Seriously, the dash board of this car is so ugly!
- Thread starter Khoifather
- Start date
dugrant153
Member
- :
- Slow
The only solution I see is if you get a tape player adaptor (lowest trim comes with a tape player only I think), or one of those wireless audio adaptors, that you hook up to the Mazda 3 audio system.
Then you use your MP3/CD player as the sound unit.
You could probably add speakers (with some mods)... but... yeah... that's the way I see it.
Then you use your MP3/CD player as the sound unit.
You could probably add speakers (with some mods)... but... yeah... that's the way I see it.
Rockinblue
Member
- :
- Old and slow
Some folks in the 6 forums are complaining about the integrated dash as well. I've seen quite extensive threads regarding audio upgrades for the 6.
I'm hoping the quality of the head unit will be OK, so the only major upgrades would involve replacing the speakers, and maybe adding an amp.
I'm hoping the quality of the head unit will be OK, so the only major upgrades would involve replacing the speakers, and maybe adding an amp.
mcstark said:
Actualy there are many car audio veterans that are extreamly well respected, that argue: Most factory headunits are as good is not better then damn near ALL aftermarket units for SQ. They don't try to do 300 stupid little thinkgs like have flip faces and video scrolling or 150 useless boosting circuits.
I have David Navone's areticle on this subject if anyone would like it.
FM modulator that connects directly to the back of the unit will be likely the best option. Just be thankful its not like a BMW or Mercedes where becuase of the Fiber optic radios you can't even do that.dugrant153 said:
The speakers will not be a major pain as long as they aren't a funky impedance and run off an outboard amp stuffed in the car somewhere. Even then you'll just need to swap the amp to an aftermarket one while replacing the speakers.
1st MP3 in NH said:
Hey 1st in NH...I would agree with you on the SQ side. I'm just surprised the most factory HU's aren't spec'd with better amps in them. Most aftermarket units put out around 20-25 RMS, while ours is prob. closer to 10. I haven't found any specs on it yet -- any idea on this? By "it" I mean the factory 6 disc changer unit.
I love the design of it, and I also agree with you on the number of buttons and things. I hate the itty bitty buttons on the aftermarket stuff, which is why I might run SL outputs to an amp and replace the factory speakers. I'll ask you about it down the road if I decide to do it.
I'm just not crazy about the idea of Mazda, Nissan, Ford, etc. giving us an HU we can't change out. OR they should give us a number of upgrade options, which I'm surprised they don't. With a manufacturers collective buying power, they could make a nice margin on offering such options. Then you could have the cool looks of the integrated unit with some decent speakers and amps.
Just my .02
Oh, and email/post a link to the article when you get a chance. I'd like to read it.
Eugeosyncline
Member
- :
- 2001 Protege ES
Hopeful, But Wary
The interior appearance of the new Mazda3 is of course subject to individual preferences, but I tend to judge such characteristics by way of the interior's component quality.
I was unfortunately most disappointed by the interior quality of the Mazda6-- I found the plastics hard and of poor feel, particularly the steering wheel assembly, which appears too flat and featureless. Control movements also lacked the precise action found in the new Accord or Toyota Camry, in my opinion, and this meant for a most dissatisfied analysis.
I hope very much that Mazda doesn't follow suit with the Mazda3, but judgment will have to be reserved until I can see one in person.
So far, I haven't ever seen or experienced auto interiors better than what Volkswagen is currently building, although their reliability leaves all other things to be desired. Most wretched, to be sure.
Oh yeah! Mazda must get rid of the text, "POS" on their navigational control unit, next to the shifter. What kind of moron would release something of this nature in a culture that already has a clear and known acronym for this term? How is it possible in Gods name that someone at Mazda North American Operations hasnt told someone at Mazda Japan what POS means, here? Is it really that difficult? Such doesnt endear Mazda at all, and they need to either spell out the entire word, Position, which by itself has other, much more appealing implications, (and theres plenty of room to fit that text on the unit), or figure some other abbreviation out. Its admittedly cosmetic and of no consequence to fundamental operation, but Mazda doesnt need to exacerbate its situation by seemingly self admitting to their car being a Piece Of s***. What a bunch of imbeciles.
The interior appearance of the new Mazda3 is of course subject to individual preferences, but I tend to judge such characteristics by way of the interior's component quality.
I was unfortunately most disappointed by the interior quality of the Mazda6-- I found the plastics hard and of poor feel, particularly the steering wheel assembly, which appears too flat and featureless. Control movements also lacked the precise action found in the new Accord or Toyota Camry, in my opinion, and this meant for a most dissatisfied analysis.
I hope very much that Mazda doesn't follow suit with the Mazda3, but judgment will have to be reserved until I can see one in person.
