Head Unit Question

[utopia]

I was going to go in and get my whole audio re-done but I wanted to keep a "stock" interior look. How much of a waste would it be to not get a headunit?

Or is there one that would match good with interior lighting/install wouldn't look out of place?

 

[clos561]

jsut get one with blue lighting

 

[Hirudin]

Word is: the audio quality from the stock HU is just fine, but if you want more features (say, pretty menus or bluetooth or whatever) you'll obviously have to get a new deck.

Also, you should know that you'll loose the trip computer functionality by removing the stock head unit.

 

[EngulfinFlames]

Personally I'm going with the Kenwood DDX 6019

 

[Rally Ninja]

If your worried. Just keep the stock unit and get the JL Clean Sweep.
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_cleansweep_pages.php?page_id=79

I think Rockford has a unit that hooks to your stock unit as well.

 

[utopia]

If your worried. Just keep the stock unit and get the JL Clean Sweep.
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_cleansweep_pages.php?page_id=79

I think Rockford has a unit that hooks to your stock unit as well.

that's awesome you're a lifesaver! i didn't really want to buy a new head unit and loose the trip computer and other functionality! by reading this i'm assuming it will basically just be like getting the quality of a new headunit just through my old one??

you wouldn't happen to know that Rockford link would you?

 

[Rally Ninja]

lifesaver huh? you just made my ego bigger lol.

And yes....
http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_categories.asp?cat_id=1
RF 3Sixty I guess its called. 2 versions of it.

 

[utopia]

lifesaver huh? you just made my ego bigger lol.

And yes....
http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_categories.asp?cat_id=1
RF 3Sixty I guess its called. 2 versions of it.

oh boy...any preference? i heard the 3Sixty 1 had more features but the JL had nicer sound

 

[Rally Ninja]

I haven't had any experience with either so I can't tell you. Go with what you can find cheaper? lol

 

[goose8651]

Since someone brought it up on here, what is all about the trip computer? I tried surfing on the mazda website, but I could not find anything on it.

 

[guy_incognito]

Since someone brought it up on here, what is all about the trip computer? I tried surfing on the mazda website, but I could not find anything on it.

Just the typical information such as instantaneous MPG, cumulative MPG, miles left in tank, avg MPH. This is a standard feature on the GT version, but can be unlocked on the sport version.

 

[ZooMIN3]

Just the typical information such as instantaneous MPG, cumulative MPG, miles left in tank, avg MPH. This is a standard feature on the GT version, but can be unlocked on the sport version.

it hasn't been unlocked on 08 Sports yet, and it isn't accurate IMO.. lol

 

[fourthmeal]

snip

 

[Haltech]

This issue has been covered fully before, because it is so darn hard to find information on proven paths to take, I created a thread with this issue directly, and a few others have contributed greatly to it as well and made it a wonderfully useful thread. Feel free to link up to the pages I have on my signature dealing with all these issues. I've run an RF 3sixty.2 for a while now connected to the stock head unit with zero problems.

Also I just wanted you to know that currently there are better processors then the 3sixty.2 out there now, but that wasn't the case when I did my system initially. Currently, there is an Alpine 650-something and there is also a magical JBL MS-8 processor that should be available SOON. These two make my 3sixty.2 look bad...LOL.

If you have questions about this stuff, feel free to post but don't PM me (it doesn't help those following your post!) I will try my best to answer just about anything regarding audio in a car.

Hey fourth, whats the pricing on those other two units compared to the 3Sixty2's? More or Less $$?

 

[fourthmeal]

snip

 

[utopia]

less from what I've seen. Plus you don't need to bluetooth a signal to a laptop or a PDA. I wish I'd waited, but I only regret buying the RF 3sixty.2 because I'm a sound-tweaking fool, and I'd love the new Alpine or JBL piece's features more.

So glad this stuff is an option! I really wasn't looking forward to getting a head unit! Would the dice ipod integration unit work with these devices? Which DSP would you go with now? I read all the specs and stuff but to be truely honest, it just gibberish. I'm trying to get into the audio scene now

http://www.diceelectronics.com/Merc..._Code=i-Mazda-R&Category_Code=DICE_IPOD_MAZDA

 

[fourthmeal]

snip

 

[cornflaykes]

The MS-8 was supposed to be out a while ago. Who knows when it will be out. Amazing unit saw it in Biggs BMW at SEMA.

The Alpine is just as good.

 

[Abaddon]

The MS-8 was supposed to be out a while ago. Who knows when it will be out. Amazing unit saw it in Biggs BMW at SEMA.

The Alpine is just as good.

The JBL unit completely trumps the Alpine unit.. IF you know what you're doing with your tuning.

It does all the automatic features of the H650, but it gives you full control over everything if and when you need to bring your installation to the next level. This is where the alpine unit is weak. The MS-8 also has a much better microphone system and automatic features as well. As well as being able to go 4 way active....

It will be out relatively soon, maybe 2nd quarter 08. They have the final product finished, and are doing all the promotional material right now.

 

[superrober1]

Can I have two radios in my car? Like the factory stereo for cd and other for mp3 AND my iPod? I just spent $300 in speakers and tweeters and sounds exactly the same as before, Im almost crying here !