The handbook suggests if the stereo has an MP3 label on the left … it can play MP3 … what if the MP3 label is on the RIGHT ??
looking at buying a new head unit, but the seller doesn’t know and cant test it … what do you think ?
Im sure my last NC had an MP3 label ( cant remember which side ) but it wouldn’t play MP3 files … do the single CD units have MP3 ability, or just the 6 disc ones ( Bose ) ?
Cheers
Andy
In theory it should play MP3 and WMA files as well as the usual CDA files, if it has ‘MP3’ in the little badge on the left next to the LOAD button.
However, I’ve not been able to make mine work with a CD I’ve recorded with MP3 data, even though I have seen and heard a CD full of MP3s playing in my car - at the dealer where I bought it using his CD. So it must be possible, and something I’ve done wrong.
But I’ve not tried too hard because mine also has an iPOD connector in the glove box, and I sometimes borrow an old one of those for long trips - there are a lot more MP3s on 80GB than 700MB.
I’ve tried discs with the music in MP3 format and met with zero success, I just don’t think the CD players fitted in MK3s are capable of playing mp3 ( regardless of any label ). So I just play discs with music in the CDa format. although obviously a lot less music fits on a disc ( and hence a 6 CD player is very useful ).
I would say the optimum set up for a mk3 is a 6 CD player, and an mp3 player connected to the aux socket (retro fit for NC1, NC2s have them as standard) - you can also fit a bluetooth receiver to the Aux socket if you don’t like trailing wires.
Colin
Thanks for the replies Gents
I currently have one of those small units that is plugged into the CD autochanger socket in the glovebox that plays MP3 through USB memory sticks, and I can also plug my Ipod in to that which is fine, but for the sake of £50 for a second hand unit that plays MP3 off a disc - just a bit more convenient I thought and a nice folder of MP3 CD rather than a load of USB sticks rattling round.
I have also been looking at those units that allow you to mount the Ipod / phone from the CD slot in the stereo … that may be the best (and far cheaper) bet I think as the unit in the glovebox also allows Ipod connection through a cable and you can still use the steering wheel controls
If anyone else is reading this wondering about the unit that plays from USB stick … it was this one I got of Ebay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-stereo-USB-SD-AUX-MP3-CD-changer-adapter-Mazda-RX8-MX5-Miata-CX7/121477869376?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
Pretty useful for £35 !
I may go and have a look at this other one and see if it does play MP3 for my own sanity
The other option is the 6 cd player from MX5 parts - they confirmed that this will play MP3 … £130 for the unit so that’s another option - but with this you don’t get the option to use Ipod/phone though as there is nowhere to plug the adaptor … pity or that would be an ideal solution
Cheers
Andy
I’ve also traied many times to get the head unit to play MP3’s and failed.
I ended up buying an aux adaptor for a few quid.
I’ve since however, installed a USB hub, SSD hard drive, USB DAC and and can now hook up a Nexus7.
A brief update.
I’ve found a couple of CDs a friend recorded for me back in 1999, each with a single folder containing about 110 MP3s of about 6MB, mostly historic comedy things like the Goon Show, and both played OK in the car and on the PC.
The Media is TDK CD-R80 CD Recordable metallic.
However, I no longer have any CD recordable or re-recordable media to try afresh, only DVD R/W media which of course the car will not be able to read.
I went through all these options when I first got my 2008 MX5. Was it a standard stereo, could I fit a different stereo with usb and possibly dab connectivity, etc. Eventually, after buying a Mazda 6cd unit new - facia (at a ridiculously cheap price) I decided instead to use a “connect 2” box which fitted into the 6 cd socket of the standard radio. This enabled me to run a “Y” cable from the connect 2 to both the base of my 120 GB Ipod and the car lighter socket.
Advantages… much better sound quality than using headphone jack, The heavily modified Ipod ,120GB solid state drive, enables me to carry all my music and make playlists.
Disadvantages…Only have volume control and mute available from steering wheel, plus radio + cd.
So depending on mood use prepared list, Press “ALL” for a certain artist or just go with “Random”
Ipod fits in my converted centre console.
You pays your money and make choices that suit you.
Regards, JohnD aka. The hairy angler.
The non-bose headunits are simple to change and I don’t regret changing mine very soon after I purchased the car. It does DAB, Bluetooth, hands-free calls, has an Aux and USB input and was simple to get up and running. Doesn’t look too out of place either, which is nice. The only thing I’d be tempted to change it for is one with touchscreen but that comes at a premium, especially with the other features I’ve got in my current.
I’ve burnt quite a few MP3 CDs using Roxio Toast on a Mac and no problem playing them on the single CD unit in the previous NC1 or 6-disc Bose in the current NC2.
I agree. , But I wanted to keep my dash looking original so a different head unit with a change of facia was not an option I wished to follow.
Regards JohnD