Best car audio installer?
03-16-2006, 08:41 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Best car audio installer?
Hey guys,
Could you let me know where I can get some car audio gear installed in my 8? I'd like someone that knows about RX8s and can tell me whether something's possible before he installs it. I'm in Sydney BTW.
Cheers,
Sid
Could you let me know where I can get some car audio gear installed in my 8? I'd like someone that knows about RX8s and can tell me whether something's possible before he installs it. I'm in Sydney BTW.
Cheers,
Sid
03-17-2006, 01:10 AM
#2
cry me a river...
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Syd / Melb
Posts: 4,475
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Platinum Audios... (i think... cant rememebr their full name)
they are in rydalmere...
im sure they will have a few cars at the auso salon this coming weekend.
they are in rydalmere...
im sure they will have a few cars at the auso salon this coming weekend.
03-17-2006, 07:26 AM
#3
•▫▪› is way, way way way way way way way way wayyy better than you ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙ ▪ ;)
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re-wiring the rx8 isnt too differerent from a normal car, all you need is the service booklet and you're only limited by your imagination =)
If you're installing HU or adding subs/amps, you might even be able to do it yourself. If not, I'd recommend 'Car Audio Excellence' - they have a couple of stores in Sydney; the best one being in Blacktown.
If you're installing HU or adding subs/amps, you might even be able to do it yourself. If not, I'd recommend 'Car Audio Excellence' - they have a couple of stores in Sydney; the best one being in Blacktown.
03-17-2006, 05:18 PM
#4
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks guys. Actually, I'm getting a Harmon Kardon Drive+Play installed (http://www.harmankardon.com/drive-1/default.aspx).
Since parts are mounted on the dash I want to use a professional to get a clean installation. I'm also thinking of adding a Bluetooth car kit to it and need to know if both will be able to connect at the same time. Otherwise I might buy something like the Blueant Supertooth 2 (http://www.blueant.com.au/supertooth2.htm)
Since parts are mounted on the dash I want to use a professional to get a clean installation. I'm also thinking of adding a Bluetooth car kit to it and need to know if both will be able to connect at the same time. Otherwise I might buy something like the Blueant Supertooth 2 (http://www.blueant.com.au/supertooth2.htm)
03-18-2006, 03:20 AM
#5
rock-->o<--hard place
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 3,242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For the BT kit, get the Nokia, which seems best IMHO, but you need to find an installer who has already plumbed into the 8's head unit and can at least mute the stereo when there's an incoming call, or better, use the 8's speakers for sound. This has proven hard to do (has anyone??!!). The Blueant is ok but can sometimes sound like you're on the end of a tin can 
For the HK Drive+Play you may also need to get a PIE adapter, available from mazdaparts.com. Am not sure if anyone has installed this in Australia yet...so...good luck....and let us know how you get on
Oh, I assume you have a new or relatively recent 8 (ie, mid 05 or younger) with head unit firmware >v9.55 --- otherwise your options will be sadly limited.
There's a lot of good info in the audio sub forum
For the HK Drive+Play you may also need to get a PIE adapter, available from mazdaparts.com. Am not sure if anyone has installed this in Australia yet...so...good luck....and let us know how you get on
Oh, I assume you have a new or relatively recent 8 (ie, mid 05 or younger) with head unit firmware >v9.55 --- otherwise your options will be sadly limited.
There's a lot of good info in the audio sub forum
03-18-2006, 05:10 AM
#6
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by timbo
For the BT kit, get the Nokia, which seems best IMHO, but you need to find an installer who has already plumbed into the 8's head unit and can at least mute the stereo when there's an incoming call, or better, use the 8's speakers for sound. This has proven hard to do (has anyone??!!). The Blueant is ok but can sometimes sound like you're on the end of a tin can
For the HK Drive+Play you may also need to get a PIE adapter, available from mazdaparts.com. Am not sure if anyone has installed this in Australia yet...so...good luck....and let us know how you get on
Oh, I assume you have a new or relatively recent 8 (ie, mid 05 or younger) with head unit firmware >v9.55 --- otherwise your options will be sadly limited.
