Im dying to buy one cause i hate burning CDs every time. What are you guys using ?? I know these threads about this but i want to pick something up local and not deal with shipping ATM. Let me know what and where

 

mp3 data cd? instead of a 30 song cd have like 100? or get sirius :P

 

haha not a bad idea. I hate having 20 songs on the CD. Ill look into it thanks spence

 

I got around to updating my deck on the Miata. Wanted to try it out and see how it went before committing to buy for the FD.
The deck is fantastic!!!
It is the only way to get the modern tech to work properly.
I use my iPhone4 for everything! Apple hit it out of the park with the iPhone. Can't wait to see what iPhone5 looks like.

 

I just bought the OEM one from the dealer. I had no other options because of my old firmware, but it works great. I wish I could control the iPhone 4 through the iPhone but oh well. I usually put it on shuffle anyways. I can get the track info by putting the phone to sleep and then hitting the centre button...shows track name and album cover for 2 seconds lol.

The other things you will need with this unit is a Griffin Firewire to USB adapter and a mount of some sort (I got an Arkon one).

 

thanks !!! ill check that out.

 

I have the OEM Mazda unit in my 8 and it worked great for about 3 years but is currently non functional... One more thing for my list...

My Fiesta has built in CD, MP3 disk, USB, iPod, Sirius, bluetooth and voice command support plus a multi line information display.

Now that I don't commute in the 8 I don't really miss the music.

 

Does the oem adapter allow you to change songs through the steering wheel control. Not a big deal but its a good feature to have. Also does it dissplay the song names on the dashboard display ? Again not a huge deal but good to have.

 

OEM works well through the steering wheel controls
No display though. There is a procedure for finding your play lists. Some people never master it...

 

thanks brother. Yea not a big deal if it doesnt display cause chances are i probably know what song is playing anyway LOL.

 

I also had the dealer install the oem ipod adapter. Yes it does display your play lists, also displays artist or song or title using your controls, steering wheel just skips to next song. It also charges your ipod aswell. good option ot get installed

 

I use the monster FM adapter. Its cheap, transferable from car to car, and barely noticeable. Reception is perfect. Got it from bestbuy/futureshop.

 

I went with the Audiolink MP3. they have an ipod version too.

Works great.

http://www.audiolinkcanada.com

 

I got a refurbished xcarlink 2 months ago and it works great with my iphone 4. Charges it, can change playlist using stereo controls. Steering wheel buttons work for track change and volume. Can still use iphone while plugged in as well.

http://www.carlinkdirect.com/Products/Products.html

Looked shady, but I emailed them first and the refurb was cheap. Looks like they are out of refurbs now though.

 

How much does the OEM adapter cost? constantly burning cds kinda sucks lol

 

^ +5 hence why i made the thread lol.

 

Im used the Xcarlink, worked great until my metra kit came to my door

 

Mine was a little over $300 installed.

 

I have the OEM adapter too due to old firmware leaving it as the only option.
Works fine. Steering wheel controls.

Not sure how much your friendly local dealer wants. I got mine from the US for $100-150 or so, from memory. It's been a long time.

 

xcarlink. works great, if you know what you're doing. Me and technology don't quite get along...

 

Im not 100% sure but I think mine is a DICE kit, and works with my steering wheel controls, was lucky though that the prevous owner already installed it alongside Parrot Bluetooth

 

I would LOVE to have the in-dash MP3 deck, but they quoted me like 700$ at the dealership. I've read you can find them on eBay for more like 250$, but I have yet to see such a deal ...

The other two options I know:
- the iPod adapter, which plugs into the regular head unit, you have to unplug the changer (wired as a separate module). I think the wheel controls do work.
- the LineIn / USB thumbdrive adapter, which also takes over the changer plug. I think the wheel controls do not work on this one.

Downside of both is, they don't fit in-dash, you have to hang them loose in the glove box or something. The mp3-changer module is a clean install. But why are they so hard to come by?!

 

You dont unplug the CD changer, you plug these units into the EXTERNAL CD changer port. The IN DASH 6 CD changer plugs elsewhere. So your not loosing anything at all.

The wheel controls work on both the IPOD unit and the USB/SD card adapter unit. Obviously if you plug something in the LINE-IN you cant control that.

They dont have to fit in-dash, because they dont have any lights, or buttons or anything.

If you extend the wires you can even install them in the center console on your right, making it easier to reach.

I would seriously consider these options. I have the MP3 adapter unit and it works great.

 

Alright, well now that I look into it a bit more, that sounds like a reasonable way to go. Thanks for clarifying SpIcEz.

So just to get an idea, this comes up early in an eBay search. Can anyone comment on the likely quality (or lack thereof)?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Mp3-Interface-US...item4159e75d7c

 

Seems like pretty much the same thing.

I think there is 1 chinese manufacturer and they package it differently and sell under different names, but thats just my opinion. I'm guessing they all ave the same PCB control board.

In any case, its 92,54$ Canadian, including shipping. Probably drop shipped from China.

IF it where me, I'd ask the audiolink canadian supplier, what kind of warranty terms he has.

Might be worth it to spend the extra 40$ or so, to deal with someone in Canada if there is a warranty. Also, you'll get it within a week most likely, instead of 2-3 weeks.