I found the Internet posts on removing the dash parts and stereo very helpful. After doing an install myself to add auxiliary inputs to a base single cd 2005 Acura MDX unit I thought I’d post some photos and additional documentation to help anyone else doing something similar.
What I’ve installed (so far): a P.I.E. X3 and X3-HON03 input adapter (the combo ran $79 plus shipping or $1 additional in purchase from www.myradiostore.us). I can confirm that with the non-Bose, non-Nav, non-DVD single CD player with built in XM radio, the P.I.E. X3 does work well and allows for retention of XM radio. This provides three RCA inputs that you can toggle between using a switchbox. You simply pick input 1, 2, 3, or CD changer/XM. This will not allow for control (other than volume) of a device such as an iPod using the steering wheel controls or head unit controls, however such options may exist in the near future from Acura or aftermarket manufacturers.
How I plan to use it: initially with an mp3 player (works great with an iPaq) using the headphone output of the player. I plan to add a Bluetooth audio receiver (high quality audio, such as A2DP) with possibly Bluetooth phone support (phone audio outputting to the car stereo). An iPaq could play audio to this receiver without wires, while retaining a fully digital signal (as opposed to analog audio transmitters). There aren’t many on the market yet, so I may be trying to hack my own Bluetooth audio receiver together. I could also add a DVD player for rear passengers that supports DVDs and MP3 DVDs, and the audio out of that could then be connected to one of my inputs.
Some notes about the P.I.E. X3. I had read that with cd changers a cd must be playing for it the X3 work, or XM must be on. P.I.E. informed me that XM must be connected but not necessarily in service, or playing music with reception. This is correct; my aux inputs do work just fine when I’m in the garage without XM service, and without a subscription. I do plan on subscribing and wanted to keep the XM option available.
I’ve located my P.I.E. X3 box behind the dash between the drivers feet and the passengers feet. There is a cavity located essentially just to the right of the gas pedal. This provides essential space and more accessibility to the box when changing the RCA wired connections in the future. There was some space down behind the radio, but locating the X3 box there would have been tight and meant modifying input cables required stereo removal again. More details about that location and my 12v power source below with photos.
Be careful when working with your stereo if you do not disconnect the battery. If you do disconnect the battery, have your radio security code handy.
I’d like to thank the friends that helped me with the install in a relatively new car and didn’t call me crazy like the others.
Stereo with the plood already pulled loose:
What I’ve installed (so far): a P.I.E. X3 and X3-HON03 input adapter (the combo ran $79 plus shipping or $1 additional in purchase from www.myradiostore.us). I can confirm that with the non-Bose, non-Nav, non-DVD single CD player with built in XM radio, the P.I.E. X3 does work well and allows for retention of XM radio. This provides three RCA inputs that you can toggle between using a switchbox. You simply pick input 1, 2, 3, or CD changer/XM. This will not allow for control (other than volume) of a device such as an iPod using the steering wheel controls or head unit controls, however such options may exist in the near future from Acura or aftermarket manufacturers.
How I plan to use it: initially with an mp3 player (works great with an iPaq) using the headphone output of the player. I plan to add a Bluetooth audio receiver (high quality audio, such as A2DP) with possibly Bluetooth phone support (phone audio outputting to the car stereo). An iPaq could play audio to this receiver without wires, while retaining a fully digital signal (as opposed to analog audio transmitters). There aren’t many on the market yet, so I may be trying to hack my own Bluetooth audio receiver together. I could also add a DVD player for rear passengers that supports DVDs and MP3 DVDs, and the audio out of that could then be connected to one of my inputs.
Some notes about the P.I.E. X3. I had read that with cd changers a cd must be playing for it the X3 work, or XM must be on. P.I.E. informed me that XM must be connected but not necessarily in service, or playing music with reception. This is correct; my aux inputs do work just fine when I’m in the garage without XM service, and without a subscription. I do plan on subscribing and wanted to keep the XM option available.
I’ve located my P.I.E. X3 box behind the dash between the drivers feet and the passengers feet. There is a cavity located essentially just to the right of the gas pedal. This provides essential space and more accessibility to the box when changing the RCA wired connections in the future. There was some space down behind the radio, but locating the X3 box there would have been tight and meant modifying input cables required stereo removal again. More details about that location and my 12v power source below with photos.
Be careful when working with your stereo if you do not disconnect the battery. If you do disconnect the battery, have your radio security code handy.
I’d like to thank the friends that helped me with the install in a relatively new car and didn’t call me crazy like the others.
Stereo with the plood already pulled loose:
