Which in-dash audio system can be used in stead of factory?

[hife]

Hello!

Seems, I killed my in-dash factory cd changer with static electricity, when was installing auxmod. =(
So, now think to replace the whole in-dash system. Are there any choices except factory one? Could you advise something?

[raserx]

I just changed my stereo out for nice Clarion unit. Crutchfield had them on sale for $99 bucks! I liked mine so much, I bought 2 more. One for the wife & one for my sister. USB input is great. I load up a few hundred songs and leave the CD's at home. It even has a AUX input for MP3's or satellite. Added bonus: Red illumination matches the dash. Can't beat it at that price.

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=300&i=020D285USB&tp=5684

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q99/raserx63/2008-11-05_3.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q99/raserx63/2008-11-05_1.jpg

[susamafone]

pretty much anything will work. i picked up a used alpine unit here on the forums in the for sale section for cheap. also, check the audio section for more detail

[Criscobath]

Was the install easy?

[mp3-79bronco]

i just picked up a double din kenwood ddx512... 380 on ebay new....it looks SO clean in the dash... i recommend it 100%...

but if you just want a single din then any one will work.....

if you need a dash install kit pm me i just bought a brand new one that i didnt end up needing, and i also have the stock mp3 pocket and cradle

[mx-p5]

Yeah, any single Din stereo will work but then you'll have an extra slot open.

If i could have afforded it, i'da gotten a double din touchscreen setup by Kenwood, but, instead, i got a clearance kenwood for $50

I chose not to use a pocket to fill the empty spot

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2192/2909563149_5b83ebb410_o.jpg

[Criscobath]

Ok, let me start from scratch.

I have $500 max, installed. I want to replace my head unit w/ something that's MP3 capable. I'd also like to replace the speakers. I don't want to add an amp or a speaker box. What would be the ideal deck/speaker combo for excellent sound quality in the mid to full volume range at that budget price?

I listen to a mix of AM talk radio (low volume) and stuff like this (high volume)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSOXr-gw5mA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8av64Va_-4

Any and all help is appreciated.

[CTt3P5]

Ok, let me start from scratch.

I have $500 max, installed. I want to replace my head unit w/ something that's MP3 capable. I'd also like to replace the speakers. I don't want to add an amp or a speaker box. What would be the ideal deck/speaker combo for excellent sound quality in the mid to full volume range at that budget price?

I listen to a mix of AM talk radio (low volume) and stuff like this (high volume)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSOXr-gw5mA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8av64Va_-4

Any and all help is appreciated.

Might want to browse this thread....I'm sure it will give you some ideas.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123627659

[hife]

Wow! Nice pictures! Thanks everybody for your comments and links. What about connection cable, should it be any special one?

[Criscobath]

Might want to browse this thread....I'm sure it will give you some ideas.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123627659

Yeah, I already posted over there, but it's like a ghost town. Most of the advice is older and I'm sure there are newer options available to chose from.

Thanks anyhoo.

[mx-p5]

Sending you a PM

[raserx]

Should you buy from Crutchfield, they include the dash kit, removal tools, full instructions, and wiring harness. I sat & soldered up the wires at the kitchen table and then just plug and play! Here is the one going into my sister's Saab 9-3.

[mx-p5]

There is a nice Alpine headunit for sale here by a forum member. It's a great headunit. it's what i run in the wife's car.

[Valk]

I picked up this Pioneer DEH P 5000 last year for $250 cdn. was gonna install it myself but the shop threw in free 3 yr waranty and installation. i was busy at the time so i just let them do it.

picked up the radio pocket from a local shop as well as the wireing harness.

so all in was like $330ish which isnt bad.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.ca/PUSA/Products/CarAudioVideo/Source/CD-Players/DEH-P5000UB

i like it. I wish it had a bigger screen for the ipod and usb use but meh. the screen is easy to read and easy to scroll at least.

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f211/Valk1317/CIMG1703.jpg

ps, what gauges are you using there p5x2? I have to get me some of those. do they make auto trans temp?

[mx-p5]

They're all Prosport gauges.

And yes and no. They don't make one specific for trans temp, but i think you can use the oil temp gauge for it.

Search around, there is a thread about the auto trans chatting

[Valk]

Yea, i watch that thread pretty closely. ill have to look around for the gauges. gonna be getting some carbon fiber soon for a few projects too, fun times =).

[mx-p5]

Hit me with any questions you've got with gauges

[fremast]

I definitely prefer the double din (have a Kenwood eight thousand series myself... love it to death), but if you have to stay under $500 there are a ton of single din options and most should fit.

Whether you buy there or just use it for information and find a better deal, Crutchfield's fitment guide is very good... they'll tell you as you browse what will fit and what will fit with modification, and what you aren't likely to be able to cram in there without slashing things and going fully custom. They're not always 100% on the mark, but it is a great place to get an idea.

Most single din applications fit pretty well.

[Criscobath]

Thanks for all the great advice.

The wife just lost her job on Friday, so the upgrade is being put off for a few months. However, when I do the swap, I'll be sure to post here to let you guys know what I chose.

-Jeffrey

[fremast]

Sorry to hear that.
Good luck to her (and you), and may she find a better job to replace it!