Differences between factory radios

[RatLabGuy]

Looking at getting an 08-10 M5.
95% of our listening irght now is via USB flash drive plugged right into an aftermarket radio. No stupid external devix and Aux port. Rarely bother with CDs.
1 - can anybody please list/clarify the differences between the OEM sound system packages?6 CD vs 1 CD - is that all? Are there other features the "premium" package has? Are they all the same speakers, is there an external amp, etc?
2 - Are there good options available for USB or SD card integration/adapters? I do not want to need a seperate player, rather control via the HU if at all possible.
3 - If Nil above or just as pricy, and replacing the deck is the way to go, can the extra steering wheel controls/LCD be recovered via another adapter?

I'm suspicious this may come down to either replacing the deck vs modifying it, for now need to know what is the best/most logical platform to start off with.

 

[Heat]

Just wanted to mention that there is no .mp3 capability built into the factory radio, even the premium radio. Mazdas OEM radios are the equivalent of ten year old technology.

To answer your questions:

1. The 6-disk CD changer vs. single CD player is the only difference between the premium sound system and the base sound system. Same speakers, no external amp, etc. Both have auxiliary input.

2. No. There are no options for the USB on the factory radio, and the only SD card device I saw was $100 and would basically act as an auxiliary input (that is, no song data, track time, etc). The point of this $100 device was to add an auxiliary input to the 06 or 07 Mazda5.

3. Yes, you can definitely add steering wheel controls to aftermarket radios. Look at Crutchfield for more information. If you want to use your current aftermarket radio it would probably depend on the age of your radio though remember that you would also need to spend about $30 or $40 on a kit and harness free if you buy a new radio through Crutchfield. The steering wheel control kit runs about $70 through Crutchfield, or $30 to $35 through eBay (same part).

I have an aftermarket radio in my Mazda5 as well as in my Honda Accord, and both have a front-mounted USB port, and I also use them probably 95% time so I know where you're coming from. If I were buying an aftermarket radio today, I would probably take one of these two models:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113HD545U/Kenwood-KDC-HD545U.html?tp=5684

Has HD radio, built in iPod controls, and front-mounted USB port. Auxiliary in too. $170.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_158GT700HD/Sony-CDX-GT700HD.html?tp=5684

Same features as the Kenwood. $180. You can get this radio without HD radio for $20 or $30 less.

Or spend a little more and pick up an Alpine.

 

[deisz001]

I bought an xcarlink to play MP3's from a USB stick. You have to create 6 folders CD01..CD06 on the USB stick which is then recognized as a 6CD changer and can be controlled from the headunit.

 

[SGT_OKINAWA]

I bought an xcarlink to play MP3's from a USB stick. You have to create 6 folders CD01..CD06 on the USB stick which is then recognized as a 6CD changer and can be controlled from the headunit.

Can you go into greater detail, post a link to the product and maybe a picture or two of what you've got, I'm thinking of getting that 100 dollar thingy that lets you plug a thumb drive / SD card in.

Thanks,
Peace!(rei)

 

[deisz001]

XCarLink

This is the unit I installed in my 2005 Mazda5. It sits in my glove compartment. Normally, I put it on top of the grey plastic folder that contains the owners-manual. I took it out for the photo.
Installation is easy, although you have to remove the headunit. Simply put the connector in the headunit and off you go...
When I bought it, it was called an "Audio Link", but is has been renamed to xcarlink. http://www.xcarlink.com
Besides the USB port it also functions as an AUX-in. When a device is plugged into the AUX-in, the USB device is temporarily stopped.
Currently, there are more versions including bluetooth A2DP and IPod support

 

[Heat]

That's an interesting product, how much does it cost?

Here is a direct link to the adapter: http://www.xcarlink.com/show_info.asp?product_ID=352

 

[SGT_OKINAWA]

This is the unit I installed in my 2005 Mazda5. It sits in my glove compartment. Normally, I put it on top of the grey plastic folder that contains the owners-manual. I took it out for the photo.
Installation is easy, although you have to remove the headunit. Simply put the connector in the headunit and off you go...
When I bought it, it was called an "Audio Link", but is has been renamed to xcarlink. http://www.xcarlink.com
Besides the USB port it also functions as an AUX-in. When a device is plugged into the AUX-in, the USB device is temporarily stopped.
Currently, there are more versions including bluetooth A2DP and IPod support

That would be nice, if there was a place that sold it (dunno)

Peace!(rei)

 

[deisz001]

http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/home.php?cat=1
http://stores.shop.ebay.nl/XCARLink...31QQ_sidZ110563477QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322
www.therpmstore.com

 

[jimp]

another option might be from gromaudio.com. I have the grom unit for the Mazda 3 non bose which is plug and play, you do have to remove the HU to make the connections, and run the ipod cable. The unit I have will charge the ipod, still have use of the steering wheel controls, the HU display does not song tracks, etc., but simple/easy to install & use IMO.