'05 4R Audio upgrade - recommendations?

T

theirons84

New member
Just got my wife this 4R. It has the factory radio and no aux input (just like her old Altima.) I put off ever putting a good system in her old car but I think I'm going to go ahead with this one. We have a blown speaker in the hatch and it sounds terrible. The factory h/u leaves a lot to be desired too.

I want to go with some sort of double DIN setup that takes up the entire h/u area, not use a spacer type deal with a normal sized h/u. If it has Navigation, that is a plus, but it is not a must have. I would like for whatever is installed to still work with the steering wheel controls (not sure if this is possible?) Lastly, I don't want to break the bank here. Something affordable but functional would be nice.

As far as component speakers, I don't want to amplify. I just want some nice two or three way speakers to replace some of the factory ones. If I don't have to do all of them that would be good. I can adjust fade more towards the better speakers.

I'd like to have a sub, but I don't know if I really want to put out the additional funds into an amp and good sub.

For now let's just start with a good, affordable h/u and some component speakers. I have used pioneer products for the last decade or so in my other vehicles so if they have a decent option I'd like to hear it.

Thanks
 
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What's your budget for a head unit? You can check Crutchfield or Sonic Electronix for all your needs from a head unit to speakers and subs. And each website will either throw in the wire harness that connects from the stock wire harness to your aftermarket H/U for free or at a discount.

Me personally, I have a preference for Pioneer double din headunits. I just recently replaced my wife's whole sound system in her Sequoia with a Pioneer touchscreen DVD player, front component speakers, three way coaxial speakers in the rear doors, rear view camera and amp.

For my wife's touchscreen H/U, you go to an audio store, it will typically run over $300+. Sonic it's under $300. The model # is the AVH-X3800BHS. No GPS. If you want stock GPS, that's going to cost more. If you still want touchscreen but want it less than $200, try the Pioneer AVH-X180DVD. This model has no Bluetooth capability unlike the model I bought for my wife, the 3800. Pioneer also have other touchscreen models that have no physical media (DVD/cd playback) capabilities, but they are able to play digital media files and stream online music either through the USB, auxiliary cable, or Bluetooth.

And there are other members here like Rice and Pho or Zoso that can help you out.
 
I also recommend going on Crutchfield's site and look up what they have for your model. I bought a Kenwood Excelon DNX693S fom them as well as all of the installation hardware needed. They also sell an adapter to retain your steering wheel controls. I also have one of these and so far it has worked perfectally. My setup is probably a little more than what you are thing of spending but hey do have less expensive units. If you have any problems their tech support is really good as well...
 
I did talk to Crutchfield the other night. I got some good advice and some guidance, but I'm still not sure what to look at.

I don't know that I really have a budget for the H/U. I just don't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money. The one we eventually arrived at was around $350, which is pushing it, considering I still need a wiring harness adapter, at least one set of component speakers, and either a replacement speaker for the (what I assume is a sub in the back) or a whole new unit and amp all together.

She also stated that the wiring adapter was between $60-$80, depending on whether or not it has RDS. I assume this is like maybe a full install kit or something - the price is stupid high if you ask me.

I learned that some H/U will actually mirror google maps on our phones. That would be just fine, because that is how we do navigation anyway. I guess this hooks up by HDMI (mini USB). Not sure on that.

I also want to retain the steering wheel volume controls.

She kept asking if the vehicle has RDS. I am not sure if it does, but my wife says she doesn't see radio station or song names on the display. It is a JBL system in the vehicle though. So I'm guessing it does not have RDS?

She explained that the factory sub has a very small amp. She said that it would be difficult to find a replacement speaker to fit the factory location. She said I could get a wiring harness that either bypasses or keeps the factory amp. I assume a bypass would require an aftermarket amp or either a powered sub box. All this adds up to money I didn't really intend to spend.

The unit she suggested was this one:
JVC KW-V620BT DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Seems ok, but every review I see say it absolutely sucks in the day time. I just have a very hard time spending what would be a lot of money to me for a head unit and having trouble seeing it in the day time.

We never did get to the component speakers or a sub replacement.

So maybe if I narrowed it down to the stuff I mentioned above- mirroring capability, steering wheel controls, etc, that would help as far as recommendations?

