Show us your MSSS Radio

[— Phatmiata —]

What is an MSSS Radio for Mazda Miata??



Q) What's a "MSSS" anyway?

A) "MSSS" stands for "Mazda Sensory Sound System". The MSSS was a premium stereo package and was available on some '93 through '97 Miatas with certain other packages. The whole MSSS system is Mazda option number RA4. The MSSS is closely related to the Mazda Premium Sound System or MPSS, option RA5. There were two versions of the MSSS head unit and one of the MPSS unit. Both premium systems (MSSS and MPSS) have some sound processing ("wide" and "open/closed"), extra speakers, and a power antenna. To add to the confusion, the black MPSS head units on some early cars (mostly '95s) say "Sensory Sound System" just like the MSSS unit! Only the MSSS has a "thumper" in the seatbacks.

Q) How can I tell if I have an MSSS unit?

A) There were two versions of the MSSS head unit and one of the MPSS unit. I will preface all the information in this FAQ with the model I am referring to, MSSS1, MSSS2, or MPSS.

First-Generation Mazda Sensory Sound System (MSSS1)



Description: The early (first-generation) MSSS head units are bright silver and are comprised of two separate units as seen in the photo at right. This MSSS stereo has small knobs on the left side of the unit.
Markings: The casette/CD unit says "Pioneer AM FM Cassette Combination" on the cassette door and has the number "6268" on it. The processor is a separate unit and says "Bodysonic System" and has the number "6V09" on the lower edge.
History: These were introduced in '93 and phased out in the middle of '95.
Availability: The MSSS1 was given the Mazda option code RA4. The MSSS was standard on the '93 LE cars. It was optional with the A-, B-, and C-packages.


Second-Generation Mazda Sensory Sound System (MSSS2)



Description: The later (second-generation) head units are duller silver, almost gray. They have an integrated casette/CD unit and sound processor. It has two sets of large concentric knobs near the bottom of the face plate.
Markings: The head unit says "Sensory Sound System" on it and has the number, "6269" on it.
History: These were introduced in '95 and no longer offered as an option on '97 cars, though some early ones may have this radio. Mazda listed the MSSS as a phase-out product in '96. None of the '96 brochures mention the MSSS at all.
Availability: The MSSS2 was also given the Mazda option code, RA4. It was optional on C- and Leather-Package cars. It was not available on the '95M because its special seats could not accomodate the thumpers or the headrest speakers. Instead, it had the standard AM/FM/Casette radio and a separate CD player.


Mazda Premium Sound System (MPSS)



Description: The MPSS radio was Mazda's other premium stereo. It is a one-piece unit and looks just like a second-generation MSSS head unit except that it is black and does not have controls for the "bodysonic" transducer in the seats.
Markings: The number, "6270", is on the face. The head unit on early units still says "Sensory Sound System" even though it is not a MSSS.
History: The MPSS was introduced in the '95 model year and were quite popular through '97.
Availability: The MPSS was given the Mazda option code RA5. It was available with the Leather- and Popular Equipment-Package. The MPSS was standard on the '96 and '97 M-Edition cars.

Commonalities



All factory MSSS systems have door tweeters with silver rims, headrest speakers, and seatback transducers ("thumpers") in addition to the standard door speakers and a power antenna. The MPSS is equipped the same except it has no seatback transducers and the door tweeters have black, not silver, rims.

Q) What's a "Silver Stereo"?

A) The MSSS has a bright silver faceplate, so it is sometimes referred to as "the Silver Stereo". This silver faceplate matches the special color scheme of the '93 Limited Edition (Black/Red) Miata. It was intended to pay homage to the quite-chromed Cobra cars of the 1960s, and the '93 Limited edition also includes chrome covers on the door speakers. All MSSS head units have silver faceplates and all MPSS units have black ones. The later MSSS2 head unit is duller silver.

Q) Which Miatas were the MSSS radios available on?

A) It was available on the following models:

Silver MSSS1 head unit:
'93 - Standard on Limited Edition, but also offered as Optional on B and C packages
'94 - Optional on A, B, and C packages
early '95 - Optional on Leather package
Gray MSSS2 head unit:
late '95 - Optional on Leather package
'96 - Optional on Leather package
'97 - May have been available on Leather package
Black MPSS head unit:
'96 - Optional on Leather package, standard on M-Edition
'97 - Optional on Leather and PEP package

I have heard from forum members with '93, '94, and '95 cars with MSSS. I haven't seen or heard of anyone with a '96 or '97 MSSS. It is most common on '93 Limiteds and '94 and '95 C-package cars. MPSS is quite common on '96 and '97 cars since it was priced $200 cheaper than the MSSS2, and offered nearly the same features.

Marshall at Roebuck Mazda reports that the later version of the MSSS is still available as an aftermarket part, priced at a $960. I doubt this will be a popular add-on item at that price. Also, some cars may not have an appropriate wiring harness for this radio.