It was time to upgrade the creature comforts a little & bring the Cosmo up-to-date with the stereo scene. As I keep things like this for a long time, they must be built to last. The best policy here was to find a top line system of the day. In many years to come it should still appear contemporary albeit somewhat basic compared to the new systems that flood the markets every month.

Not being a "stereo nut" I asked around for advice on which system to get before settling on the Clarion VRX-935VD. This unit wasn't cheap at $4200 alone plus I wanted options. One of those was a TV module bringing this little extra to $650. I found a 400W Alpine amplifier for the rear speakers as the internal amp is only 200W. Speakers consisted of 3-way Pioneer Cariozerra, their performance was excellent & thankfully already installed from my previous el-cheapo?? Pioneer system which was purchased in late 03 for just $450.

Installation of all the required wiring meant the interior was removed so I could get the best access to all areas. There was a lot of wiring to install. The Alpine amp can be seen placed in the same position as the factory amp. Space is at a premium here as the Fujitsu-ten amp was a lot smaller. Mounting the Alpine amp required adapting the Fujitsu-ten one so I could use the factory bolt locations.

The VRX935 has its own control system & that was mounted in the same place I previously installed the CD-changer from the old Pioneer. Its also the same place the factory CD-stacker & TV/radio receiver is located for the "Type-E.CCS" model. As can be easily seen, there is plenty of room there to mount what you like. The TV unit in the foreground simply attached with some famous 3-M Velcro tape to the main control unit. All wiring was run in factory locations where possible to allow the use of the plastic guides & holders Mazda fit.

Proper speaker cable was run to the rears rather than using the factory wires. The thicker aftermarket cable is suppossed to be better. (I'm told) The speakers where then sealed onto there mounting plate with silastic to prevent vibration. Two speakers that have remained are the tweeters. Mounted into the top dash, I simply couldn't find a better way of mounting after market tweeters so the original ones remain.

The VRX935 has a very modern appearance that fitted well into the factory location. It folds away to be just 1-DIN high with full control available Via the (supplied) remote. When it pops up, you have three choices Of control. IR-remote, panel buttons & touch screen. There are so many functions On this unit that I am sure I wont ever use them all. The touch screen controls Are very well laid out & the sound output is exceptional.

Cranking the volume on the unit provides clear crisp sound that certainly wasn't They’re with my last Pioneer cheapy. The TV function gives a good picture as long as your at the top of a hill or close to the northern suburbs of Sydney as that’s where the station transmitters are to be found. Otherwise, forget it. DVD's are excellent to watch with the surround sound output creating a surreal effect. Over all, I am quite impressed with how it turned out & feel the effort was justified pulling everything apart (again) to install the components ..........Place mouse over pic to view the screen. Or click for a larger version.

• Fully Motorised 7-inch Wide Screen Colour LCD
• Touch Panel Control
• Single Play DVD Mechanism plays: DVD Video, CD Audio, VCD
• 18FM/6AM Presets
• CeNET Control of: Optional Dolby Digital/dts 5.1ch Processor, TV Tuner, DVD Changer and 6-Disc CD Changer
• Multi-Changer Control, CD Text, CD Titling (Audio Changer Only), Station Titling
• Plays CD-R & CD-RW
• Plays MP3 Encoded CDs
• 3-Band Parametric EQ (Beat EQ)
• 2 A/V Inputs (1 RCA, 1 CCA389)
• 1 Video Output(RCA)
• Rear Vision Camera Input

• 4-Volt 6ch RCA Line Level Output
• 24-Bit D/A Converter
• Fibre Optical Output for Use with DVH940 5.1ch Dolby Digital/dts Decoder/Processor
• Excellent off-axis viewing
• 336,960-pixel display
• Screen Resolution of 1440 x 234
• 212W (53W x 4)
• IR Remote Control
• Partially Detachable Control Panel
• 4ch Loop-Back Circuit