The talk about the MP3 player accessory made me wonder if the standard CD player had an external input that a portable MP3 player could be plugged into.

So I asked rx8orders, and they said no. So I guess I'd have to purchase the cassette player and use an adapter if I wanted to plug in my Nomad jukebox.

 

i wasn't sure of the placement of the various components offered so i asked if the cassette player and changer could be had at the same time and mazda said that they could be. so it seems you could go that route for $700.


edit: oops , i see now that you meant the standard single player so just $200 minimum.

 

Unless there happens to be something in the rear for input, then all we'll have is a cassette adapter.

---jps

 

Look into getting an FM modulator. I'd most likely be cheaper than $200, and it'll probably offer the same quality as the cassette adapter. Given the low frequency response of both magnetic tape heads (especially since I'm sure a high quality tape head isn't their primary focus) and radio, I'm sure you will not notice a difference between them. The only downside is that it is one more thing to plug into the cig. adapter, unless you rig it otherwise, which is possible.

I'd recommend, however, to at least look down that path brefore spending $200 for a deck you'll probably never use for more than a cassette adapter.

 

Sometimes anyway, the head unit will have some sort of multi-pin DIN input and output jacks for connecting accessories like casette players, etc. Without accessory components, they'll have dummy plugs stuck in them to keep the signal routed to the head unit for amplification and tone control, etc.

The Fujitsu FM radio on my FB has such a setup; I found a pin diagram, and am going to try to make a cable so I can patch my CD portable directly in. I'm not sure this will work, but if so, maybe a similar thing could be done with the RX-8 head unit.

 

There have been several factory head units over the years that have such inputs, and it is certainly possible to use them in the manner described (different models having different methods of enabling the input, of course).

The one thing about those head units is that they all had an option from the factory for an external device (remember, it doesn't have to have been available in that particular car, since similar head units are sometimes used in different models, as is the case with the RX8/Mazda 6), whether it was an external CD changer in the trunk, or a single CD player mounted below a AM/FM Cassette deck, etc. Since there is no such external device available in any of the cars in hich the RX8 head unit is offered (all of the "modular" items are contained in the head unit, and are not external), the odds of it having an external input in the rear are pretty low.

---jps

 

Its obvious that the casette unit has to link into the system somewhere or you'd have two sets of volume controls, two play buttons etc.

It must connect to the head unit somehow, or at least into the primary amp. It may not be a standard plug but I'm sure something could be rigged connecting to a standard jack socket somewhere on the dash.

 

This is where the "modular" setup comes into play. The next time you get a chance, take a look at the way that the current Miata and Mazda 6 Bose systems are setup. To add a cassette, MD, MP3, or slot-loaded 6 disk changer, you insert a "module" into the head unit, which essentially acts as a "shell". There are basically two "slots". The top one is for the CD or MP3 players, while the bottom is for cassette and MD. I don't remember for sure, but I believe that the 6 disk changer will only take up the top "slot", still leaving room for a MD or tape player.

My point is, all of the connections are done internally, not externally. You're only choice will most likely be "cracking open" the head unit itself, and performing surgery.

---jps

 

Indeed. This has changed in the last couple of years - in my 10AE Miata the cassette deck was a separate unit, though the controls and audio were integrated into the CD player. The two hooked up via a single multi-function connector, and after I removed the cassette deck I always intended to make an adapter to pipe my handsfree phone kit audio through the stereo, though I never actually got around to it. Would've made it a whole lot easier to hear the phone at 80+

But yes, with the current modular design, that interconnection is internal and thus inaccessible. However, all is not yet lost. It's entirely possible that there may yet be some external auxilliary inputs on the back of the unit. Guess it's a case of wait and see.

 

Isn't the NAV system housed in the center of the back seat? This hooks up to the stereo somehow, so I'm sure there is SOME external connection available. I find it hard to believe that would manufacture different head units for Nav/non-Nav cars.

 

Dunno, does it? Is it the type that has voice directions? If not, then there is no reason for it to be hooked up to the head unit. If so, then you've got a point there.

---jps

 

Most if not all of the $2,000.00 USD NAV systems have voice navigation, if the RX-8 doesn't I be very disappointed.

 

Depends, the Nav. system could have its own small speaker system built into it...while that may not be the case, it is possible. I still say the easiest way of doing this is to use an FM modulator...will cost less than the original thought to buy the cassette deck for a tape adapter, while yielding similar sound quality and will be much easier than hacking into the system for those that don't know how, or lack the time, to do so.

 

Hope someone can find that out soon and let us all know. Appreciated.

Cuz I dunno wanna get the MP3 player while I can just plug in my IPod.

 

You best bet it this: MobilePlanet or Radico Shack. I use a PDA too as my MP3 player.