipod- like she does now?
Does the Casko have a built in mike for bluetooth and does it provide good enough sound to have a conversation with the car going down the road?
Hows the sound system itself?
What navigation system does it use? Are others compatible with it? Is one better than another?
Where do you run the GPS antenna?

So it is plug and play. What are all the wires in your first pic for?

Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

 

[Doozy]

I had the caradvance one but returned it bc AM didn't work. Since i live 10 miles from NYC, i listen to the news and baseball on AM. They should tell you this on the website.

here is a video of what i'm talking about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTuQWuCQAPk

The MP3 jack will no longer work, but it has an ipod hook up.
i can't comment on how well this unit works bc i don't have it yet. but from what i've read on other mazda forums this is one of the best units out.

i does have a built in mic.
you can put any GPS software you like on it.
I put the GPS antenna under the plastic piece above the radio.
I followed these instruction to install. it took me about 10 min. to install fully.
http://www.caradvanced.com/pages/Mazda-3-Digital-Touch-Screen-Installation-Guide-.html