audio headunit question

[s20004runner]

let me know your thoughts

I want to upgrade the headunit (plug and play or easiest to install) for now then I will upgrade the other components (wires, amps, sub, speakers and sound proofing) early next year.

What is a good headunit for this scenario? All I am looking for now is usb/mp3 and maybe some bluetooth streaming. I am not looking for anything fancy.

I can live w/ factory speakers/amps for now.

Thanks.

 

[Rhoov1]

Take a look at the Kenwood Excelon KDC-399. Am/fm, CD, USB for IPhone/iPod and works with android based as well, aux, built in Bluetooth with audio streaming, 3 sets of 5 volt RCA outputs( front, rear, and sub), variable illumination and a 2 year warranty. Excellent unit that we have zero comebacks on. Everyone who gets one loves it.

 

[jstim]

I have the Alpine, they have one of the best, if not the best interface with Apple products. Its a great, middle of the road, do just about everything unit. It does Bluetooth streaming, Bluetooth calls, and has the XM plug in if you are into that. I really have enjoyed mine since day 1.

 

[LookAtThatDog]

I love my Alpine UTE-52. Bluetooth, loud as ****, 3 preouts for subs and amps, etc

 

[Jhelms]

For an affordable deck, I use the KENWOOD DPX501BT.

It is an easy to install, double DIN that works perfectly with the factory radio brackets. Great features for a CHEAP price. The BT works great. Easy to stream from my phone and with the mic, calls work great.

Audio is decent for a cheap deck. Tolerable parametric EQ, multiple line outs and a basic, adjustable crossover built in. Front panel USB and Aux in via 3.5mm.

Also, has a color RGB system so you can turn it green or whatever color your dash is.

What you will need.

The deck:
New Kenwood DPX501BT in Dash Double DIN Car Stereo CD MP3 USB Aux Bluetooth | eBay

Wire Harness:
Toyota Subaru Wiring Harness Stereo Radio Headunit 950 Copper | eBay

For the antenna, I recommend you buy:
- METRA 40-UV43
- Scosche MDAB adapter
(Both easily found on ebay too or whatever your choice)

Pic of the deck installed. I have the cheaper 301 in my other 4runner, but the 501 is MUCH better all around.

Photo of the cheaper version in my SR5

 

[BrianSD_42]

Also check out Crutchfield.com

 

[geoffreyrgill]

What's the name of that computer module?

 

[Jhelms]

Ultra Gauge

 

[s20004runner]

thanks!

I don't know anything about audio yet, so this is very helpful.

 

[fblainen11]

I just replaced the HU in my wife's 2000. I went with the Pioneer DEH-X6700BS Single DIN. Was $114 on Amazon prime. Bluetooth, three RCA outs (important when you expand), USB, CD player, and it is XM ready. (My wife and I like XM....radio stations suck here)
I've always had good luck with Pioneer quality and they probably do the best job at making them compatible with iphones and Android phones.

Siri eyes freebis included too.

 

[fblainen11]

I don't really like double din radios unless I'm getting a DVD player/touchscreen. If you go with a single din you can get the metra kit ($15 I can send you a link) and you get the little extra bonus pocket under the radio. Good place to keep your phone.

 

[jeremyc74]

It would help to know what kind of budget you're working with.

You can get decent head units with good features for under $250, but if you're playing with a little more coin you can step up to some really nice stuff for less than $400.

I have one of the Kenwood touchscreen models and it has tons of features. Back when I was younger we would have paid a fortune for a deck with three sets of pre-amp outputs and built in crossovers.

Also, it would help to know what your intentions are in the future. If you're planning on adding a sub or some amplification then you should get a receiver that will support that.

 

[s20004runner]

It would help to know what kind of budget you're working with.

You can get decent head units with good features for under $250, but if you're playing with a little more coin you can step up to some really nice stuff for less than $400.

I have one of the Kenwood touchscreen models and it has tons of features. Back when I was younger we would have paid a fortune for a deck with three sets of pre-amp outputs and built in crossovers.

