I am tired of changing my single disc CD player and was considering options. I would prefer having access to my iPod Mini at all times, however it seems like most options to attain this (AuxMod, AudioLink, etc) are a little more difficult to install and not as "clean" as a 6 disc changer would be. I havent had much experience with installing stereo systems, but wanted to start getting some hands on experience with my car and figured there is no time like the present. I am talking to the ebay guy who everyone seems to be pretty pleased with over his OEM 6 disc changer, and one option I was thinking about was getting the changer now and AuxMod Advance if/when it comes out. Anyway, any input on installation difficulty, "clean" lines, and mp3 options would be helpful.

Thanks in advance.

P.S. - Please dont tell me to search. I spend about 3 hours a day on this forum while at work.

 

Search!


Sorry I couldn't help it.

Anyways... The 6cd changer is nice.. if your into that sorta thing. the auxmod is easier to install and can give you the same clean look if you do it right. Just depeneds how and where you do the phonojack input.

If I were you I would get an OEM MP3 CD player.. just like the 6cd except it playes MP3 CDs (you can fit about 10 regular CDs on one MP3 disk more or less depending on quality of the MP3). It's the same install too - just take the HU out and pull the cd player part off and put a new CD player on. That was the very first mod to my car and it's worth EVERY penny.

Link to Mazda USA

 

i would choose the MP3 CD player as well, you can carry A LOT MORE songs on a single MP3 CD-R than 6 regular audio CDs...

 

If you're planning on getting the Auxmod Advanced, you should get the regular Auxmod now.
It's cheaper than an mp3 CD player, and you'll have all your music available w/o having to make mp3 cd's.
It's not hard to change.
There is a DIY on the stereo removal which is very helpful. http://www.finishlineperformance.com...3-03-1230a.pdf
I've removed and replaced the stereo in about 5 different 8's.
If you need some tips, pm me.

Re: Install -
It's easier to do the Auxmod than replace the cd player. Neither one is hard to do, but the Auxmod is easier.

Re: Clean Look -
As mentioned above, the look depends on where you run to line to.
I have mine sitting in the cup holder tray.
Others put it in the glove box or by the ashtray.

Again, if you're planning on going Auxmod eventually, doing this now means you only replace one piece later and everything else is set.
The MP3 CD player is $270 from Rosenthal.
For that price, you can get a hookup for you iPod, and some fancy holder for a clean look and still spend less than half the cost of the MP3 CD Player.

BTW - Regarding the 6-disc vs. the MP3 CD Player. MP3 CD Player all the way.
Holds much more music, and no loading times when you want to hear another disc. My car came with a 6-disc which I quickly changed for a MP3 cd. Now I have an aftermarket DVD/CD headunit and only use my 40gb MP3 player or the radio.

- Cesar -

 

I installed my own OEM 6 CD changer. The biggest issue is getting the head unit out of the dash without scratching anything. The rest is easy. Note that you need to also buy the 6CD face plate to get the install instructions, unless you can find them posted on this site.

The 6CD changer works well, particularly if you don't want to convert your existing CDs to MP3 files. Plus you can mix/match any 6 CDs vs copying 6 CDs of files to a single MP3 CDROM. Obviously personal preference.

 

one more vote for "some mp3 thingy" if your not going pod. My 8 came with the 6 cd changer.... hated changing cd's... and 1 cd full of mp3's = more songs than 6 standard cd's. Since you already have an ipod, your collection is already mp3. Why make regular cd's when you dont have to? Seems like an easy answer to me!