Sound System

[Jazzjim]

Looking to buy a new CX5 but wondering if they, the 2016s, are still being shipped with the same old inept unit as last year's model. It's a shame to buy a 30k vehicle with a Tonka Toy sound system. The CX3 feels cramped but has a better sound system.(boom02)

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

IMO... it probably is the same system as '15. I don't have any issues with mine but I am far from an audiophile.

That being said CX-5 is priced below overall average. I'm sure the 710 watt Fosgate system in the Outlander sport is likely much better but the rest of that package is highly lacking IMO. One car cannot have it all & obtained at a modest price.

Average new car price zips 2.6% to $33,560

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money...action-price-3-kbb-kelley-blue-book/26690191/

 

[ryan4130]

I am an owner of a new 2016 grand touring (with Bose system) and have experience with the sound system and replacing stock speakers. The Bose system does have a center speaker on the dash. I have heard that Non-bose systems do not have a center dash speaker or even have wiring for the center speaker, so adding the center dash speaker wouldn't be possible down the line with non-bose (unless you did some custom wiring).

Also, the 2016 with Bose has different front door speakers. Older models had 5.25" speakers, new models have 9" bass woofers.

Lastly, a big and obvious change from 2015 to 2016 is the addition of the new Mazda infotainment system which has the 7" touch screen and rotary control knob near the shifter.

 

[Jazzjim]

I fully understand what you're saying, but even the new CX3 has a better sounding system. Considering I spend an awful lot of time behind the wheel every week, back and forth to work, an hour and a half each way, at best, and another three hours on the weekend. So I truly appreciate the quality of sourounding me as I sit in traffic. It appears Mazda put a great deal of effort into the ride, gas mileage, and handling yet left the electrics to the sushi chef. Granted, they seem to have put a little more effort into the CX3.

 

[ryan4130]

I think they got lucky on the sound in the cx3. It probably has the same parts but since it is a smaller car it has a smaller interior so it worked out to sound better (more power, less space helps. Also cabin acoustics are different).

I did not like the sound of the stock Bose system so I saw many people were replacing their speakers with good results. I did the same and the sound quality has definitely increased to something I can live with and enjoy. Plus the new cx5 has more sound insulation compared to previous years and it is a quieter cabin. Mind you, I used to have an 'expensive' collection of headphones and home audio equipment, so I'd like to think I know what good sound sounds like. I am also adding a subwoofer to the car but I am a bit of a bass head...no car's (German, American, etc.) sound system has a good subwoofer which is a fact. If you want to know more about the speaker replacement there are many threads (my own included) over in the "audio" forum section.

 

[AllezDada]

Looking to buy a new CX5 but wondering if they, the 2016s, are still being shipped with the same old inept unit as last year's model. It's a shame to buy a 30k vehicle with a Tonka Toy sound system. The CX3 feels cramped but has a better sound system.(boom02)

Why don't you just try one out?

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

I saw a CX-3 the other day. I thought it looked like a cool little rig but immediately noticed it's size would not be conducive to my cargo or towing needs. I still had a desire for it though. Automakers try to cater to everyone and sometimes the columns just don't line up for everything. I remember back in '07 when I got my G35x it had tech that even the M45 of the day didn't have. Not surprised that lower tier vehicles have some options/capabilities that exceed that of vehicles higher up the chain with an automaker.

 

[76brian]

The 2016 CX-5 has the updated system. It's far better than the 2015, which is laggy and clunky feeling. Similar UI but performs and "feels" much snappier.

 

[MikeM.]

Why don't you just try one out?

That is too easy and makes too much sense.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

The 2016 CX-5 has the updated system. It's far better than the 2015, which is laggy and clunky feeling. Similar UI but performs and "feels" much snappier.

Not really talking about the UI... but the back-end hardware like speakers and amp.

