So my journey started when I ordered this and after installing and using, which was straightforward and well documented, the support helped me and came back to me every time I needed them. These are main things to explain my experience after couple of months. So first, put it together, plugged in, everything snappy and worked out of the box. Later I had couple of small issues (all resolved, thanks cartechstudio!) No.1 constant hissing - they replied with many settings I could try and I have. It helped slightly, but didn’t resolve issue. Thing is I have sensitive factory amplifier. So only way I could avoid double amplification of noise - I had to cut harness speaker cables and connect them to RCA outputs on head unit. - they even asked me how did I resolve it - very important, they care about customers. 2. My wireless CarPlay worked flawlessly out of the box, fast, snappy, no connection drops/disconnects. - they sent me firmware update files with well written instructions I’ve followed. Now everything works as it should, it did even solve my 3rd tiny issue, which would be “sticky” steering wheel volume behaviour (+/-) acted like I’m holding it intermittently after just one press. I’ve experienced it once more after update, but I think it is something to do with wireless connection with my phone, as it only happens when phone is connected and really rarely. It doesn’t happen when using HU’s volume knob. So more like canbus box slight problem after I had to change setting in factory settings reverse function up/down to play next/previous. But this is really tiny problem I could ‘live with’ - no problem. But most importantly, I know it’s my audio setup that plays role as well. But HU itself just works and it’s fluid. You actually don’t need to set many settings yourself, it’s preset for your car. So maybe background/dark-light mode to small light switch to go with you auto headlights if you want it and logo you can choose for your car when booting from within headunit, it’s there and it’s in the manual “how to” as well. I always preferred standard radios with CP/AA functionality before to save myself hassle. But hey as my first own HU(I come to contact with many) in my own car, I love it and cartechstudio team, too. (Looking forward for future fw updates to stay on top of the functionality) Definitely great, I recommend!
Mazda Series 3 2009-2013 — Premium 9” CarPlay & Android Auto Head Unit
