This isn't Skoda related but there's a lot helpful people on here so I thought it worth asking, I'm looking for stereo fitter recommendations preferably in Scotland but would also consider north of England (as far down as Manchester probably).

 

The reason I'm looking for one is because I want to replace the stereo in my Mazda6 which seems to be a very difficult job as it means removing most of the trim in the central section of the cabin (including parts of the handbrake, cup holders, gearstick etc.) and the wiring seems messy as part of the stereo seems to power the main display in the car.  I can't find any concrete information about getting this all working apart from a Youtube video where they show a standard double DIN unit working properly but with no details, they just say to contact a stereo fitter so I'm looking to find a company who has worked on a mk II Mazda6 and know whether they can get another stereo working properly or not.

 

Unfortunately there are no big companies like Zenec or Kenwood that make drop in replacements (bought a Kenwood DNX-520VBT for the Octavia which was a great buy) and the only one I can find is a Chinese non-branded unit.  It looks much better in place than a standard double DIN unit as it has a matching style to the car but I decided against them when choosing a unit for the Octavia and I'm still not keen on them due to the potential reliability issues (worse given how difficult it is to get the stereo in and out) and the iffy software.

 

Thanks,

John

Have a decent car audio place near here (so Manchester) if you wanted to discuss with them? I can PM you details later.

I know from experience that sorting things like this out on Jap cars can be an absolute nightmare! No direct experience with Mazda though.

What age is your Mazda 6? Anything which has the upgraded Bose sound system will be a pain in the bum to upgrade as the stereo is made to work with the Bose. You replace the headunit, you lose the Bose.

Have a look on the Mazda forums..there's most likely a how to guide. Sometimes it looks tricky but in reality is a 5 min job. I thought my S-Max would be a pain (facia, hanbrake surround, cupholders, buttons) but takes 2 mins to open it all up.

Edited 23 January, 201511 yr by chris_1d

What age is your Mazda 6? Anything which has the upgraded Bose sound system will be a pain in the bum to upgrade as the stereo is made to work with the Bose. You replace the headunit, you lose the Bose.

Have a look on the Mazda forums..there's most likely a how to guide. Sometimes it looks tricky but in reality is a 5 min job. I thought my S-Max would be a pain (facia, hanbrake surround, cupholders, buttons) but takes 2 mins to open it all up.

 

It's a 2010 model with the Bose unit unfortunately and it is a pain in the neck although the 'Bose' part is largely branding, it's just a problematic amp.

 

I've spent a long time trawling through Mazda forums but they're all very quiet and while the US Mazda forums are busier, their cars vary slightly on how the stereo works which is no good.  I've found a good video showing how to remove the trim and it's a much bigger job than I'd have thought and I've found a video of a Double Din stereo working on a Bose mk 2 Mazda but there's no detail on how it's done.  Unfortunately there's no Mazda equivalent of Brisky the Octavia was a bit of a headache trying to work out which unit to go for and what compatibility issues there were but all the information is here to find.  

Base Systems in Preston http://www.basesystems.com have always been able to sort me out. They did my Honda a few years ago and cars previously too. They are a bit pricey but always busy, worth w shout.

Contact  FourMasters  Audio Specialists for free advice by telephone or email. There are 4 outlets in Scotland: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinboro or Glasgow.

 

Here is the link to their website and toll-free phone line.: http://www.fourmasterscaraudio.co.uk/car-audio-products/hertz/

 

There is an excellent audio specialist in Wigan called K&M Acoustics which I can highly recommend as they have done a high-quality install for me and I am very pleased with their work. Their website and contact deals are:  http://www.kandmacoustics.co.uk/

Edited 3 February, 201511 yr by BOBAD

Don't know if OP has this resolved by now, but Audiowise in East Kilbride are brilliant at what they do, very well thought of by anyone who has used them including my son who had them do some work on his previous car. 

 

http://www.audiowise.co.uk/

Don't know if OP has this resolved by now, but Audiowise in East Kilbride are brilliant at what they do, very well thought of by anyone who has used them including my son who had them do some work on his previous car. 

 

http://www.audiowise.co.uk/

 

No, I haven't made much progress though I like the look of that site so will give them a shout.  

 

John

No, I haven't made much progress though I like the look of that site so will give them a shout.  

 

John

 

Hi John,

 

Without a moment's hesitation when we asked people in different parts of the trade, including a valeter, and an alloy wheel refurbisher, as well as other people at SVAG and other meets, when we were asking where to go for the audio side of things they all said Audiowise, so we took their word for it and went along and spoke to the guy. He's excellent at what he does. I'm trying like blazes to recall his first name, but it escapes me at the moment. I know my son is going in to see him over the next week or so about getting a sub sorted out for his boot.

 

Look forward to hearing how you get on.

If you fancy a run down to Dunbar these guys are good  http://www.raysmith.co.uk/

 

They do live chat on web site so easy to find out if they can help.