I have noticed through lots of reading of lots of posts that people have to main complaints about the 8's audio, lack of bass and the issues with ipod connection. Both of these problems are ones I completely agree with, and am looking to rectify. In all my posts I found alot of discussion about the audiolink option for the ipod, and none of which made it any clearer about the install. I have an 04 with the 6 disc bose sound system but no satellite radio. Alot of posts I read seemed to imply that I cant use the audiolink with my car. I checked and have the 9.55 thing (not really sure why that matters but read that it does) so that seemed to check out (also from readings) My question is that does the audiolink just plug right into the back of the HU? I havent taken the dash apart and dont intend to do so unless there is something to do it for. My 06 Nissan has the aux port built into the car, and the aftermarket HU that i installed in that also had it on the face. So I am in unclear waters as far as what to do with this one because of the design mazda did with the radio. Help would be nice.

 

This may be a smidge OT but I bought an "AudioLink" off of eBay (shipping from HK ended up being as much as the item) that plugged into my stereo's changer port (my bose system doesn't have a changer) and in return gives you a USB, SD, and stereo in jack.

My audiolink is really cool in that via the USB (flash drive) and SD cards, you create a series of directories (CD01, CD02, etc - through CD06) and put up to 99 songs in each. Then the stereo plays mp3s/wmas in them as if they were tracks from the 6 disc changer. The stereo in jack works well with my eeepc, particularly when I'm using media player and running iNav iGuidance.

If you do a google search for "ipod rx8" you'll find a nice write-up where a guy actually did some soldering to ipod integrate his stereo... Mixed in with his ipod rambling are a bunch of pictures that step you through removing the radio... and then there are probably some similar threads here in the DIY section.

 

The Audiolink, DICE, Neo, and OEM Mazda all plug into the external CD Changer port on the back of your head unit. On 05's and up, this same port is used for the factory SAT radio, so on newer vehicles, you cannot hook these up and keep the SAT radio function.

There are many posts outlining how to get at the back of the radio, but I've removed mine a few times and it's really not difficult at all. Take the glove box out to make life easier, as you can then get your hand in behind there to shove the head unit out once the screws and "hidden" bolt are removed. You do not need to unplug all of the wiring for the radio, just the plug-ins for the HVAC controls. This will allow you to pull the head unit out far enough to get your hand in behind and plug the interface cable into the port.

The first three units I listed in the first paragraph all allow direct control of the iPod while it's plugged in, while the OEM Mazda unit does not. They all allow direct control from your head unit and steering wheel controls. None of them (on your stereo) will permit text display - that only works on the DICE and Neo units and only on head units with the OEM SAT radio button.

There's also the Axxess iPod kit which plugs into the TAPE/MD port on the underside of the head unit - this would allow the external CD changer port to remain free for anyone with the OEM SAT radio. It also displays text on the head unit, but does not permit direct control of the iPod while plugged in.

Hope this helps.

 

I just bought the DICE R2 adapter. Just wondering how people thought this held up against the other options? I'm not planning on returning it but was just interested in hearing peoples opinions.

 

thnx for the help for once a clear answer thnx goose