Stereo with Bluetooth/USB/AUX

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sumitonly

38 posts

Geek

#204457 2-Oct-2016 15:10

Hi, I have just purchased a Mazda Axela 2008 model with factory fitted stereo. It only plays CD and Radio AM/FM frequency 78-90. I either need a band expander and some adapter to allow Bluetooth/USB/aux input, or get a new stereo. My budget is $600. I want my stereo to have good Bluetooth connectivity, which includes call quality and music streaming. And obviously good sound (using my existing speakers).

Any suggestions? Please share your experience of the after market stereos.

I am based in Wellington.

lchiu7

6470 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1647675 8-Oct-2016 13:00

I have this unit (US version but that doesn't make any real difference)

http://www.jvc.net/nz/car_audio/cd_receivers/kd-x330bt/

and like it. There is another thread going on about this unit and how to install it.

Ticks all your boxes.

Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.

Yabanize

2350 posts

Uber Geek

#1647702 8-Oct-2016 15:08

BTW, are you using android or iOS?

There are some with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but are probably more expensive

Scott3

3963 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1647721 8-Oct-2016 16:44

I prefer the look of a double din stereo, and have gone with JVC units in my last 2 cars.

Supercheap has on on special for $200 (top right of page linked)

http://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/catalogue#page=catalogue&params=happy-bathurst-day-%2F5830fu7gm&additional=pid%3DpromotedCatalogue&pageNo=12

add $50 for harness adapters so you don't need to do wiring, put in in yourself, and you have $350 of your budget left over.

If you want a screen for a reversing camera integrated in, or features like GPS, android carplay etc you will need to spend more money.

Don't bother with band expander's & adapters, a whole new head unit is the way to go.

Intravix

110 posts

Master Geek

#1647724 8-Oct-2016 16:51

Another vote for replacing the head unit with something new. You can get one with BT, USB and AUX for around $200. Usually I'd say not to bother with double DIN because of the premium for similar specs, but that one is a good price!

nitrotech

1285 posts

Uber Geek

#1647781 8-Oct-2016 19:39

This week I just installed a Sony DSX-A400BT about $150 on special from SCA

The good: looks good, lots of pretty lights, has RDS, easy to pair Bluetooth, good quality bt music streaming.

The bad: poor FM Rx sensitivity (ok around town poor in marginal areas), BT mic quality is truely awful (around town if you semi shout the person can kind of hear you at 100km you can forget having a conversation)

lchiu7

6470 posts

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Trusted

#1647817 8-Oct-2016 21:52

What about a single DIN with drop down screen like this?

https://www.amazon.com/PIONEER-AVH-X7800BT-1Din-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B017LKVMAS/ref=sr_1_1?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1475916223&sr=1-1&keywords=pioneer++AVH+X7800BT

I must I am tempted seeing this as I could connect the reversing camera to it and make for a tidy installation.

Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.

lxsw20

3552 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1647838 9-Oct-2016 00:41

Is that the last of the older shape or the first of the newer? If newer, new headunit is pretty easy, if older, not so much as the AC screen can't work with out the factory stereo I believe.

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lchiu7

6470 posts

Uber Geek

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#1648426 10-Oct-2016 11:14

lxsw20:

Is that the last of the older shape or the first of the newer? If newer, new headunit is pretty easy, if older, not so much as the AC screen can't work with out the factory stereo I believe.

If I think I know what you're asking this unit has an adjustable screen that allows you to till the screen down to gain access to the AC controls.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxOlqc2vZUM

15:57 into this video shows you the screen angle controls

Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.

lNomNoml

1807 posts

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#1648427 10-Oct-2016 11:23

I had a Pioneer AVH-X2850BT, was extremely good,

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-stereos/dvd-video/auction-1176292535.htm

I had to call people all the time on it, only reason I don't have it now is because I have a different car with it's own.

Ah I see this thread is 8 days old so you most likely bought something already, will leave my reply for anyone else looking.