Replacing stereo?

[whyandrew]

I just got my new 2009 Mazda5 GT (Canadian version, if it's different) and I'm thinking about replacing the stereo.

I looked thru some of the old threads about it and sort of have an idea what's I'm expecting... but just want to make sure what things will remain working on the display after changing the stereo.


Will work:
- clock
- all info from the automatic climate control
- ambient temp

Will NOT work:
- obviously nothing from the aftermarket stereo will show on the display

Steering wheel volume control
- only work if I buy an adaptor

Bluetooth steering wheel button, and voice control
----???? Will this still work after changing stereo ???


Also, anyone tries only replacing all the speakers and keeps using the stock stereo? I wonder how well/bad will that goes? Will the stock stereo have enough power to push a decent set of speakers (nothing crazy)?

 

[tool361]

Everything will still work just fine. The bluetooth I do not know about. The factory stereo is very weak and the speakers are not the best. I recommend replacing the radio and if the sound quality is still not up to par then get some good 6x8's. Be sure to get a quality dash kit, there are some really cheap ones out there. I installed a Alpine 9886 and a good set of Infinity Reference series 6x8's in the doors and I am very happy.

 

[Davicho]

I have a set of Polk Audio carbon fiber MOMO series speaker all around with the stock head unit and they sound great. Of course I don't know if they would sound better if I installed an a/m head unit but it sounds great as it is now.

 

[whyandrew]

Finally had the real panel out and tested an old set of speaker (Infinity Reference series, nothing fancy, wrong size tho) just to see how the stock head unit handles. The highs are definitely better... but as I suspected, the bass is really lacking. I suppose this means the head unit doesn't have enough power to drive the speakers??!

Guess I'll hold on to the stock unit and stock speakers for now... can't' spend that much to replace all.

 

[deisz001]

You did test it with the rear side panels installed, didn't you?

 

[whyandrew]

No, does that matter alot?

I had 1 side still with the stock speaker and another side with the Infinity speaker... and there was very little base coming out from the Infinity compared to the stock, even when I maxed the base settings from the head unit.

 

[Davicho]

Speakers need to be mounted on their respective place and be the correct fit so the enclosure is fully sealed to create the bass. If you just connected the speaker and held it on your hand no speaker will ever sound good or with any bass.

 

[Wishmaster]

Yes, a speaker without an enclosure will generate no base what-so-ever... it uses the enclosure to generate it's base... you'll only be able to tell the difference if you fully install the speaker... but as you mentioned, it's the wrong size so you're SOL. FYI - the stock speakers completely blow, they are horrible. Installing anything aftermarket name brand with the stock stereo will improve the sound quality quite a bit. Then once you have more cash, installing an aftermarket head unit will improve it even more... small steps...

 

[whyandrew]

Oh thanks, good to know. Maybe I'll just buy a pair of correct sized speaker and try it in the front and see. I'll in the process of adding some sound deadening anyway.


Now if I can just remove the one darn bolt off the 3rd row seat frame!!! That thing is so over-tightened... i tried hammering on the wrench, leaning my whole body weight on, and still didn't turn, arhhh