Does anyone have any recommendations for setting up audio input in a 2004 Rx-8? Whether it's aux, bluetooth, or USB for iPhone CarPlay, or a whole unit with screen, etc.


I know this website is meant to simply be a repository of old information, and new discussions are heavily discouraged. But maybe someone has a more modern solution for audio in?

 

 

To be fair if you google 90% of issues for Rx8's you will be met with threads 5 posts long where all the responses are "have you tried googling yet?" "Did you even search" "maybe you should try looking first".........Which is kinda comical considering google shows these newer threads first that are only filled with people saying to google stuff. Then eventually someone links a thread or you get some other random saying they have the same issue followed by them describing a completely different issue. Not really surprising most members have been moving to discord or shitty facebook groups.

For Audio I see three main paths

1. Do the simple bluetooth aux dongle that plugs into the stock headunit and hides away. Previously it was the GTA car kit, but i bet there are others now adays.
2. Get a metra kit which you can put a double din radio of your choice. Which will get you a new radio with wireless android auto and all the new tech
3. DIY Get a flip up nav unit and gut it. Then you can install a single din with a 7in touchscreen radio and try to mimic the newer 2020 mazda design where they locate their screen. You would then leave the stock radio for looks or replace it with a gauge panel or something that you 3D print.

 

I found this video with a metra kit and carplay multimedia receiver.
I'm thinking either go all the way and do something like this. $200 for metra kit plus $300 minimum for multimedia receiver.

Or go super cheap with the most simple solution.

I already have a triple gauge pod where the GT models have the flip up nav



Why are you confused??? Did you not search before posting???

 

Go Metra Kit with a new touchscreen head unit
fairly inexpensive in 2025
worth it to get modern amenities such as AA / CP

 

That's what I'm thinking too. I'm looking at the Metra 95-7510HG Dash and Wiring Kit like in that video. Now I just need to figure out which head unit out of all the options.

 

yup, that's the Metra I installed in mine.

you could just do a little more upgrading like I did.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-int...cement-273115/

 

I checked out your thread. Is that maestro kit worth it just for the obd connectivity and gauges? I wonder why crutchfield shows it as incompatible with the rx8. https://www.crutchfield.com/S-asOZEh...ce-Module.html
I went to the idatalink site and it shows it as compatible.

I'm not willing to give up trunk space for sound, but do you think just upgrading the speakers in the doors with those ones is worth it? My car is non-bose.

My current shopping list is looking like:

Sony XAV-AX3700 $350 crutchfield
Maestro ADS-MRR module $140 on ebay
Metra 95-7510HG $140 on crutchfield


I'm likely going to be swapping an LFX in within the next year when my engine fails harder than it is now.

 

upgrading the door speakers, especially if you power them correctly (amp), makes a huge difference in the car.
I think Crutchfield says it's incompatible because it assumes you're keeping the stock head unit

 

I ended up just ordering the Sony AX6000 for $550. I just dropped $1200 on a set of Michelin Pilot 4 S, which will only last 20k miles at most, so I figured it wouldn't make sense to spend money on a wear item and not a permanent one, (until it gets stolen).

Also ordered the maestro rr, not the rr2 like you did. I think the rr2 is just for newer cars, so I don't think there's any difference in the rx8.

The 6000 has a built-in internal amp of 20 watts, so I assume that will be fine for upgraded speakers too. I'm taking a look at speakers now, but I want to wait to hear what it sounds like with just the head unit upgrade first.