 

[Jazzjim]

Oooh, I have tried the 5 numerous times, starting last year looking at a leftover '14 they tried to sell me. Then it was the '15 but I'd already heard the '16 was coming soon. The '15 was a real let down radiowize, tinny and vague. I called Mazda and Boze inquiring as to why! Boze explained that the system is designed to perform optimally only with a CD, not the FM or Bluetooth. I was stunned. The say it is exactly what Mazda ordered. Of all the SUVs I've tried, I like the 5, but the sound system sucks. The 3 I've tried several times, but it's tight and low to the ground. So I looked into the new Renegade, it actually has a 6-speed stick, something I've really been looking for. It rides very good, has 4x4, and some awesome colors and a great sound system. But as for reliability, I have absolutely no faith in it. So I'm still driving my X trying to make the best choice that I'll be happy with.

 

[pdlpsher]

So the OP has tried a 2016 CX-3 but not a 2016 CX-5. I'm confused. Why not just go to the Mazda dealer and try a 2016 CX-5?

 

[Rarebit]

The Bose system in my 2015 sounds ok until you start the engine. It is far too subtle for an automotive environment. But I'd bet it's a lot easier to fix the sound system than to transform a pig into a sweet handling ride.

There are several owners who post here who've modded the Bose system. I'm sure some of them have made some worthwhile improvements for about the cost of a set of after-market wheels.

 

[RG_Flyer]

That is too easy and makes too much sense.

Easier said than done.

One might think, but I don't blame the OP for asking ahead. At a dealership, to try out an audio system properly, it would require time with the vehicle and keys and away from the showroom (if testing with elevated volume). Asking owners ahead of time for quirks and idiosyncrasies of the system will help if the on-hands testing is abbreviated. It is easy to get distracted with a salesperson blabbing "what will it take to get you to drive this home today" constantly while trying to evaluate a feature.

 

[MikeM.]

It is easy to get distracted with a salesperson blabbing "what will it take to get you to drive this home today" constantly while trying to evaluate a feature.

If the exact acoustics of the sound system was such an important part of my purchase decision, I would bring along a pair of -29dBA earmuffs and advise the salesman that what it will take for me to bring this home today is a successful test of the higher outputs of the stereo and he may want to wear these to protect his hearing.

That ought to get him to shut up for a few minutes! (guitar)

 

[AllezDada]

Easier said than done.

One might think, but I don't blame the OP for asking ahead. At a dealership, to try out an audio system properly, it would require time with the vehicle and keys and away from the showroom (if testing with elevated volume). Asking owners ahead of time for quirks and idiosyncrasies of the system will help if the on-hands testing is abbreviated. It is easy to get distracted with a salesperson blabbing "what will it take to get you to drive this home today" constantly while trying to evaluate a feature.

If it were that important to me, I wouldn't be relying on what others think.

 

[RG_Flyer]

If the exact acoustics of the sound system was such an important part of my purchase decision, I would bring along a pair of -29dBA earmuffs and advise the salesman that what it will take for me to bring this home today is a successful test of the higher outputs of the stereo and he may want to wear these to protect his hearing.

That ought to get him to shut up for a few minutes! (guitar)

Good point, I will remember that trick.

If it were that important to me, I wouldn't be relying on what others think.

That is a good point, but a reasonable step in the evaluation process might be to ask the user base their opinion to determine if there are any items of consensus.

 

[MikeM.]

That is a good point, but a reasonable step in the evaluation process might be to ask the user base their opinion to determine if there are any items of consensus.

To determine if there are any items of consensus? The "user base" here has no items of consensus on any topic under discussion.

You must be new to the Internet...(burnout)

 

[littlebear]

2015 BMW X5 has a worse radio system than the CX5. The BMW is a $70k vehicle. The CX5 has a better sound system.

 

[RG_Flyer]

To determine if there are any items of consensus? The "user base" here has no items of consensus on any topic under discussion.

You must be new to the Internet...(burnout)

Perhaps I should have worded it different, maybe "items of commonality". Been around the internet since it was Arpanet, long before special interest forums and concerns of consensus, but thanks for keeping me on my toes.