I just received a used '06 head unit from MazMart to replace the '04 head unit that I accidentally fried. Since the connectors were the same, the swap was instantly successful.

The '06 head unit has the satellite radio button and that was one thing that I intended to add as well. There is a great thread on this DIY site for removing, disassembling, and reinstalling the head unit which I used to guide my way through the installation.

I recently purchased an Axxess unit so that could incorporate my iPod into the factory radio via the Tape/MD button (this was covered on another thread). The Axxess unit worked as well, so the only thing left is to get the XM tuner and connect it to the Axxess unit. I don't think that I would have even dared to try this installation without the helpful instructions on this DIY site.

Also, many thanks to Paul Thomas at MazMart for selling me his used '06 head unit (less than 800 miles on it) at a great price. Thanks again Paul!

 

Im thinking about completely removing all traces of the Bose and having it replaced with either Infinity or Blaupunk. I hear they both have excellent reputations, but I am looking for clarity, which I do get with the stock Bose, but with a little more thump shall we say. I listen to everything from Masters Classical to Aerosmith to Mary J. Blige, so I want to be able to enjoy both. Any recommendations would be helpful.

 

^ If your looking at Infinity I've always loved the Infinity Kappa series. Good choice if your looking for clarity, and it's going to be equally important to get a nice amp. For a sub, the Kappa Perfect is pretty nice too.

 

I swapped out my Bose speakers for Infinity Kappa Perfects and I LOVE them! Great clarity and sound

 

I swapped my 04 for an 06 to get the Sirius radio. However, my heater no longer works (the rotary control turns, but I never get heat out). Also some of the "modes" (such as air to dash and floor simulateously) don't work any more either. I put the 04 back in and everything was fine.

I talked with someone at Mazda, and they said that some of the CAN messages changed going to the 06, so you may not get 100% functionality, but it shouldn't break anything either.

 

I had my head unit replaced in my '04 with one with the NAV button under warrantee. Heat and modes function just fine.