I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Non Bose Stereo Upgrade.
Ideally I’d like an Android Auto 2 din upgrade to my stereo where the steering wheel controls work, I get Sat Nav and hands free control. There is a huge difference in unit prices and fittings, so has anyone done this? Is there a good reliable combo?
Secondly, just to be cheeky, has anyone tried using the Mazda 6 stereo and Sat Nav in a MX5?
Any help or advice would be gratefully received.
Cheers Scott
To get something decent you are looking at approximately£250-£300 for the head unit with Android Auto/Carplay. Additionally you could be spending a further £75 on the the required facia kit and ISO leads including SW controls. Add to that a Dab aerial.
The Pioneer is a popular choice amongst members, I went with the JVC, I chose it for the capacitive screen, not all have that and the short body, it can be a tight squeeze getting all the wiring at the back.
Check out other retailers, the link is just to point you to what mine is. Dynamic sounds can supply all your needs, it’s where I got my parts from, good service too.
Another vote for Dynamic Sounds. Good phone support if you need it as well.
I went Pioneer 250dab as it was the latest model and have too many experiences of phone/android/connectivity /compatibility issues with inbuilt obsolescence to want to buy an old model.
With the Pioneer…
I still hate it has no buttons. Have to look at it to use it. Somewhat off set by having steering wheel volume control.
It is slower to start up than the equivalent Sony, which is a pain if you stop the engine then when you restart you need to wait a bit for the Android auto map to appear.
Sound quality is OK, not hifi, but OK in a noisy convertible. Yours may be better without the Bose amp getting in the way. I also fitted £140 Focal speakers which are a step up from standard.
Fitting was pretty easy (yours will be even easier without the Bose).
Thank you for the swift reply(s), the tight fit was my major concern. Took me several attempts to get the Bury handsfree to fit. Dynamic Sounds have been very helpful https://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/vehicles/Mazda/MX-5/2008, nice to know it will fit. Thank you again, you’re stars.
On the fitting point… the Pioneer 250dab is a full depth full height double din, where as the Sony is half height and not full depth. Look the same from the front, but there is a lot more room for cables etc behind the Sony. I think the Kenwood may also be more petite than the Pioneer.
I’m no expert on these matters but have read they are more responsive to the touch. Not having had a touch screen aftermarket head unit before I wouldn’t know TBH which was best.
On the screen display, I’ve had no problems in bright sun hitting the screen, perfectly seeable if that’s the correct word.
One thing another member had problems with was the inability to adjust the brightness or colour intensity on their unit, can’t remember which make/model. On mine that’s fully adjustable, I’ve got it set to brighter and more intense colour than the default setting it came with.
The screen adjustment settings below…
Having no buttons was one of the reasons I went for the Pioneer, to give a clean uncluttered look. I agree it is quite slow to boot up though. I’ve also not found a way of it not to come on with ignition / start up. I don’t always want it on! Maybe it’s how it’s been installed?
As for looking at the screen to use, I’m able as well as volume to scroll through channels and modes from the steering wheel controls. Presumably you are too?
Matt
The button I miss most is the one to activate the voice control. I think that later NCs may have this button on the wheel - the ‘Speak’ button. But for me I have to look down, rest hand on gear lever and press a symbol on screen. Then a vocal instruction like:
“Play Master of the Universe by Hawkwind on Deezer”
can have me rocking it out with a big grin.
