Hello all,

after extensive research (STFA), I've narrowed down my choices to these options. I've foregone other options as they still seem to be in the development phases and/or have bad field results.

I'll gladly give up conveniences of steering wheel control, display, re-charge, auto-off capabilities, etc. for a solution that plays my music at high quality.

I'm not TOO clear on how Mazda's in-house solution works, but I'm turned off by the fact Mazda's solution assumes control of the iPod and limits song options by playing only through the playlists.

I'm pretty sure I'll be buying the Aux-Mod, but wanted to get your feed back.

Thanks!

 

I picked up the Syflex Aux Mod basic a little while ago and it's been working great. Quaility is awesome and hook up is simple. You'll definitly need the Ground Loop Isolator though, it is essential, not just on RX 8's, but any car. Of course everything is controlled through the Ipod, expect for the volume, I didn't think this was a big deal, I use an Itouch which is pretty smooth in the first place.

Also I have a 2004 RX 8 with firmware 9.53 and as far as I can see this is the only ipod adapter that will work with earlier verisions along with the new ones.

 

I ended up purchasing PIE parts from Mazdaparts.com

Install was relatively straight forward. Scraped knuckles and all, took me just a few hours, while taking my time.

I'm so happy right now, and I will never go back to FM transmitters again!

 

Where can a get the proper ground loop isolator?

 

crutchfield, radio shack.

beers

 

I have the aux-mod for about a year and it's been working great!

As for the ground loop isolator, stick with Radio Shack, Best Buy, or something legit. I bought one off of eBay and it did not work at all. Huge pain to have to re-pull deck and wait for a new one. Also you definitely need it, really annoying hum with out it.

 

I got the perfect solution and it costs less than $100. Get the Grom Ipod adapter. I have it and it works great. You can control the ipod, have great sound quality, steering wheel control, auto on/off capabilities, and it even charges the ipod with the car off which is a major plus. It uses such a small amount of power to charge the ipod with the car off that you don't need to worry about it draining your battery. Hopefully this helps.

 

As far as "only playing through playlists",

I've got an older "Dension" unit which controls playlists as if they are CDs in the changer. You can also gain full ipod control, if desired, but then you lose steering wheel input, etc..

I only messed with the direct ipod control for a few times. If you put a little thought into your "car playlists", it works out pretty well. I certainly don't have the time (or the eyesight) to go search a music library for individual songs while I'm driving. YMMV, especially if you have a passenger who feels compelled to control the music situation. In my car that is sole authority of the pilot-in-command :D

Steering wheel input was the more important factor for me.

 

DICE r2.