Help choosing new HU

[tysonm 0]

I just bought a 2011 Mazda 3 and I am getting a HU but I need help on which one would be the best bang for my buck. Now I'm not looking for something cheap quality, but something hopefully below $250 if it's a single din and if it's a double, then below $400 if possible.

What my main concerns in a HU are is that it has an AUX in, 4V or higher, subwoofer, preferably lots of options to customize my speakers sounds, such as EQ, Bass, Treble, and all that jazz.

If I do get a double din, it should fit in this, shouldn't it? http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2010-mazda-3-4dr-sdn-auto-i-touring-photos.htm?photo=1745325&perspective=interior

Features which I would really like and would be a huge plus:

Touch screen

BlueTooth

DVD player

Navigation

Edited March 22, 2011 by Crash

[RaTtLz 3]

Hey crash, In my experience, I have used Pioneer, Sony, Kenwood and JVC and Alpine. To date I have a Pioneer that has all the sound options I could want. I think a good starting place for you would be to go to crutchfield.com where you can imput your car and they will recommend you a player and if it fits in your ride. you can also select from various brands to get exactly what your looking for. Hope this helps a little.

[S.DeYoung 968]

I just bought a 2011 Mazda 3 and I am getting a HU but I need help on which one would be the best bang for my buck. Now I'm not looking for something cheap quality, but something hopefully below $250 if it's a single din and if it's a double, then below $400 if possible.

What my main concerns in a HU are is that it has an AUX in, 4V or higher, subwoofer, preferably lots of options to customize my speakers sounds, such as EQ, Bass, Treble, and all that jazz.

If I do get a double din, it should fit in this, shouldn't it? http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2010-mazda-3-4dr-sdn-auto-i-touring-photos.htm?photo=1745325&perspective=interior

Features which I would really like and would be a huge plus:

Touch screen

BlueTooth

DVD player

Navigation

Double din does fit in your vehicle. Don't be concerned to much with the 4v outputs, as the input gain on amplifiers can be adjusted to the level on your headunit. Pioneer makes plenty of options in your single din budget. You may have to go to $450-$500 for the double din size.

[edouble101 314]

I have a Kenwod KDC-x994. I do not recommend it. There are many known issues with it that have been discussed on diyma.

Right now you can get good deals on leftover 2010 models. Shop around!

[tysonm 0]

I have owned a few different single din's but never have had a double din or touchscreen, so for the people with experience with the double din's, what do you prefer between a single and a double din?

[djjdnap 78]

pioneer avh 3200, good HU

just need a relay to watch vids while not in park.

reverse input

iphone/pod ready

low/hgh rca inputs

video input and output

i have the 3100 without bluetooth and paid the same price as the new one, since i bought mnes before they came out with 3200

no navigation though, might be a module you can buy though.

used for 289$

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-P3200BT-Dash-Multimedia-Receiver/dp/B00385I7TU

[tysonm 0]

Because of my job I drive a lot to several locations sometimes 5 a day which I think it's time to throw the portable GPS out and just get a HU that has it built in. The 3200 is very reasonably priced, but I can't justify paying $300 more for there GPS unit making it a $700+ unit. Is there any double din units out there with the EQ options, GPS, and Ipod (or aux input) for under $500?

Any other options are just going to be a plus, making me feel like I'm getting more bang for my buck haha which is always a good feeling.

[sefugi 166]

I don't think you'll find what your wanting w/GPS for that kind of $.

I recently purchased my son a AVH-P3200BT it has all you ask for accept for the GPS for about 315.

We built the relay for the parking brake bypass (easy to do)

It has 4 volt output and built in crossover

Really nice unit.

Good Luck!

[samuel6731 2]

pioneer 3200/4200....

the 3200 you can find for only about 250-300

the 3200 blue tooth is about 350-400

sonicelectronix is the cheapest iv seen them without buying used...

yes, you will need a relay to watch videos if your not in park, but if you the the experience you can just a put a store bought toggle switch on it (like i did) just watch youtube vids that show you how.

it has a decent equalizer for custom settings, usb, aux in, touch screen is very accurate and sensative

but for the $ i think the 3200bt i have now has the best quality for price i paid 320 for it

[tysonm 0]

I think I am going to just buy the 3200bt and just use my portable GPS

Two more questions though before I purchase this unit. I just looked for like 30 minutes and couldn't find anything about what Pioneers Warranty is on car audio? Amazon is asking $326 shipped for this unit which is cheap so don't get me wrong, but the more money I can save the better, so does anyone know if anyone else sells them cheaper than Amazon brand new?

[djjdnap 78]

dont think so.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=AVH-P3200BT&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=8181117412733415354&sa=X&ei=T4eLTc2CFMW3twfS_ZTqDQ&ved=0CFkQgggwAA#

[tysonm 0]

Ok, that's fine. What is Pioneers Manufacturer Warranty on Car Audio?

[tysonm 0]

On crutchfield it shows 1 year so I'm assuming that is what the warranty is from amazon as well.

My next questions are:

1. Do they make a wire harness kit for the 2010 mazda 3, I see lots for the 09's but haven't seen any specifically for the 2010-11

2. I saw a video a few days ago but can't seem to find it again, but it showed instead of soldering the wires together they had a small wire casing that you could take two ends of wire and put them into the casing and you screw (twist) together the two plastic pieces and they said it was as good as soldering the wires together, where can I buy these at?

3. Do they make a dash kit in Silver for the 2010-11 mazda 3?

[bassahaulic 155]

Check this out man, Sony Double din W/ Nav, Back up Camera, iPod cable, & Blue Tooth

AND it has a 7 band EQ.

Please people, DO NOT instantaly say this radio is shit because of it's Sony. Their double dins have gotten VERY good as of lately.