hey guys,my questions are if i add a mp3 do i still keep the single cd also or is the mp3 all you get becides radio?also my car is built with gt package with the bose system but the car is still in japan [still shows new vin]is the mp3 port installed,or should i still have time to add it? does anyone know how much extra for this? thanks for any info,ak.:) :)

The MP3 player takes the spot of the regular CD player.

The MP3 will be installed at the dealer and as far as I know, not at port. If someone knows otherwise, I would like to know.

Since, this is a dealer installed option you will pay thru the nose and if you go thru my dealer he is charging $140/hr to install. In short, I am getting ripped.

the mp3 player plays regular wav. cds also

FYI, files on "regular" (Red Book format) audio CDs are in AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format) format, not WAV format.

MP3 player is not even an option here...:( guess I will have to order one out of the states....

Originally posted by digi168
MP3 player is not even an option hereWhere's "here"?

British Columbia, Canada

so does that $350 price (or whatever it was) for the MP3 player include installation??

The price is depends on your dealer. I have seen it stated between $350-435.

Installation is another point. Some have said this was included in the price and others stated having to pay an hourly installation fee.

Originally posted by pr0ber
so does that $350 price (or whatever it was) for the MP3 player include installation??

There was a thread about the price of installation. I think it was ~$650.

Originally posted by digi168
British Columbia, Canada

digi168,

Just received the price list for accesories in Canada. I'm assuming it's the same in Ontario as in BC. The MP3 player is an option. The MP3 player lists at 529.75 and it looks like there is a MP3 player panel for 29.99. Installation is 1.2, whatever that means.

I'm considering getting it, but I'm wondering if it's worth it since there is a 6 CD changer.

I called my dealer today to add on the MP3 player, and he said he didn't even realize they were offering it as an option! Anyone else getting this from their dealer?

Yeah, I ordered mine. I just called back yesterday and told him not to install anything. So far, all the accessories people have received have come with instructions (including audio units), and we've got lots of detailed photos of the install thanks to Yuhki. Dealer tried to sway me a little, but was nice about it and didn't persist.

Yeah, my dealer had no idea about the MP3 player either... In fact, he is still "checking up on it" for me.

-JiM

Glad it's not just me. I'd order and install it myself, but I wanted the full warranty on it. I'll just be patient and see what happens, I guess...

Originally posted by Bulldog6670


The MP3 player lists at 529.75 and it looks like there is a MP3 player panel for 29.99. Installation is 1.2, whatever that means.


FYI, SIT = Suggest Install Time

So, a SIT of 1.2 = 1.2 hours

Has anyone bought the mp3 after the fact and installed it yourself yet?

I'm thinking of getting one and doing it, but would like to hear experiences...

Thanks.

Originally posted by RX-Nut
Has anyone bought the mp3 after the fact and installed it yourself yet?

I'm thinking of getting one and doing it, but would like to hear experiences...

Thanks.
I bought my player AND shock sensor separately and will self-install - as soon as that 2nd boat gets here! I will take lots of pictures, and even try to video the whole thing. Will let you know.

COOL!!! I look forward to that... Where did you get the MP3 and Sensor from?

I ordered it right from my dealership. Don't hold me to that, though, we'll have to see if they actually end up in my trunk when I buy the car. ;)

I'm curious to see if it provides any sort of directory navigation and track grouping, or if it just treats the entire disk like a single multi-track mega-CD. I'm assuming that it will read the ID3 tags and put the info up in the multi-function display, just as the manual describes for the MD player. I was initially disappointed to see that the MD text doesn't auto-scroll - you have to turn the TEXT knob to scroll it manully - but on reflection I expect a scrolling display would be an unnecessary distraction.

Originally posted by eccles
I'm curious to see if it provides any sort of directory navigation and track grouping, or if it just treats the entire disk like a single multi-track mega-CD. I'm assuming that it will read the ID3 tags and put the info up in the multi-function display, just as the manual describes for the MD player. I was initially disappointed to see that the MD text doesn't auto-scroll - you have to turn the TEXT knob to scroll it manully - but on reflection I expect a scrolling display would be an unnecessary distraction.
It does display ID3 on the LCD, but no idea which version of ID3. I, too, am very curious to know what type of folder navigation and shuffling it offers, and how limited the steering wheel controls will be to find song number 53!

I tried making a CD with CD-TEXT for each track and played it on the Bose GT package CD deck, and it doesnt seem to take the Text.