There's a lot of good info in the audio sub forum
For the HK Drive+Play you may also need to get a PIE adapter, available from mazdaparts.com. Am not sure if anyone has installed this in Australia yet...so...good luck....and let us know how you get on
Oh, I assume you have a new or relatively recent 8 (ie, mid 05 or younger) with head unit firmware >v9.55 --- otherwise your options will be sadly limited.
There's a lot of good info in the audio sub forum
As for the HK Drive+Play, I'm a journalist so get access to lots of these products for testing. Needless to say, but I'll be experimenting with a lot of cool AV gear in my 8 soon.
03-18-2006, 04:00 PM
#7
rock-->o<--hard place
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 3,242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Neither the AuxMod (basic) nor the Mazda OEM RCA connector currently carry the information needed by the HK Play+Drive, so far as I am aware.
We'll look forward to hearing about all the gear you test
We'll look forward to hearing about all the gear you test
03-28-2006, 07:58 AM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by EZZY
Platinum Audios... (i think... cant rememebr their full name)
they are in rydalmere...
im sure they will have a few cars at the auso salon this coming weekend.
they are in rydalmere...
im sure they will have a few cars at the auso salon this coming weekend.
03-28-2006, 05:59 PM
#9
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by JDM_RX8
I agree with EZZY there.. Platinum Car Audio and Interior.. I have use their service to do everything relate to my car audio and stuff and they are the best hehe
03-28-2006, 06:22 PM
#11
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by timbo
ok kasa, 'fess up...how's the Drive+Play working? 
Pics would be nice
Pics would be niceOnce that's done the Drive+Play should sound awesome.
As a control unit, it works really well. Platinum installed the controller **** so it's angled towards me and located it just below the gear stick. I'll put pictures up in the next few days.
). I need good music.
03-28-2006, 09:47 PM
#13
rock-->o<--hard place
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 3,242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by kasar
it's hooked up as a wired (not wireless) FM transmitter, which means sound quality isnt as good as it should be.
As a control unit, it works really well. Platinum installed the controller **** so it's angled towards me and located it just below the gear stick. I'll put pictures up in the next few days.
As a control unit, it works really well. Platinum installed the controller **** so it's angled towards me and located it just below the gear stick. I'll put pictures up in the next few days.
03-29-2006, 02:30 AM
#14
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by kasar
I went there the other day to get the Drive+Play installed and saw your car! It'll be pretty hot once it's completed!
03-29-2006, 05:51 PM
#15
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by timbo
Does that mean the controls are not integrated with the HU? I'm not sure the Mazda OEM RCA unit will give you the level of integration that is possible with, eg, the IceLink and PIE
I might take a video of it in action so you guys can see how it works. Just waiting to get my digicam from my friend.
Last edited by kasar; 03-29-2006 at 05:55 PM.
03-29-2006, 05:52 PM
#16
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by JDM_RX8
Hehe thanks man.. I cannot wait till it finished been sitting in the workshop since December 1 day straight after final battle 05 miss my car so much
I saw your bro's car too. Funny having JDMRX8 and JDMWRX
03-29-2006, 06:26 PM
#17
rock-->o<--hard place
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 3,242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by kasar
No, the controls aren't integrated to the steering wheel. But it's not a big deal because they're very easy to use. If you've used an ipod before, that's EXACTLY what the controls are like. You can change the playlists and settings from the controller too. The beauty of this system is that the iPod doesn't need to be permanently installed. My friends can plug their iPod in it and the system will work with it straight away.
I might take a video of it in action so you guys can see how it works. Just waiting to get my digicam from my friend.
I might take a video of it in action so you guys can see how it works. Just waiting to get my digicam from my friend.
Last edited by timbo; 03-29-2006 at 06:29 PM.
03-29-2006, 08:36 PM
#18
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by timbo
Hmm, so what's the advantage over, say, a $Aud79 Griffin AirClick RF iPod remote control?
The Drive+Play is a remote control and LCD system that allows you to view the contents of the ipod on a display mounted on the dash. It connects to any iPod except the Shuffle and has multiple ways to connect it to a car stereo including wired FM, wireless FM, or RCA. It's much much sleeker than the above solution, which leaves you with wires all over the place. Have you visited the Website for it that I linked earlier?
