Aftermarket radio question...

[Draconius]

I have been out of the car audio world for about 10 years and now that I have my MP5 I am thinking of swapping the double din 6-disc changer. My main issue is if I want to go single or double DIN.

My questions are simple... Have you swapped your OEM for aftermarket, and if so what DIN size and could you post a picture?

Thanks!

 

[Hank3]

I went with single din with Mazda open pocket and love it!

And here's a how-to with more pics:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?112177-How-to-Install-MSP-Radio-Pocket-in-P5-Protege

 

[Tetsubo]

Single is what I put in, really is easy once you get in. While your in there you should take a look at your ac switch as well.

 

[Draconius]

Hank3 - Thanks for the pics! I was thinking the "pocket" route, but I also like the idea of a clean Double DIN...sounds like not a lot of people go that route though. If I may be so bold, what did the harness and "pocket" run as far as cost?

tetsubo - Is the AC switch known to fail?

I'm looking into a headunit that has the USB on the back so if I feel like adding a HDD in the glove box it wouldn't be a usb cable sticking out the front.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

Most head units with USB connections cant handle more than say a 16gb thumb drive so be weary of that.

Why not just get a HU that handles bluetooth audio streaming and use your phone?

I recently purchased this HU for my MSP. Has Bluetooth and Pandora radio support built in. Got it for $140.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-r4YfzY8ZSE3/p_500CDE135B/Alpine-CDE-135BT.html

Double dins are nice but typically cost more with no real benefit other than touchscreen, unless you're getting a unit with built in nav of course but thats going to cost $500+

 

[Draconius]

Most head units with USB connections cant handle more than say a 16gb thumb drive so be weary of that.

Why not just get a HU that handles bluetooth audio streaming and use your phone?

I recently purchased this HU for my MSP. Has Bluetooth and Pandora radio support built in. Got it for $140.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-r4YfzY8ZSE3/p_500CDE135B/Alpine-CDE-135BT.html

Double dins are nice but typically cost more with no real benefit other than touchscreen, unless you're getting a unit with built in nav of course but thats going to cost $500+

The Pioneer HU I was looking into (8400BH) or the Alpine HD137BT. I wasn't a fan of the Pioneer's lack of buttons, but I like the rear USB (that handles full HDD's) and the sound quality that also is behind Pioneer. I dug the Alpine when I was in Best Buy...but it wasn't powered on so I couldn't navigate around it.

I think I am leaning more towards the Alpine though due to having buttons. How do you like the sound quality, etc?

 

[Hank3]

Hank3 - Thanks for the pics! I was thinking the "pocket" route, but I also like the idea of a clean Double DIN...sounds like not a lot of people go that route though. If I may be so bold, what did the harness and "pocket" run as far as cost?

tetsubo - Is the AC switch known to fail?

I'm looking into a headunit that has the USB on the back so if I feel like adding a HDD in the glove box it wouldn't be a usb cable sticking out the front.

If you decide to go the single din route, in addition to getting whichever radio you want, you'll want to get the support bar and pocket. It'll run you about $30 + shipping from here.

Pocket P/N - B02A669M0A
Support Bar P/N - TA06669B1

The harness came with my purchase from Crutchfield. It was pretty easy to connect the factory one to the JVC one. I also got some easy connectors from them for under $10. Made things clean and simple.

The AC fix that tetsubo mentioned is quite common for ALL Proteges. The fan setting on 2 and 3 typically will cause the AC to shut off. Click on the threads below for more info:

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...ion-To-Flickering-Fan-Speed-2-Or-3-A-C-PART-2

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123819018

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

I'll tell you when I install it lol

Still sitting on my dining room table along with a bunch of speakers lol

The Pioneer HU I was looking into (8400BH) or the Alpine HD137BT. I wasn't a fan of the Pioneer's lack of buttons, but I like the rear USB (that handles full HDD's) and the sound quality that also is behind Pioneer. I dug the Alpine when I was in Best Buy...but it wasn't powered on so I couldn't navigate around it.

I think I am leaning more towards the Alpine though due to having buttons. How do you like the sound quality, etc?

 

[c7scayman]

Single. I bought a Sony Xplod radio with aux jack for iPod/phone/mp3 connection and a CD player for $100 from Circuit City when it was still around. I had it for 7 years now and I love it. It is so easy to use, almost like a stock radio, with knob controls for the volume and easy to understand buttons. And after 7 years of daily use, it still looks like new. No scratches, no blemishes, no dim lights, buttons still have text on them. It plays burned CD's. Some radio's don't play them.

Make sure you focus on buying a radio that is user-friendly and high quality.

 

[evilmonkeyMSP]

no offense but the xplod series wouldnt fall under high quality haha

 

[pkane]

I personally like the double din and they are not too much more and IMO are a lot cleaner look. To me the pocket is just another place for trash to collect b/c I don't used CDs anymore. I used bluetooth to iPhone or USB in a pinch.

 

[Hank3]

It's all matter of personal preference. I was considering getting a double din JVC as well, but my setup totaled to about $110, so I opted to save the money over the double din. I keep the pocket free of stuff/trash; it's dusted regularly with a brush; and comes in handy when both cupholders are used...it becomes the holding place for my wallet and phone. So for me personally, the pocket has been quite handy, looks OEM, and saved me some dough

 

[tweety2300]

no offense but the xplod series wouldnt fall under high quality haha

The cheap xplods are comparable to cheap stereos, I have a higher end one that puts my friends alpine to shame.

 

[bigpturgeon]

Single DIN with a Sony XPLOD. Since when are they cheap?(uhm)

 

[bikingpro5]

Pioneer double din nav, bluetooth, sd card, 250g harddrive is hooked up in the glove box for video and music and Ipod is connected and full control is via touch screen on the Pioneer. Works great and would never go back to a single din radio.

 

[tweety2300]

Bigturgeon I have the exact same one. It's great to have any color you want

 

[bigpturgeon]

Yeah its sounds good with these in the back.

 

[tweety2300]

Lol i actually used to have those in my 240sx. But they sound like ass compared to my Polk audios. I'm assuming you have the big port on the left side?

 

[bigpturgeon]

I think its on the right. To be honest i got them when Circuit City was going out of business and paid $100 for them and 50 for the XPLOD 800W amp. They serve me well, but I bet the Polks hit hard.

 

[OGLaughtzalotzz]

not to thread jack but would i need a dash kit for this radio?

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/CD-Receivers/FH-X700BT