New car, should I get an aftermaket head unit ?

[Notorious97200 339]

Hi guys,

 

I'm about to get a brand new Mazda CX-5 : I already made a big payment on it, I need to sell my Toyota auris.

This Mazda has no Bose option, nothing too fancy.

 

Should I get an aftermarket head unit or keep the factory one. I will run my 2 amps on my speakers : one IA 20.1 and a 3.4

 

1) I can use my current Pioneer 9300 sd, and still have my steering wheel control, with an additionnal Pioneer or a PAC module. It seems easy.

 

2) I can keep the factory head unit and add a processor or a line driver, whatever, to run my both amplifiers.

 

What would you do ?

I don't need bluetooth, I don't know yet for any rear camera, but I may need it later. It will be my first SUV, I don't know what I will need.

 

If you have any tip for this car, let me know please !

 

[Julian 641]

It all depends really, if you have an integrated dash, your dash kit is going to be very expensive. If price isn't an obstacle I would just go for the aftermarket head unit.

[pmureika 31]

Is it a 2015 or a 2014?

[KenC210 3]

Get yourself a processor. Chances are you won't be using the audio settings anyway. If you have Bluetooth, usb/aux, satellite radio, or other amenities then no real need for an aftermarket radio.

Edited August 25, 2014 by KenC210

[Notorious97200 339]

No need for satellite radio in my area, I don't need bluetooth.

No integrated dash. The kit is cheap.

 

It's not a matter of money. I already have a Pioneer h u that I can use, or sell with mu current car.

I don't know what "processor" I can use with the factory head unit. I need one I could use if I ever decide to install an aftermarket deck later.

[Notorious97200 339]

I have the Mazda now ! I have parking radar display on the head unit screen.

Do you think I can get the same info with a double DIN Pioneer head unit ? I have the Pioneer gear to keep all factory steering wheel fonctions.

[altoncustomtech 773]

As long as the aftermarket unit has an input for the rearview camera then it won't be an issue.  The Kenwood DDX771 in my Traverse has it, plus a reverse trigger wire.  The display switches to the camera automatically when it's put in reverse without affecting whatever is playing/going on at the time.  It's quite nice.

[Notorious97200 339]

Ok thanks !

I'll probably get a Pioneer 8600 bt then !

600 € to find :-(

[Notorious97200 339]

Finally I bought a 5600 Pioneer double din. It fits really well !

I have a few pics in my buil log : "My first SUV gets a sound system".

[Notorious97200 339]

[Notorious97200 339]

Fits like a glove !

 

I want to buy a processor, now. Audison bit one and JBL ms-8 are too expensive for me, I think I will get a mini-dsp.

I have one concern about the mini-dsp : I don't know yet how to control the subwoofer with it. I understand how it works on a 2 way speakers set, but I guess I need a second mini-dsp for the subwoofer.

Am I right or not ?

[jcarter1885 995]

Yes you would need a second mini-dsp for subwoofer unless you want to use the IA20.1s crossover features.

[Notorious97200 339]

So far I only use the features on the head unit, and set the LPF to 80 Hz.

I don't use the ones on the IA 20.1 Do you think it can be a better choice to use the amplifier settings ?

 

I think I'll get only one mini-dsp.
I did not want no processor at first, but now I know it can be a very good thing to my system. but I don't want to use 2 different equipments when only one can do it for me !

[jcarter1885 995]

If you're already using the headunit for your sub then keep it that way. Yeah no need for 2 mini dsp's, just get one for your front stage so you can run active.