2024 Mazda 3 Audio Upgrade

This week in the shop we have a 2024 Mazda 3 audio upgrade. If you are the owner of a newer Mazda 3 with the base audio system, you may be thrilled with the vehicle, but disappointed in the audio performance. If you are wondering why it leaves so much to be desired and what can be done about it, this quick video explains how you can tackle a basic Mazda 3 audio upgrade.
Part of the issue is there are no rear speakers in this base model audio system. The base model Mazda 3 speaker system consists of a center channel speaker, small mid ranges in the front doors, a pair of tweeters and a single mid bass driver under the passenger side dash in the kick panel area. The newer Mazda 3 speakers are small and deliver very weak performance. There are locations for rear speakers and there's even a fader control on the radio, but it's not equipped with rear speakers. It's no wonder our client sought our advice for a Mazda 3 audio upgrade!
It would be easy to offer a total system overhaul using an advanced DSP along with all new speakers, amplifiers and a subwoofer, but this client was looking for just a BASIC audio upgrade for his Mazda 3. Initially he thought adding rear speakers would be enough to fill it out. The issue is the stock rear speaker size is just as small as the front rear speakers.
In order to add depth and fullness, we advised our client to include a subwoofer in his Mazda 3 audio upgrade. The subwoofer fills out and adds the frequency range that is completely missing from the stock 3" speakers and under dash mid bass driver. After letting the client hear the difference with and without a subwoofer in our showroom, he agreed that a subwoofer would really add a substantial level of performance to his Mazda 3 audio upgrade.
Even though there are rear speaker spots and a fader control on the radio, there was no speaker wiring in the doors. Additionally, there was no rear speaker output to simply add a set of rear speakers to this 2024 Mazda 3 audio system! Check out this whacky factory stereo set up in the 2024 Mazda 3 with base 6-speaker audio system to learn what your options are for a Mazda 3 audio upgrade.
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Alpine remote bass knob RUX-KNOB2 - amzn.to/4dLXcR9
Kicker 10" TB Loaded Enclosure 46CWTB102 - amzn.to/3V4k2fp
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[@anthonybenbo3816]

Thank you so much for this, been looking for info and how to add speakers to the rear doors! This video was great!

[@sam_iamurai]

Same deal in the 2020 model, thanks for the info! I added a sub and am looking to beef up the speakers and I really like your solution.

[@vernonjackson1792]

@carstereochick I have the same car and noticed the front door speakers look small. Do you know the cutout holes for the front doors? I plan on putting 6.5s but looks like I will have to get some custom door pods for the front doors.

[@brandonsoto98]

I’m trying to install a subwoofer in a Mazda 3 non Bose and I was wondering which cables to tap into the factory amp to get signal to use for the sub?

[@kl3271]

Loved the details! I usually use Crutchfield to plan systems out but they had not researched this vehicle. I was so fascinated how minimal this stereo system was and shocked they even bothered with that driver side "woofer." I'd definitely would have replaced the front speakers as well, probably would have a bigger impact. Thanks for your video, hopefully more to come :)

[@carstereochick]

Yes! I would have loved to upgraded the fronts as well with a larger speaker, but we were limited to executing the clients wishes :) Thanks so much for watching! And yes working on new content all the time, more coming soon.

[@christiandshatto7765]

Nice 👍🏼

[@ampm9771]

I am just looking for a way to replace only the door speakers. Thank you so much for this great video. It's shame that Mazda removed the wires for the rear speakers. 2024 mazda 3 is a complete disappointment. What speakers would you recommend for the front doors, something the stock amp can handle. TIA

[@bryanbroyles2472]

Was this model with a bose system or without ?

[@mik3s927]

Great video. I assume this was a non-premium model...?

[@carstereochick]

Thanks! Yes, this was a basic Mazda 3 (2.5 S Sedan) equipped with the basic 6-speaker audio system (non Bose).

[@Jess4vt]

How much would an average upgrade cost including labor?

[@carstereochick]

Labor rates vary WIDELY across the country depending on region, skill and experience. I don't know what the labor rate in your area is. We spent a couple hours just testing output and frequency range on the stock system before proceeding. Not counting that part, if we had to do another one, knowing what needs to be done, I'd figure about 6-7 hours total for making the rear speaker adapters, pinning the wiring in through the doors, wiring up the 4-channel amp and mono amp, plus mounting both amps, the remote bass knob and professional tuning. The equipment in this video retails for about $950 for this particular set up. I hope that helps!

[@Mark_5150]

But, it's got a front sub!

[@jackal6902]

I drive this model car.. it’s a piece of shit. Regrets. And thanks for convincing me to never bothering to upgrade it. ❤

[@carstereochick]

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that. It seems like it's a good value sedan, but it sounds like maybe not based on your experience :( I'm glad you at least found the video helpful.

[@Mark_5150]

Every audio system can be upgraded, as she said in the video, your best bet is to gut the factory system and install all new equipment.

[@SuperNaughtyKat]

Its definitely not a piece of shit lol its a great car! It's not a sports car by any means...Get the premium upgrade with the turbo if you want speed.

[@littlecatboy947]

lol are you dense? the mazda 3 is the best car on the road right now, and has been for years. pound sand

[@Mark_5150]

@@littlecatboy947 tell us what car you own without telling us what car you own.