As far as hands free talking on the phone, she doesn't do that. I don't think it would matter if it had that function or not, and to be honest I don't even know what it is. lol
 
looks like you have jbl equip stereo?
that needs that special harness.
pioneer avh-x3800bhs, amazon has it cheaper. but if you go sonicelectronix, you get a discounted price with harness and radio kit.
get the bypass from here
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A9AQPUU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
it enable more features on the radio.
for steering wheel control, get the idatalink maestro sw
iDatalink - Maestro - Maestro SW
ebay will be the cheapest place to get.
also for back up camera, get this
Top Quality car camera backup for Toyota 4 Runner 2003 Kluger CVX fortuner sw4 | eBay
 
drei4runner29 said:
What's your budget for a head unit? You can check Crutchfield or Sonic Electronix for all your needs from a head unit to speakers and subs. And each website will either throw in the wire harness that connects from the stock wire harness to your aftermarket H/U for free or at a discount.

Me personally, I have a preference for Pioneer double din headunits. I just recently replaced my wife's whole sound system in her Sequoia with a Pioneer touchscreen DVD player, front component speakers, three way coaxial speakers in the rear doors, rear view camera and amp.

For my wife's touchscreen H/U, you go to an audio store, it will typically run over $300+. Sonic it's under $300. The model # is the AVH-X3800BHS. No GPS. If you want stock GPS, that's going to cost more. If you still want touchscreen but want it less than $200, try the Pioneer AVH-X180DVD. This model has no Bluetooth capability unlike the model I bought for my wife, the 3800. Pioneer also have other touchscreen models that have no physical media (DVD/cd playback) capabilities, but they are able to play digital media files and stream online music either through the USB, auxiliary cable, or Bluetooth.

And there are other members here like Rice and Pho or Zoso that can help you out.
Click to expand...

never do the low end pioneer when possible, good thing i got you to upgrade to the 3800 model, had way better feature than the 2800 you were looking at.
 
riceandpho said:
never do the low end pioneer when possible, good thing i got you to upgrade to the 3800 model, had way better feature than the 2800 you were looking at.
Click to expand...

Yeah, thanks for the help on that one. Wife loves it but right now, we're having some problems as far as bluetooth is concerned. We just recently upgraded our phones but for some reason, the phones old usernames or whatever it was called isn't the same so the Bluetooth pairing to the radio isn't picking it up and it picked my phone up first and now the Bluetooth is filled and we can't delete the old phones from the system. After watching some videos on YouTube, apparently there's a wire that's supposed to be grounded and once my emergency brake is activated, the system will let me delete old phones from the memory. I'm guessing the installer didn't do this so now I have to go back this Tuesday and have them fix it. Oh also the only other thing that's missing is some bass in her vehicle. I'm looking towards a small powered sub that can fit under the seat of her vehicle. Maybe like the NVX or Pioneer.
 
theirons84 said:
I did talk to Crutchfield the other night. I got some good advice and some guidance, but I'm still not sure what to look at.

I don't know that I really have a budget for the H/U. I just don't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money. The one we eventually arrived at was around $350, which is pushing it, considering I still need a wiring harness adapter, at least one set of component speakers, and either a replacement speaker for the (what I assume is a sub in the back) or a whole new unit and amp all together.

She also stated that the wiring adapter was between $60-$80, depending on whether or not it has RDS. I assume this is like maybe a full install kit or something - the price is stupid high if you ask me.

I learned that some H/U will actually mirror google maps on our phones. That would be just fine, because that is how we do navigation anyway. I guess this hooks up by HDMI (mini USB). Not sure on that.

I also want to retain the steering wheel volume controls.

She kept asking if the vehicle has RDS. I am not sure if it does, but my wife says she doesn't see radio station or song names on the display. It is a JBL system in the vehicle though. So I'm guessing it does not have RDS?

She explained that the factory sub has a very small amp. She said that it would be difficult to find a replacement speaker to fit the factory location. She said I could get a wiring harness that either bypasses or keeps the factory amp. I assume a bypass would require an aftermarket amp or either a powered sub box. All this adds up to money I didn't really intend to spend.