Here's hoping the MP3 deck does good ID3!

I don't know if it's been asked here yet(or cares), but does anyone know if the MP3 Player will read and play WMV's burned onto a CD?

Originally posted by RX-Nut
I tried making a CD with CD-TEXT for each track and played it on the Bose GT package CD deck, and it doesnt seem to take the Text.The standard stereo doesn't display CD-TEXT either. Hardly surprising since the actual decks are the same.

Originally posted by tribal azn2
the mp3 player plays regular wav. cds also

Is that a question or a statement?


========================================
CAUTION: Following question may be extremely silly :-)
========================================

QUESTION1:
=========
Does the MP3 player replace the bose system in the GT package?
OR
Is it installed in addition to BOSE cd player?

QUESTION 2:
==========
I assume, after reading the thread its possible to get the MP3 player from the dealer and install it urself or have it installed somewhere else. IS THIS CONFIRMED?

QUESTION 3:
==========
Does the MP3 player play regular CDs?

QUESTION 4:
==========
Are all the speakers in GT package made by BOSE or some of them? What brand speakers are used in the base model?

QUESTION 5:
==========
Is it possible to disable the AudioPilot?

QUESTION 6:
==========
someone mentioned there may not be an equalizer in the bose system. IS THIS CONFIRMED?

QUESTION 7:
==========
how difficult would it be to install an after market stereo system, like kenwood or alpine etc., in RX8? Where would it fit?

QUESTION1:
=========
Does the MP3 player replace the bose system in the GT package?
OR
Is it installed in addition to BOSE cd player?


The MP3 player replaces the CD player module. It doesn't replace the whole head unit, you unplug the CD player and plug in the MP3 CD player. It looks kind of like a computer's CD-ROM drive without any of the exterior plastic or tray.



QUESTION 2:
==========
I assume, after reading the thread its possible to get the MP3 player from the dealer and install it urself or have it installed somewhere else. IS THIS CONFIRMED?


Yes, I got the MP3 player from Trussville Mazda in Alabama via web order. Very fast service, very good price ($267, I think). Sadly my dealer was completely clueless about this and I had a bad experience with a dealership adding free squeaks to the dash of my current car after mucking around in there--don't trust 'em (dealers, that is) now, they're not always as careful as they should be.

The MP3 player came with good installation instructions that seem targeted at end users--even explains how to reset the DSC after disconnecting the battery. Can't wait for my RX-8 to arrive so I can install it.

Anyone here install one yet? It doesn't look too bad, but who knows... any installation tips?



QUESTION 3:
==========
Does the MP3 player play regular CDs?


The instructions say it plays regular digital audio CD's on all disc types (CD, CD-R, CD-RW).

Some other tidbits... The MP3 player says Pioneer on it, so I'm guessing its feature set is probably similar to aftermarket Pioneer MP3/CD players.

It can play both regular sized and 3" discs (the mini CDs). It can not play irregularly shaped discs (like the RX-8 rotor shaped promo CD-ROM).

It shows CD-TEXT for discs that have it, up to 30 characters. It also shows the ID3 tag (v1.0 or v1.1) or the file name for MP3 files. There's supposedly a dial on the head unit that scrolls the text.

The disc changer disc up/down button changes directories instead of discs. The directories are ordered such that sub-directories are right after the parent. So if you made a folder for a particular band, then folders for each of their albums, the disc up/down would jump from album to album. When you reach the last album, it jumps to the next band.

There can be up to 253 directories, and up to 255 files in a folder. Supposedly it can take quite a while to read the directory tree in if there are lots of files and folders, though.

It says it supports sample rates of 16/22.05/24/32/44.1/48 khz, and bitrates of 8kbps to 320kbps and alludes to supporting VBR.

It does not support MP3i or MP3 Pro formats and it can not read packet written discs.


--SL01

Originally posted by Maximus

QUESTION1:
=========
Does the MP3 player replace the bose system in the GT package?
OR
Is it installed in addition to BOSE cd player?

replaces console unit. The actual single disk module in both the gt and regular are the same. You will have 1 single disc player that will play mp3s and normal cds


QUESTION 2:
==========
I assume, after reading the thread its possible to get the MP3 player from the dealer and install it urself or have it installed somewhere else. IS THIS CONFIRMED?


yes. do it yourself. it doesn't appear to be difficult from what our japanese friends have explained. do a search for explaination of installation.


