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View Full Version : Just bought a 2007 MZ3 GS !! and looking for help on aftermarket audio options.



Sebele23
01-23-2012, 01:41 PM
First of all, hey folks, glad to see such a strong user community, not to mention so close to me (Kitchener)

I've spent a few days now (since i signed some papers) looking up ways to bring over my audio gear from my old car (2003 Grand AM) into the Mazda 3.

I have a Kenwood HU with the bluetooth adapter that i haven bee quite happy with over the years.
http://www.crutchfield.ca/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=113MP2035

I also have 2 12" Clarion Pro Audio Subs like this one

http://barrie.canadianlisted.com/car-parts/clarion-pro-audio-12-inch-subwoofer_215912.html


And a 1000W Clarion amp like this one
http://www.junkmail.co.za/v-johannesburg-motor-mail-car-audio-clarion-1000w-2-channel-amp-in-QZQYCatQX0580QYRgnQX0001QYAdQXF7951QYEdQX201105

Now, to the questions,

The car is fairly base model, Manual AC climate controls, but it does have the Steering Wheel radio controls.

What i would like to do is use what i can from my grand am and still retain the steering wheel controls, and hopefully most of the stock LCD features, specifically the mileage reading, Clock, and outside temp in that order of importance.

I have seen multiple threads pointing people towards the Chinese double DIN nav systems, but that avenue seems to be a very deep rabbit hole without some first hand references.

I dont mind buying a new HU, especially if it comes with the built in NAV, i have a rather old TomTom right now that may die any day anyways.

So, to keep all my current stuff, i see i will need a PAC converter for wheel controls and a single DIN mounting kit for the HU i have.

What will that make of the stock LCD? I see some posts that the CAN (what ever that is) may have changed in 2007 and thus alters the functionality of the stock LCD.

the second option, would be the Chinese Dual DIN nav systems, which i have no idea about quality, brand names etc... (but do love the look of)


and in the event i go for / find a good deal on the nav systems, I'm thinking for the short term to drop in a LOC to be able to start using my subs again sooner then later.

sorry for the huge run on, and info over load.

I'm in one of those situations where i would just love to sit down for a coffee with someone who has been through all this stuff already (like i could do for a grand am owner)

Thanks in advance!

Steve from KW

Mazdy
01-23-2012, 02:33 PM
Welcome! And congrats on the mz3!

boyracer
01-23-2012, 02:52 PM
:welcome smiley Welcome to the boards & congrats on the purchase

Takumi616
01-23-2012, 03:02 PM
Congrats on purchase... :welcome smiley

JayJay18
01-25-2012, 01:22 PM
Welcome

What you can do is run a single din nav system with an aftermarket trim piece above the LCD display.
http://www.thespeedline.us/servlet/the-167/02-pls--Mazda3-BK-ONE/Detail
You would have to do a little bit of splicing, but it all depends on what you want to do.
You can still use the stock deck and also use the aftermarket one so both will be functional.
The audio from the OEM deck would go to the aftermarket one then out to your speakers.

So the questions is are you retaining the OEM just for the LCD or do you want to be able to use both decks?

Sebele23
01-25-2012, 11:27 PM
thanks for the reply JayJay, in all my looking i did not come across a setup like that one.

so in the end, the stock HU would be set to one of the inputs on the aftermarket HU?

I'm fine with splicing in cables, but i cant wrap my head around what output from the stock HU is attached to the which input on the aftermarket HU.

Sebele23
01-25-2012, 11:35 PM
Sorry, i forgot to mention ( and haven't yet learned how to edit posts). I couldn't care less about the stock HU, i just don't want a half working LCD screen. I believe i have seen some aftermarket Nav's that will retain the LCD functions.

aris
01-26-2012, 12:24 AM
Sorry, ( and haven't yet learned how to edit posts)..

You can't edit posts till you hit 100 posts

JayJay18
01-26-2012, 09:50 AM
for me personally just loose the OEM.
So what if you loose the MPG and stuff, it still lights up and it will always show the temperature.
All that information is useless anyways.
Get a good double din and replace the OEM deck you will be much happier with the outcome
The way to make both headunits to work would be a huge headache and you would need alot of extra parts

Kiyomi
01-26-2012, 01:01 PM
welcome, pics or it didnt happen! :D