The unit she suggested was this one:
JVC KW-V620BT DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Seems ok, but every review I see say it absolutely sucks in the day time. I just have a very hard time spending what would be a lot of money to me for a head unit and having trouble seeing it in the day time.

We never did get to the component speakers or a sub replacement.

So maybe if I narrowed it down to the stuff I mentioned above- mirroring capability, steering wheel controls, etc, that would help as far as recommendations?

As far as hands free talking on the phone, she doesn't do that. I don't think it would matter if it had that function or not, and to be honest I don't even know what it is. lol
Click to expand...

If your budget is for $350 on the stereo alone, here are some suggestions. These are all from Sonic Electronix and I've noticed that their prices are cheaper than Crutchfield's.

Pioneer AVH-X3800BHS
Pioneer AVH-X3800BHS Double DIN In-Dash DVD/CD/AM/FM Bluetooth Car Stereo with 6.2" Touchscreen Display, Spotify & Pandora Control, and Built-in HD Radio
This is the radio I purchased for my wife's Sequoia. And it's less than the JVC.

Pioneer AVH-X2800BS
Pioneer AVH-X2800BS Double DIN In-Dash DVD/CD/AM/FM Bluetooth Car Stereo with 6.2" Touchscreen Display, Spotify & Pandora Control, and Auxiliary USB & 3.5mm Inputs

Pioneer AVH-X4800BS
Pioneer AVH-X4800BS Double DIN In-Dash DVD/CD/AM/FM Bluetooth Car Stereo with 7" Motorized Touchscreen Display, Spotify & Pandora Control, and Auxiliary USB & 3.5mm Inputs

Pioneer AVH-X5800BHS
Pioneer AVH-X5800BHS Double DIN In-Dash DVD/CD/AM/FM Bluetooth Car Stereo with 7" Touchscreen Display, Dual Camera Input and Built-in HD Radio
Both the 4800 and 5800 have 7" touchscreen displays while the 2800 and 3800 have 6.2" touchscreen displays.

Sonic also sells cheaper Pioneer entry level touchscreen stereos but they don't have the capabilities that you're looking for. And as far as MirrorLink capabilities, those do tend to be a bit more expensive and from what I was told from different car audio installers, a lot of the stereo manufacturers are phasing out the MirrorLink due to bad connectivity. At least that's what I was told when I was doing research for my wife's stereo.

If you go w/ either the 2800 or 3800, you'll have extra money to spend on speakers for your wife's vehicle. So just food for thought. And good luck on whatever you decide to purchase.
 
drei4runner29 said:
Yeah, thanks for the help on that one. Wife loves it but right now, we're having some problems as far as bluetooth is concerned. We just recently upgraded our phones but for some reason, the phones old usernames or whatever it was called isn't the same so the Bluetooth pairing to the radio isn't picking it up and it picked my phone up first and now the Bluetooth is filled and we can't delete the old phones from the system. After watching some videos on YouTube, apparently there's a wire that's supposed to be grounded and once my emergency brake is activated, the system will let me delete old phones from the memory. I'm guessing the installer didn't do this so now I have to go back this Tuesday and have them fix it. Oh also the only other thing that's missing is some bass in her vehicle. I'm looking towards a small powered sub that can fit under the seat of her vehicle. Maybe like the NVX or Pioneer.
Click to expand...

get the bypass from here
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
have to go back in the bluetooth menu and delete the old device out.
match the wire color up and thats it, blue to the antenna trigger, black to the black ground and green to the parking brake wire.
 
Double din fit

I'm interested in putting a double din into my 05 4Runner and have some questions. Along with the head unit I will need a wiring harness correct? And will I need some sort of dash piece to fit it in and make it look clean or will a 7.5 fit in snug with no plastic dash piece? I want just a screen with no extra plastic around it if possible thanks for any help
 
check out the scion T10015 or newer T10017 OEM units. made by pioneer, OEM fit. this is what i am doing with a PN5.640D amp. i did not want any bracket and wanted an OEM fit as well.
 
I installed a Pioneer double din head unit with a trim kit. Everyone says it looks like it came from the factory like that. Didn't need any other mounting adapters. Either than that I got the wiring harness and thats all I needed. Without the trim kit there was gaps between the head unit and dash.
 
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