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So I'm looking for a single DIN solution to put in my '5' soon and have a few requirements I'm after....

- Single DIN
- Blue Backlighting
- Buttons on the front for station selection
- Rear USB port (so I can run a cable to the glovebox, don't like having a memory stick poking out the front, want it hidden)
- High quality

+ Desirables
- Hands free BT phone capability
- DAB would be nice but not essential
- some chrome detail on the facia (only a little bit though)

So far this one from Alpine mostly fits the bill (except for the DAB)
http://www.alpine.com.au/showItem.php?item_id=317

Any other suggestions guys?


Also, what experience have people had with ISO adaptors and modern radios with 10yr old (NB8b/c) MX5s?
Are they just plug and play or do you need to modify them a bit to make them work?

Something like this is what I'm talking about......
http://www.ryda.com.au/Aerpro-Mazda-and ... app051.htm

The wiring harness I used for my nb8b worked flawlessly.
Bought the Mazda to iso and the iso to jvc cables along with a 2din fascia plate off eBay, shipped from qld.
As for buying from the big three auto chains, the prices are only worth it if they have a proper sale on the HU you're after.
I went to a few when buying mine, autobarn in chaddy had maybe three laughably over priced units on display. Auto barn on Princes hwy and Blackburn Rd had a huge range to look at and try.
That's if you're in Vic, but the shop around and buy from an independent/online advice is still the best I can give.
Will find you the link to the harnesses when I get home.

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+1 on the wiring harnesses.

Used one in my NB when I fitted my Pioneer HU and it made fitting very easy and tidy. Mine was from ebay and have had no problems with it.

A google search found.

http://www.pioneer.com.au/au/products/2 ... specs.html

I personally have a Kenwood head unit, but it does not meet your requirements as it has a USB port at the front.

Be aware that a DAB+ unit will probably need a different antenna (or an adaptor) as the head unit may require a DAB+ specific connection (mine does).

A good source for DAB gear is http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk

J.

Thanks for the relies so far!

@ smy0003, good to hear, so I'll need 2 harnesses..... Mazda -> ISO + ISO -> Radio?

@ aka, yeah, looks like Kenwood and most Pioneer units are out as they mostly seem to have front USB ports.
Unfortunately the pioneer you linked doesn't work either, it doesn't have the station preset buttons on the front....

When I can find someone to drive me (broken leg, can't drive) I'll try head to Ryda in Petersham for an eyeball as they should have most options available to view and the prices are reasonable (on par with online sellers).

Trying to find a nice looking stereo with DAB and bluetooth is practically impossible. DAB doesn't seem to have taken off just yet.

I found a Kenwood one, but somone pointed out that changing modes/stations is a bit complicated, no buttons for quick selection. I really like the look of the Blaupunkt ones, but then there is no DAB (that I've found) ...

Not sure about USB in the back, I'd have thought most would have that these days, but then I also would have thought DAB would be more popular, so what do I know?

ManiacLachy wrote:Not sure about USB in the back, I'd have thought most would have that these days, but then I also would have thought DAB would be more popular, so what do I know?

Strangely, while USB is common, it's frequently on the facia..... Just don't want a memory stick hanging off the front of the unit and don't do music on the phone.

There's only one DAB unit available from Alpine and it's so close to perfect..... Shame the lighting doesn't do blue....
http://www.alpine.com.au/showItem.php?item_id=280

Ryda looks like a great store, wish I could've had a look there when I was looking a month back.
Yeah, you'll need the two harnesses. I'm sure Ryda will be able to help you out.
Have you considered a 2din unit with a touchscreen?
Might be able to find one that has DAB, most have rear usb.
Mine looks the goods and has adjustable LEDs so blue is an option.

Pretty sure Sony do DAB 2din unit for a reasonable price.

Edit: mine's a JVC.

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I got my JVC to iso harness from Ryda and my iso to Mazda harness from MX5 parts. Works fine in the SP with my JVC KD-R90BT head unit.

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smy0003 wrote:Have you considered a 2din unit with a touchscreen?

Thanks for the confirmation on the wiring mate, not after a Double-DIN though.

The whole point of replacing the factory Double-DIN unit is to give me room to fit three gauges above the replacement in the centre console.
Should end up with something along these lines.....

Hey Nev have you ever dríven a car with gauges down there?
I can tell you that they are quite useless so far away.


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emily_mx5 wrote:Hey Nev have you ever dríven a car with gauges down there?
I can tell you that they are quite useless so far away.

Yes, I understand it's not a great location but the gauges will be non-critical so I'm prepared to live with it.
There will associated warning lights for them to draw my attention if required too.

I don't want to lose any of the eyeball vents or mount a pod so there aren't really any alternatives....

That's pretty cool actually, good luck on the HU hunt.

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Nevyn72 wrote:there aren't really any alternatives....

There is, I'm working on it now ;)
I'll keep you posted.


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This is still the best Single DIN unit I've found, but as mentioned, changing sources and accessing menus is a bit cumbersome due to the lack of buttons.

http://www.ryda.com.au/Kenwood-KDC-U705 ... 7056bt.htm

I'm thinking I'll do the same thing as Nevyn, use a single din slot for 3 guages (still a long way off for me), but I'm very interested to see what Emily is cooking up!