Replacing factory-radio

[pleslie]

Hi forum-members

I will soon be the owner of a brand new Mazda 6 :-)

I want to put in a nav/stereo system like JVC, Pioneer or likes... My question is if there is anybody who have installed a different stereo in the new Mazda 6 (with the CF-system) - and if the display on top of the dash still works as it is supposed to ?

And does the controls on the steering wheel still work for the aircon and so on ?

All shared experiences will be greatly appreciated

Cheers
- pleslie

[Omni]

i have the 2003 6s and have put a lot of research into upgrading the audio systems in it. i have half the parts, but found a few downfalls that require more money (which is why i stopped where i am for the time being).
first of all, the steering wheel controls do not work with most aftermarket systems, but there are converter units you can buy (i'm told its about 80 bucks but dont quote me on that).
secondly the top dash screen does still work, and depending upon the system, will display track info as well if installed correctly.
third, as you may know, the stock amp in the car is a digital amp. they have been doing this since 2003, and unless mazda made a wise choice, still uses a digital amp. so if you are going to swap out the cd head, you need to replace the amp also (nobody normally keeps the stock amp anywho). the speakers in the car are 4 ohm speakers, and the tweeters are as well. (the tweeters also suck badly, so if you put ANYTHING in, it will make you smile compaired to those.

the last reason why i have not yet installed the sound system in my car completely, is because the center console panel has to be swapped (duh) and most that i have seen so far either are far too expensive, or they but flat, square buttons on them that look ugly as hell.

actual installation of the speakers is extremely easy. there are 5 mounting points on the doors (been a while, but i'm pretty sure) and they all come off easily enough without having to do anything irreversible to how the door looks.
because of the whole center panel thing, i havent installed the deck or amp yet. both are sitting in my bedroom, but i installed aftermarket door speakers and tweeters without a hassle. as you know, as soon as the aftermarket cd deck is installed, subs are just a step away.

does that help any for starters?
basically, when you do it, do it all at once, and do it right the first time, or you will regret it

[6er]

if you mean brand new as in 2009, then you might just wait a while and give the aftermarket time to release products so you have a choice.

[Omni]

QUOTE (6er @ Feb 27 2009, 09:52 AM)

if you mean brand new as in 2009, then you might just wait a while and give the aftermarket time to release products so you have a choice.[/b]

an even better idea

by the way, can someone bump this over to visual/audio?

[dream weave]

it took 2 years for the first solution for 6 owners to upgrade their stereo without major work. I wouldn't be in a huge rush for an off the shelf solution

[pleslie]

Thanks for all the input.

Talking with some guys here in Denmark, I have found that Pioneer have already made an adaptor for the steering-wheel controls, so Pioneer should be plug and play for the 2nd gen Mazda 6.

I really want a JVC headunit (the KW-NX7000) so I will get back with more info on that if I get it working...

[Omni]

good! i'll be keeping an eye on this thread then. maybe you'll find a better way of doing things than i originally found, and might be cheaper than the parts i would have used.

[Brampton6s]

http://cgi.ebay.com/MAZDA-6-2009-RADIO-DAS...bayphotohosting