Tazman

After seeing all the posts on the PhatNoise, I decided to ask Mazda USA if there was a release date yet for this accessory. Since they list it as an accessory I would think they would at least have a release date. So I sent an email off to Mazda USA.

They responded quickly. Three paragraphs of marketing talk (that I do not need since I already own the car) that whittles down to "No, there is no date yet". (Heaven forbid they have to reprint the brochure!!!)

Here is the response

Thanks for contacting Mazda.

It's not uncommon that an Accessory will be listed in a Model Year Accessory Brochure when it is still being finalized. This is done as to not necessitate a re-print of the Brochure upon availability and to generate enthusiasm for an upcoming product. There are also times when our dedication to offering products that we can ensure the suitability and quality of will force us to delay release while working out the last details of a product. Further, there are also times when changes must be made to expected product launches, including the possibility of changing the distributor (if not a Mazda designed product, like this one). Again, this is always done with carful measure regarding the quality of products that we offer. In other words, we'd much rather delay or discontinue an accessory than to release one that does not live up to our expectations.

Currently, there is not a noted release date for the Phat Noise Accessory. Be assured, through, we will not sacrifice quality and the certainty of a suitable product for the the purpose of rushing an accessory's release. Stay in touch with your local dealership for update in the coming months, as they will be the first and fastest to receive this information (as they are the only party that this item can be obtained through).

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda. It has been my pleasure to assist you. Please take a moment to give us your opinion about our e-mail service. Click or paste the link below to complete a brief, online survey.

Trumpy

I emailed Phatnoise the other day and they basically told me to contact Mazda.

Has anyone heard anything from Mazda lately? I saw you could order a $45 kit, but I highly doubt that is available or that it's anything but some type of wireing harness.

I do have a friend that bought a Phatnoise system for a Volkswagon and went to a Phatnoise hack website and they had software to make it work with the Kenwood he had in his Dodge Truck. I wonder if something similar could work (all there would need to be is some type of adapter).

Anyway, anyone have any other suggestions for leaving the stock radio and having a MP3 jukebox with 1) stereo controls and 2) hopefully no FM modulation 3) preferably heads up through deck or a small controller mounted somewhere
and minimal installation.

I know that's all pretty much impossible, but I'm just not sure what's out there.

Thanks everyone,

truemagellen

sorry guys but Phatnoise is a rip off...there are MUCH better options out there...don't get ripped off by mazda that is if this thing is ever released

clyde

Not sure what you're smoking, but you're way, way off on this. The vaporware status of the Mazda compatible PhatBox is a dissapointing annoyance, but after ~4 years of availability on some other makes, there is still nothing that comes close to being as good. I've had a PhatBox in my other car for over three years and as a total package it aboslutely blows away every other in car MP3 solution that I've seen. The only two knocks on it are price and availability.

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

How about getting an OmniFi? I know it's discontinued but it still looks like a nice product and now it can be had with significant discount. There were posts here about it being sold for $200. Not bad for a 20 GB HD-based player.

truemagellen

good point...in fact they had the FULL Omnifi kit on woot.com for $99 a week or two ago

also you still have to pay for an aux in...pie or syflex auxmod just factor that in

I still think a portable mp3 player is the way togo...for instance the Zen Xtra can be had for $200 then add an aux in and you are good to go...much easier to transfer music too :D

I'm personally partial to the in car computer though (in car modded xbox music/video/games server for me)

Trumpy

I've read several of the posts, I even went to the web site.

Can someone direct me to a tread or something that clearly tells me what a PIE adapter can and cannot do.

Some postings make me think it can only deliver audio, others make me think it allows for stereo controls. I think one said it chops onions without tears.

Also how does it interface? I saw some pictures of someone taking their radio out and I saw 3 plugs. One was for the ant. and there were two others that were being used. some of the threads read like there was a din or some type of adapter plug back there.

On the Phat side.... I emailed Mazda (like the gentleman before) and I got a blah blah blah coming soon message. They must not be too desparate to get the thing out.

Thanks for the help in advance

Trump

truemagellen

brief summary

there is a PIE box (Maz/Alp pIE)...it can be coupled with a few options:

1. 6 disc alpine changer (or any other M-bus protocol changer by alpine) plug and play (may require m-bus extender cable if needed)

2. Mbus din to RCA: turns PIE into a simple auxilary input, plug and play

3. Mbus din to 3.5mm same as 2 but with headphone jack]

4. Icelink Ipod controller/aux in...gives aux in and simple audio control of an ipod

Any of these options plugs into the pie box which plugs into the rear of the head unit (rx-8 factory stereo)...the box is plug and play...there is only one open connector on the back ...plug it in tight and you are done...removal of Head unit is easy but non traditional

best place to buy the PIE unit and the Mbus dins (3.5, rca, or changer extender cable) is www.mazdaparts.com who supports this forum and happens to have one of if not the best prices out there

as for the icelink...there is a PIE branded variant which is a clone...just as good and there is the icelink original module...both are VERY expensive and kind of tricky to use...also IPod generation specific

things to note...if u have the Mazda sirius sat radio you cannot use this as the port is used or u can disconnect the sat radio...also if you have an 04 RX-8 with pre-9.55 firmware you will need to upgrade as the PIE unit will not work with it

The advantage of PIE is plug and play ability and CRYSTAL CLEAR audio...no Ground loops which means no hum, no feedback, nothing!

Good luck!

ps. I don't think phatbox is never coming btw...I bet Mazda dumped it as it would tank

flyboyindy

Gee...for someone that claims to have a life, you sure do spend alot of time on here Jason...

and for everyone else, dont mind Jason, this is the person that said he would NEVER have a Revi, yet he is getting one now anyways...

truemagellen

if u install it bitch

who figured out your xbox powersupply replacement hmmm??? 3rd person in the world with the technology and you still complain! :p

mazradiodoc

Lets all get one thing straight, and this applies to every OEM product made in Japan. The Phatbox and/or any equipment will not show up unless MOTHER Japan says so.! MNAO is just a yes man - messanger to Mazda Japan.

If Phat box was a Japanese company, it would be an option already. I now its hard to believe there might be a good old boys club in Japan. Hay keep going to MNAO and im sure they will pass your concerns along to MOM.

flyboyindy

lol... youre such a mess... and where u getting the free Revi from anyways?

truemagellen

not top priority, a laser jammer is...purchase in the next two weeks

arexeight

iTrader: (1)

The PhatNoise Audio Storage System is HERE! $600
https://secure.eunos.net/cgi/finish/...n&key=RX081083

truemagellen

hahahahaha what an ubelieveable ripoff!!!! hahahahahahaha I can't even believe mazda went through with this thing

you've got to be on crack to pay $600 for that...other options:

-60 gig ipod with aux input and nice remote, still have $200 or so left over
-simple Carpc with nice LCD monitor...more storage than the phatnoise and wifi capable if so desired for wireless transmission of songs from PC nice part is you can have a beautiful interface/bluetooth phone capable/GPS upgradeable everything
-Modded xbox (essentially a car pc) with Xbox media Center, based on current prices of a cheap used xbox + Allandin $12 mod chip + hard drive for $150 you can have the xbox modded w/160gig hard drive then you need an lcd monitor $150 - 200 for a decent one...wopping total of 350 AT MOST! hmmm 250 to spare and wifi capable for $10 bucks more

Mazda is mocking us with this price....imagine what this thing costs at a dealership too...not Rosenthal's discounted price?????

So a big FU to Mazda on this one...this is almost as pathetic as the NAV disc update but I'm less suprised about this.

Davey's RX-8

iTrader: (1)

Aside from the stupidity of buying phatnoise over an ipod, if you must have one, buyt the kenwood keg on ebay, it's the same thing.

truemagellen

good point Davey

further proof Mazda can suck my salty *****