Best stock HU option for aftermarket nav and amp/speakers?

[malmgren]

Hey all, all these HU threads are making my head hurt. Just curious - what is the best stock HU to get when I buy my 4R if I plan on putting in a new NAV - (avic or 7100 still undecided) and in the future install an amp and/or speakers?

I thought there were problems with aftermarket amps and nav HU with the synthesis and/or JBL HU.

This is for a 2007 4R, btw.

Thanks!

 

[alpha]

get the standard single cd unit.

if you are planning on upgrading anyways, no sense in paying extra for the JBL system. That, and you'll have to take out the external amp when you replace the headunit.

 

[malmgren]

But what is the problem exactly with the "JBL AM/FM/4-CD w/8 Speakers" or the "JBL Synthesis HU"? The JBL AM/FM/4-CD w/8 Speakers option btw, is no added charge vs the standard stock HU.

 

[iLLWiLL]

i plan on getting the Kenwood DNX7100, when i get money

dont know which speakers i'm gonna get, but i'm not going to skimp on them -- i dont plan on RE-upgrading 3-5 years from now, so i plan on getting the top-of-the-line NOW. Definitely some component 6.5's with separate crossovers...

 

[Uneek]

But what is the problem exactly with the "JBL AM/FM/4-CD w/8 Speakers" or the "JBL Synthesis HU"? The JBL AM/FM/4-CD w/8 Speakers option btw, is no added charge vs the standard stock HU.

The headunit on the JBL systems, nav or Synthesis, have a digital outputs to the an external amp that powers the speakers. The JBL with the 4-disc changer and 8-speakers is the navigation system option.

If you change out the JBL system headunit, you will need an interface adapter so it'll work with the JBL amp and speakers.

 

[horseexpo]

I've just spent the last week doing research on a new in-dash Nav/DVD/MP3 type unit. The problem that I heard with the JBL Synthesis is that you can get feedback from the engine through the AMP or something like that. However, I've spoken with three different professional installers in my area and none of them seem to be concerned about getting my new unit wired correctly. I ended up getting the Avic-Z2 - found it on-line for an unheard of price of $1339 - www.thecameraprofessionals.com.

I'll be getting the install done next week and can let you all know how it goes.

I agree though, why pay the money for the higher end HU if you're just going to rip it out unless you want it for the speakers - it would probably be cheaper and better to get aftermarket speakers if you're looking for more sound out of the system.

My next 4runner will have the cheapo factory system and then I'll spend the money on an aftermarket system and will sure get more for the money that way.

 

[iLLWiLL]

But what is the problem exactly with the "JBL AM/FM/4-CD w/8 Speakers" or the "JBL Synthesis HU"? The JBL AM/FM/4-CD w/8 Speakers option btw, is no added charge vs the standard stock HU.

FWIW...i spoke with a local car audio salesman last week, and he told me just about ANY stock head unit (no matter how high-end your vehicle is) is weak (around 15-20W per channel) compared to aftermarket stereos (50W per channel). And he said even if you add an amp+new speakers to the stock HU, the under-powered HU can actually blow out your speakers. In addition, he said the dash kit for my basic (single cd) stock HU is cheaper and easier for aftermarket installs than the JBL-equipped systems...