Audio Questions from an Almost New Guy

[Chief Smo]

Again, seeing as how I don't have my MS3 yet, I can't officially call myself a new guy. However, while waiting in Iraq for my redeployment, I am planning away at how I'm going to dress up my new car. Here are some audio questions (and I really have to beg indulgence on this, I looked, but what I found was either greek to me or non-existant).

The MS3 comes with an Aux in for MP3 players, but I'd like to use my iPod AND have the luxury of both seeing the song info and control it from the steering wheel. Is this possible?

I have an amp and subwoofer in my garage (brand slips my mind, but it's more for my ears and less to impress anyone). Is there RCA-out plugs in the car? Or do I need to splice into existing speaker wire with the little box I have? If so, which wires would be best spliced in to.

I plan on getting the Tech package so it will have the Bose stuff included. Thanks for any recommendations you guys can float my way.

Cheers,

James

 

[MikeHTally]

I can't answer your questions. I'm satisfied with the stock system. However, I do want to say "THANK YOU!" for serving.

 

[icspots]

The MS3 comes with an Aux in for MP3 players, but I'd like to use my iPod AND have the luxury of both seeing the song info and control it from the steering wheel. Is this possible?

Yes, there's an OEM ipod module. I think it runs around $150+ from a dealer.... maybe a little cheaper online. I have the part numbers of the '04-'08, and '08.5-'09 ones in my Audio input thread stickied at the top of this forum. I'm unsure if the '10 model has a different part number however.

I have an amp and subwoofer in my garage (brand slips my mind, but it's more for my ears and less to impress anyone). Is there RCA-out plugs in the car? Or do I need to splice into existing speaker wire with the little box I have? If so, which wires would be best spliced in to.

I plan on getting the Tech package so it will have the Bose stuff included. Thanks for any recommendations you guys can float my way.

There are no pre-amp outputs on the back of the OEM HU, so with a regular 3 you'd need a LOC (Line Out Converter) to output to your amp. The Bose uses line level outputs to go to the Bose amplifier, so you might not even need a LOC if you got the Bose-equipped car.

 

[Design]

Yes, there's an OEM ipod module. I think it runs around $150+ from a dealer.... maybe a little cheaper online. I have the part numbers of the '04-'08, and '08.5-'09 ones in my Audio input thread stickied at the top of this forum. I'm unsure if the '10 model has a different part number however.



There are no pre-amp outputs on the back of the OEM HU, so with a regular 3 you'd need a LOC (Line Out Converter) to output to your amp. The Bose uses line level outputs to go to the Bose amplifier, so you might not even need a LOC if you got the Bose-equipped car.

Couple things to add - the 2010 has a different set of part #'s for the iPod module and harness. There was a recent update in the module (designated by an "A" in the part #) which allows it to support the latest versions of iPod Touch and iPhone supposedly. Text on the LCD is only available on 08.5 and above modules IIRC.

For Bose, PAC makes a couple of really good solutions. Allows you to keep the stock amp for the speakers while tapping into the F/R source signal to relay to the amp/sub. IIRC, a module like this one would do the trick (PINs need to match though):
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_5953_PAC+ADD-MAZ.html
http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_5942_PAC+AMP-RCA.html

 

[Ground Pounder]

Here's the best solution man........ Get rid of stock head unit! Don't have to buy any outrageously expensive head unit or anything but it's a better way to go then tapping wires and puttin in an LOC! Go to any audio dealer and ask them what they think about keeping a stock head unit and using an loc and this is what they'll say "it'll work buttttttt definetly not the best route to take!"

 

[kvndoom]

I'd have to disagree... the non-amplified head units on these cars put out a clean flat signal, and in the end that's all we really desire. Much less of a pain in the ass to just tap into that signal (and you won't need an LOC if you have the bose system)

 

[Ground Pounder]

yea sure it works tapping into wires but lets face it bose is bad! The only company that makes a good lil setup is rockford fosgate! bose speakers sound allright at a low volume but as soon as you turn them up uh oh there comes the mud! Even there home audio is just half ass! But if people like bose's half ass set up then that's on them. Being a car audio guy i allways take out the s*** and put in the goods, cuz in the long run the soundquality that is achieved is amazing! let's face it folks you have to spend money on audio to make this car's stereo sound Good!

 

[chief_wiggum]

I'd have to disagree... the non-amplified head units on these cars put out a clean flat signal, and in the end that's all we really desire. Much less of a pain in the ass to just tap into that signal (and you won't need an LOC if you have the bose system)

you speak truth.

 

[Ground Pounder]

HEAD UNIT Trash the bose and pick up some quality audio

 

[builthatch]

I'd have to disagree... the non-amplified head units on these cars put out a clean flat signal, and in the end that's all we really desire. Much less of a pain in the ass to just tap into that signal (and you won't need an LOC if you have the bose system)

agreed. i run the stock Bose head unit to a re-q, to a PDX amp powering Type R components up front, stock speakers in rear and Type R sub. i even still have the Bose underseat sub hooked up. it sounds absolutely amazing at all volume levels.

 

[SpeedChk3]

Hi I have a 2011 MS3 and they did away with any inputs behind the stereo so I too cannot get the iphone4 or my boyfriend's 3GS to show song data on the screen or have the steering wheel control the unit. The dealer wants to charge $350 for a new integration kit! (****!) Can anyone give me easy to understand ways around this? I see this post is old, and am struggling with some of the details.

Thanks!

 

[icspots]

contact onlinemazdaparts or mazdastuff and get a quote on the parts themselves. Then install it yourself. I honestly don't know much the '11 ipod kit costs though.

 

[SpeedChk3]

Thanks for the reply. Will do.

 

[meicalnissyen]

you speak truth.

Indeed