I have Mazda3 with 6CD changer.
What's the easiest way to pipe in sound from a portable MP3-player?

I could use an FM transmitter/modulator - but I was wondering if there's a aux line input jack hidden somewhere....

(Groan: you'd think a modern 6 CD changer thingie would have built-in software to read my MP3 coded CDs.... but no.... )

 

Found this and some other threads ... $100 and I think I would have to give up
the 6 CD changer ...

http://www.msprotege.com/vbb222/show...3&page=9&pp=15

That's nuts. So what's the best FM modulator to get?

 

Remember - the FM input is FM-sound quality also. Maybe now is the time to get the Alpine CD/Changer with MP3 input....

 

Right, but probably good enough for me. Esp since I like books-on-MP3.
I happen to have a cheap "wireless" Arkon FM modulator - it doesn't work too well.
So I'm considering one of those wired modulators that plug right into the radio antenna line.

Does the Mazda3 radio use the old standard (motorola?) antenna plug or some odd-ball Ford/Mazda thingie?

How hard is it to pull the radio and reach the antenna connection?
Where's a good/easy place to tap into the 12V?

tx. Bob.

 

The antenna is the standard /small/ size connector.
12VDC spliced into the radio should work (see stickee at the top of the forum for guidance on the radio pull & wiring diagram).

 

Tx. but I think radio R&R is different on the 3 than the older Mazdas.
I was able to pull off the long trim piece around clock/display with a little tugging, start by opening the glove box to get a grip....
After that's off you can see a couple of phillips head screws...
I didn't go further yet. I'm thinking about where would I put the aux input jacks and/or wires without drilling a nasty looking hole somewhere...

In the meanwhile I think I'll just try a different FM "wireless" modulator. If it doesn't work well enough I'll go back to plan B.

It does seem a conspiracy that that Mazda:

a) Didn't use an MP3 decoder in the CD player - would have cost them maybe $.50.
b) Didn't put an aux input jack on the front panel - would have cost them $.25.

(Yeah, I know they have an MP3/CD in the catalog - as a $325 option or something! - still doesn't help if I wanted to plug in an iPod like device.)

 

I just purchased a Kenwood - KCA-20FM FM Modulator, it will allow me to connect any device that has RCA Connections, or with a RCA to .125 Adapter.

The unit costs about $50.00 and is easy to install.

http://www.goodguys.com/adtemplate.a...=316464&catky=

 

I tried a few FM modulators, and they all were a royal pain in the ***. I just finished installing a PIE adapter, and it went really well, and the sound quality when you're done is MUCH better than FM mod.... No comparison.

 

Bunch of my responses are on that thread. Many of them are after having the adapter for a short while.

Now that I've used it quite a bit longer, I do like it more and more. There are no issues with the CD player; I just didn't know how to switch between the CD player and AUX input.

I have no regrets getting the PIE interface; in fact, I'm looking forward to getting an Dension IceLink to be able to control my iPod from the head unit.