Benz_05_TSX

iTrader: (1)

So I searched a few thread and saw some variations regarding the double din installation. But they never mentioned any aftermarket dash kits for it. I assume they are all custom? Anyone know if anywhere sells any aftermarket dash kits for the 2nd gen MDX?

Chrisnycq

Ever found one?

Skirmich

There aren't any AFAIK its all custom made as you can see in the pictures..
Feature wise I dunno if its worth it.. You lose OEM Handsfree, Sat NAV, Sirious XM and some random features... I would instead use a JBL MS-8 DSP Instead of removing all the stock components.

RDX10

These newer after market head units come with some pretty damn cool features like 4g wifi, tv...etc.

Skirmich

Of course they do, I have a 2015 Kenwood HU in my TL-S.. But my TL-S doesn't really have any stock integration with anything.. Its very simple to upgrade.
The MDX is not plug and play at all, There isn't even a harness kit so you have to cut and splice wires and then you need custom skills to make it look good which BTW the only one that looks cool is the one that replaces the NAV Screen.

If audio quality is the main concern the MS-8 DSP does wonders with OEM Integration.. Basically removes any Audio related work from the OEM HU and leave the HU as input and controls only.

RDX10

I agree with you 100%. On a vehicle like the mdx where there are no kits available, and where the oem nav screen is in a place that is very difficult to physically touch, going anything but oem is pointless.

Even in the case of putting the aftermarket nav in the oem location, you can't comfortably reach it. Steering wheel controls become void as well. So if you want a nav screen, get an mdx tech or above and don't bother this route to be honest.

Skirmich

You can get the steering wheel controls to work with the Aftermarket unit with a PAC OEM Control module (I have one of those in my TL-S) but yah pretty much.. When I saw the MDX in all of its glory the first thing that came in to mind was:

DAMN I am stuck with the OEM System for ever hahahaha... But it hasn't been so bad, the ELS Audio is one of the best OEM Sound Systems I've heard..
It got nothing on my 1300RMS TL-S but It was totally expected.. At least the MDX sounds 1 million times better than the stock crap Acura shipped on the TL-S, That thing was embarrassing.

RDX10

For whatever reason I find the els system in the rdx to be superior to the mdx for the 1g rdx vs 2g mdx. I think it is because the rdx is smaller inside so the speakers sound better and sound is less distorted. I think the system uses the same wattage on both the mdx and rdx in those gens.

Skirmich

Perhaps you heard the stock unit? AFAIK the Stock unit is 300watts Vs the (RES) 480watts Premium < That is the one I got.

RDX10

No it was the upgraded system in the elite trim. Actually if you watch a cnet review of the 2007 mdx, the reviewer (brian cooley) also mentions that the els in the rdx sounded better than in the mdx.

Skirmich

That is funny.. I have yet to drive an RDX..
Last week I spotted a ZDX and fell in love with it... I wanted to trade in my MDX and get the ZDX so badly but Wifey turn me down hard.. Like SAVAGE man..

RDX10

I think you should just go and try one, you might really really like it. I LOVE the ZDX, I feel like I shouldn't, but I do. It has all the things I wish the 2G mdx had like the stitched dash, push button start, panoramic sunroof and power fold mirrors. The engine in the zdx is even different than that in the mdx, it makes torque at 4500 rpm vs 5000 rpm so I bet it is a little faster too.

Skirmich

According to the power to weight ratio it should be way WAAAAYY faster than the MDX.. But that trunk man that is like kiddy size.. I would have never shipped my trans inside of it XD the MDX did wonders there.

RDX10

If you have kids, I really would not recommend the zdx, it has almost no useable trunk space unless you fold down the second row. I bet it also handled MUCH better than the mdx due to the foot lower roof.