QUESTION 3:
==========
Does the MP3 player play regular CDs?

yes

QUESTION 4:
==========
Are all the speakers in GT package made by BOSE or some of them? What brand speakers are used in the base model?

yes, all. I don't know.


QUESTION 5:
==========
Is it possible to disable the AudioPilot?

yes


QUESTION 6:
==========
someone mentioned there may not be an equalizer in the bose system. IS THIS CONFIRMED?

yes. bass and treble only.


QUESTION 7:
==========
how difficult would it be to install an after market stereo system, like kenwood or alpine etc., in RX8? Where would it fit? [/b]
difficult and would require a custom console if you wanted it to still look reasonable.
There are 2 DINs (DD) underneath the integrated console. With a fair amount of work you should be able to fit any aftermarket system in you desire.

anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any of these, but I'm pretty sure they are correct

Originally posted by SL01
The instructions say it plays regular digital audio CD's on all disc types (CD, CD-R, CD-RW).

It shows CD-TEXT for discs that have it, up to 30 characters. It also shows the ID3 tag (v1.0 or v1.1) or the file name for MP3 files.

The disc changer disc up/down button changes directories instead of discs. The directories are ordered such that sub-directories are right after the parent. So if you made a folder for a particular band, then folders for each of their albums, the disc up/down would jump from album to album. When you reach the last album, it jumps to the next band.
Sweet! Great news - thanks!

Originally posted by SL01
Some other tidbits... The MP3 player says Pioneer on it, so I'm guessing its feature set is probably similar to aftermarket Pioneer MP3/CD players.

It can play both regular sized and 3" discs (the mini CDs). It can not play irregularly shaped discs (like the RX-8 rotor shaped promo CD-ROM).

It shows CD-TEXT for discs that have it, up to 30 characters. It also shows the ID3 tag (v1.0 or v1.1) or the file name for MP3 files. There's supposedly a dial on the head unit that scrolls the text.... --SL01
Awesome post, SLO1. One of the most informative I've read in several days. Is there an FCC ID# on the mp3 unit? If so, we can look it up and get the exact model number, technical specs, and documentation.

Glad I stumbled on this thread. My dealer quoted me a price of $1000 for the unit and to have it installed!!

Has anyone talked to their dealer to see if they're interested in offering a discount to RX-8 clubs / members of the forum? That could be a helluva lot of volume coming in if they were willing to beat other internet prices... I've seen some of the dealers online, but any schmuck can get those prices - how about a further incentive to cement a good relationship with enthusiasts?

Wait... I hope I'm not 'jacking this thread.... just all this MP3 player ordering got me thinking. It was nice having a discount being associated with the Houston RX-7 club - perhaps something for the 8s now?

Originally posted by SL01
It can play both regular sized and 3" discs (the mini CDs).
Not to be confused with minidiscs, right? That's what the optional minidisc player is for. Right?

Thank you very much for this very informative post BTW! Very well done!:)

Also, looks like, functionally, you don't need the MP3 player trim panel if you want to save $, right? Just use the one that comes standard if you want, right?

Originally posted by Racer X-8

Not to be confused with minidiscs, right? That's what the optional minidisc player is for. Right?

Thank you very much for this very informative post BTW! Very well done!:)

Also, looks like, functionally, you don't need the MP3 player trim panel if you want to save $, right? Just use the one that comes standard if you want, right?

No problem. And, right, a mini CD is not the same as a minidisc.

Actually I think you'd want the trim panel--as packaged from Trussville, at least, the instructions for installation and the user guide are both boxed with the trim panel. Since the MP3/CD player box was sealed, I'm guessing that's the way it ships from Mazda.

--SL01

Originally posted by B-Nez

Awesome post, SLO1. One of the most informative I've read in several days. Is there an FCC ID# on the mp3 unit? If so, we can look it up and get the exact model number, technical specs, and documentation.

Sorry, I didn't see your question...

Hmm... I don't see an FCC ID#... let's see if I can attach a photo of the MP3 player...

--SL01

Just a slight correction to pmacwill's otherwise excellent and extremely informative posting!

someone mentioned there may not be an equalizer in the bose system. IS THIS CONFIRMED?

yes. bass and treble only.


Actually the Bose system has bass, treble, and midrange adjustments -- not quite an equalizer, but better than nothing.

more info:
http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7369