iPod Integration Install: 2011 Mazda CX-9 My Navi

[Shaft333]

Installed the TD91-79-CFZ-V6-029. This the module and harness for my application from mazdaparts.
The install is not difficult but my warning is to be careful of stamped steel under the dash. It is very sharp and it cut my hands up.

There are changes over the years so I want to mention that this install for my application will allow the Sirius radio, front aux input and Bluetooth to function normally. The harness appears to include the switchbox (IIRC it looked the same as the separate switch I had installed on my '3'.)

 

[Tirade]

I have the '11 CX-9 Grand Touring w/ nav, and I'm scouring the internet trying to figure out the most cost effective solution to get quality ipod sound. I really don't care about the dashboard/steering wheel integration, as I prefer to use the iPod itself for music/podcast selection. I just want to get better sound quality than the 3.5 plug aux port. If I buy a random 3.5 jack to ipod mate versus the 3.5 to 3.5 will I get noticeably better results?

This is what I'm talking about: https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

 

[Shaft333]

That I couldn't tell you. I've read about those cables and some people love them.

I got the integration module because I wanted an iPod to live in my car and behave as a piece of the car. I like being able to control it from the stereo and steering wheel controls.

 

[Tirade]

I hear ya. I'm going to give the $10 solution a try. If the sound quality sucks then I'll make the plunge for the integration.

 

[nsrg]

I think your suggested adapter is a good idea. I put in the ipod integration myself for $240 or so. Huge f((((#@#ing ripoff, and the control of the ipod is, as guaranteed, inferior to the ipod itself. It is really painful on the nav to push the page down button (not fast) 20 times to navigate to an artist starting with S for example.
I also really had some troubles getting the install to work, which was 75% my fault, but for what it's worth I have put in very complex car security systems and full amp/head/speaker/wire/sub systems before, and still considered it a PITA.

Just make sure you have a nice place to mount your ipod, though.

 

[Tirade]

I got the item that I linked above, and I'm fairly happy with it. The sound quality is definitely better than the 3.5 - 3.5 connection I tried initially. I had to play around w/ the equalizer on my ipod to make it sound right, but it is good now. The major obvious drawback is that it doesn't charge the battery, so I have to remember to do that occasionally. I'll probably upgrade to the integrated unit at some point, but this is a good solution to poor sound quality in the mean time.

 

[Deutch]

I'm a little confused. I'm looking at a used 2010 cx9 grand touring (haven't gone for a test drive yet) and I thought that it came with ipod integration that would control the ipod from the steering wheel controls? Doesn't it also have bluetooth streaming from my android phone? Am I missing something?

 

[kelrog]

My 11 has BT audio streaming from our androids. It will even change the next track if you press up or down on the steering wheel. Depending on the ipod determines if it had BT or not though.

 

[Deutch]

My 11 has BT audio streaming from our androids. It will even change the next track if you press up or down on the steering wheel. Depending on the ipod determines if it had BT or not though.

What's the sound quality like for the BT streaming from your android? My wife has a Toyota Venza and the BT streaming quality from her EVO 4g is excellent. I'm hopeful for a similar experience from my EVO 3D to the CX-9.

 

[Shaft333]

I'm a little confused. I'm looking at a used 2010 cx9 grand touring (haven't gone for a test drive yet) and I thought that it came with ipod integration that would control the ipod from the steering wheel controls? Doesn't it also have bluetooth streaming from my android phone? Am I missing something?

The stereo has Bluetooth audio that is fairly decent. The control is basic and allows for advancing songs as well as play and pause. Some phones/players should even be able to show the track name and artist. For the iPhone/iPod iOS 4 will allow BT control but not show track name. (iOS 5 might change this and other players may already show it) I found that it also starts and stops the audio when you get in drive then stop. I thought the BT was pretty damn nice.

For full iPod integration there is an add-on accessory. This is allows charging, playlist/artist/shuffle control etc.

Here is a shot of the dash opened up for the installation.

 

[kelrog]

Being the only vehicle that i've had the chance to try it out in. i was pleasantly surprised on the audio quality. using the iheartradio app and audio galaxy they both sounded pretty good. and very usable for day to day use.

 

[Charly Brown]

My experience with BT Audio on the CX-9 is very good; it's not the highest quality as for example an Audio CD (not an MP3 CD) but it goes very close to iPod quality. It will also depend of course on the quality of the Audio files you have on the player. I use an IPhone 4 with mostly AAC type and it sounds pretty good. Classical music on Apple Lossless sounds acceptable.

The drawback of course is that control from the steering is limited to going back and forth tracks and up down volume, and pause the music (via the screen) you cannot select playlists, search artists, etc and there is no information displayed on the screen, things that and iPod integration will give. But then there are no cables, set-up is very easy and you can stream from many devices by just connecting the one you want

I think BT audio is the future on cars, the drawbacks are easy to overcome via programming and the sound quality will just go up. At some point it won’t make sense to have a CD player or even iPod integration on a car, BT audio will do the job.

 

[Antonio DiMarco]

+1 charly brown. I for one NEVER use the cd player.

 

[Destin]

Where is the factory amp located?

 

[kelrog]

according to the 2008 service manual it is in the rear right quarter panel area. not sure about the 10-11's.

 

[Destin]

Thank you I will check there I have the 2011.
I looked under and removed both front seats looking.