The headunit on our RX-7s is sort of dated, it looks okay but I notice mine having issues reading CD-R's and even some regular CD's at times if they are 'special features' discs. I dont like the idea of an aftermarket headunit as they never match the car very well compared to the stock unit...

Did they ever upgrade the BOSE headunit in the later model 96'-02' JDM RX-7's? If they did, does anyone know what it looks like or where I could get my hands on one?

Also, I was looking at the steering wheel offered on the newer RX-7's and it looks much like the one stock on the newer Miatas. Only things I can see as possible differances are the way they bolt up and the diameter, but I cannot find info on either wheel to compare them. If they are the same (small chance) than the 99+ Miata one may be a cheaper option than JDM wheels.

Thanks,
~Kris

 

The radio in the Japenese head unit won't work with US radio stations. Just buy a Nakamichi or other "classy" looking deck as a replacement. I agree with you about the typical aftermarket deck -- I guess most people want a frickin' gaudy looking light show in their dash.

 

See my site for info on the steering wheel. They are all interchangeable.

 

Hmm, the Nakamichi is nice, I may look more into their CD400 unit... I wish they had a 2din unit but having a cubby will be nice too.

dis1, I went to your site but the 'navigation' stuff on the side doesnt function, no images appear and nothing links to any webpages. Not sure what the issue is.

~Kris

 

It is a problem with your browser not being able to read the MS class code I use. I'll be updating my site someday to eliminate that code. Anyway you can always try the "noframes" link near the bottom or use this direct link.

http://www.silverbulletrx7.com/StWheel/StWheel.html

 

Sweet! I'm gonna look at getting a M.S. Miata wheel since my car isnt silver, but man does that look sweet in your car!

I am still looking at radio options... Nakamichi unit looks nice and matches the car well enough, I just want to explore my options fully first. I saw what looked like the new RX-7 radio, it was a Panasonic I believe... does that mean they dumped the Bose system or maybe it just wasnt optioned on the one I saw.

Thanks,
~Kris

 

The CD players from your series-6 (92-95) is quite dated at 12 years old as the laser would be well worn.

The later version series-7 (96-98) & series-8 (99-02) also had them but they are on different frequencies for the radio function. The CD player is the same though. Mazda Australia recently sold off there stock of CD players for our series-6 & series-7 versions. At $100 each (new) they where a bargain.

I think the plugs on the series-8 are different too. Had a mate with the "Bose optioned" series-8 & when he changed it to a Navi system, we noted the plugs appeared different.

Thats kind of expected as there where plenty of wiring changes between 92 & 99.

REgards

 

I have a dual DIN Nakamichi set up, looks really stock; but I had to find units that were discontinued.

I've got a TA-25 receiver and a CD-75 6 CD changer. Anyone interested in photos?

-C

 

rotaryhardcore....yes, photos would be appreciated.

I've been having problems with my OEM stuff and been looking for an aftermarket set up too.
Preferences are for ***** instead of buttons (easier to operate w/o taking you eyes off the road) but mostly subdued display lighting that matches the rest of the dash.
Are there any other recommendations/alternatives out there?

 

You'll love this set up then, I'm gonna take the photos in just a few.

The lighting is amber, it's not as close to the red spectrum as the OEM lights but easy on the eyes. There's also a cool switch to green feature for both units (I didn't know the receiver did that until I got it in the car.)

Also, newer Nakamichi units have amber illumination that's even further from red than what I've got.

-C

 

Very nice dis1.

 

.

 

Damn,

I've been trying to post a photo for days.

-Ccool

 

I am looking at the Nakamichi 6disc HU that is single DIN, neat stuff. Something to focus on AFTER I find my electrical gremilen that is keeping me from enjoying sound.

The steering wheel I'm going to wait on, I may be able to get JDM along with gauges if I'm lucky, still working on this. Otherwise I'm going to look at getting the MazdaSpeed steering wheel and e-brake lever from a Miata, they are black leather with red stitching, very nice.

~Kris

 

Yo,

I was trying to post a photo, the server will not let me. Anyone know why?

I've got an electrical gremlin myself...a bad ground that goes in and out.

-C

 

The best aftermarket receiver I've found is the Alpine 7894. It matches the amber perfectly and its an amazing head unit on it's own. Does MP3 playback and has time base correction which works wonders for the soundstage.

I want a miata wheel too!

 

>

 

Finally, here's a damn photo...if anyone's still tracking this:

http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/rot...&.dnm=b002.jpg

-C

 

Thanks. Looks good and very much what I've been looking for. Can you ballpark the price for both units?
Jim

 

The closest Nakimichi dealer is 60mi away from me, and no online vendors that I know of... I cannot even find a price. Ugh.

I'll take a look at the Alpine system... this stocker is hell, it wont read CD's half the time, just spits them out... skips a lot and isnt too kind to the CD surfaces either. Understandable being old but GOD! What exactly is the 'Soundstage'?

That looks nice RotaryHardcore, I like the RX-8 shifter. Once I convert I plan to get one.

~Kris

 

Sgtblue...

The changer was about $350 (in new condition; it could probably be more like 300. I was desperate because I had no radio and no CD player!)...and the receiver was about $200 (used condition). Keep in mind they are both discontinued, but can be found easily. I got the remote that goes with the receiver for $6 from Nakamichi (granted it may never be used).

JaNusSolSumnus,

I would not buy new Nakamichi anyway, get on Ebay or a used electronics website and find what you're looking for. A new unit (single DIN) will be $800 or more. I believe Soundstage is just one of Nakamichi's product names. I love the shift ****, it lights up too.

Keep in mind:

I have been told the CD changers can be damaged in shipment, so they should be packaged very well and the -locking pins- should be in place. In general, be careful with the CD changer...but don't be afraid. Mine has been a dream.

The receiver is pretty rugged, so don't worry about it being damaged in shipment, but make sure the wiring harness is with the receiver. There is also another receiver that is a little nicer than the TA-25. You can use a Nakamichi single CD unit or changer/receiver combo with the second CD changer...but they may not match (different plastic and different color lighting.) So, you could have 7 cd capability...or even 12; but that is definitely going to be more money.

From what I understand all Nakamichi tuners and CD changers are completely compatible...but be sure before you buy. Also, I installed both units with a Schosche wiring harness...which sucks! The receiver wires into the car, and the changer only needs to be plugged into the receiver.

-C

 

http://www.cbrstereo.com/index.asp?P...TS&Category=91

http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...facturerID=637