Okay, my stock radio unit is fried so I decided to use this opportunity to finally install an aftermarket HU. I'm going with the Metra kit and a Sony receiver.


Is there anything else that I need to purchase to install it, or anything else you all recommend?

 

First, you selected the double-din kit and plan on using a single-din receiver. This will not work. Next, you selected the flat black version of the kit. It's up to you, but nearly everyone prefers the high gloss.

is the kit you want. And you might think about looking at the Pioneer DEH-P8300UB. Much better headunit. Goes for ~$150 shipped on Amazon and ~$138 shipped off eBay. I would also recommend if you want your steering wheel controls to work.

 

Thanks, I realized that I posted the wrong link, but forgot to come back and fix it. I've just heard nothing but issues from people with the HG saying that the paint doesn't match, is damaged, bumpy, etc.

Is there any particular reason you recommend the pioneer over the sony?

 

From what members have gathered, the paint issues seem to only be with the earlier kits. If you'll note this picture, the newer kit is installed and an older kit is being held up next to it. Just FYI. If you'd rather have the matte finish, I couldn't blame you.

And I've sold/installed both Sony and Pioneer for years. Pioneer is the superior product, without doubt. In both terms of build quality and sound quality. But specifically, the Pioneer has 4V RCA preouts versus 2V in the Sony, much higher-res display, plays Pandora if you have an iPhone and, although you can always use the USB on the face, the Pioneer has a full-function iPod cable available that can plug into the rear of the unit too. In case you don't want to leave your iPod in plain view every time you walk into the 7/11.

 

Awesome! Are there any additional cables or anything that I would need to purchase along with the kit? I have the BOSE set installed.

 

Actually, you'll need to use the RCA outputs on the headunit instead of the speaker wires if you have the Bose system. Your stock Bose headunit does not have an amp built-in (not a real amp anyway), but all aftermarket ones do. So you'll want to send a low-level signal to your Bose amp, with will in-turn amplify the music and send it to your speakers.

What I'd do is buy the shortest RCA cable you can find. Cut it in half. Then separate the 2-channels from each other on each piece of wire. Then carefully strip back the insulation revealing a pair of wires for each channel. One positive and one negative. So you'll be left with something that looks like this.

Then wire them up to the corresponding speaker leads on the Metra kit and plug the RCAs into the Pioneer's preout. You can actually buy RCA cables with bare wires on the opposite end already, but they're probably $10 a piece minimum.

Yeah it kinda sucks. But Metra didn't seem to give a **** about those with the Bose system. Just says it works, but doesn't even reference this in their instruction manual.

 

Ah, thank you again. Now to just wait for shipping. It's odd driving without a radio.

 

I just sent Metra an email regarding this matter. I'm tired of people purchasing this pricey kit and then having issues installing in a Bose vehicle. It's not even in their instruction manual. It'll be interesting to see if they respond.

Let me know if you have problems installing. I live in Melbourne.

 

My email to them:

Quote:

Hello,

I'd like to discuss Metra's installation kit for the 04-08 Mazda RX8. I
realize an abnormally large percentage of users are having HVAC issues
with the kit, but I'd also like to bring to your attention that the kit
doesn't provide any provisions/instructions regarding integration with
the factory Bose system. Installing Metra's kit as per the instructions
leads to huge amounts of distortion at very low volume levels due to
double amplification (once from the headunit and again from the Bose
amp). I'd suggest including instructions for Bose users to use the RCA
preouts on their aftermarket headunit during installation. I'd also
think about including 2 cheap pairs of wires with RCA plugs on one end
and bare speaker wire on the other. The installer can then use these to
connect to the Axxess module and continue installation as directed.

Looking forward to your thoughts,
Ken

Yes I stuck a little comment in there regarding the HVAC issues some have. I was curious to see if they'd acknowledge it.

And their response:

Quote:

Ken,
I have passed this e-mail on to our R&D department. I have not heard any
complaints on this before, but your suggestions have been taken into
account. I can suggest you solder RCA's to the speaker leads and use the
Pre-amp outputs of the aftermarket radio.

Sheldon Abbey
Tech Support
Metra Electronics
1-800-253-TECH

Tech Support Office Hours:
M-F 9 am-7 pm est.
Sat. 10 am-7:00 pm est.
Sun. 10 am-4 pm est.

"Knowing is half the battle!"

So though I'm impressed with their response speed, it's almost as though they only read half of my email. Smooth suggestion Sheldon. I said exactly that in my email to you. lol I'll keep everyone updated on anything further.

 

In addition to the RCA cables, I bought some ground loop isolators, but your results may be different. I just had unacceptable engine noise when I did the install. The filters took care of this completely. May not be a bad idea to have some on-hand in case you need them.

Here's what I purchased:

FWIW, I think the glossy piece looks so much nicer than the matte finish. Just too drab for me.

Good luck!