The Bose system is nice, but it can't beat the Clarion/Infinity/Pioneer/Kenwood monstrosity I have in my Passat. Eventually I will have to pull it out and put something in it that I like better. Does anyone make a replacement center-console panel with a single- or double-DIN hole for the 2009+ RX-8?

How about an adapter unit for the steering wheel buttons? They're not terribly complicated, it seems like the signal from those buttons could be passed fairly easily to an aftermarket headunit that has wired-remote functionality built-in.

 

http://www.corksport.com/mazda-j-spe...09-up-rx8.html

 

The Metra kit worked great for me via Crutchfield. They even had a sale recently where you got the kit for half price if you bought the stereo from them. I only paid $75 for mine.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1209575...k.html?tp=3486

 

he has an 09

 

Oh duh - yeah sorry that was for 04 model. I waited a long time to finally upgrade my Bose and now I wonder why I waited so long. Huge difference. Went with Pioneer 3200DVD.

 

I've heard the Metra name before, when I was looking for a square-hole dash kit for my dad's 2007 MX-5. I wouldn't be surprised if they get around to releasing a 2009+ kit for my car soon.

Out of curiosity, what size are the woofers in the 2009 RX-8? The grilles are huge.

 

...of course, that J-spec 2-din dash panel looks damn nice. It doesn't come with mounting rails though; does the stock stereo mount into a 2-DIN hole behind the custom dash panel, or does it have some cheesy custom mounting setup?

 

Got a metra kit for my 09 for $45 off of eBay.

 

The speakers are the same as other years. 6x8 for the standard radio and 9 for the Bose. All of which such ***.