http://www.beatsonicusa.com/stereo/s...da/aok-22.html

Beat-Sonic AOK-22 kit for 04-08' RX-8 w/ Bose w/o factory nav.

Has anyone here installed this in their RX-8? If so, please tell me your thoughts on it. Thanks.

 

That installation panel has been available for a long time. My question though, why buy this for $300 instead of the Metra kit? In addition, if you really wanted it, why not buy just the panel for the 50 bucks... or whatever it is... and just run your new headunit's outputs to the stock harness, so it can then be run to the speakers (even easier if you're using just RCA cables to aftermarket amp)? Factory headunit still powers on and A/C still works.

Or maybe equally as interesting.... I wonder if this integration box works better than the shotty Metra kit? Using the Metra kit dash panel and this integration module. hmmmm

 

I'd consider buying this instead of the Metra kit because as you said, the Metra kit is shotty. I would already have the Metra kit if it wasn't for the mixed reviews for it. The price is a bit high for the Beat-Sonic kit which is why no one seems to have it I'm guessing, but I like the fact that it retains the stock A/C, heater control, and clock. Beat-Sonic kit w/o interface adapter is $210 if you just run new head unit outputs to stock harness. Or maybe I'll say the hell with it and get an iPod adapter and forget about a new head unit, I don't know.
BTW Firebirdude, love your post under "New audio reference sticky suggestion thread".

 

Can't blame you for looking into other options. But I know I've seen that panel for under $100 before. Used to be on eBay before the Metra kit was released. Pretty certain I've seen it on other sites as well. Don't remember a brand name or anything though. Just search around. I'm sure you'll find it.

Or just use the iPod adapter. Can't say I like the look of a second headunit up there...
Thanks