Car receiver recommendations?

[jeremyc74]

Thanks! Any reason you got this one instead of the higher end DDX models? Is it because the higher end DDX models are full touchscreen without the knob?

Also, for this, do I need a dash kit or wiring kit? I'll be doing the install myself. Please let me know what else I need.

When I bought it I didn't want to spend a fortune, because the 4Runner was just my beater. At the time they were selling more expensive version that still had the knob. I didn't see a lot of improvements until you got into a full navigation setup. Honestly though this does everything I need. It has 3 sets of pre-amp outputs, built in crossovers for all of them, and I just added satellite radio (about $40 and you get 3 months free so it's practically free).

You just need the wiring kit. This will bolt directly in using the factory brackets.

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

When I bought it I didn't want to spend a fortune, because the 4Runner was just my beater. At the time they were selling more expensive version that still had the knob. I didn't see a lot of improvements until you got into a full navigation setup. Honestly though this does everything I need. It has 3 sets of pre-amp outputs, built in crossovers for all of them, and I just added satellite radio (about $40 and you get 3 months free so it's practically free).

You just need the wiring kit. This will bolt directly in using the factory brackets.

Is this the wiring kit you used? http://www.amazon.com/Metra-70-1761...365&sr=8-1&keywords=toyota+4runner+wiring+kit

I don't know if mine has a factory amp, but the reviews on there were saying to just disconnect the factory amp if I do and just use the headunit. Is that what you did as well?

 

[jeremyc74]

Is this the wiring kit you used? Amazon.com : Metra 70-1761 Radio Wiring Harness For Toyota 87-Up Power 4 Speaker : Vehicle Wiring Harnesses : Car Electronics

I don't know if mine has a factory amp, but the reviews on there were saying to just disconnect the factory amp if I do and just use the headunit. Is that what you did as well?

Yeah, that's the one.

What you do is unplug the speaker wires from the output side of the amp, and they'll plug into the new harness and the new receiver. It just takes the amp out of the circuit. The amp is located just below and behind the stereo. It's pretty easy to get to. I just unplugged mine and left it there in case I decide to sell it and want to go back to stock.

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

Yeah, that's the one.

What you do is unplug the speaker wires from the output side of the amp, and they'll plug into the new harness and the new receiver. It just takes the amp out of the circuit. The amp is located just below and behind the stereo. It's pretty easy to get to. I just unplugged mine and left it there in case I decide to sell it and want to go back to stock.

Will the Kenwood DDX, will my antenna still raise and lower as with my stock receiver?

Also, how did you do the parking brake bypass?

 

[jeremyc74]

Will the Kenwood DDX, will my antenna still raise and lower as with my stock receiver?

Also, how did you do the parking brake bypass?

The antenna output is on anytime the receiver is on, whether you're listening to the radio or another source.

The parking brake bypass just gets tied to ground.

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

The antenna output is on anytime the receiver is on, whether you're listening to the radio or another source.

The parking brake bypass just gets tied to ground.

I got the Kenwood DDX471hd and I'm installing it today. I noticed that there's only 1 connector for the larger antenna cable. What do I do with the other antenna cable? Right now, my power antenna no longer rises. However the reception is just ok. From what I was reading off Amazon, do I need these two:
1. 2 in 1 adapter: http://www.amazon.com/Metra-40-UV43-Female-Motorola-Antenna/dp/B0002EXF10/ref=cm_srch_res_rtr_1
2. Since one tip is smaller: http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-Mda-B...words=Scosche+Mda-B+Micro+Antenna+Adapter+Tip

 

[jeremyc74]

I got the Kenwood DDX471hd and I'm installing it today. I noticed that there's only 1 connector for the larger antenna cable. What do I do with the other antenna cable? Right now, my power antenna no longer rises. However the reception is just ok. From what I was reading off Amazon, do I need these two:
1. 2 in 1 adapter: http://www.amazon.com/Metra-40-UV43-Female-Motorola-Antenna/dp/B0002EXF10/ref=cm_srch_res_rtr_1
2. Since one tip is smaller: http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-Mda-B...words=Scosche+Mda-B+Micro+Antenna+Adapter+Tip

Those are the same ones I used.