Upgrading my audio

MexMel · Postby **MexMel** » Thu Jun 20, 2013 9:33 am

Hi all,
I have just bought my mid-life crisis MX5 - an immaculate 2005 NB :NA8:

. It is fitted with a non-Bose audio system that works beautifully but I miss my bluetooth phone and ipod connectivity! In my previous Mitsubishi I replaced the system with an expensive unit that cost a fortune, was difficult to operate and stuck out like the proverbial. I don't want to deface the beautiful interior of my MX5 so am thinking I have no choice but to start burning CDs! I spoke with the local Mazda service department and they said they could fit a bluetooth phone kit using an ugly button and microphone arrangement stuck to the front pillar. I can actually live without the phone connection and just use a headset but I do miss my USB input for music.

Can anyone suggest a hidden arrangement that will let me listen to my 80s music with the wind in my hair without defacing the console at all?

Thanks,

MX Mel.

aka_juffa · Postby **aka_juffa** » Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:00 pm

Welcome to our obsession. So by a 2005 model I assume you mean the current shape? If so there are various kits that will allow you to attach aux or USB or iPhone connectivity to you new pride and joy. If you use the search option you will find a number of previous discussions.

J.

MexMel · Postby **MexMel** » Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:51 pm

Thanks for your reply. No, it's last of the line of the second generation so not the new shape. I'll check out the other discussion threads.

aka_juffa · Postby **aka_juffa** » Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:34 pm

MexMel wrote:Thanks for your reply. No, it's last of the line of the second generation so not the new shape. I'll check out the other discussion threads.

Ah, sorry. I just re-read you original post. I missed 'non-bose'. :oops:

I suspect your best option will be to replace the head unit with something more modern.

I recnetly installed a 1-din Kenwood DAB+, AM, FM, MP3, CD headunit with USB and AUX in...need to take breath after that mouthfull. It also can come with a Bluetooth upgrade kit. So it pretty much covers all of the bases. I would suggest visiting a car hifi shop, rather than your local dealer. If you tell us where you live we can point you in the right direction.

J

timk · Postby **timk** » Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:32 pm

This is the 6 disc player, right? You can get a genuine Mazda iPod kit that plugs into the back, but controlling it is a bit of a pain. I used to use it in my SE, from memory it was about $150 from the US.

Cheers

cwto24 · Postby **cwto24** » Sun Jun 23, 2013 10:46 pm

aka_juffa wrote:
MexMel wrote:Thanks for your reply. No, it's last of the line of the second generation so not the new shape. I'll check out the other discussion threads.

Ah, sorry. I just re-read you original post. I missed 'non-bose'.

I suspect your best option will be to replace the head unit with something more modern.

I recnetly installed a 1-din Kenwood DAB+, AM, FM, MP3, CD headunit with USB and AUX in...need to take breath after that mouthfull. It also can come with a Bluetooth upgrade kit. So it pretty much covers all of the bases. I would suggest visiting a car hifi shop, rather than your local dealer. If you tell us where you live we can point you in the right direction.

J

Someone might want to confirm this, but i believe early NC models had a non bose system too. Mines early 06 which does

Roadrunner · Postby **Roadrunner** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 4:28 pm

I've just replaced the factory headunit in my nb (SE) it came with a module that plugs into the stacker port and provides an iPhone 30pin lead that's about 1 metre long.
It uses the HU disc 1-2-3 etc as playlist 1-2-3 etc, next is next, volume control works.
I have no need for it, pm me if your interested.