What are my options if I want to use my zune in my mazda3??

Just got an 06 mazda 3 and I dont really listen to the radio or use cds, so I definitely want to use my zune to listen to music. Whats the best way to go about this? I dont want to go the cheap way if that sacrifices quality.
 
I have a Zune, I just plug it in to the "AUX" jack. Crank it up to 20 on the Zune, sounds beautiful. Crystal clear.
 
I have a Zune, I just plug it in to the "AUX" jack. Crank it up to 20 on the Zune, sounds beautiful. Crystal clear.

The '06 model doesn't have the ACI as it wasn't introduced until 2007.

To the OP check out my audio input thread stickied at the top of this forum for details on a simple audio input. All are hardwired, so no FM modulation, and will sound great. Price-wise I suggest going with the Grom audio module, after that I'd go with the Aux Mod Basic and then the PIE. Unfortunately there are no integration options with the zune to allow you to control it from the HU controls...... all of those are only for the ipod.
 
Where could I take my car to get these types of things installed? And is it expensive?

Also the "Audio Link iPod Integration Kit for Mazda", does it work for both ipod and zune?(I think its says it does in your thread but Im not 100% sure) because I might want to use my iphone every now and then in the future. And is this self install? I feel completely clueless when it comes to these things.
 
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At the moment it seems like that is basically just a method to charge, ground loop isolate, and provide a line output from the zune. It still requires you have some form of audio input to work with which the OP lacks. It does say that eventually they plan on having integration with some car stereos, however they specifically mention Hondas and Toyotas so who knows if Mazda will be included. Still, nice find.

Wiseeyez130 said:
Where could I take my car to get these types of things installed? And is it expensive?

I imagine any audio installer would be happy to charge you money to install one of these for you. With that said it's insanely easy to disassemble the dash of the Mz3 to obtain access to install the module and run the wiring wherever you want it. You can have the dash strip, stereo, ashtray/lighter section, gear shift surround and cupholders removed in a matter of minutes just by popping some tension clips loose and removing four screws. A far cry from my old '88 ranger which had 10 screws holding just the dash trim on. :lol: If you decide you want to tackle the job yourself (which I highly recommend) there are lots of people here to walk you through the process. Honestly if you saw how easy it is you'd kick yourself from thinking of paying someone else to do it. ;)

Wiseeyez130 said:
Also the "Audio Link iPod Integration Kit for Mazda", does it work for both ipod and zune?(I think its says it does in your thread but Im not 100% sure) because I might want to use my iphone every now and then in the future. And is this self install? I feel completely clueless when it comes to these things.

The audiolink has two inputs. One is an ipod specific dock connector. With this connected it charges the ipod and allows you to control it from the stereo controls. The other is a simple 3.5mm audio input which you can use to connect any audio device. It would work nicely for your needs, however if you feel like you wouldn't really be using the ipod integration all that much you may want to think about just going with one of the simple inputs for half the price and just connect either device through the headphone jack.
 
The audiolink has two inputs. One is an ipod specific dock connector. With this connected it charges the ipod and allows you to control it from the stereo controls. The other is a simple 3.5mm audio input which you can use to connect any audio device. It would work nicely for your needs, however if you feel like you wouldn't really be using the ipod integration all that much you may want to think about just going with one of the simple inputs for half the price and just connect either device through the headphone jack.
So do you think this would be the best option to go with?
 
So do you think this would be the best option to go with?

If you feel like you're going to use the ipod integration frequently then it's a good option. If you're the type of person however who just listens to playlists and occasionally skips songs it would be much cheaper to just use a simple input.
 
If you have the classic Zune, the Belkin Tunedok for the classic Ipod works great as a holder for the device.

The angle and height are adjustable, and it fits the Zune shape exactly. The suction cup on the back does its job, and there is some basic cable management built into the underside of the unit. It also comes in black, which is the one that I got, but the black ones are a little harder to find.

The entire setup, with player still attached, fits within the armrest, if you want to stow it out of the way.
 

