J_Owens

does the stock head unit play mp3's?

J_Owens

i dont see why other mfgr's havnt bought the one for the rx-8 use it as a mold and make more to sell for cheaper, sounds easy enough, maybe not?

Faxie

Stock HU doesn't play mp3. You can buy another one from Mazda, however that one's not cheap as well and you lose the 6 CD changer.

Why other manufacturers don't copy? ... maybe it had to do something with patents, or maybe the market just isn't big enough.

I Think it's expensive as well, but it's the best option. I don't think a self made cover would look as good. And don't forget the adapters, wires, and frames.... those aren't cheap as well.

arcX-8

It's not just the dash pieces. The HVAC controls are a physical part of the stock HU. To use a non stock HU the circuit board needs to be either removed and remote mounted with wires running back to your dash, or simply completely replicated as is the case with this kit. There are several threads where people had a shop fabricate the dash pieces and ended up paying well over a grand for the install. That's without the price of the new HU mind you. If you have the Bose speakers you are doubly screwed because it uses a funky wiring harness. Clearly this kit is aimed at people who want to get a nice HU and will most definetely end up spending more money on a new HU than on the kit. How exactly do you figure a shop could do this at better quality? Personally I can't wait to get rid of my stock radio as it is quite simply atrocious, and that to me is well worth the price of admission.




Others have tried and failed. This is the only one that came through. Not only that, but they actually re-designed the thing for the US market specifically. Another well known company is Metra but they have never made one for the RX-8. I guess the market was'nt big enough for them to do this.

This thread has a lot of answers to your questions.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-interior-audio-electronics-24/avic-d3-install-corksport-rx-8-kit-115581/

J_Owens

oh ok, well i dont think the stock system would bother me, i had a nice big system in my 350z it was nice but not really neccessary, and dont really bump my music like crazy i wouldnt mind stock just dont want to make a bunch of cd's with only 15-19 songs when i can just have 1 with a ton of songs on it you know? i was looking at ipod integration systems, anyone have any input on those?

arcX-8

Yeah I know exactly what you mean. My previous car had an HU that would play mp3 cds. It worked well enough, but was kind of slow in searching and fast forwarding and such. I'm using an ipod adapter in the RX-8 now and it works pretty well. It has some quirks though. It does not display track names, and it is limited to five playlists although this might have been fixed in the meantime. In cold weather it becomes non-responsive. I don't know why. I've checked the connections many times. My guess is it's simply shoddy construction wether it's the HU the cable or the adapter. It does allow you to use the steering wheel controls though. That's another reason why I'm so eager to get this kit. There are better ipod integration options available with non OEM HUs. Now if only HU and media player manufactuers would come up with a connection standard so not everything is tied to apple I would be really happy.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Let's suppose the HVAC control were NOT intergreted, having a shop fab you up a decent looking dash piece around your aftermarket radio and A/C controls would probably cost you several hundred dollars anyway. And will probably not look truely 100% perfect. Wouldn't be saving much. And the fact remains the HVAC controls are indeed integrated. The kit is the best deal on the market now. Sucks it's expensive compared to any other car, but it's our best option.

Also, most of us are adding a high end double din unit with navigation. Probably all over that $1500 mark.

I recommend the Audiolink iPod interface unit. I have used it for about a year now. No issues in cold weather for me. Don't know what arcX-8 is talking about.

J_Owens

ok cool thanks, thats what i think im going to do is just get the adiolink kit, how come you are doing a double din with navigation? dont like the stock nav? or do u have a non nav model?

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Non nav. Plus I'm kinda big into audio..... 3 pairs of 5V RCAs are tempting versus using a line output convertor. Being able to play DVDs is only a bonus.

WikkedOne

firebird - going directly from the HU to the amps is definitely the way to go - i am using a 4 channel RCA (one cable with 4 rca ends on both sides) for my interior amp and another 2 channel rca for my subs.. it doesn't get any easier than that.

robel82

is it too late to get in on this? I want one.

shinka213

Ive got one of these kits...its awesome, fitment is great and the piano black is a perfect match....the price seemed tolerable too untill i started adding the accessories..

some other things to consider:

i didnt purchase the other items, ie the bose adapter and steering wheel interface as they seemed to be overpriced...i got my steering wheel interface on ebay for next to nothing (make sure which ever one you get its compatible with the new HU youre putting in)...my installer didnt need the bose adapter, he used something else..

robel82

It looks like you guys arent ordering 'til the 8th so sign me up too.

How long do things usually take to ship? I'll pay for faster shipping. I just want it before the 16th.

1. 8xr
2. Firebirdude
3. laythor
4. tiger football
5. dimigon (10% off online price)
6. coolstorm92
7. babohan
8. widds2v
9. c41250n
10. VarneyMazda (15% off online price)
11. arcX-8
12. Babo4u
13. rival8
14. d j
15. robel82

Faxie

I wasn't on the list yet...

1. 8xr
2. Firebirdude
3. laythor
4. tiger football
5. dimigon (10% off online price)
6. coolstorm92
7. babohan
8. widds2v
9. c41250n
10. VarneyMazda (15% off online price)
11. arcX-8
12. Babo4u
13. rival8
14. d j
15. robel82
16. Faxie

Tigerfootball

sounds like we are getting a good list here. 8xr, are we going to be able to get more of a discount with more buyers?

moo2

I PM'd 8xr to add my name to the list as well...so now there's 17 of us.

8xr

iTrader: (1)

I didn't really find it necessary for any more updates the the list. We have plenty of buyers and I will be posting the promotion code on the forum sometime on Friday afternoon. That way you guys will have 24 hours until Saturday afternoon to make the purchase. Just remember not to miss the 24 hour window.

Thanks,
James

WikkedOne

If anybody is near the Los Angeles area and would like some help installing I have already done the corksport kit and in fact have done my entire system myself and know the ins and out of the RX8 audio pretty well - just send me a PM

ravis217

Sign me up, i'm ready to buy one.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

If we were getting 10% off with 5 people and 15% off with 10 people..... I think 20% off at 20 people is reasonable to ask. I realize markup may/or may not be very big, but that's 10 additional orders. Come on....

Faxie

It's worth a shot offcourse :D

8xr

iTrader: (1)

So it's go time tomorrow fellas, I will get the promotion code from our rep and will also ask for a deeper discount if possible. It is guaranteed at 15% but I will turn on my charm LOL. Anyway look for updates after 5PM tomorrow night or after 6PM too much traffic on the I-5 North. Send me a PM if anyone plans to flake or has any other questions.

Thanks,
James

mdr

Lets us know if they go for 20% at 20 buys if they do I am in.

JJWASH45

Can i still get in???? Im ready to pay.....

Hope i can... I just saw the thread for the first time today

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Anyone can get in as long as the 24-hour window has not expired. According to 8xr's post, should start right around 4-5pm tonight (Friday) and go until 4-5pm Saturday. Anyone wanting in after that time is out of luck. Looks like you just squeezed in.

My question.... I assume 4-5pm Pacific time huh? 7-8pm for us East Coast guys.