fallenturtle

Finally got to test drive a Mazda 3 this weekend and I'm totally psyched about getting one... but I am annoyed with the way all the extra's are packaged up. For example, I have no need for a cd-changer but I do want a sunroof...

But anyway, that's not really my question. For some reason I can't find solid confirmation on this question.... does the factory single disk cd player play CDs with mp3s on them or does only the changer? Also, does the audio aux in port standard on all 07s at this point?

Thanks!

icspots

None, repeat, NONE of the standard CD players in the Mz3 play Mp3s. Like you said there's an optional (i.e. you buy it from your dealer) 6CD/Mp3 player that runs somewhere around $450. In '04-'05 there was a single disc Mp3 player available (again as an option) but as there are harness differences for the HU those won't work in your car.

So if you end up going for the sunroof don't be surprised that the changer doesn't play Mp3s. My suggestion is if you really want the Mp3 capability then have the dealer add the price of the HU into your sale price so you can finance the stereo as well.... just make sure they give you the stereo it came with too since they'd probably try to keep it!

Also yes all 2007 models come with the ACI. Bear in mind that if you're charging something while you're playing it then you'll need to get a ground loop isolator to avoid alternator whine.

Also if you have an ipod (like 80% of people out there with Mp3 players) then there are lots of integration solutions for them with our car.

fallenturtle

Ah, I didn't realize that was a dealer-installed option only. The one I test drove had it so I figured all the 6-disk changers in the 07 line were mp3.

I really liked the fact that it had the lighter socket and the aux-in in the arm rest... but that seems like a stupid design if that causes alternator whine.

jzoomer

my 07' 3 plays mp3's and its base model

icspots

Hmmm, it's possible that mazda's changed the options. It's also possible that the dealer installed the changer for you.

Now you are saying you're putting Mp3's onto a CD and it's playing them, right? Just straight Mp3 format.

jzoomer

no changer just a single disc.......and yes cd in mp3 format...all i have is mp3 format cd's

fallenturtle

ooooo.. well that's certainly good news...

of course then I can't use it as an excuse to get a sunroof. Seriously, what an annoying package limitation. Heck, I wish I could get the Touring with the updated Bose system that's only available in the Grand Touring.

jzoomer

noooo dont waste money on bose please.....go aftermarket for less money and wayy better i promise bose is ok for stock but way to much and way to crappy compaired to aftermarket

fallenturtle

That's true... I just don't like the after market kits for the Mazda 3, so I was trying to stick with OEM.

Maybe I'll just buy an amp and better speakers.

jzoomer

you dont have to change cd player to have good sound....... just upgrade speakers and add a lil amp with a converter stock look way better sound

J-Protege

I still have my original Protege speakers (6 way surround).

When I first got the car, they sounded horrible and buzzy when turned up. However, replacing the cd player with a better one from Alpine, plus a sub amp+subs, made the regular speakers awesome!

The stock speakers are great if you power them propperly, and turn the bass right to zero. Just let the sub do all the base, and you'll get alot of improvment from the stock speakers.

jzoomer

hate to sound like a *** but you just made them sound "BETTER" not awsome if you thought that sounded awsome my car would blow your mind man turning the bass down will help with the distortion aspect but nothing can help the clarity of a stock speaker you can put crossovers, filters, and even a 1000 band EQ, and you still will not even come close to "AWSOME" if you listen to classical music in my car you can hear the sax player take breathe that is how clear it is every single note as origionally intended.......again sorry for sounding like an ***......every one has their own opinion if we all thought the same this forum would not exist....and i love clarity in my music but you just may want to be able to understand the works...it that is the case and you dont want to get rid of the stock cd player replace the door speakers and amplify....if you dont mind changing the cd do as
j-protege said and sub and cd player makes a big difference as well......

K-Zoom

All ... I have a couple Infinity Perfect 12"s I wanna put in the Mazda3 with my Fosgate amp ... but I haven't looked at the wiring possibilities yet ... I assume I'll need to run the amp from speaker wires (since I only have the stock head unit (for now), so RCA's shouldn't be an issue ... but I was wondering what length of power and ground cables I should plan on acquiring?

Also, any suggestions as to where to run the power/ground through the 3? Thoughts?

jzoomer

you best bet is to tap wires behind the hu...and as for whrere to run it...i took the battery box out and drilled behind there that is the only place i could find access to...DO NOT RUN IT THROUGH THE FENDER...and as for the size just buy a kit that will suffice and be cheaper and you will have the rca's for if you change your hu

Michael Desrosiers

Is it possible to just replace the CD player on a Mazda3 07 and not have to replace the entire unit?? If so....any advice?