03-29-2006, 08:43 PM
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by kasar
What exactly are you getting done to it?
I saw your bro's car too. Funny having JDMRX8 and JDMWRX
I saw your bro's car too. Funny having JDMRX8 and JDMWRX
, i'll post some photos when it's done !! 
03-29-2006, 08:45 PM
#20
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by JDM_RX8
I'm modifying my sound system and getting a full interior done there, to be exact, doing the leather floor, two-coloured suede roof, fibreglass and leather dashboard, getting the all 4 seats retrimmed to different pattern, fibreglass back panel with laser-cut perspect, leather-fibreglass door, and a DVD player.... a lil' bit complicated to explain , i'll post some photos when it's done !!
, i'll post some photos when it's done !!
03-29-2006, 08:49 PM
#21
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by kasar
Fark...how much are you paying for that? They quoted me $3K to get all the seats redone in nice leather. I'm considering it...
for both my car n my brother car that it is
Last edited by JDM_RX8; 03-30-2006 at 07:39 AM.
03-29-2006, 09:08 PM
#22
rock-->o<--hard place
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Canberra, AUSTRALIA
Posts: 3,242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by kasar
The AirClick Mini is a simple remote control. You still need to buy a FM transmitter if you want to get audio in your car. ..
It's much much sleeker than the above solution, which leaves you with wires all over the place. Have you visited the Website for it that I linked earlier?
It's much much sleeker than the above solution, which leaves you with wires all over the place. Have you visited the Website for it that I linked earlier?
What would be best of all would be to display track and playlist information on the 8's own LCD display. This works, to varying degrees, with the iceLink/PIE set up but there have been problems. Playa78 has this set-up. If you follow this link you'll see another solution is being worked on, as is OverLoad. a more advanced version of his AuxMod.
I have been an early adopter on all this stuff and now, almost three years later, am disappointed that Mazda has not updated the 8 with simple improvements like integrated BlueTooth and an aux-in port for the iPod (or other MP3 players)
03-29-2006, 09:23 PM
#23
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by timbo
I'll show you my set up sometime, which has the AuxMod, to directly couple the iPod to the HU ($Aud80 landed in Australia from OverLoad), a Belkin charger with gain control (c$30, from memory) and the iClick remote ($79). It's all neatly stowed in the centre console, and the remote is attached to the inside of the sun visor. The sound is CD quality, and I have control over all aspects of the iPod via the remote. But I don't get the display (although I guess I could mount the iPod somewhere visible) and have no control via the steering wheel audio switches, apart from volume.
What would be best of all would be to display track and playlist information on the 8's own LCD display. This works, to varying degrees, with the iceLink/PIE set up but there have been problems. Playa78 has this set-up. If you follow this link you'll see another solution is being worked on, as is OverLoad. a more advanced version of his AuxMod.
I have been an early adopter on all this stuff and now, almost three years later, am disappointed that Mazda has not updated the 8 with simple improvements like integrated BlueTooth and an aux-in port for the iPod (or other MP3 players)
What would be best of all would be to display track and playlist information on the 8's own LCD display. This works, to varying degrees, with the iceLink/PIE set up but there have been problems. Playa78 has this set-up. If you follow this link you'll see another solution is being worked on, as is OverLoad. a more advanced version of his AuxMod.
I have been an early adopter on all this stuff and now, almost three years later, am disappointed that Mazda has not updated the 8 with simple improvements like integrated BlueTooth and an aux-in port for the iPod (or other MP3 players)
03-30-2006, 06:49 AM
#24
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by kasar
Fark...how much are you paying for that? They quoted me $3K to get all the seats redone in nice leather. I'm considering it...
03-30-2006, 05:34 PM
#25
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by JDM_RX8
I would do it if I were you cause they are really good at it and it will make your car stand out I guess since the leather pack from Mazda is actually only a vinyl according to a guy who done interior (please do correct me if I am wrong but I get this info from someone else who expert at this area) so yeah it will look nice hehe
I want to get it done and am checking a few other places out before I commit.