I want MP3 in my '05 Mazda3-GT!!!

[ILoveMyMazda3GT]

I really would like to add MP3 into my car stereo. Mazda should have the single Mp3/CD player standard but that's another story.

So I'm not sure the best way to go.

1) Upgrade to a factor single MP3/CD player.
2) Upgrade to the factory 6 cd/MP3 Changer. I htink new for '06
3) Get a big iPod and use a good quality FM Transmitter/dock.
4) Get Mp3/CD Changer in trunck hard wired into the FM.
5) Rip out existing deck and get new OEM deck with replacement fitting for dash. (not my favourite option)

Anyone have some experience with these or some thoughts?

Thanks..

 

[MP3Architect]

welcome to the forums! you should post this in the audio section. but anyways.........i have a mazdaspeed and put in an aftermarket stereo that plays mp3's. i also have an ipod thats hardwired (those fm transmitters suck ass) so i get all my music through that too. and actually, a new good stereo is as much as an ipod. actually..............my stereo h/u was $400 and my new 30gig ipod was only $300.

 

[tsunami]

instead of the fm transmitter with the ipod there is the auxmod and other optoins so its quality is much nicer... or you could get the factory option of the phatbox, a/m is always an option and for prob around 250-300 you can get a nice deck that plays mp3 and has an aux in for an ipod or the such as well as havin outputs for future audio upgrades....

 

[jwpb00]

mazda3 single mp3 player...

Just wanted to let you know that I'm selling my factory single cd mp3 player for a lot less than what mazda charges on ebay right now at the link below if you are interested....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mazd...43947QQitemZ8015325589QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

 

[waltmcgee]

i have an ipod shuffle (that i won at work), and i just bought the radio tuner for it, and it works great, although the ipod shuffle is limited (you cant pick what song you want, but you can just skip till you find something) i've driven from Waterloo to Ottawa (thru Toronto) and i only had to re-adjust the radio station maybe 3 times on the whole drive (which for you non-ontario folks is about 4-5hrs)

 

[mobomelter]

you could use a pie-adapter set up that a few people have done. it sounds alot nicer than fm modulation.

 

[Breeegz]

instead of the fm transmitter with the ipod there is the auxmod and other optoins so its quality is much nicer... or you could get the factory option of the phatbox, a/m is always an option and for prob around 250-300 you can get a nice deck that plays mp3 and has an aux in for an ipod or the such as well as havin outputs for future audio upgrades....

Mazda offers phatbox now? that's awesome!

i have a kenwood music keg (built by phatbox), and love it! however an Ipod has more uses.. unless you are planning on getting a subwoofer/amp in the near future, I'd get the ipod.

 

[ILoveMyMazda3GT]

Damn! I would have bought it from you!

Just wanted to let you know that I'm selling my factory single cd mp3 player for a lot less than what mazda charges on ebay right now at the link below if you are interested....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mazd...43947QQitemZ8015325589QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I would have paid you twice that had I read it in time...Geez. I thought replies were emailed out! Thanks for trying to help...I would have loved it.

 

[Coleus]

So putting an mp3 oem deck does not looks good at all? or why it is not an option? I want to put this deck into my mazda 3 2005 http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10056884&catid=

but dont know it will fit nicely and all controls on the driver wheel still work. I am new to this so please forgive my lack of knowledge

 

[Breeegz]

x.MP3 vs Steering Wheel Controls

I may be totally wrong about this (Mazda MP3 owners back me up on this) the Head Unit (HU) used for the Mazda MP3 was an aftermarket HU, so you'd be in a much better boat with your HU if you went and bought a new one with controls that you like, styling that you like, basically get the HU best for you, not just because Mazda decided to use it in 2001. I'm about 90% positive that no Protege (in any form) came with steering wheel controls, so "holding out" for a Mazda MP3 HU won't get your steering wheel controls.

If keeping your steering wheel controls is the most important goal to you, then an Ipod (most any Large scale x.MP3 player) can be used to pump x.MP3 into your factory radio. You get your x.MP3 collection at your fingertips, and you get to use steering wheel controls. Bonus point, you also get you x.MP3 collection anywhere you go because Ipods rock. Counter point, this doesn't lend itself to an easy subwoofer install later on, if you plan on getting a sub(s) then you are doing yourself a favor by getting the HU, because a HU is almost required for a sub(s) install (other options are out there, but they are either more expesive than a HU or you lose out on quality)

 

[Breeegz]

nm about half of my last post.. I thought he was talking about the Mazda MP3.. oops