Potential buyer of 2016.5 CX-5 GT, couple of infotainment questions

[MMcCraryNJ]

Hey all! First post in this forum!

So I'm currently in the market for a compact SUV/Crossover, and the 2016.5 CX-5 GT is really calling me. I've taken a test drive and have been doing research, and I have a few questions regarding the Bose audio system.

1. The Owner's Manual states that, via USB, the infotainment system can read AAC, MP3, WAV, and OGG files. It states that it can read .M4A files that have the AAC codec. I'm a big lossless audio person, and my iTunes library is all .M4A files, but in lossless format (Apple Lossless). Does anyone know if the system can playback these types of files? I have found on different forums here and there, a person or two have mentioned that they could, but that was in a Mazda6 with the older system. Since this car doesn't have CarPlay support, my preferred music option is to get a 64 or 128GB USB drive, and load up my lossless .M4A files onto there, and just keep it plugged into the car at all times. I also have an iPhone 6s I can do this with if the flash drive option won't work. My other option, seeing as the manual states it should work, is to convert all of my .M4A lossless files into .WAV files, but they would A. Take up more space and B. Not support metadata or album artwork.

2. I know all of the drama surrounding Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support. CarPlay is something I really want and would prefer in a new vehicle, but I'm not going to overlook a better vehicle that doesn't have CarPlay. So while Mazda Connect lacks it, it wouldn't make me forgo the CX-5 altogether, even though I still have a few more makes/models to test drive. How easy/difficult is it get an aftermarket Pioneer, Kenwood, or Alpine head unit installed in the CX-5? I've done some research on Crutchfield, and it seems possible, but I'm wondering just how much functionality I would lose. Backup Camera? Are any safety features of the i-ActiveSense package lost when ripping the Mazda Connect unit out? And what about the center navigation buttons on the center console? I am assuming that no aftermarket radio will play nice with those, meaning all of that space and functionality will be wasted. I'm not a tinkerer, so if I do go this route, I will likely get either Best Buy or a small installation place do the install for me. Also, how easy/difficult is it to replace speakers or install an amp/sub with the factory radio?

Thank you all so much!

 

[mazdadude]

I would take your device with you to the dealer and try it out with the factory system to be sure it works the way you want.
Maybe bring a USB stick too, loaded the way you want and try that as well.

Then you could also use both of these in your future test drives of other cars to see how well they respond to your preferred audio inputs.

 

[yrwei52]

Like mazdadude suggested, bring your memory stick and test it out on a CX-5 GT's Bose system and see if it can play .M4A files like you wanted.

If you really want Android Auto or Apple CarPlay support, replacing the Bose head unit with an aftermarket unit is not a good idea IMHO. It has too many things involved to make all original features be connected and working like you suspected. The best route is to follow those hacking threads in Mazda3 forum or other sites as the Linux based infotainment system should be easy to be modified. Some of the hacks seem to be at least partially working with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Don't forget Tech Package on GT for LED lightings and AFS...

 

[ijaen]

I do have some .flac files on my iPhone but to be honest I forgot which ones. I will locate those and play them on my 2016.5 to confirm.
I wouldn't swap the HU because I would lose the possibility to adjust various settings on the vehicle like auto-lock timers, auto-headlight settings, rain sensing wiper settings and so on...I left aftermarket HUs in the past.

 

[MMcCraryNJ]

Thank you all for your advice and help! I have an appointment with the dealer on Friday to go back for another test drive, and I'm going to bring along a USB drive with my files to see what it does!

Hopefully it works, and hopefully I can get a great deal on the car

 

[Mr.Gadget]

Plus, the Bose sounds amazing.

 

[craigo]

If you do buy, have the dealer update to the latest firmware while you fill out the paperwork. They don't proactively update the units that are on the lot.

 

[yrwei52]

Plus, the Bose sounds amazing.

With missing front tweeters recommended by Bose engineers and subwoofer in CX-5's Bose 9-speaker audio system, the sound quality leaves much to be desired. One forum member had proven that with a frequency response measurement chart which shows very unideal curve. 11-speaker Bose in Mazda6 which added 2 tweeters has better high notes. 7-speaker Bose in CX-3 and 12-speaker Bose in CX-9, both have front tweeters and subwoofer, do have better overall sound quality.

 

[Mazdan]

With missing front tweeters recommended by Bose engineers and subwoofer in CX-5's Bose 9-speaker audio system, the sound quality leaves much to be desired. One forum member had proven that with a frequency response measurement chart which shows very unideal curve. 11-speaker Bose in Mazda6 which added 2 tweeters has better high notes. 7-speaker Bose in CX-3 and 12-speaker Bose in CX-9, both have front tweeters and subwoofer, do have better overall sound quality.

Yep. Having driven a Mark Levenson sound system Lexus for 8 years, the sounds in the Bose CX-5 is awful. I say this as someone who absolutely loves his CX-5 as the best looking and performing car in the segment. Add memory seats/mirrors and a decent sound system, and there is no reason to buy another Lexus.

At this point, I would really just like someone to come up with a "CX-5 Audio package" and just upgrade my stuff across the board, because I don't have the time or knowledge to improve it myself.