So far, I haven't ever seen or experienced auto interiors better than what Volkswagen is currently building, although their reliability leaves all other things to be desired. Most wretched, to be sure.
Oh yeah! Mazda must get rid of the text, "POS" on their navigational control unit, next to the shifter. What kind of moron would release something of this nature in a culture that already has a clear and known acronym for this term? How is it possible in Gods name that someone at Mazda North American Operations hasnt told someone at Mazda Japan what POS means, here? Is it really that difficult? Such doesnt endear Mazda at all, and they need to either spell out the entire word, Position, which by itself has other, much more appealing implications, (and theres plenty of room to fit that text on the unit), or figure some other abbreviation out. Its admittedly cosmetic and of no consequence to fundamental operation, but Mazda doesnt need to exacerbate its situation by seemingly self admitting to their car being a Piece Of s***. What a bunch of imbeciles.
dugrant153
Member
- :
- Slow
Also posted on mazda3forums.com:
Taken from the Mazda Canada webpage:
Most interesting (I added the emphasis). All this talk about the car seeming to interacti with you sounds cool.
So... the Mazda 3 has a modular stereo system... does that mean that we CAN put an aftermarket stereo system AND add speakers on our own?... while still having the funky LEDs?
Taken from the Mazda Canada webpage:
Most interesting (I added the emphasis). All this talk about the car seeming to interacti with you sounds cool.
So... the Mazda 3 has a modular stereo system... does that mean that we CAN put an aftermarket stereo system AND add speakers on our own?... while still having the funky LEDs?
replace the whole dash? WTF are you smoking?
the center dash piece is SEPARATE from the dash itself.. who the hell would make a dash like that? All you have to do is remove the s*** and you can get a dash kit to install your beloved aftermarket radio, DUH... and the radio portion of the dashboard is SEPARATE from the fan controls too, DUH... do you see those little gap lines around that part of the dash? yes, those are separate plastic pieces... naw really?
and anyone who owns a mazda6 and bitches about how they can't change their radio is a fucktard... mazda at least SELLS the ******* dash kit to let you put in an aftermarket radio!
oh and if you think the dashboard is ugly, when was the last time you looked at a cavalier's dashboard?
oh I forgot... you smoke crack, nevermind
the center dash piece is SEPARATE from the dash itself.. who the hell would make a dash like that? All you have to do is remove the s*** and you can get a dash kit to install your beloved aftermarket radio, DUH... and the radio portion of the dashboard is SEPARATE from the fan controls too, DUH... do you see those little gap lines around that part of the dash? yes, those are separate plastic pieces... naw really?
and anyone who owns a mazda6 and bitches about how they can't change their radio is a fucktard... mazda at least SELLS the ******* dash kit to let you put in an aftermarket radio!
oh and if you think the dashboard is ugly, when was the last time you looked at a cavalier's dashboard?
oh I forgot... you smoke crack, nevermind
with all these integrated radios in the dashes it would jsut look ugly to take out the stock radio and replace it with an aftermarket. I think aftermarket manufacturers are giong to have to start making special headunits for cars now just because of this
That section(s) of the dash, and yes it not the entire dash, can be removed. However you willl need a blank or totaly non cut replacement peices (there are 2 parts to the radio afterall) and then you can put in a new radio.
However the radios readout is to the LCD display above which will go dead without the facotry radio.
Given the size and shape, not to mention the finish of the dash, I highly doubt any one will both making a kit for this car for atleast a good year to put in a new radio. Hell it took them a year to make a wireharness adapter for the new style protege plug.
The 3 will be easier to replace then the 6's radio although not by much.
However the radios readout is to the LCD display above which will go dead without the facotry radio.
Given the size and shape, not to mention the finish of the dash, I highly doubt any one will both making a kit for this car for atleast a good year to put in a new radio. Hell it took them a year to make a wireharness adapter for the new style protege plug.
The 3 will be easier to replace then the 6's radio although not by much.
dugrant153
Member
- :
- Slow
I really hope that Mazda comes out with a stereo kit for aftermarket stereos for the Mazda 3... and a body kit, and a turbo kit... hehehe 
If I end up with the CDN GX trim, I get a tape player and 2 speakers.... even my 1985 car has more speakers than that!!
Question:
-Is it possible to add more speakers yourself?
-Will some trims not have places for 3rd and 4th and 6th speakers?
-And yeah, what to do with the LCD screen??
If I end up with the CDN GX trim, I get a tape player and 2 speakers.... even my 1985 car has more speakers than that!!
Question:
-Is it possible to add more speakers yourself?
-Will some trims not have places for 3rd and 4th and 6th speakers?
-And yeah, what to do with the LCD screen??
