Audio System Project
 

I had some type of problem when I first tried to post this, so sorry if it is a duplicate.

Ok so here's the idea. Put together a sound system for my 8 that will rival what I have installed in several of my past vehicles but at a fraction of the cost. Limitations: All components must be new, not used. Quality is very important.

Headunit - Keep factory headunit $0
I like the integration and it's 6 disc changer.

Amp - Rockford Fosgate Power 1000 $550.00 MSRP $1600+
(CEA Specs - 110w x 4 @ 4 Ohms and 930w X 1 @ 1 Ohm)
Unit actually comes with a Rockford Label Snap-on ratching screwdriver.
Source - Ebay

Frt Spkrs - MB Quart RCE-268 $113.00 MSRP $Unknown
(5 x 7 Components)
Source - Ebay

Rr Spkrs - MB Quart DKF-169 $68.00 MSRP $Unknown
(6 x 9)
Source - Ebay

Subs - (2) Alpine SWR-1042D $178.00 pair MSRP Unknown
Source - Ebay

Sub Enclosure - Premade from Ebay $119.99

Fatmat Sounddeadener 100 Sq Ft $89.99
Source - Ebay

Current Project Cost Approx: $1120.00

I am should have the all important piece in a week or two AudioControl DQL-8. There seem to be several opinions on which piece to use for integrating the factory headunit. I looked at the JL Audio piece, it sounded very impressive, as did the Rockford components. I eventually chose the AudioControl piece based on AudioControl's reputation, I have owned several of thier pieces, and the fact that it has adjustable equalization which can be done at the unit's chasis or via a wired dash controller. This was important to me since I don't know what level of equalization Mazda built into the head unit.

System Integration - AudioControl DQL-8 $559.99
Source - Woofersetc.com

Hopefully, it will sound good when completed.

Can't wait to check it out. You went the correct route w/ the DQL-8.

I'm using the LC6i and I'm very happy with it so far. Keep us posted on this.

lc6
 

I wanted to change the head unit, but it was too much money and headache involved. Not to mention that I wanted to keep the steering wheel controls which seemed an afterthought for all aftermarket stereo companies.

Instead, I used an audiocontrol lc6.

I have some 2-way Alpines in the front (which are ok - probably should have gone with something else), phoenix golds in the back - not the greatest, but when you fire up the system, it creates good fill.
A 1 12 inch sub in a 4080 box and a 5 channel Eclipse driving everything. I didn't want to fill the whole trunk up with speakers, so the 4080 box worked out great and only one amp made it work. Plenty of power, good base - can be super loud, and really clear when using cd's. I also hooked up a sirius via PIE aux in and put a switch box on it so that I could use my Ipod, too. I decided to abandon the By the way, the quality on Sirius and an Ipod is far from great. Stick with cd's if you want the highest quality.

But the LC6 was a necessity with the stock head unit.

Good luck with your system.

The DQL-8 is the best decision in that system. The factory HU sucks huge and it becomes extremely apparent after replacing everything else. Having massive amounts of EQ at your disposal will greatly help fixing that problem. Our cars have a rather 'present' high-mid that is impossible to remove with the factory HU alone.

I thought long and hard about going to the DQL-8 or adding a DQS to the LC6 that I already had installed at the time. Instead I replaced the entire HU with the Corksport kit. All said I'm glad I went with replacing everything. My system finally sounds like it should have all this time.

corksport
 

wow, when I was looking to re-do my stereo, I wish corksport was available. This would make the install of an aftermarket so much easier. One dealer wanted $1500 in labor to use an aftermarket stereo and I'd lose the steering wheel functions.

Which stereo did you put in and did you maintain the steering wheel functions?

It looks like you have to use a double-din, which isn't so bad.

And how easy/difficult is the install? you still have to "remove" the stereo from the heating controls - I never did it, but I would hope it was just a matter of undoing some bolts.

Is there a harness that will plug into the mazda harness for the aftermarket head unit?

Steering wheel controls can be maintained by adding in the PAC SWI-X. Its not an end all solution. But it works almost all of the time. Better than nothing at all I suppose.

And I believe you can install a single din unit. Either the corksport kit comes with the extra mounting plate or you can easily pick one up at a local retailer. Read that on here once upon a time. Either way, if you're going to go.... go all the way. Get a double din LCD/DVD/NAV unit with built in hard drive to store MP3s.