aftermarket radio suggestions?

[bk3896]

Hi everybody,

Just wanted to get your input on aftermarket radio for replacement.
I have a 04 runner, sr5, very basic model. Non jbl...i think. :yo:

 

[Vette_Z]

I've been out of the market for awhile now, but you're leaving this pretty broad...

What do you want out of the radio?

And how much are you willing to spend?

I personally have a Pioneer AVIC-930bt but that was a gift and its a few years old and if I remember it was discontinued.

 

[bk3896]

My bad, don't need Navi, just want to be able to use my iPhone 5.

Want Bluetooth, aux plugin (small cord to front of the radio), USB/somewhere to plug my apple cable.

that's about it.

Price range $100-$150 (plus install kit)

 

[Southernbike]

Go to Crutchfield.com and you will be able to sort through all the radios and find what fits and the options that you want. Once you put your 4Runner in then you will be able to check off what you are looking for.

 

[Dylan]

I swapped my 04 SR5 head unit back in November. Bought a Pioneer X700BT for $150 new on Crutchfield. It came with the harness and instructions. It has CD, Bluetooth, USB, and AUX. I really only use bluetooth now with Spotify on my phone, but the USB/AUX/CD are nice to have also. USB is really cool because it reads the folders on my iPod when plugged in.

I also bought the Metra Axxess ASWC Steering Wheel interface control for another $50 so I could keep the steering wheel volume and track controls.
I've had no problems with the setup. Bluetooth works excellent, and it comes with the microphone. I'll take some pics this afternoon hopefully. Also, the head unit color scheme can be completely customized, so you can match the color to whatever you like really.

 

[Troymclure]

I have the Alpine 143BT and love it. Costs around $120, and does usb, aux, bluetooth, and for another $50, you can get the one that does sirius. Its the best headunit Ive had (at least single din).

 

[parawing742]

Alpine makes a tiny amp that can plug into their receivers and boost the output to 45watts RMS which is significantly higher than the stock output. If I were replacing the HU and not planning to add additional amps, I'd be looking at something like that so the speakers get more power (you'll want to upgrade your speakers too).

 

[cmoore50]

I swapped my 04 SR5 head unit back in November. Bought a Pioneer X700BT for $150 new on Crutchfield. It came with the harness and instructions. It has CD, Bluetooth, USB.

I also bought the Metra Axxess ASWC Steering Wheel interface control for another $50 so I could keep the steering wheel volume and track controls.
I've had no problems with the setup. Bluetooth works excellent, and it comes with the microphone. I'll take some pics this afternoon hopefully. Also, the head unit color scheme can be completely customized, so you can match the color to whatever you like really.

Sorry to the OP. I don't mean to hijack the thread.

That is a nice HU, especially for the price!

So you installed this HU and the steering controls interface yourself? How difficult was it on a scale of 1-10?

 

[chethro]

I put in this same HU and couldn't be happier. My son just bought one to put in his Tundra. Quick to sync and a lot of adjustability.

 

[Ask10]

I have the Alpine iDA-X305 in mine and I hate it FWIW. It seems so out of place in the dashboard and makes the interior look funny to my picky tastes. The giant ALPINE logo on the volume knob in the middle of the dash makes me paranoid of theft.

 

[Dylan]

So you installed this HU and the steering controls interface yourself? How difficult was it on a scale of 1-10?

Considering this was the first stereo I've ever installed on my own, it wasn't too bad. I did it in the dead of winter though, so that was dumb...and made it more difficult than it should (read: cold fingers).

It was about a 5/10 as far as difficulty. Pulling the dash is pretty simple. It was connecting the wiring harnesses that was confusing. While crutchfield's diagram is correct, it seems confusing because some of the mating wires have different colors on the insulation on the wire, but sure enough they were correct. Bottom line, trust Crutchfield's wiring diagram...they know what they're talking about.

Here's a link to a thread on installing the Metra steering wheel control. You need this to keep the functionality.

 

[cmoore50]

Considering this was the first stereo I've ever installed on my own, it wasn't too bad. I did it in the dead of winter though, so that was dumb...and made it more difficult than it should (read: cold fingers).

It was about a 5/10 as far as difficulty. Pulling the dash is pretty simple. It was connecting the wiring harnesses that was confusing. While crutchfield's diagram is correct, it seems confusing because some of the mating wires have different colors on the insulation on the wire, but sure enough they were correct. Bottom line, trust Crutchfield's wiring diagram...they know what they're talking about.

Here's a link to a thread on installing the Metra steering wheel control. You need this to keep the functionality.

Thanks for the link Dylan. I see a new HU in my future!

 

[ebg18t]

I have a single din Alpine. Works well, Bluetooth is quick to connect and the mic sounds clear to callers on the other end.

 

[Dylan]

I took this yesterday. Like I said you can customize the color, of both the outer part of the HU but also the display text. It is actually closer to the dashboard orange, but appears more red in this pic.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Double din, touch screen, navi, bluetooth, don't look back