Just bought a 2015 CX-5 Sport MT, Exploring Audio Upgrade Options

[mjb]

I just picked up my new CX-5 Sport with a MT (4 speakers, basic HU) and have been reading through this forum quite a bit.

My overall goals are to add dash speakers, upgrade the HU so that I can have bluetooth, retain steering wheel controls, and retain USB/Aux port (if possible).


Dash Speakers

I've read through the older "master" threads involving upgrading speakers/HU (http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123815167-Radio-Speakers-on-CX-5-SPORT-model/). There are some later posts, but most still seem to be cutting out the old OEM speaker (which I don't have because mine is the 4 speaker version but could purchase them). When the thread was first started it seems like there were no correct wiring adapters for the dash speakers nor were there any aftermarket mounts (people were cutting out the OEM speaker and reusing the mount).

My thoughts were to purchase the OEM dash speakers (KD6266960) and see how they sound, then decide whether to upgrade or not.

(Also, picking up https://www.ebay.com (commissions earned)to make the installation easier)

Questions for you guys:

- Are there any wiring adapters available now? (Similar to ones mentioned in this thread but may actually work) I'd prefer to not have to solder anything for this.

- Is there an aftermarket mount for the dash speakers or is the cut out OEM and attach new with self tapping screws the best way to go?


Head Unit Replacement

This seems to be pretty straight forward, but I just want to make sure I'm purchasing the correct parts.

I'm likely going with the Pioneer AVH-4000NEX (or maybe 5000) so I can have CarPlay capability once it's available.

My understanding is I will need three parts:

Metra 70-7903 Radio Wiring Harness - https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned) does this require splicing into the new stereo or is it basically plug and play?
Metra 95-7522B Double DIN Dash Installation Kit - https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)
Metra 40-HD10 Antenna Adapter - https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

- Ignoring the steering wheel controls and USB/Aux (will cover those next), is there anything else I will need?


Steering Wheel Controls

My vehicle does not have bluetooth, so no bluetooth controls on the steering wheel. From reading all of the threads, there seem to be two models that everyone is recommending:

1) Metra Axxess ASWC-1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

or

2) PAC RP4-MZ11 https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

- What is the difference between the two? Because of the relative simplicity of the controls without bluetooth, can I go with the cheaper Metra version ($50 vs $96)?


USB/AUX Retention

From what I've read, units with nav/touch screen almost surely lose the ability to utilize the OEM usb/aux. However, I did see some people say that with the basic HU, you can retain it.. although there was mention of 2014+ it not working anymore.

Someone pointed to this part as possibly working: http://www.metraonline.com/part/AX-MAZUSB

- Does anyone know whether that will work for the non-tech, base model CX-5?

- As for AUX jack.. I haven't really found info (yet) on here that discusses 2014+ aux jack for non-tech models (I likely just haven't found it yet, but I'm still looking). Does anyone have experience with that?



So, overall, thanks for having an awesome forum and what appears to be a fantastic community. I'm loving my CX-5 for the (very) short time I've had it so far, but would love to start getting some small upgrades in it.

 

[Skorpio]

I'm sure many experts will chime in about your audio dilemma, but welcome to the forum and congrats on your new ride! Looks like you're doing some research so you're off to a good start!

 

[mjb]

Thanks Skorpio! I'm excited that this community exists! I tried to do as much research as I could, but was hoping to get some more advice from people who have done this already.

 

[RedBaron]

Head Unit Replacement

This seems to be pretty straight forward, but I just want to make sure I'm purchasing the correct parts.

I'm likely going with the Pioneer AVH-4000NEX (or maybe 5000) so I can have CarPlay capability once it's available.

My understanding is I will need three parts:

Metra 70-7903 Radio Wiring Harness - https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned) does this require splicing into the new stereo or is it basically plug and play?
Metra 95-7522B Double DIN Dash Installation Kit - https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)
Metra 40-HD10 Antenna Adapter - https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

- Ignoring the steering wheel controls and USB/Aux (will cover those next), is there anything else I will need?


Steering Wheel Controls

My vehicle does not have bluetooth, so no bluetooth controls on the steering wheel. From reading all of the threads, there seem to be two models that everyone is recommending:

1) Metra Axxess ASWC-1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

or

2) PAC RP4-MZ11 https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

- What is the difference between the two? Because of the relative simplicity of the controls without bluetooth, can I go with the cheaper Metra version ($50 vs $96)?


USB/AUX Retention

From what I've read, units with nav/touch screen almost surely lose the ability to utilize the OEM usb/aux. However, I did see some people say that with the basic HU, you can retain it.. although there was mention of 2014+ it not working anymore.

Someone pointed to this part as possibly working: http://www.metraonline.com/part/AX-MAZUSB

- Does anyone know whether that will work for the non-tech, base model CX-5?

- As for AUX jack.. I haven't really found info (yet) on here that discusses 2014+ aux jack for non-tech models (I likely just haven't found it yet, but I'm still looking). Does anyone have experience with that?



So, overall, thanks for having an awesome forum and what appears to be a fantastic community. I'm loving my CX-5 for the (very) short time I've had it so far, but would love to start getting some small upgrades in it.

Head Unit wiring & Steering wheel controls:

Note that if you get the PAC-RP4-MZ11 it comes with the head-unit wiring harness - you'll then only need the Metra 95-7522B and Metra 40-HD10 - though still more expensive. However see more comparison info on the Steering wheel interfaces at: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...xxess-or-PAC-for-steering-wheel-adapter/page2


USB/AUX Retention:

I have made adapters to retain both of these with my aftermarket head unit. See more at: http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/show...-(AX-MAZUSB)&p=6296531&viewfull=1#post6296531 (Sorry, not much there on the Aux retention adapter, but that bit IS quite easy - just strip one end of an audio jack wire and solder to a 3-way female PC header strip.)

 

[mjb]

Thanks for the info RedBaron -- that thread on steering wheel control comparisons is exactly what I'm looking for! (thanks for the spreadsheet!)

I'm PMing you about the USB/AUX retention.

 

[mjb]

Thanks to the help of RedBaron, it appears that with the CX-5 Sport, No Bluetooth, there may be the ability to just use this simple converter at the back of the headunit to get the factory USB port to work with a new HU. I will be ordering one this week and hopefully should know whether it's going to work or not next week. I will update for anyone else who may end up my situation as well!

 

[mjb]

Updates:

The USB adapter referenced before doesn't work as I had hoped. I shall test it on the other end.

PAC RP4-MZ11 has a weird firmware issue that can cause the steering wheel control adapter and Head Unit not to function in some cases -- apparently mine is one of them (possibly to do with it being a 2015). You need a beta firmware which I'm working on obtaining. I may end up needing to send it to them and have them update it for me. For the moment, I am going to try cutting over the Accessory line, which will apparently allow the head unit to function (but not the steering wheel controls).

Still trying to find an easy adapter for the Aux line to convert it to an 1/8 headphone jack.

 

[RedBaron]

Updates:
Still trying to find an easy adapter for the Aux line to convert it to an 1/8 headphone jack.

You need something like this, but with a female header (not male as pictured). I just soldered up my own.

Can't remember if I posted this before or not, but this is the console adapter pinout: