red_rabbit86

so i just got a 04 gt with 36k on the clock. i love the car in everyway, but the factory head unit doesnt have a aux jack for it. i like the stock unit and think it looks just ok in the car. i dont want to lose the factory look. so what i am woundering is did mazda come out with a rx8 audio head unit with incorporated aux jack or should i just go out and buy and after market one. i dont want to mod or cut anything.

laythor

you can install your own aux input.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=site%3Arx8club.com+%22aux+mod%22

bennyblanco2121

iTrader: (1)

If you have the money replace the head unit and it sounds a thousand times better...

Renesis555

iTrader: (8)

+1

Definitely go with an aftermarket head unit. I have usb connection, ipod AND aux input, and it sounds a lot better! you won't regret it

FungsterRacing

iTrader: (4)

Yes, a aftermarket HU would sound better. But the OP is obviously wanting to stick with a factory look, and I can see why; it does look quite nice IMO. Take laythor's advice and just install your own AUX Input. Cheaper and easier.

Good luck!

red_rabbit86

eh i am not really in to heavy sounds i am more about the drive. its just i get tired of changing channels. plus with me being in kind of a new area for me i would like a touch screen nav. i think i will go to the dealer and see if they will put a 2011 head unit. i like the new touch screen mazda is using. i just want the stock look.

RobGraz

I would mention the Metra Kit..

Worked with Dave from Design Concepts and we installed a new metra kit that matches the stock set-up. A new Headunit works WONDERS and to remove the old Unit is pretty easy. Only issue is the hidden bolt which isn't as hard as stated.

Definitely replace. I have a USB front and Aux as well. Using a Sony headunit w/ Metra Kit.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

I would highly recommend doing some searching through the interior/electronics forum. First, audio/nav equipment from the newer Series II RX8's will not fit in the pre-09 RX8's. So the dealer is out. Second, there are about a dozen different methods to integrate any MP3 player you want into your 04. Third, the Metra kit is the only option if you want to move into an aftermarket navigation unit. Runs ~$150 for the kit.

Every question you have, and all the answers here, have been discussed in length previously.

red_rabbit86

o i didnt know that about the gen 2 not fitting in the first gen. i dont mind swaping out with a differnt head unit i just dont want it to look like crap due to the factory stero being so large

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

They don't look too bad with a double din installed


and here's the cheaper single din option:


Either kit is available with the flat black or piano gloss black finish.

Houston Sooner

That 1st Alpine looks sweet but can you control the volume, ect from your steering wheel?

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Extra steering wheel adapter required. About 40 bucks.

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

The (semi)glossy surface of that Metra kit looks so crappy compared to the factory piano black that this alone would steer me towards selecting the non-glossy variant.
Was there any improvement or do they still look the same?

On the other hand, the non-glassy surface looks too bland. Oh well.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Yep. That was folks first complaints when these kits started hitting the shelves. Many people sanded them down and repainted them themselves.

And now we have a whole slew of other complaints. lol

Olorin2

iTrader: (6)

Yeah, it seems Metra improved the finish in later kits. I currently own two of their kits, and the one with the earlier software version has the "orange-peel" look on the face plate. The later version kit that I have in my car now matches the other piano black pieces almost perfectly. I'll get some pics of everything once I'm done working out the bugs and I have the dash completely back together.