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You can go with http://www.autosoundcentral.com/product_p/aaimaz.htm and then add the SoundGate Zune connection to it so you can charge the Zune at the same time.
So basically you will have CD quality sound, all controls stay with the Zune, and the Zune will get charged while in use.
Everything will be hidden besides the bottom dock connection to the Zune so its a clean install.
Installation will require some wiring.
We can get both parts to you for about $125 shipped.
 
You can go with http://www.autosoundcentral.com/product_p/aaimaz.htm and then add the SoundGate Zune connection to it so you can charge the Zune at the same time.
So basically you will have CD quality sound, all controls stay with the Zune, and the Zune will get charged while in use.
Everything will be hidden besides the bottom dock connection to the Zune so its a clean install.
Installation will require some wiring.
We can get both parts to you for about $125 shipped.

Pretty nifty selection you guys have, I don't think I've seen your site before.

What are the connections on the PAC AAI-MAZ? The case itself looks a lot like the peripherals MAZASX, but there isn't a fantastic description of it. Being that the prices are nearly identical I'd tend to assume that one is just the rebranded version of the other.

Also random question about the PAC AOEM-MAZ2 Add an Amplifier Adapter. I assume that acts as a LOC but just plugs inline with the main stereo harness and removes the need to cut/splice anything, but just wanted to check. If so it looks like an easy clean way for someone to add amps to their car.
 
Pretty nifty selection you guys have, I don't think I've seen your site before.

What are the connections on the PAC AAI-MAZ? The case itself looks a lot like the peripherals MAZASX, but there isn't a fantastic description of it. Being that the prices are nearly identical I'd tend to assume that one is just the rebranded version of the other.

Also random question about the PAC AOEM-MAZ2 Add an Amplifier Adapter. I assume that acts as a LOC but just plugs inline with the main stereo harness and removes the need to cut/splice anything, but just wanted to check. If so it looks like an easy clean way for someone to add amps to their car.

Hello,
We are the new vendor for this forum.
The AAI-MAZ is the exact same part as the MAZASX.
The AAI-MAZ is an aux input so what you will being doing is sending the audio from the Zune directly through to the radio by using the AAI-MAZ. With the SoundGate piece, you will use that adapter basically for charging. Once everything is installed, you will only see the Zune bottom dock connector. You will get CD quality sound and its a clean install. We can make a new listing for both items as a combo package if you are interested. We have not had a chance to list all our Zune adapters yet.

As for the AOEM-MAZ2, yes, you are pretty much correct but PAC also claims that the parts used in their adapter is of higher quality than a typical LOC and will give you the full frequency spectrum. Also, if you had a Bose system, this adapter takes the audio signal before the amp for cleaner sound. Also has a remote out wire so you don't have to find and crimp into ignition wire.

Thanks. John
 
Another thing is that the AOEM products have the ability to take the signal before the factory amplifier which an LOC would not be able to do- its a big advantage since some Bose systems are equalized through the amplifier so the LOC won't be able to reproduce the full frequency range.
 
Actually I was curious what adapters the AAI-MAZ provided, though if it's just like the peripherals one it should be two RCA jacks. I'm not really in the market for any adapters...... I use an AuxMod basic with my palm pilot or my wifes Zen player to listed to Mp3's, and have no plans of adding an amp... I'm just curious about all things electrical especially with my audio input thread.

Also you have the zune soundgate adapter listed at $149.... how are you going to give him that and the PAC input for $125?
 
Actually I was curious what adapters the AAI-MAZ provided, though if it's just like the peripherals one it should be two RCA jacks. I'm not really in the market for any adapters...... I use an AuxMod basic with my palm pilot or my wifes Zen player to listed to Mp3's, and have no plans of adding an amp... I'm just curious about all things electrical especially with my audio input thread.

Also you have the zune soundgate adapter listed at $149.... how are you going to give him that and the PAC input for $125?

Its the same as the Peripheral version.
The adapter you see is the Ford version. We have not figured how much we are gonna sell the Mazda one for but its gonna be a minimum of $125. The Mazda adapter will be a 2 piece kit that is from two different manufacturers that will be pieced together for easy ordering.
 

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