2006 mazda 6 stereo system upgrade

[Skel]

I have a 2006 Mazda 6 with the stock stereo in it. I've been using an tape adapter so I could have a line in that I attached my old mp3 player to. Link to adapter here

This worked well for a long time but now the MP3 player has died a sad death and it's time for me to look at better options. As I don't normally mess with stereos I haven't a clue what I can or can not do. I know it's not going to be cut and dry with the car's odd dash so I may need a different kit... or not like I said haven't messed with stereos in cars in 15 years. I'm willing to spend a bit more provided it's not going to get stolen because everyone would see it and want to jack it. (while I don't normally go places that's a worry, I've also had countless stereos stolen in the past)

My main wants are
1. Storage or line in adapters. I have a large MP3 lib and don't want to sync it all to my phone as it wouldn't fit. If I can just upload it all into the stereo and play from there that's fine. I'd still like a line in if possible as I've learned from this one you never know..
2. CD as one never knows..

things that'd be cool....
1. Bluetooth. While I don't want to play my music from my phone, it would be cool to use it for calls via the system.
2. Awesome cool things.. I love electronics and such so bells and whistles are awesome.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[NutBucket]

Start here: www.crutchfield.com

Not really sure what your options are given the high degree of integration of the stock setup.

 

[Smoove910]

what's your price range?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Does your car have Bose? If it does you are likely fucked and will need to replace your head unit and all your speakers as they will not work with an aftermarket HU.

If you don't have Bose then definitely get an aftermarket head unit, you'll have much better sound and they come with amp outputs so you can upgrade later on if you decide to change your speakers. You'll probably need a wiring harness to fit your vehicle but they sell those. My car has a USB connector that links with the sound system in my car so I can play all my USB devices and charge them if needed.

Get a HU with a USB on the exterior. I would also get one with bluetooth.

You may have to get an adaptor for your dash so an aftermarket HU will fit but they are worth it for a clean install. You can pay someone probably $100 to install it if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

 

[SearchMaster]

I had an '04 Mazda 6 that I believe is the same generation. I had one of these (http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pacaaimaz.html) - it worked very well and sounded great (well, as great as it could with the stock HU). It will sound as good as the CD player and a huge upgrade over an FM modulator (and an upgrade over your tape adapter). It's not a terribly difficult installation but you do have to remove the head unit to plug it into the rear.

Since you're wanting to upgrade the HU, you will probably need a new plastic bezel since the stock stereo is non-standard. Something like this will work but warning - they are fairly expensive - http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=5251. By the time you add the cost of the new head unit it could get pricey, and I don't know how it will look. When I had my 6, those had just come out so I didn't have any reviews.

[EDIT] - I take that back - I used the adapter from LogJam on my Maxima. I had that same AuxMod on my Mazda 6. I originally thought you had one of those adapters that plays through the tape deck.

 

[Skel]

what's your price range?

About $1000.. I'm ok with spending a little to get a lot. I only worry about it being too much and getting ripped off.

Does your car have Bose? If it does you are likely fucked and will need to replace your head unit and all your speakers as they will not work with an aftermarket HU.

If you don't have Bose then definitely get an aftermarket head unit, you'll have much better sound and they come with amp outputs so you can upgrade later on if you decide to change your speakers. You'll probably need a wiring harness to fit your vehicle but they sell those. My car has a USB connector that links with the sound system in my car so I can play all my USB devices and charge them if needed.

Get a HU with a USB on the exterior. I would also get one with bluetooth.

You may have to get an adaptor for your dash so an aftermarket HU will fit but they are worth it for a clean install. You can pay someone probably $100 to install it if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

I don't have Bose in the car. I saw that a lot of the models in that year did, but I gather mine was one of them that didn't. Is there a head unit that I should look at more than others?

 

[JulesMaximus]

About $1000.. I'm ok with spending a little to get a lot. I only worry about it being too much and getting ripped off.



I don't have Bose in the car. I saw that a lot of the models in that year did, but I gather mine was one of them that didn't. Is there a head unit that I should look at more than others?

I've had Pioneer but I'd probably give Alpine a look too. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the name brand stuff though. Pioneer had the best sensitivity for pulling in weak signals if you listen to AM/FM a lot.

For $1000 you could do quite a lot to upgrade your system especially if you can do it yourself.