Also, it would help to know what your intentions are in the future. If you're planning on adding a sub or some amplification then you should get a receiver that will support that.

My budget solely on the head unit is probably around $250.

I will definitely upgrade the speakers. I haven't decided yet, but I may want to add a small sub under the passenger seat so a head unit that can support it will be good.

 

[s20004runner]

I don't really like double din radios unless I'm getting a DVD player/touchscreen. If you go with a single din you can get the metra kit ($15 I can send you a link) and you get the little extra bonus pocket under the radio. Good place to keep your phone.

Sure, please do share the link. I can keep that option open. Thanks.

 

[fblainen11]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002...9000+Pocket+Radio+Installation+Kit+For+Select

 

[fblainen11]

My install was the first time I've ever done one. After a little bit of reading and some phone help from my brother I was able to get it installed correctly with an amp included on my mids and highs. Took me a little but, but the soldering iron made it a little easier. (First time doing that as well.)

 

[yota_addict]

I agree with others. Kenwood! Love it and with your budget you can buy speakers too! I put HU and 4 speakers in for ~ $200. I had my sub and amp from other truck and put that in as well. Sounds great. A sub makes all the difference in any stereo.

 

[Jhelms]

In both my gunners, I use the KSC-SW11 under seat sub (tight fit on the limited as it has power seats / easy fit with a lot of room in the SR5).

They do their job well and fill in the bottom end that the door speakers just cannot handle. Very pleased with the results and it did not take up a single bit of room that I would normally use
Kenwood KSC SW11 150 Watt 8 1 4" x 5 1 8" Compact Powered Subwoofer Enclosure | eBay

http://ridebass.com/reviewing-some-of-the-best-underseat-subwoofers/

Out the door for the deck and sub was about $270ish. Add in RCA cable, antenna adapters and power harness and you are at about $300. Cannot go wrong - system does its job.

Of course, there is always better. I used to compete in car audio many moons ago and I generally had more cash in power wire than I spent on the whole system for each 4runner, but for my needs and what I wanted, the kenwood setups I have described get the job done. Compared to the stock deck... the setups I have described are WAY beyond its sound capability, functionality and so forth.

 

[jeremyc74]

My budget solely on the head unit is probably around $250.

I will definitely upgrade the speakers. I haven't decided yet, but I may want to add a small sub under the passenger seat so a head unit that can support it will be good.

When you're shopping see if any of them in that price range offer subwoofer outputs. Most of the small mono sub amps will take care of it if not, but it's nice to be able to control it from the head unit.

Alpine has a small 4 channel amp that will fit in the dash below the stereo that everyone here has been pretty happy with. I'm about to put one in myself.

You're on the right track though. The head unit is the place to start. I'd follow that up with upgrading the front door speakers, and then add a sub. If you're going to add an amp for the front channels I'd go ahead and do the rear doors at the same time, but up to that point you won't gain a lot by doing them.

Just FYI, if your truck has the rear heat option, there's no room under the passenger seat. That's where the fan is at for the rear. If you look under there you'll see what looks like a speaker grill, but it's actually the fan guard.

 

[fblainen11]

When you're shopping see if any of them in that price range offer subwoofer outputs. Most of the small mono sub amps will take care of it if not, but it's nice to be able to control it from the head unit.

Alpine has a small 4 channel amp that will fit in the dash below the stereo that everyone here has been pretty happy with. I'm about to put one in myself.

You're on the right track though. The head unit is the place to start. I'd follow that up with upgrading the front door speakers, and then add a sub. If you're going to add an amp for the front channels I'd go ahead and do the rear doors at the same time, but up to that point you won't gain a lot by doing them.

Just FYI, if your truck has the rear heat option, there's no room under the passenger seat. That's where the fan is at for the rear. If you look under there you'll see what looks like a speaker grill, but it's actually the fan guard.

I just did the Kenwood 4 channel amp for my front and rears. Pretty similar to the alpine but a little shorter. It gave me a good boost in sound and loudness.
Currently deciding on a sub now.